BW EnergymakesFID onMarombafielddevelopmentin Brazil
BW Energy is pleased to announce the final investment decision (FID) for the Maromba development offshore Brazil based on a capex-efficient development with an integrated drilling and wellhead platform (WHP) and a refurbished FPSO. The development targets 500 million barrels of oil in place in the highly delineated and tested Maastrichtian sands. First oil is planned by end-2027 with expected plateau production of 60,000 barrels of oil per day. The development will more than double BW Energy’s total net production by 2028 and has short pay-back time.
Project highlights:
Initial six production wells from the WHP
The WHP will be a converted drilling jack-up with up to 16 well slots and production- and test-flowlines connected to the redeployed FPSO BW Maromba (ex. Polvo)
A second six-well drilling campaign will fully leverage the established field infrastructure and allow for appraisal and testing of other reservoir horizons
BW Maromba refurbishment and life extension work is already underway at the COSCO yard in China
Total investments of USD ~1.5 billion, split USD ~1.2 billion for the initial development and a further USD ~0.3 billion for the secondary drilling campaign
“We have spent time on optimising the Maromba development plan and concluded on a highly competitive concept with a repurposed jack-up platform and FPSO, repeating the approach we very successfully applied in Gabon. Maromba will enable BW Energy to deliver industry-leading organic production growth and position the Company for further low-cost developments of known potential developments. We expect to unlock significant shareholder value in all realistic oil price scenarios,” said Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Energy.
Capex-efficient development concept
The development comprises six initial Maastrichtian horizontal production wells with dry-trees and artificial lift by downhole Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs). Production will be transferred from the WHP to the spread moored FPSO Maromba for treatment, storage and offloading to shuttle tankers. The WHP will be installed in ~150 meters of water depth with full drilling facilities. Once installed, the infrastructure will also enable the planned secondary six-well drilling campaign and provide potential for future development phases with low-cost infill wells, potential water injectors as well as allowing appraisal and production of multiple proven reservoirs outside the main Maastrichtian resources.
The FPSO Maromba is currently at the COSCO yard in China, undergoing initial refurbishment and life extension work following completion of condition assessment and FEED. The FPSO is designed with 1 million barrels of storage capacity. The total liquid capacity will be 100,000 barrels per day with oil production capacity of 65,000 barrels per day and water treatment capacity of 85,000 barrels per day.
BW Energy has agreed to acquire a jack-up with complete leg extensions for USD 107.5 million. The rig will undergo a limited conversion to serve as an integrated drilling and wellhead platform prior to installation on the field.
“The repurposing of existing energy infrastructure enables reduced investments and shorter time to first oil with significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the development phase, as compared to installing new production assets,” said Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Energy.
Attractive field economics
BW Energy expects to invest approximately USD 1 billion before first oil and a further USD 200 million to complete the initial drilling campaign before end 2028. This will be followed by USD 300 million for the additional six wells in the second campaign with completion before end 2030.
BW Energy anticipates Maromba to achieve a competitive production cost, averaging less than USD 10 per barrel over the first five years, underpinning robust project economics.
Estimated project IRR exceeds 30% at oil at USD 60 per barrel Brent and break-even at 10% IRR is around USD 40 per barrel Brent. The heavy oil from the Maromba is expected to trade at a discount to Brent of approximately USD 7.5 per barrel.
The development will be financed through existing cash and undrawn facilities, cashflow from operations, and separate infrastructure financing solutions related to the FPSO and WHP. The Company is also evaluating a range of financing alternatives, including a corporate facility, reserve-based lending, trader financing and the potential issuance of bonds.
BW Energy has also received a commitment by the main shareholder BW Group for a USD 250 million shareholder loan facility.
TheMarombafield
Maromba is located 100 km off the Brazilian coast in the Campos Basin. Nine wells were drilled in the license between 1980 and 2006, with oil found in eight of these across various reservoirs. The development project targets 123 million barrels of 2P reserves (management estimates), with potential additional resources from other reservoirs to be appraised along the development. BW Energy acquired 100% ownership in Maromba in 2019 for a total of USD 115 million, of which USD 85 million remains to be paid to the sellers at predefined milestones. Magma Oil holds a 5% back-in right in the Maromba licence which is expected to be executed upon first oil.
BW Energy is following all the steps of the approval process with the Brazilian O&G Regulator (ANP) and with the Environmental Agency (IBAMA). The Company will now proceed with contracting of long-lead items and services, as well as finalising the financing agreements.
More information on the Maromba development will be shared in connection with the first quarter 2025 earnings presentation held at Teatersalen, Hotel Continental in Oslo, Norway, 09:30 CEST on 5 May.
The presentation can also be followed via webcast on:
BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.
This information is considered inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Regine Andersen, 05 May 2025.
The re-election of the Albanese Labor government by such a wide margin should not mean “business as usual” for Australia’s security policy.
The global uncertainty instigated by US President Donald Trump means Australia’s security landscape is very different today from when Labor was first elected in 2022, or even when its Defence Strategic Review was released in 2023.
As we argue in our recent book, the Albanese government faces increasingly difficult questions.
How can we maintain our crucial security alliance with the US while deepening partnerships with other countries that have reservations about US policy?
And, given Trump’s recent actions, how much can we continue to rely on the United States and what are the potential costs of the alliance?
With a massive parliamentary majority, the new government has an opportunity for bold thinking on national security. This is not the time for Australia to keep its head down – we need to face the rapidly changing world with our heads held high.
We do not advocate Australia step away from the US alliance. We are also realistic that decades of defence procurement mean Australia is heavily reliant on US defence materiel (and its subsequent sustainment) for our security.
The deep interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the US military is something alliance sceptics too readily gloss over: much Australian military capability cannot function without ongoing American support.
At the same time, many alliance advocates underestimate the impact of the new challenges we face. Some assumed a continuity between the first and second Trump administrations. However, we are not convinced the lessons learned from Trump 1.0 are still valid.
A key difference between Trump 1.0 and 2.0 is the effect of his move away from respecting international law.
As a middle power, Australia has long relied on the “rules-based order” to advance its foreign and strategic policy interests.
Even if “normal transmission” resumes under a new US president in 2029, we are concerned the Trump administration’s structural changes to the international order will not easily be wound back. American soft power has been decimated by cuts to the US State Department, USAID and international broadcasting services. This will also not be rebuilt quickly.
The advisers who kept Trump in check during his first administration have been replaced by loyalists less likely to push back against his ideas and impulses. This includes his long-held grievance that allies have been exploiting the US.
The Albanese government needs to think more deeply about how to hedge against dependence on the US. This means investing in relations with other partners, especially in Asia and the Pacific, and working with them to promote the laws, rules and norms that maintain stability and predictability in global affairs.
An idealistic vision for the future
We are also concerned that many in the national security community base their policy recommendations on the assumption that war between the US and China is inevitable, and such a conflict could draw in Australia as America’s ally.
Rather, the Trump administration’s preference for “deals” opens the possibility the US and China might come to an arrangement that will affect US presence and leadership in our region.
Australia may not be prepared for this. The new government must engage in more open discussion about how we would maintain our security if the US does pull back from the region or makes decisions Australians don’t support.
As a start, we need to consider how Australia can better pursue self-reliance within the alliance structure. We need a range of strategic options in the future that don’t rely on an outdated image of the US as a reliable partner.
Rather than accepting the way things are, the government and members of the national security community need to re-imagine how things can be.
We argue the Albanese government should draw confidence from its thumping electoral win to articulate a politics of hope, opportunity and possibility for our future security. This needs to drown out the cynicism, passive acceptance and learned helplessness that often characterises Australian national security debates.
We are conscious that being “idealistic” is often dismissed as impractical, naïve “wishful thinking”. But the new government needs to demonstrate to Australians it has the courage to face the diverse, interlinked and complex security challenges we face – potentially on our own. These extend to issues such as cyber attacks, transnational crime and climate change.
This means engaging more with partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In particular, Australia should consider investing more heavily in information programs and public diplomacy as the US withdraws from this arena.
The government must also engage better with the public and be more transparent about its security options and decisions.
On AUKUS, for instance, the government must build its “social licence” from the public to sustain such a massive deal across generations. Australians need to be better informed about – and consulted on – the decisions they will ultimately pay for.
This also includes being upfront with Australians about the need for greater defence spending in a tumultuous world.
It is understandably tempting for the new Albanese government to continue a “small target” approach when it comes to the US. This has meant minimising domestic debate about the alliance that could undermine support for AUKUS and avoid risking the ire of a thin-skinned Trump.
But the government needs the courage to ask difficult questions and imagine different futures.
Joanne Wallis receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Department of Defence, and the government of South Australia. She is a Senior Nonresident Fellow of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.
Rebecca Strating receives funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to the lives and service of two Central Valley heroes – Marine Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino and U.S. Army veteran Guadalupe Castillo. In a heartfelt address, Costa honored Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud son of Fresno sadly passed away while serving his country. At just 28 years old, Gamino served as a combat engineer with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His bravery and dedication are a testament to the values of service and sacrifice that define the San Joaquin Valley.
REMARKS as delivered:
Mr. Speaker… I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud Marine of Fresno, California, who gave his life in service to our nation. He answered the call to serve in May 2022, quickly rising to the rank of Lance Corporal by August 2024. At just 28 years old, Marcelino served with distinction as a combat engineer in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His commitment took him across the world, deploying to Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force. His service was marked by distinction, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. We mourn his tragic loss, and our hearts are with his family and fellow Marines. His courage and service will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!
Costa also recognized Guadalupe Castillo, who answered the call to serve his country at just 18 years old. A U.S. Army World War II veteran, he fought in some of the most pivotal battles in history, including the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France. At 100 years old, Mr. Castillo left behind a remarkable legacy of courage, service, and devotion to his community and country. Castilllo sadly passed away on Easter Sunday.
REMARKS as delivered:
Mr. Speaker… I rise to honor the incredible life of Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero of Fresno, California. At just 18, he entered the U.S. Army and faced some of history’s fiercest battles: the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France from tyranny. His courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. But his service didn’t end on the battlefield. After his service, he devoted 20 years to helping fellow veterans through the VA, inspiring his son Manuel to follow in his footsteps. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Castillo shortly before he passed away on Easter Sunday.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act), bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training they need to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations, including illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.Costa has been leading the charge to prevent future incidents like Reedley by pushing for better oversight and inter-agency coordination. “When dangerous, unregulated labs can operate undetected in small towns like Reedley, it’s not just a local issue—it’s a national public health risk,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone. The STOP Health Threats Act gives law enforcement the training they need to identify these risks and act swiftly. It’s about prevention, safety, and making sure every officer has the tools to protect their community.”“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao, Co-Sponsor of the bill. “The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk. I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”“As a small rural City, we are often under-resourced, and yet we have to deal with some of the same threats and complexities in larger urban cities. Criminals and those who wish to hide their activities will often choose smaller cities precisely because they believe their deeds will go unnoticed since there are fewer staff and resources to source out and investigate issues. The STOP Health Threats Act will provide a training lifeline for rural cities, ensuring that Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors have the knowledge and tools to protect Americans from biological and similar threats that might otherwise go undetected,” said Nicole Zieba, City Manager of Reedley.”Code enforcement officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities by ensuring buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “The International Code Council commends Congressman Costa for introducing the STOP Health Threats Act, which would augment training for these public servants to ensure they are best equipped to identify and mitigate public health threats arising from building code violations.”BACKGROUNDIn 2023, Jessalyn Harper, a code enforcement officer, uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA, storing hazardous biological materials in violation of numerous building and health codes. The lab contained infectious agents, such as COVID-19 and HIV, and was operating without oversight, posing a significant threat to public health.Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials, and poor sanitation often go unchecked due to limited specialized training for law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. These unchecked violations can trigger disease outbreaks and long-term health risks.The STOP Health Threats Act empowers local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training code enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations. The bill promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits, supports the development of tailored training programs, and prioritizes funding for communities like Reedley, where serious threats have been identified. View the text of the bill HERE.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California
WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening water quality and storage infrastructure across the Western United States. “Water is the lifeblood of the West, and as climate change intensifies drought and weather extremes, we must invest in reliable, modern water infrastructure,” said Congressman Costa. “Our legislation will provide California and San Joaquin Valley water managers with the tools they need to expand water storage and ensure clean drinking water in our communities.” “After meeting with several water conservancy districts across Utah over the past few months, one thing is clear: Utah’s rapid population growth is placing significant pressure on our community water resources,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for local governments and utilities to invest in critical water infrastructure projects—helping ensure we can meet the growing needs of our communities.”“Federal irrigation, clean water, and wastewater projects are essential to rural areas like Central Washington, but a lack of resources for maintenance and repairs puts our water infrastructure at risk. This legislation gives our local water managers the tools they need to sustain long-term projects and guarantee clean, safe water that our communities, farmers, and ranchers rely on,” said Congressman Newhouse.”As we face the ongoing challenges of water scarcity in the West, the introduction of the Every Drop Counts Act and the Groundwater Technical Assistance Act represents a useful step toward ensuring a sustainable future for our communities, ecosystems, and farms. These bipartisan efforts will not only enhance our capabilities for groundwater recharge but also empower local agencies to innovate and implement solutions that restore our vital aquifers. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient water supply that supports agriculture, the environment, and the needs of our growing population,” said Rick Borges, President of the Friant Water Authority.“The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act provides much-needed reforms related to technical issues that substantially limit access to WIFIA loan funding for facilities under federal ownership, regardless of the method of loan repayment,” said Cannon Michael, Board Chair of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “We thank Rep. Costa for his leadership on this issue. Given the significant infrastructure improvements needed to improve the reliability of water supplies for the Water Authority’s members, it’s critical that every funding tool be available to improve affordability for the farming families, disadvantaged communities, and wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts who are reliant on the Water Authority’s members for their water supplies.”BACKGROUNDCalifornia’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, depends heavily on complex water delivery systems to sustain its economy and rural communities. However, the region is grappling with drought, groundwater depletion, and strict water quality standards. The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act would update the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), originally enacted in 2014. This legislation accelerates investment in the nation’s aging water systems by offering long-term, low-cost loans for major water projects. This bill would clarify that federally owned water infrastructure, when operated by non-federal entities such as California’s Friant Water Authority and the San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority is eligible for WIFIA financing.Access to WIFIA financing will enable San Joaquin Valley water agencies to invest in infrastructure upgrades, including groundwater recharge, surface storage, and conveyance improvements.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinhua | 05. 05. 2025
Keywords: offensive expansion,reservists call-up,chief of general staff,idf,urgent,begins,israel,gaza,offensive expansion,reservists call-up notices,eyal zamir,gaza strip,tens of thousands,chief,of israel,declared
JERUSALEM, May 4 (Xinhua) — Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir said Sunday that “tens of thousands” of draft notices have been issued to reservists to expand the offensive in the Gaza Strip. –0–
Source: Xinhua
Breaking: Israel begins mass call-up of reservists to expand Gaza offensive – IDF Chief of Staff Breaking: Israel begins mass call-up of reservists to expand Gaza offensive – IDF Chief of Staff
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, May 4 (Xinhua) — Israel’s military has begun issuing “tens of thousands” of draft notices to reservists to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said Sunday during a visit to a naval base, vowing to step up pressure on the Palestinian Hamas movement to free hostages.
“This week we are issuing tens of thousands of draft notices to our reservists to strengthen and expand operations in Gaza,” said E. Zamir. “We are increasing the pressure to bring our hostages home and defeat Hamas.”
He added that as part of the expanded offensive, the army would operate in “additional territories” of the enclave and destroy “all military infrastructure.”
E. Zamir said that reservists will also be sent to other areas, including the northern border with Lebanon and Syria, as well as the occupied West Bank.
Earlier over the weekend, Israeli forces struck more than 100 targets in the Gaza Strip, including militant cells, underground infrastructure and military camps, the IDF said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partners have vowed to continue the war until Hamas is completely defeated, despite growing pressure from the Israeli public for a ceasefire to free the 59 hostages Israel says are still being held in the Gaza Strip.
In March, Israel ended a two-month truce with Hamas and resumed air and ground fighting. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Wang Liqin has stepped into one of the most challenging roles in sports as the new head of Chinese table tennis – just three days after Brazil’s Hugo Calderano stunned the world by winning the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup in Macao – a rare feat in a sport long dominated by China. His appointment also comes less than a month before the World Championships begin in Qatar.
Wang replaces 49-year-old Liu Guoliang, who resigned on April 23 after a legendary career as a player, coach and administrator. Wang, 46, faces the task of maintaining China’s dominance in a sport where international challengers are gaining ground.
“It is a tremendous responsibility to take over as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA),” said Wang, a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose second gold came under Liu’s coaching. “I feel both excited and anxious.”
Since retiring from competition in 2014, Wang has risen steadily through the ranks as a sports official in Shanghai. He credits much of his success to Liu.
“It was coach Liu who guided me to fulfill my dreams as an athlete,” Wang said. “Since becoming a sports official, I’ve always sought his advice. He holds the key to Chinese dominance in this game.”
Acknowledging that Liu is irreplaceable, Wang said his top priority is preparation.
“The immediate task is the World Championships in Doha, and the long-term goal is the Los Angeles Olympics,” he said.
Calderano, who became the first Brazilian and Pan-American player to win the World Cup last month, now leads the global challenge to China. China, meanwhile, is sending a young team to Doha – one without reigning Olympic champions Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng.
Wang has been overseeing a 15-day closed-door training camp for the team at the Chengdu Table Tennis School – the same training ground where China began its gold-medal sweep at the Paris Olympics.
Lin Shidong and Wang Chuqin, China’s top two men’s players, both fell to Calderano in the World Cup and are now looking for redemption. On the women’s side, Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu continue to lead a squad considered stronger than the rest of the field.
“The Doha worlds will be Wang Liqin’s first test,” said CCTV commentator Li Wujun. “Any missteps or near misses will be blamed on poor timing of the leadership transition.”
Liu cited a desire for a smooth transition and more time with family as reasons for stepping down. “I resigned at the right time to give the new CTTA leadership a full cycle to prepare for the LA Games,” he said.
However, Chinese social media has questioned whether Liu’s international responsibilities – as vice president of the ITTF and chair of the World Table Tennis board – conflicted with his role as CTTA president. Others pointed to increasing “toxic fandom” under his tenure.
One of the most controversial moments came during the all-Chinese women’s final at the Paris Olympics, when Chen Meng was booed and attacked online while Sun Yingsha was vocally supported both in the arena and on social media.
Chinese table tennis received a boost on April 9, when the International Olympic Committee added a mixed team event to the 2028 Olympics. The IOC also replaced the men’s and women’s team events with men’s and women’s doubles, bringing the total number of events at LA28 to six.
“It’s great news for the table tennis world,” said Wang. “But the reshuffling of the LA table tennis program means we’ll need new strategies for six events.”
On the day of Wang’s election, Liu patted him on the arm and said half-jokingly, “We swept the board in Paris. Now it’s your turn.”
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University
More than 18 million Australians voted on Saturday, after walking past countless corflutes, reading campaign flyers and reviewing how-to-vote cards.
The 2025 federal election was Australia’s biggest yet, with 710,000 more people on the electoral roll than in 2022. The Australian Election Commission amassed 250,000 pencils, 240,000 vests, 80,000 ballot boxes and 5,000 rolls of tamper-proof tape to stock some 7,000 polling places.
So, what happens to these materials after polling day? Some are warehoused, ready for reuse next time around. Others are repurposed. But every election also generates a mountain of waste for landfill.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Australia needs to mandate a cradle-to-grave approach to creating, using, recycling and disposing of election materials. Meanwhile, electronic machines and online voting can reduce the need for paper ballots, just as social media campaigns can reduce paper mail drops.
Magill School in the Sturt electorate, like most polling centres, was wrapped in lightweight plastic posters. Clare Peddie
Where do election materials go after the polls close?
In response to inquiries from The Conversation, the Australian Election Commission said most AEC materials, such as tamper-proof tape, vests and pencils, are stored between elections at counting centres. Other materials, such as cardboard voting booths, are recycled or donated to schools or charities.
Most councils require corflutes to be collected within seven days of an election. But no rules govern reuse or disposal. Corflutes are made from polypropylene, a lightweight plastic that is technically recyclable. But it’s not a straightforward process, so most recycling facilities reportedly cannot accept this waste.
Some candidates donate corflutes to schools, childcare centres and charities, because the white reverse side can be used to mount artworks.
Many countries are “greening” their elections. In 2019, India’s election commission directed parties to eliminate single-use plastic including corflutes. In 2024, the United Kingdom’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy outlined strategies for reducing election “pollution”, addressing supply chains and packaging.
Australia relies heavily on disposable election materials. While many of these can be recycled, it’s better to avoid single-use materials.
Parties could also display how-to-vote instructions on posters at election sites, rather than handing out individual flyers that are recycled or thrown away.
In 2022, the AEC introduced plain brown cardboard screens and ballot boxes, saying they are easier to recycle and reuse than previous versions “wrapped” in purple-and-white branded paper. However, Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers says elections will probably always be “highly manual and resource-intensive exercises”. We disagree.
Could Australia use electronic or online voting to reduce waste?
Other countries are introducing online voting to reduce waste. One study in Estonia found the carbon footprint of paper-based voting was 180 times greater than internet-based voting. More than 50% of the population voted online in 2023.
The United States introduced mechanical voting machines in the 1890s, punch cards and scanned ballots in the 1960s, and “direct-recording” electronic voting machines in the 1970s. Today, touch screens are used in many voting booths, with paper records for auditing. Now just 7% of districts rely on paper ballots and hand-counted ballots are rarely used.
Yet electronic voting machines are not without controversy. Security concerns after the 2016 US election resulted in 94% of districts shifting to optical scanning, and use of “direct-recording” electronic voting machines almost halved.
Ireland invested €50 million (A$88 million) into electronic voting machines in 2002, but they were never used due to concerns about potential tampering.
Australia should explore secure options for electronic voting machines and online voting. In its response to The Conversation, the AEC said this would be a matter for parliament to consider, because the law currently demands that elections are in-person events.
Can social media campaigning help?
Social media enables candidates and voters to engage in new ways. For instance, Labor senators Katy Gallagher and Penny Wong took part in a Facebook “pop quiz” on April 29, which had 55,000 views. But social media can amplify misinformation, so consumers need to fact-check what they see and hear online.
Combined, the parties and affiliated groups spent more than A$39 million on advertisements on YouTube, Facebook and Google during the 2025 campaign. The AEC had to update its authorisation guidelines to cover podcasters and other content creators.
This mirrors global shifts towards social media campaigning. During Canada’s 2025 campaign, Liberal leader Mark Carney (who went on to be elected prime minister) created a video with celebrity Mike Myers, reaching 10 million views.
While such creative approaches may engage voters, they still carry a carbon footprint. Carney and Myers’ video likely produced about six tonnes of CO₂ emissions due to the energy and electricity used in production, streaming and viewing.
Mike Myers and Mark Carney used social media creatively in Canada’s 2025 election campaign.
Text messages also connect candidates with voters. Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots party sent 17 million texts the election campaign. This equates to 240kg of CO₂ emissions from energy-hungry data centres and personal devices.
Australia should mandate a reduction in the disposal of election materials.
Some print materials may always be needed, because not all voters can access digital content or vote online. But the current situation is unsustainable.
Global experiences show innovation is possible. Australia can reduce its reliance on new, physical materials, while maintaining public trust.
Australia’s newly elected officials have an opportunity to green future elections, adopting a more sophisticated approach to voting in a digital age. There’s no excuse for producing mountains of plastic and paper waste every three or four years. Our nation deserves better.
Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Association for Information Science and Technology.
Gary Rosengarten receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Renewable Affordable Clean Energy for 2030 CRC, and is a non-executive board member of the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity.
Matt Duckham 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.
Fashion is one of the most powerful tools we have for understanding ourselves and the world around us. Nowhere is this clearer than in the story of Black American tailoring and the legacy of the Black dandy.
Inspired by scholar Monica L. Miller’s groundbreaking book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the theme of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute spring 2025 show is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The exhibition charts the evolution of the Black dandy from the 18th century to today. The story it tells is about more than suits. It’s about power, pride, resistance and joy.
Each year, the Met Gala takes its dress code from the institue’s spring exhibition. This year’s is “Tailored for You”. So who is the Black dandy, why are they so important to fashion today, and what can we expect to see on the red carpet?
The birth of the Black Dandy
“Black dandy” is a modern term. Figures like American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818–95) or Haitian revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture (1743–1803) would not have called themselves dandies, but they used style with similar effect: as a tool of resistance, self-fashioning and cultural pride.
Toussaint Louverture was a leader during the widespread uprisings of enslaved people in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) in 1791. This image was drawn in 1802. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
French poet Charles Baudelaire (1821–67) first wrote about dandies in 1863, describing them as individuals who elevate style to a form of personal and aesthetic resistance.
Baudelaire’s dandy was not just stylish but symbolic. He was an emblem of modernity itself: a time marked by fluid identities, liminal spaces and the collapse of clear boundaries between gender, authenticity and social order.
Dandyism among Black men took root in the 18th and 19th centuries in both the United States and the Caribbean. Tailoring became a way to reclaim dignity under enslavement and colonialism.
Dandies take the clothing of an oppressor – aristocratic, colonial, segregationist or otherwise – and turn it into a weapon of elegance. Through meticulous style and refinement, dandies make a silent yet striking claim to moral superiority.
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery, and freed in 1838. This photograph shows him in 1855. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Douglass famously appeared in immaculate Victorian suits when campaigning for abolition, consciously dressing in the same style as those who denied his freedom.
Louverture used perfectly tailored French military uniforms during the Haitian Revolution against French colonial rule.
In the 1920s, Harlem dandies wore fine tailoring and flamboyant colours, rejecting the idea that poverty or discrimination should dictate presentation.
In perfectly tied cravats, polished shoes and sharply tailored coats, Black dandies refashion power on their own terms.
Presence through style
Dandies also challenge the narrow rules of masculinity.
Conventional menswear often demands restraint, toughness and invisibility. Dandies dare to embrace beauty, self-adornment and performance. This masculinity can be expressive, creative and even flamboyant.
The luxurious silk suits and carefully groomed appearance of American Jazz pioneer Duke Ellington (1899–1974) projected glamour rather than austerity.
The elegantly tailored overcoats and scarves of American poet Langston Hughes (1901–67) suggested a masculinity deeply entwined with creativity and softness.
Figures in Harlem’s ballrooms and jazz clubs blurred gender boundaries decades before mainstream conversations about gender fluidity emerged.
A street scene in Harlem, New York City, photographed in 1943. Library of Congress
A tradition of Black tailoring
In a world where Black self-presentation has long been scrutinised and politicised, tailored clothing asserted visibility, authority and artistry. Dandies transformed fashion into a political declaration of dignity, resistance and creative power.
Black American tailoring practices blossomed most visibly in the zoot suits of the Harlem Renaissance, though they also had strong roots in New Orleans, Chicago and the Caribbean.
As seen in the Sunday Best of the Civil Rights era, Black tailoring walked the line between resistance and celebration: beautiful but with clear political intent.
In the 1970s, the Black dandy became more flamboyant, wearing tight, colourful clothes with bold accessories. He transformed traditional suits with exaggerated shapes, bright patterns and plaids inspired by African heritage.
Artists popular with a white audience like Sammy Davis Jr (1925–90), Miles Davis (1926–91) and James Brown (1933–2006) embraced the aesthetic, contributing to its widespread acceptance.
Meanwhile, a super stylish contingent of Black men in the Congo, La Sapeur, refined their look so spectacularly they would become the benchmark of the Black dandy for generations to come.
The 1990s saw a new era of Black dandyism emerge through luxury sportswear and hip-hop aesthetics.
Designer Dapper Dan (1944–) revolutionised fashion by remixing luxury logos into bold, custom streetwear, creating a distinctive Black aesthetic that bridged hip-hop culture and high fashion.
Musician Andre 3000 (1975–) redefined menswear by blending Southern Black style with bold colour, vintage tailoring and theatrical flair.
Today, the tradition thrives in the style of influencer Wisdom Kaye, the elegance of LeBron James, and the risk-taking of Lewis Hamilton.
Dressing for the red carpet
Tailored for You invites guests to interpret the dandy’s legacy in personal, bold and boundary-pushing ways.
Whether conforming to tradition, subverting expectations or creating something entirely new, this theme is a celebration of the freedom to dress – and be – on your own terms.
The Black dandy is a figure of defiance and desire, of ambiguity and brilliance, of resistance and beauty. Dandyism blurs boundaries between masculinity and femininity, artifice and authenticity, conformity and rebellion. It unsettles fixed identities and reflects broader tensions within modern life.
The poet and activist Countee Cullen, as depicted by Winold Reiss around 1925. National Portrait Gallery
Black dandies have shocked, amused, offended, delighted and inspired society since their inception. In the sharp defiance of Douglass’ Victorian suits, the flamboyant spectacle of Harlem ballrooms, and the logo-laced rebellion of Dapper Dan’s streetwear, the Black dandy has continually forced the world to reckon with the politics of presence, pride and performance.
Despite being overlooked by mainstream fashion history, they’ve shaped the way we see elegance, masculinity and self-expression. This Met Gala and the accompanying exhibition are not just a celebration – they are a long-overdue recognition.
Dijanna Mulhearn receives funding from Australian Government Research Training Stipend.
Toby Slade 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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
May 02, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) issued a statement on the administration’s plan for Fiscal Year 2026, calling it a dangerous, extremist blueprint ripped straight from Donald Trump’s playbook — a plan to Make America Unsafe Again.
“Let’s be clear: this isn’t a budget — it’s a declaration of war on working families. Republicans want to gut the programs that keep our kids in school, our families healthy, and our communities safe — just to bankroll tax cuts for billionaires and Trump’s MAGA cronies. Even by their own math, the Trump-Musk budget slashes $163 billion from domestic investments — a brutal 23% cut,” said Torres. “These aren’t just numbers on a page — they’re programs that families in the Inland Empire rely on to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Republicans want to gut $880 billion from Medicaid, raid Social Security, and permanently freeze over $400 billion owed to the American people. All to protect yacht-buying tax breaks? Not on my watch.”
The Trump-Musk budget would:
Raise the Cost of Living and Harm the Economy
Evict hundreds of thousands of seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities by slashing affordable housing programs — and force homeless shelters to halt operations, even as more than 771,000 people are experiencing homelessness.
Zero out the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, turning off the heat and air conditioning for 6 million households.
Eliminate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, forcing more than 1,000 mayors and governors to abandon street, water, and sewer improvements and vital services for youth and seniors.
Decimate Public Education
Make it harder for students to afford college by need-based financial aid for 1.7 million students by cutting Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) and ending the Federal Work Study Program for more than 500,000 students.
Eliminate English Language Acquisition programs, cutting services for over 5 million English learners.
Make Americans Less Safe
Slash funding for public safety by cutting resources at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Eliminate thousands of FBI positions, including intelligence analysts who help prevent domestic and international threats.
Defund grants to prevent hate crimes and protect civil rights.
Cut weather satellite funding, crippling storm forecasting and emergency response capabilities during natural disasters.
Make Communities Less Healthy
Eviscerate the CDC by eliminating dozens of programs — from HIV/AIDS, tobacco, and asthma prevention to maternal health and emergency preparedness.
Slash substance use prevention and treatment programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, undermining the fight against opioids.
Cut food assistance programs, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance for seniors.
Slash NIH funding by 40%, halting progress toward cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and more.
Eliminate air pollution control programs, increasing Americans’ exposure to harmful pollutants.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)
May 02, 2025
Lawmakers urge DHS to “focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda that are terrorizing California communities and harming the economy. The lawmakers demanded answers on recent egregious DHS enforcement actions — without notice or coordination — including the arrest of at least 10 day laborers outside of a Home Depot, the detainment of a small business owner at gunpoint outside of his barbershop, and an enforcement raid at a Pomona auto body shop conducted with the Riverside County Sherriff’s department.
Padilla, Schiff, and Torres underscored the deep distrust and economic chaos these enforcement raids foster, hurting entire communities and national supply chains and keeping consumers at home out of fear.
“We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.
“Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona,” continued the lawmakers. “Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work.”
The lawmakers highlighted that California’s economy — now the fourth largest in the world — relies on the contributions of immigrant labor, as immigrants and their children make up the majority (55 percent) of California’s workforce, with immigrants alone comprising 34 percent of the state’s population. Last year, undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income, $66 billion in spending power, $50 billion to Social Security, and $14 billion to Medicare. They emphasized that immigrant workers make up a significant portion of California’s leading agriculture, health care, and construction sectors. Immigrant construction workers comprise over 40 percent of California’s construction workforce, and are already doing essential work to help Los Angeles County rebuild from the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
The lawmakers stressed that rather than indiscriminately targeting long-term residents with no criminal records, DHS should work with Congress to help provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. Senator Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.
“While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades,” added the lawmakers.“These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”
The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding information on the raids, including why local officials were not notified and what steps DHS is taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities.
“We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation,” concluded the lawmakers.
Senator Padilla blasted the Pomona immigration raids last week, emphasizing that indiscriminate immigrant enforcement hurts our communities and economy.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Secretary Noem,
We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement.
According to press reports, the City of Pomona in our home state of California has been at the epicenter of recent immigration enforcement activity, much of which has been conducted without giving notice to local officials:
On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Majin-Leon, a long-time resident and small business owner, was detained at gunpoint in front of his barbershop, terrorizing his family and community. He was released after 30 hours, but the trauma persists. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval expressed frustration, commenting to federal officials that they were “terrorizing our community.” Reports suggest DMV records may have played a role in his targeting, raising concerns about data-sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Meanwhile, that same day, federal immigration enforcement agents detained as many as 20 day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona, where witnesses saw agents arrive in marked and unmarked vehicles around 8 a.m. The Pomona Police Department had no prior knowledge of the operation, and conflicting reports have persisted regarding whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal law enforcement entities were responsible for the detentions.
Later that week, on Friday, April 25, another major enforcement action occurred at Moon Auto Collision in Pomona, executed jointly by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Special Response Teams under the auspices of a narcotics warrant. Pomona city officials, including Mayor Tim Sandoval, were given no prior notice. Mayor Sandoval, upon visiting the scene, underscored the devastating impact these operations have had on community trust and the economic health of local businesses.
Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona. Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work. One local business owner told reporters, “Customers are scared. They are not coming to buy anything. They are not coming to get repairs done.”
While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades. These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.
California’s economy – now the fourth largest in the world – demonstrates the strength and contributions of immigrant labor. Immigrants and their children comprise 55 percent of California’s workforce. Immigrants alone account for 34 percent of the state’s population and paid $168 billion in taxes last year, while generating over $400 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income and $66 billion in spending power, alongside $50 billion to Social Security and $14 billion to Medicare.
Additionally, in the wake of the destructive wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County earlier this year, immigrant construction workers—who make up more than 40 percent of the workforce in California—are essential to the community’s ability to rebuild and recover. Put simply, in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care, immigrant workers are indispensable to our community.
Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following:
1. Why weren’t local officials in Pomona notified about recent enforcement actions?
2. Which federal law enforcement entities were involved in or aware of these enforcement actions?
3. Has DHS responded to local law enforcement’s request for answers?
4. What protocols exist to coordinate with local law enforcement and elected officials before conducting large-scale enforcement actions?
5. How does DHS plan to comply with the April 29, 2025 court order from the Eastern District of California barring Border Patrol agents from detaining or arresting individuals without reasonable suspicion of illegal presence, as required by the Fourth Amendment?
6. Was California Department of Motor Vehicles data accessed in the case of Martin Majin-Leon?
7. What safeguards exist to prevent improper use of state data for immigration enforcement purposes?
8. What steps is DHS taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities that have been traumatized by these events?
We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Olympic champions Wang Zongyuan and Chen Yuxi crowned the first two individual champions with the head-to-head competition format making its debut at the “Water Cube” in Beijing Saturday.
In this new format, the top 12 athletes in individual events are seeded and paired according to their rankings. Each diver chooses three dives to perform, and the lower scorer in each pairing is eliminated. In the semifinals, the remaining six divers are divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the final.
Divers returned to their usual pace and dive order by performing six dives in the men’s 3m springboard final. Wang, a two-time 3m springboard synchro champion and two-time silver medalist in individual events at the last two Olympic Games, won the gold with 519.25 points, edging teammate Zheng Jiuyuan into second place with 505.05 points.
Moritz Wesemann of Germany and Luis Felipe Uribe Bermudez of Colombia finished third and fourth with 430.45 and 418.20 points, respectively.
“The new format pushed us to enter our peak form from the very beginning and I started high in the first two sessions. In fact, I lost some energy in the final, especially in my 207C which only received 77.40,” said 23-year-old Wang.
Zheng, 21, celebrated his first 500+point performance in the world level competition. “I have never reached 500+ in the competition before, I felt excited even right now. The new format gave me more uncertainty and pressure. I laughed at myself for my poor first dive 407c with 68 points in the morning,” Zheng said after the awarding ceremony.
In the women’s 10m platform final, top seed Chen Yuxi demonstrated consistency, finishing with 432.15 points from the heats and semifinals, while Quan Hongchan, who scored 57.75 points on her 207C, accumulated a total of 399.25 points heading into the last four.
With five stable dives in the final, Chen secured the win with 431.25 points, while Quan finished second with 409.80 due to minor mistakes in her 6243D and 207C. Alejandra Estudillo Torres of Mexico took the bronze with 332.70.
“I have never tried like this before as three big battles within two days from 10m synchro, mixed team and individual 10m event. I felt fainted at last. It is a huge challenge and a new lesson for me to deal with the new competition format, on the issues of how to relax and adjust myself into form in very short time,”Chen said.
For Quan, earning a silver medal was the best reward for her discipline and perseverance amid growth pains. “The total time of individual competition was limited within one hour, including the head-to-head, semifinal and final. I felt out of energy a little bit because I could hardly climb up to the platform. A silver is good for me because I am still learning how to balance my growing height and weight,” said the two-time women’s 10m platform Olympic gold medalist.
China has swept all seven gold medals offered so far at the three-day Super Final. The competition will conclude on Sunday with the women’s 3m springboard and men’s 10m platform finals.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A Peking Opera performance during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, China, on May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Na Yuqi)
A captivating performance of Peking Opera staged on the diving platform amazed the audience during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final at the National Aquatics Center, famously known as the “Water Cube,” in Beijing on Saturday.
“I was truly impressed by the vibrant atmosphere in the Water Cube. I traveled from Tianjin with my children to watch the Super Final, and the shows were beyond the competition itself. I believe I made a great choice for our holiday,” said Zhang Shaoyin during the three-day event that began on Friday.
The Water Cube, originally built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hosted swimming and diving competitions during the Games, as well as the curling events during the 2022 Winter Olympics, after having been transformed into the “Ice Cube.”
During China’s five-day Labor Day holiday starting Thursday, the dual-Olympic venue has been once again in the spotlight of the sports world.
“I hadn’t watched a diving competition since Beijing 2008,” said Bai Xiaoke, a local resident. “I used to take my son to the water park here, but this time our family is here for this high-level international event.”
The Super Final also attracted Jorge Alberto Cueva from Mexico, who also used mobile payment platforms such as Alipay for the first time.
“Everything here is new for me. It is definitely a delightful experience, and I will keep the memory for a long time,” said Cueva.
Organizers launched around 40 official licensed products, including pins, cups, bags, and keychains. Many fans purchased plush turtle toys — popular to Chinese star diver Quan Hongchan — to show their admiration.
Tian Yao, a sports presentation manager at the Super Final, introduced, “Many cultural elements including the famous landmarks along the Beijing Central Axis, such as Tiananmen and Yongdingmen Gate, were vividly displayed in the venue through 3D projection. It is just like a city tour in the Water Cube for the audience.”
“Sporting events held during holiday have a multiplier effect. The Super Final’s box office surpassed 5.7 million yuan (784,000 U.S. dollars), with over 7,000 spectators attending the diving competitions on Friday,” revealed Zhang Yun, deputy director of Beijing Sports Competitions Administration and International Exchange Center.
Meanwhile, in Xiamen, Fujian Province, the Sudirman Cup is another major event attracting visitors. According to a manager at Wutong Pliport Hotel, room bookings have surged since the tournament began on April 27, with more than 80 percent of the 620 rooms reserved. The hotel provides shuttle services to the badminton venue and prepares food packs featuring local snacks and drinks for fans.
Zhou Jiaze, 19, from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, shared, “I love playing badminton. I missed the last Sudirman Cup two years ago when I was in high school, but now I’m here. I plan to explore the city and visit Xiamen University.”
“I spent over 14 hours to get here, with a transfer in Tianjin,” said Xu Yuyan, traveling from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. “I will stay here for five days and hope to see great performance of Chinese players.”
Geoff Stensland, president of the Bellevue Badminton Club of Seattle, Washington, also visited Xiamen for the Sudirman Cup. “Badminton is getting more popular in America with new clubs opening almost every month. The Sudirman Cup is real fun,” Stensland said.
Also during the Labor Day holiday, the Equestrian Shanghai Global Champions Tour was held from Friday to Sunday, attracting international tourists eager to enjoy outdoor sports. Additionally, the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series and a World Tour event also took place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. In less than 100 days, Chengdu will host the 12th World Games – the first major global sports event in western China since the 31st Universiade in 2023.
“As an increasing number of sporting events are held in China in recent years, people have got used to taking exciting games as an integral part of their holiday,” said Zou Xinxian, a professor at Beijing Sport University. “This trend can not only boost the host city’s vitality, but also spur the economy driven by international events.”
The re-election of the Albanese Labor government by such a wide margin should not mean “business as usual” for Australia’s security policy.
The global uncertainty instigated by US President Donald Trump means Australia’s security landscape is very different today from when Labor was first elected in 2022, or even when its Defence Strategic Review was released in 2023.
As we argue in our recent book, the Albanese government faces increasingly difficult questions.
How can we maintain our critical security alliance with the US while deepening partnerships with other countries that have reservations about US policy?
And, given Trump’s recent actions, how much can we continue to rely on the United States and what are the potential costs of the alliance?
With a massive parliamentary majority, the new government has an opportunity for bold thinking on national security. This is not the time for Australia to keep its head down – we need to face the rapidly changing world with our heads held high.
We do not advocate Australia step away from the US alliance. We are also realistic that decades of defence procurement mean Australia is heavily reliant on US defence materiel (and its subsequent sustainment) for our security.
The deep interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the US military is something alliance sceptics too readily gloss over: much Australian military capability cannot function without ongoing American support.
At the same time, many alliance advocates underestimate the impact of the new challenges we face. Some assumed a continuity between the first and second Trump administrations. However, we are not convinced the lessons learned from Trump 1.0 are still valid.
A key difference between Trump 1.0 and 2.0 is the effect of his move away from respecting international law.
As a middle power, Australia has long relied on the “rules-based order” to advance its foreign and strategic policy interests.
Even if “normal transmission” resumes under a new US president in 2029, we are concerned the Trump administration’s structural changes to the international order will not easily be wound back. American soft power has been decimated by cuts to the US State Department, USAID and international broadcasting services. This will also not be rebuilt quickly.
The advisers who kept Trump in check during his first administration have been replaced by loyalists less likely to push back against his ideas and impulses. This includes his long-held grievance that allies have been exploiting the US.
The Albanese government needs to think more deeply about how to hedge against dependence on the US. This means investing in relations with other partners, especially in Asia and the Pacific, and working with them to promote the laws, rules and norms that maintain stability and predictability in global affairs.
An idealistic vision for the future
We are also concerned that many in the national security community base their policy recommendations on the assumption that war between the US and China is inevitable, and such a conflict could draw in Australia as America’s ally.
Rather, the Trump administration’s preference for “deals” opens the possibility the US and China might come to an arrangement that will affect US presence and leadership in our region.
Australia may not be prepared for this. The new government must engage in more open discussion about how we would maintain our security if the US does pull back from the region or makes decisions Australians don’t support.
As a start, we need to consider how Australia can better pursue self-reliance within the alliance structure. We need a range of strategic options in the future that don’t rely on an outdated image of the US as a reliable partner.
Rather than accepting the way things are, the government and members of the national security community need to re-imagine how things can be.
We argue the Albanese government should draw confidence from its thumping electoral win to articulate a politics of hope, opportunity and possibility for our future security. This needs to drown out the cynicism, passive acceptance and learned helplessness that often characterises Australian national security debates.
We are conscious that being “idealistic” is often dismissed as impractical, naïve “wishful thinking”. But the new government needs to demonstrate to Australians it has the courage to face the diverse, interlinked and complex security challenges we face – potentially on our own. These extend to issues such as cyber attacks, transnational crime and climate change.
This means engaging more with partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In particular, Australia should consider investing more heavily in information programs and public diplomacy as the US withdraws from this arena.
The government must also engage better with the public and be more transparent about its security options and decisions.
On AUKUS, for instance, the government must build its “social licence” from the public to sustain such a massive deal across generations. Australians need to be better informed about – and consulted on – the decisions they will ultimately pay for.
This also includes being upfront with Australians about the need for greater defence spending in a tumultuous world.
It is understandably tempting for the new Albanese government to continue a “small target” when it comes to the US. This has meant minimising domestic debate about the alliance that could undermine support for AUKUS and avoid risking the ire of a thin-skinned Trump.
But the government needs the courage to ask difficult questions and imagine different futures.
Joanne Wallis receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Department of Defence, and the government of South Australia. She is a Senior Nonresident Fellow of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.
Rebecca Strating receives funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping watches the military parade during the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
In the stately Conference Building at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a 65-inch-tall resplendent bronze vessel gleams under soft light, its cloisonne enamel blazing in vibrant Chinese red.
The “Zun of Peace,” presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2015 as a special gift for the United Nations’ 70th anniversary, is not merely a delicate artifact. It embodies the aspiration and conviction of the Chinese people to seek peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, Xi said at its unveiling.
A decade later, as the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future.
Leading a nation always aspiring for peace and harmony in its long history and further strengthened by its battles against militarism, imperialism and fascism in its recent past, Xi commands a unique insight into the value of peace, and has steadfastly championed the building of a peaceful world, a cause of great urgency given the tensions and conflicts on the global landscape today.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) attends a presentation ceremony on which the Chinese government gives the “Zun of Peace” to the United Nations as a gift in New York, the United States, Sept. 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
ASPIRATION FOR PEACE
Xi sees history as a mirror from which humanity should draw lessons to avoid repeating past calamities.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in what is commonly known in China as the World Anti-Fascist War or, more globally, as World War II. Almost every part of the world was involved, and more than 100 million were killed or wounded in what was described as the most destructive conflict in human history.
The bravery and tremendous sacrifice of the Chinese people played a decisive role in defeating Fascist Japan and offered strategic support to the Allies on the European and Pacific battlefields.
“History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people,” Xi once said. “History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it.”
This historical observation features prominently in Xi’s unrelenting pursuit of peace. He has repeatedly reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development, pledging that China will never seek hegemony, expansion or any sphere of influence, no matter how strong it may grow.
During a 2014 visit to France, Xi reshaped Napoleon’s metaphor of China as a “sleeping lion” that would shake the world upon awakening. “Now China the lion has awakened. But it is a peaceful, amicable and civilized lion,” Xi said when illustrating the peaceful dimension of the Chinese Dream.
Xi’s philosophy stems from the millennia-old Chinese culture. An avid reader of traditional Chinese classics, he once expounded how ancient Chinese wisdom views war and peace by quoting “The Art of War,” a Chinese classic written more than 2,000 years ago.
The book’s key message “is that every effort should be made to prevent a war and great caution must be exercised when it comes to fighting a war,” Xi said when delivering a keynote speech in the UN Office at Geneva in 2017.
Xi’s view on prudence in warfare is also reflected in his exchanges with foreign leaders and officials.
“It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues,” he quoted a Chinese aphorism when meeting with then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Beijing in 2018.
Chinese President Xi Jinping straightens the ribbon on a flower basket during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
A clear manifestation of Xi’s reflection is to cherish history and honor heroes. “A nation of hope cannot be without heroes,” Xi once said. Every year since 2014, Xi has paid tribute to China’s fallen heroes on Martyrs’ Day, which falls on Sept. 30, a day ahead of the country’s National Day.
In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory in World War II, Xi presented medals to Chinese veterans and representatives from Russia and other countries who assisted Chinese soldiers on the battlefields.
Nikolai Chuikov, the grandson of Soviet General Marshal Vasily Chuikov, was among those who received a peace medal from Xi. “Of all the honors I have won, I hold the highest regard for the peace medal,” he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) shakes hands with a Russian veteran in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)
TORCH OF MULTILATERALISM
Under Xi’s leadership, China has adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace, played an active role in UN peacekeeping missions, and solidified its friendships and partnerships with countries worldwide.
As hegemonism and protectionism once again rear their ugly heads, the world is gripped by an increasingly intricate array of challenges and uncertainties. In Xi’s eyes, the only way out is to practice true multilateralism. He once compared multilateralism to a torch that can light up humanity’s way forward.
The Chinese president has consistently urged the international community to safeguard the UN-centered international system forged in the aftermath of World War II and anchored by international law.
“We must promote multilateralism, the core essence of which is that international affairs should be decided through consultation among all countries, rather than by one country or a few countries,” he said.
This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2025 shows the 46th fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy during a counter-terrorism and anti-piracy exercise.The fleet traveled over 160,000 nautical miles during its 339-day voyage, escorting ships during missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. (Xinhua/Zhang Dayu)
Xi, a staunch champion of true multilateralism, has guided China over the years in taking a proactive and constructive role in addressing regional and global hot-button issues.
To end the Ukraine crisis at an early date, Xi has put forward a four-point proposal, emphasizing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has conducted shuttle diplomacy and mediation efforts to promote peace talks and initiated the “Friends of Peace” group with Brazil and other Global South countries on the Ukraine crisis at the United Nations.
Regarding the Middle East, the Chinese president has promoted peace and stability in the volatile region. With China’s mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed in March 2023 to restore diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus. In the lead-up to the negotiations, Xi talked separately with the leaders of both countries.
During a phone call with Xi soon after the breakthrough was achieved, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud applauded China’s increasingly important and constructive role in regional and international affairs.
In face of the gathering gloom of conflict on the horizon, Xi has championed a transformative approach to collective security. In May 2014, he articulated a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for Asia. Eight years later, he presented the Global Security Initiative to the world.
“We, as humanity, are living in an indivisible security community,” he said, advocating dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum approaches.
“GOLDEN KEY” OF DEVELOPMENT
Lasting world peace remains one of humanity’s greatest aspirations. For Xi, peace and development are inseparable. He once observed that the tree of peace does not grow on barren land, and the fruit of development is not produced amid flames of war.
In view of the interlocked relations, Xi insists that the “golden key” to a secure and stable future is to advance sustainable development.
Since assuming China’s presidency, Xi has positioned development as a pillar of his vision of building a better future for humankind. The initiatives he has proposed in this regard, notably the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, serve as bridges to foster common development through broader collaboration.
China has provided development aid to over 160 countries, and Belt and Road cooperation has involved more than 150 countries. Under the Global Development Initiative, China has mobilized nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars of development funds and launched more than 1,100 projects, fueling growth and modernization drives in many countries, particularly developing ones.
An aerial drone photo taken on March 4, 2024 shows trains running on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line in Lagos, Nigeria. Undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in July 2010 and completed in Dec. 2022, the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line corridor spans 13 km and covers five stations. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
“China is sharing its development experience with other countries through its development initiatives, which have helped to promote common development,” said Straton Habyarimana, a Rwandan economic analyst.
“Since these initiatives are people-centered, they address key challenges such as food insecurity and poverty” and have helped ease tensions among countries, he added.
UPDATE OF WORLD ORDER
Nestled by the Huangpu River in Shanghai, the New Development Bank was founded by five BRICS countries in 2014 to provide financing support for member countries to bolster transport infrastructure, clean energy and digital infrastructure.
When Xi visited the bank a few days ago, he saw more than a mere financial institution. He described it as a “pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South,” underscoring an enduring commitment to building a more just and equitable international order.
This aerial photo taken on June 17, 2022 shows the headquarters building of the New Development Bank in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
BRICS countries stand at the forefront of the Global South. Xi has personally pushed for the BRICS’ historic expansion in 2023 to create stronger unity among the Global South. The expansion, he said, would further strengthen the forces for world peace and development.
Developing countries remain underrepresented in the global governance system, which the West has long dominated. China maintains that only when the rise of emerging markets and developing countries is reflected in the global governance system will global development be more balanced and global peace more firmly based.
During the 2022 Group of 20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, Xi vocally supported the African Union in joining the leading multilateral mechanism, making China the earliest and most vocal champion for amplifying Africa’s voice in global governance.
Chinese President Xi Jinping walks to the venue of the 17th summit of the Group of 20 in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
In recent years, Xi has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative as key global public goods to create a more just and equitable global governance system.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who received the “Zun of Peace” from the Chinese president on behalf of the United Nations 10 years ago, said China’s initiatives to promote global peace and development are inseparable from Xi’s foresight.
“China is playing an increasingly important role on the world stage, and Xi has demonstrated proactive and crucial leadership,” Ban said. “He always believes that China can only do well when the world is doing well, and when China does well, the world will get even better.”
In Xi’s own words, “every increase of China’s strength is an increase of the prospects of world peace.”
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 5, 2025.
Trump’s push on deep sea mining leaves Nauru’s commercial ambitions ‘out in cold’ By Teuila Fuatai, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Nauru’s ambition to commercially mine the seabed is likely at risk following President Donald Trump’s executive order last month aimed at fast-tracking ocean mining, anti-deep sea mining advocates warn. The order also increases instability in the Pacific region because it effectively circumvents long-standing international sea laws and processes
A ‘Trump slump’ has lifted the left in Canada and now Australia – what are the lessons for NZ? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Trying to capitalise on the electoral success of US President Donald Trump, now that his policies are having real-world effects, is proving to be a big mistake for conservative leaders. Australian voters
What is a ‘smart city’ and why should we care? It’s not just a buzzword Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne guitar photographer/Shutterstock More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities and this share is expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. It’s no wonder “smart cities” have
We talk a lot about being ‘resilient’. But what does it actually mean? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McEvoy, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Curtin University Kinga Howard/Unsplash In a world with political polarisation, war, extreme weather events and increasing costs of living, we need to be able to cope as individuals and communities. Our capacity to cope with very real stressors in our lives
Newly discovered tropical oyster reefs are thriving across northern Australia – they deserve protection Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marina Richardson, Research Fellow in Marine Science, Griffith University Marina Richardson Oysters are so much more than a seafood delicacy. They’re ecosystem engineers, capable of building remarkably complex reefs. These structures act as the kidneys of the sea, cleaning the water and keeping the coast healthy, while
New deal for journalism – RSF’s 11 steps to ‘reconstruct’ global media Australia (ranked 29th) and New Zealand (ranked 16th) are cited as positive examples by Reporters Without Borders in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index of commitment to public media development aid, showing support through regional media development such as in the Pacific Islands. Reporters Without Borders The 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without
Blaming Donald Trump for conservative losses in both Canada and Australia is being too kind to Peter Dutton Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney Australia’s federal election, held less than a week after Canada’s, has produced a shockingly similar outcome. Commentators all over the world have pointed out the parallels. In both countries, centre-left governments
In its soul-searching, the Coalition should examine its relationship with the media Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Communication, Deakin University Among the many lessons to be learnt by the Liberal-National Coalition parties from the election is that they should stop getting into bed with News Corporation Australia. Why would a political party outsource its policy platform and strategy to people
Second-term Albanese will face policy pressure, devastated Liberals have only bad options Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra On February 1, on The Conversation’s podcast, Anthony Albanese not only declared that Labor would retain majority government, but held out the prospect it could win the Victorian Liberal seats of Menzies and Deakin. This was when the polls were
Election flops – a night to forget for minor parties on the left and the right Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maxine Newlands, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Policy Futures, University of Queensland, Adjunct Principal Research Fellow, Cairns Institute, James Cook University Minor parties were all the rage at the last election when, along with independent candidates, they secured almost a third of votes. But they have
‘Dead weight comes to mind’ when thinking about Gazan parents and genocide World Media Freedom Day reflections of a protester Yesterday, World Media Freedom Day, we marched to Television New Zealand in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to deliver a letter asking them to do better. Their coverage [of Palestine] has been biased at its best, silent at its worst. I truly believe that if our media outlets reported
Independents will not help form government – but they will be vital in holding it to account Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University When the newspapers delivered their standard election-eve editorials, there were few surprises. Former Fairfax papers and smaller outlets offered qualified support for Labor, while the News Corp papers unashamedly championed the Coalition. In Adelaide, The Advertiser ran a
State of the states: 6 experts on how the election unfolded across the country Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Clune, Honorary Associate, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney While counting continues nationally, the federal election result is definitive: a pro-Labor landslide and an opposition leader voted out. But beyond the headline results, how did Australians in the key seats in each state vote, and
Nauru’s ambition to commercially mine the seabed is likely at risk following President Donald Trump’s executive order last month aimed at fast-tracking ocean mining, anti-deep sea mining advocates warn.
The order also increases instability in the Pacific region because it effectively circumvents long-standing international sea laws and processes by providing an alternative path to mine the seabed, advocates say.
Titled Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources, the order was signed by Trump on April 25. It directs the US science and environmental agency to expedite permits for companies to mine the ocean floor in US and international waters.
It has been condemned by legal and environmental experts around the world, particularly after Canadian mining group The Metals Company announced last Tuesday it had applied to commercially mine in international waters through the US process.
The Metals Company has so far been unsuccessful in gaining a commercial mining licence through the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Currently, the largest area in international waters being explored for commercial deep sea mining is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, located in the central Pacific Ocean. The vast area sits between Hawai’i, Kiribati and Mexico, and spans 4.5 million sq km.
The area is of high commercial interest because it has an abundance of polymetallic nodules that contain valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper, which are used to make products such as smartphones and electric batteries. The minerals are also used in weapons manufacturing.
Benefits ‘for humankind as a whole’ Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Clarion-Clipperton Zone falls under the jurisdiction of the ISA, which was established in 1994. That legislation states that any benefits from minerals extracted in its jurisdiction must be for “humankind as a whole”.
Nauru — alongside Tonga, Kiribati and the Cook Islands — has interests in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone after being allocated blocks of the area through UNCLOS. They are known as sponsor states.
In total, there are 19 sponsor states in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Nauru is leading the charge for deep sea mining in international waters. Image: RNZ Pacific/Caleb Fotheringham
Nauru and The Metals Company Since 2011, Nauru has partnered with The Metals Company to explore and assess its block in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone for commercial mining activity.
It has done this through an ISA exploration licence.
At the same time, the ISA, which counts all Pacific nations among its 169-strong membership, has also been developing a commercial mining code. That process began in 2014 and is ongoing.
The process has been criticised by The Metals Company as effectively blocking it and Nauru’s commercial mining interests.
Both have sought to advance their respective interests in different ways.
In 2021, Nauru took the unprecedented step of utilising a “two-year” notification period to initiate an exploitation licencing process under the ISA, even though a commercial seabed mining code was still being developed.
An ISA commercial mining code, once finalised, is expected to provide the legal and technical regulations for exploitation of the seabed.
In the absence of a code However, according to international law, in the absence of a code, should a plan for exploitation be submitted to the ISA, the body is required to provisionally accept it within two years of its submission.
While Nauru ultimately delayed enforcing the two-year rule, it remains the only state to ever invoke it under the ISA. It has also stated that it is “comfortable with being a leader on these issues”.
To date, the ISA has not issued a licence for exploitation of the seabed.
Meanwhile, The Metals Company has emphasised the economic potential of deep sea mining and its readiness to begin commercial activities. It has also highlighted the potential value of minerals sitting on the seabed in Nauru’s block in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
“[The block represents] 22 percent of The Metals Company’s estimated resource in the [Clarion-Clipperton Zone and] . . . is ranked as having the largest underdeveloped nickel deposit in the world,” the company states on its website.
Its announcement on Tuesday revealed it had filed three applications for mining activity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone under the US pathway. One application is for a commercial mining permit. Two are for exploration permits.
The announcement added further fuel to warnings from anti-deep sea mining advocates that The Metals Company is pivoting away from Nauru and arrangements under the ISA.
Last year, the company stated it intended to submit a plan for commercial mining to the ISA on June 27 so it could begin exploitation operations by 2026.
This date appears to have been usurped by developments under Trump, with the company saying on Tuesday that its US permit application “advances [the company’s] timeline ahead” of that date.
The Trump factor Trump’s recent executive order is critical to this because it specifically directs relevant US government agencies to reactivate the country’s own deep sea mining licence process that had largely been unused over the past 40 years.
President Donald Trump signs a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House last month expanding fishing rights in the Pacific Islands to an area he described as three times the size of California. Image: RNZ screenshot APR
That legislation, the Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act, states the US can grant mining permits in international waters. It was implemented in 1980 as a temporary framework while the US worked towards ratifying the UNCLOS Treaty. Since then, only four exploration licences have been issued under the legislation.
To date, the US is yet to ratify UNCLOS.
At face value, the Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act offers an alternative licensing route to commercial seabed activity in the high seas to the ISA. However, any cross-over between jurisdictions and authorities remains untested.
Now, The Metals Company appears to be operating under both in the same area of international waters — the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition’s Pacific regional coordinator Phil McCabe said it was unclear what would happen to Nauru.
“This announcement really appears to put Nauru as a partner of the company out in the cold,” McCabe said.
No Pacific benefit mechanism “If The Metals Company moves through the US process, it appears that there is no mechanism or no need for any benefit to go to the Pacific Island sponsoring states because they sponsor through the ISA, not the US,” he said.
McCabe, who is based in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighted extensive investment The Metals Company had poured into the Nauru block over more than 10 years.
He said it was in the company’s financial interests to begin commercial mining as soon as possible.
“If The Metals Company was going to submit an application through the US law, it would have to have a good measure of environmental data on the area that it wants to mine, and the only area that it has that data [for] is the Nauru block,” McCabe said.
He also pointed out that the size of the Nauru block The Metals Company had worked on in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone was the same as a block it wanted to commercially mine through US legislation.
Both are exactly 25,160 sq km, McCabe said.
RNZ Pacific asked The Metals Company to clarify whether its US application applied to Nauru and Tonga’s blocks. The company said it would “be able to confirm details of the blocks in the coming weeks”.
It also said it intended to retain its exploration contracts through the ISA that were sponsored by Nauru and Tonga, respectively.
Cook Islands nodule field – photo taken within Cook Islands EEZ. Image: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority
Pacific Ocean a ‘new frontier’ Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) associate Maureen Penjueli had similar observations to McCabe regarding the potential impacts of Trump’s executive order.
Trump’s order, and The Metals Company ongoing insistence to commercially mine the ocean, was directly related to escalating geopolitical competition, she told RNZ Pacific.
“There are a handful of minerals that are quite critical for all kinds of weapons development, from tankers to armour like nuclear weapons, submarines, aircraft,” she said.
Currently, the supply and processing of minerals in that market, which includes iron, lithium, copper, cobalt and graphite, is dominated by China.
Between 40 and 90 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals are processed by China, Penjueli said. The variation is due to differences between individual minerals.
As a result, both Europe and the US are heavily dependent on China for these minerals, which according to Penjueli, has massive implications.
“On land, you will see the US Department of Defense really trying to seek alternative [mineral] sources,” Penjueli said.
“Now, it’s extended to minerals in the seabed, both within [a country’s exclusive economic zone], but also in areas beyond national jurisdictions, such as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which is here in the Pacific. That is around the geopolitical [competition] . . . and the US versus China positioning.”
Notably, Trump’s executive order on the US seabed mining licence process highlights the country’s reliance on overseas mineral supply, particularly regarding security and defence implications.
He said the US wanted to advance its leadership in seabed mineral development by “strengthening partnerships with allies and industry to counter China’s growing influence over seabed mineral resources”.
The Metals Company and the US She believed The Metals Company had become increasingly focused on security and defence needs.
Initially, the company had framed commercial deep sea mining as essential for the world’s transition to green energies, she said. It had used that language when referring to its relationships with Pacific states like Nauru, Penjueli said.
However, the company had also begun pitching US policy makers under the Biden administration over the need to acquire critical minerals from the seabed to meet US security and defence needs, she said.
Since Trump’s re-election, it had also made a series of public announcements praising US government decisions that prioritised deep sea mining development for defence and security purposes.
In a press release on Trump’s executive order, The Metals Company chief executive Gerard Barron said the company had enough knowledge to manage the environmental risks of deep sea mining.
“Over the last decade, we’ve invested over half a billion dollars to understand and responsibly develop the nodule resource in our contract areas,” Barron said.
“We built the world’s largest environmental dataset on the [Clarion-Clipperton Zone], carefully designed and tested an off-shore collection system that minimises the environmental impacts and followed every step required by the International Seabed Authority.
“What we need is a regulator with a robust regulatory regime, and who is willing to give our application a fair hearing. That’s why we’ve formally initiated the process of applying for licenses and permits under the existing US seabed mining code,” Barron said.
ISA influenced by opposition faction The Metals Company directed RNZ Pacific to a statement on its website in response to an interview request.
The statement, signed by Barron, said the ISA was being influenced by a faction of states aligned with environmental NGOs that opposed the deep sea mining industry.
Barron also disputed any contraventions of international law under the US regime, and said the country has had “a fully developed regulatory regime” for commercial seabed mining since 1989.
“The ISA has neither the mining code nor the willingness to engage with their commercial contractors,” Barron said. “In full compliance with international law, we are committed to delivering benefits to our developing state partners.”
President Trump’s executive order marks America’s return to “leadership in this exciting industry”, claims The Metals Company. Note the name “Gulf of America” on this map was introduced by President Trump in a controversial move, but the rest of the world regards it as the Gulf of Mexico, as recognised by officially recognised by the International Hydrographic Organisation. Image: Facebook/The Metals Company
‘It’s an America-first move’ Despite Barron’s observations, Penjueli and McCabe believed The Metals Company and the US were side-stepping international law, placing Pacific nations at risk.
McCabe said Pacific nations benefitted from UNCLOS, which gives rights over vast oceanic territories.
“It’s an America-first move,” said McCabe who believes the actions of The Minerals Company and the US are also a contravention of international law.
There are also significant concerns that Trump’s executive order has effectively triggered a race to mine the Pacific seabed for minerals that will be destined for military purposes like weapons systems manufacturing, Penjueli said.
Unlike UNCLOS, the US deep sea mining legislation does not stipulate that minerals from international waters must be used for peaceful purposes.
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition’s Duncan Currie believes this is another tricky legal point for Nauru and other sponsor states in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Potentially contravene international law For example, should Nauru enter a commercial mining arrangement with The Metals Company and the US under US mining legislation, any royalties that may eventuate could potentially contravene international law, Currie said.
First, the process would be outside the ISA framework, he said.
Second, UNCLOS states that any benefits from seabed mining in international waters must benefit all of “humankind”.
Therefore, Currie said, royalties earned in a process that cannot be scrutinised by the ISA likely did not meet that stipulation.
Third, he said, if the extracted minerals were used for military purposes — which was a focus of Trump’s executive order — then it likely violates the principle that the seabed should only be exploited for peaceful purposes.
“There really are a host of very difficult legal issues that arise,” he added.
The Metals Company says ISA is being influenced by a faction of states aligned with environmental NGOs that oppose the deep sea mining industry. Image: Facebook/The Metals Company/RNZ
The road ahead Now more than ever, anti-deep sea mining advocates believe a moratorium on the practice is necessary.
Penjueli, echoing Currie’s concerns, said there was too much uncertainty with two potential avenues to commercial mining.
“The moratorium call is quite urgent at this point,” she said.
“We simply don’t know what [these developments] mean right now. What are the implications if The Metals Company decides to dump its Pacific state sponsored partners? What does it mean for the legal tenements that they hold in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone?”
In that instance, Nauru, which has spearheaded the push for commercial seabed mining alongside The Metals Company, may be particularly exposed.
Currently, more than 30 countries have declared support for a moratorium on deep sea mining. Among them are Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu.
On the other hand, Nauru, Kiribati, Tonga, and the Cook Islands all support deep sea mining.
Australia has not explicitly called for a moratorium on the practice, but it has also refrained from supporting it.
New Zealand supported a moratorium on deep sea mining under the previous Labour government. The current government is reportedly reconsidering this stance.
RNZ Pacific contacted the Nauru government for comment but did not receive a response.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Trying to capitalise on the electoral success of US President Donald Trump, now that his policies are having real-world effects, is proving to be a big mistake for conservative leaders.
Australian voters have delivered a landslide win for the incumbent Labor Party, returning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a second term with a clear majority of seats.
When he said in his victory speech that Australians had “voted for Australian values”, an unspoken message was that they’d firmly rejected Trumpian values.
Meanwhile, opposition and Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton had such a bad election he lost his own seat. While not the only reason for his electoral demise, Dutton’s adoption of themes associated with Trump backfired.
As recently as mid-February, however, it was a completely different story. Opinion polls were projecting Dutton’s Coalition to win. Betting markets followed suit, pricing in a change of government.
But by March, Labor had pulled ahead in the polls, and exceeded expectations in the election itself. As one commentator put it, the Liberals were “reduced to a right-wing populist party that is all but exiled from the biggest cities”.
Following a Trumpian pathway turned out to be a strategic blunder. And Dutton’s downfall mirrors Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s defeat in Canada’s election on April 28.
In January, Canada’s incumbent centre-left Liberals were heading for defeat to the Conservatives. But there were two gamechangers: the Liberals switched leaders from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney, and Trump caused a national uproar with his aggressive tariffs and his call for Canada to become the 51st US state.
Pre-election opinion polls then did a dramatic flip in favour of the Liberals, who went on to win their fourth election in a row.
His strategy failed as soon as Trump rolled out “America First” policies contrary to Canadians’ economic interests and national pride. The takeaway for serious right-wing leaders in liberal democracies is clear: let Trump do Trump; his brand is toxic.
Not a universal trend
Trump’s actions are harming America’s allies. His tariffs, disregard for the rule of law, and tough policies on migrants, affirmative action and climate change have seen voters outside the US react with self-protective patriotism.
A perceived association with Trump’s brand has now upended the electoral fortunes of (so far) two centre-right parties that had been in line to win, and had been banking on the 2024 MAGA success somehow rubbing off on them.
Admittedly, what has been dubbed the “Trump slump” isn’t a universal trend.
In Germany, the centre-left Social Democratic-led government was ousted in February, in spite of Trump ally Elon Musk’s unhelpful support for the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
And in the United Kingdom, the populist Reform UK party has risen above 25%, while Labour has fallen from 34% in last year’s election to the low 20s in recent polls.
But other governing centre-left parties are seeing an upside of the Trump effect.
Norway’s next election is on September 8. In early January it looked like the incumbent Labour Party would be trounced by the Conservatives and the right-wing Progress Party.
Opinion polls dramatically flipped in early February, however, boosting Labour from below 20% back into the lead, hitting 30%. If that trend is sustained, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will get another term in office.
Denmark’s governing Social Democrats have enjoyed a small polling boost, too, since Trump declared he’d like to take Greenland off their hands.
Lessons for NZ’s left and right
The common denominator underlying these shifts to the left seems to be the Trump effect. Voters in countries normally closely allied with the US are turning away from Trump-adjacent politicians.
In 2024, elections tended to go against incumbents. But, for now at least, people are rallying patriotically around centre-left, sitting governments.
Ironically, Trump is harming leaders who could have been his allies. Unrepentant as always, the man himself seemed proud of the impact he had in Canada.
Winston Peters: culture war rhetoric. Getty Images
In Australia and New Zealand, polls in mid-2024 showed support for Trump was growing – heading well above 20%. Australia’s election suggests that trend may now be past its peak.
In New Zealand, with debate over ACT’s contentious Treaty Principles Bill behind it, and despite NZ First leader Winston Peters’ overt culture-war rhetoric (which may appeal to his 6% support base), the right-wing coalition government’s polling shows it could be on track for a second term – for the time being.
While the Trump effect may have benefited centre-left parties in Australia and Canada, polling for New Zealand’s Labour opposition is softer than at the start of the year.
While “America First” policies continue to damage the global economy, centre-right leaders who learn the lesson will quietly distance themselves from the Trump brand, while maintaining cordial relations with the White House.
Centre-left leaders, however, could do worse than follow Anthony Albanese’s example of not getting distracted by “Trump-lite” and instead promoting his own country’s values of fairness and mutual respect.
Grant Duncan 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.
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer & Gillibrand Say NY GOP House Members Have Political Leverage To Restore 9/11 Health Program If They Deny Trump Their Budget Vote; Senators Have Built WTCHP & Funded It; GOP Being Played Since April While Heroes Suffer
The World Trade Center Health Program Provides Services For Roughly 137,000 Sickened 9/11 First Responders & Other Survivors & Heroes Across Nation; Trump Admin Keeps Playing Games With Staff, The Program – And The People Who Need Care; Schumer Says This Must End NOW
Schumer, Gillibrand To NY House GOP: Find The Courage The 9/11 Heroes Had To End This Chaos By Using Your Leverage Over Budget
U.S. Senator Schumer alongside U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the Trump administration is at it again: attacking the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Yesterday, President Trump and RFK fired an additional 16 medical staff who help keep the WTCHP program alive at NIOSH.
Schumer said this torrent of chaos must and – and that New York GOP House members have real leverage to end this negligence by using their budget vote and forcing the President to back off on his attacks at the WTCHP. The senators said that this chaos is a dereliction of duty by the federal government, a disservice that must be reversed, so that the 9/11 health program, its staff, the federal government and the amazing medical professionals can all do their jobs: save lives. Schumer and Gillibrand said that they will not rest until this chaos is over.
“Since the Trump administration started, more than a quarter of the WTCHP staff are now gone,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “It is revolting that President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, fired even more staffers yesterday at NIOSH, critical doctors and scientists who have dedicated their lives to helping these sick people and many others. None of these cuts have anything to do with efficiency. This is MAGA extremism pure and simple and it hurts our brave first responders and others who risked life and limb on 9/11, who rushed to the towers. These people are suffering. They’re getting cancers from the chemicals they breathed in when they ran to the towers to help protect us, and now they have to deal with this assault again, and again, and again. How vicious, how nasty, how callous.”
Schumer, today, demanded New York GOP House members use their upcoming budget vote that President Trump so badly needs as leverage to end this negligence, restore the critical medical staff at WTCHP, NIOSH and help these heroes.
“This political chaos is jeopardizing the healthcare of heroes. The NY House members in Congress must find the courage the 9/11 heroes had and use their leverage on the President as it relates to the budget, and join Senator Gillibrand and I to fix this mess now, because if these members haven’t realized it yet: they’re being played by the President,” Schumer added.
“Cutting staff critical to the operation of the World Trade Center Health Program will devastate our ability to care for sick first responders and survivors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Once again, President Trump is betraying the heroes who stepped up and risked their lives in one of our nation’s darkest hours. It’s an outrageous betrayal of ‘never forget,’ and I will not rest until these un-American decisions are reversed.”
“The continued cuts to the WTC Health Program staff by the Trump Administration are a true disaster and place in peril the lives and health of every responder and survivor that rely on this program for their care. The delays in care these egregious actions are causing are reprehensible,” said Gary Smiley of FDNY EMS Local 2507, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors WTC Liaison.
“Our community is very literally sick and tired and as Fannie Lou Hamer once put it, also “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” We’re tired of the Trump Administration and Secretary Kennedy’s lies. We’re tired of having to trot our chronically ill onto stages to prove our suffering and attempt to humanize our losses and we’re tired of the constant mismanagement of the law for which we all fought so hard. 800 of our sick survivors and first responders couldn’t get certified in April because of the harm RFK Jr. has caused and we’re sick of it!” said Mariama James, WTCHP participant.
“The World Trade Center Health Program must be made whole, it must be fully funded and this program must stay off the table for any future cuts,” said Sean Michael, FDNY Battalion Chief, Uniformed Fire Officers Association Board Member.
Schumer and Gillibrand urged a once-and-for-all end to playing political football with the WTCHP because it saves lives and it is already lean. The senators said that this chaos is a dereliction of duty by the federal government, a disservice that must be reversed, so that the 9/11 health program, its staff, the federal government and the amazing medical professionals can all do their jobs: save lives. Schumer and Gillibrand said that they will not rest until this chaos is over.
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides critical medical treatment, research, and monitoring to over 137,000 responders and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, living in every state and nearly every Congressional district. The WTCHP serves first responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This vital program provides life-saving care to the heroes who answered the call to serve in one of our nation’s darkest hours and the survivors who are forced to live with the health consequences from the attacks every single day.
Schumer and Gillibrand worked to establish the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero. They worked to reauthorize the program in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Schumer and Gillibrand delivered $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, they secured an additional $676 million for the program.
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
Jonglei State, SOUTH SUDAN (May 4, 2025) – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan. The attack began at around 4:30am when two helicopter gunships first dropped a bomb on the MSF pharmacy, burning it to the ground, then went on to fire on the town of Old Fangak for around 30 minutes. At around 7am, a drone bombed the Old Fangak market. There have been at least seven deaths and 20 injured.
Mamman Mustapha, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, said “At 8am, we received around 20 wounded people at our hospital in Old Fangak, including four in a critical condition. There are reports of more fatalities and wounded in the community. One patient and two care givers, including one of our staff, who were already inside the hospital were injured in the bombing – patients who were not in a critical condition, ran from the facility. The bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak has resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of the pharmacy, which was burned to the ground. This is where all our medical supplies for the hospital and our outreach activities were stored, severely compromising our ability to provide care. We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak Hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict.
“Old Fangak Hospital is the only hospital in Fangak county, serving a population of over 110,000 people who already had extremely limited access to healthcare. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our ability to provide care, but this attack clearly means people will now be even further cut-off from receiving life-saving treatment. We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure – this includes health workers, patients and health facilities. Hospitals must never be targeted and the lives of civilians must be protected.”
This is the second time an MSF hospital has been impacted in the past month, following the armed looting of our hospital and premises in Ulang, Upper Nile state on April 14, which led to the entire population of Ulang county being cut off from accessing secondary health care.
Notes:
Since 2014, MSF has been providing secondary healthcare services in Fangak County, a remote area where people struggle to access medical care due to flooding, insecurity, and displacement. The hospital supported by MSF is the only facility serving a population of over 110,000 people in Fangak county. Many patients travel for days by canoe to reach it, particularly during the rainy season when extreme flooding isolates entire communities.
In South Sudan, MSF works in six of the country’s 10 states and in two administrative areas, providing a range of services including general healthcare, mental healthcare and specialist hospital care. Our mobile teams also provide health assistance to displaced people and remote communities. In addition to responding to emergencies and disease outbreaks, we also carry out preventative activities, such as vaccination campaigns, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, safe drinking water and distribution of non-food items.
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au
Written by Natalie Moore, Mission Operations Specialist at Malin Space Science Systems Earth planning date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 We’re back in our standard “touch and go” plan regime today, where we sandwich a midday remote science block between morning-APXS and afternoon-MAHLI contact science arm blocks. We had our first late-slide 9 a.m. PDT start in quite a while due to our “isolated nominal” plan on Monday! This meant the whole team was ready and “patiently” (read: not-so-patiently) waiting for our drive data to come down around 8:40 this morning. Thankfully, everything we were waiting for came down to Earth and told us Curiosity was right where we wanted her to be! The planning begins… Sol 4527 contains most of our activities in this plan. We start off about 10:00 local Gale time with a DRT and APXS analysis of contact science target “Tamarack Valley,” a rough but brushable bedrock target in our workspace. We leave the arm unstowed (and out of the way) for our remote science block spanning the hours of about 12:35-13:45. That block starts with a large, 76-frame stereo Mastcam mosaic covering the boxwork structures to the west while ChemCam’s instrument cools down to allow for LIBS. After Mastcam is done, ChemCam shoots their LIBS on a rougher bedrock target named “Aguanga,” and an RMI mosaic of the boxwork structures included in the Mastcam mosaic. About 14:00 local time, MAHLI finishes the contact science with a full suite of Tamarack Valley (25-centimeter, 5-centimeter stereo, and 1-centimeter images). Then we drive! Hopefully about 30 meters closer (about 98 feet) to the boxwork structures for our weekend plan. Curiosity takes the second sol easier with some Navcam dust-devil and horizon movies, along with a rover-decided LIBS target at our new location to start off science decisions for Friday.
Headline: DHS Announces the Rescission of Romania’s Designation into the Visa Waiver Program
strong>WASHINGTON —Today, the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, rescinded Romania’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) designation
Despite security concerns, the Biden Administration designated Romania as a VWP country on January 9, 2025
On March 25, 2025, DHS paused implementation of the VWP in order to conduct a review of Romania’s designation
That review has concluded and, given this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, DHS decided that Romania’s designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security
Romania may be reconsidered for VWP designation in the future should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria
“Maintaining the Visa Waiver Program’s high standards is essential to our national security
In light of this Administration’s focus on border and immigration security, the Secretary of Homeland Security has decided, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to rescind Romania’s VWP designation effective immediately,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
“We are grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation
Romania may be reconsidered for VWP admission in the future
After a slow-moving weather system swamped the Midwest U.S. in early April 2025, many rivers’ water levels soared to near-historic levels. Arkansas was particularly hard hit, with floodwaters spilling across rural landscapes in the Arkansas Delta, a region where commodity crops such as rice, corn, soybeans, and wheat are widely grown. Many farmers still faced high water levels more than a month after the flooding began. “This is one of the largest, most dramatic, and long-lasting agricultural floods we’ve seen in Arkansas in decades,” said Jason Davis, a remote sensing expert with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, noting that the April 2025 flood exceeded the severity of floods in the state in 2018, 2019, and 2023. The OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 9 captured this false-color image (right) showing flooding along the borders of Craighead and Jackson counties in northeastern Arkansas on April 13. For comparison, the other image shows the same area on April 17, 2023, when water levels were much lower. The images combine shortwave infrared, near infrared, and red light (bands 6-5-4) to make it easier to distinguish water (blue) from land (brown) and vegetation (green). The Cache River crested on April 7, but floodwaters lingered as water from upstream worked its way through the watershed, breaching a key levee and pooling in areas that drain poorly. Joe Christian, a rice and soybean farmer who farms along the Cache, chronicled the state of his farm as floodwaters overwhelmed it.
Posts on X showed an aerial photo of his flooded storage shed, young plants that were submerged for days (above), and muddy rows that he simply describes as “toast.” In the Landsat imagery, notice how the river widens a few kilometers upstream of Grubbs. “That’s the line where ‘channelizing’ and ‘dredging’ of the river stopped in the 1970s,” Christian said in an interview with NASA Earth Observatory. “North of Grubbs, we get floods almost every year now.” Astronauts aboard the International Space Station also captured several photos (available here) showing the scope of flooding in Arkansas. The photo below shows flooding along the White River in Jackson County near the towns of Newport and Bradford on April 15. Many Arkansas farmers got an early start on planting this spring, thinking it would lead to bumper harvests in the fall, explained Jarrod Hardke, a rice agronomist for the extension service. Instead, many farmers will likely muddle through a season that brings lower than usual yields, he said.
Rice is more flood-tolerant than corn or soybeans, “but there’s a limit to that tolerance,” Hardke said. The chance of rice surviving “can drop dramatically” after being submerged for 10 days. If floodwaters cover the ground before young rice plants emerge from the soil, they can die even sooner, he added. Hardke and Davis are part of a University of Arkansas team that estimated that the deluge inundated about 30 percent of the 839,000 acres that farmers had planted, amounting to losses of $79 million. Some wheat will be a total loss, while corn, soybeans, and rice will have to be replanted, the team reported. Losses of rice were notably high despite its water tolerance. That’s in part because farmers often plant rice in fields with the poorest drainage. “Many fields have been flooded for more than 25 days now,” Hardke said. “Seeds that haven’t emerged are just rotting in the soil.” Though losses would have been even higher later in the season, replanting costs will be significant. The extension service team estimated $11 million for corn, $10 million for soybeans, and $21 million for rice. Replanting costs include new seeds, herbicides, diesel fuel, and fertilizer. The aerial image below, taken by a farmer from the area, shows flooded fields and roads along the Cache.
“I don’t think most people realize how much time, money, and energy goes into every acre of crop that gets planted,” Davis said. “It’s expensive—a complete nightmare,” said Christian, noting that the flood killed about three-quarters of his soybeans. Davis is using satellite observations to validate and supplement the extension team’s crop damage estimates, which are typically based on farmer surveys. The survey response rate can be low in some counties, but the growing availability of timely satellite observations makes it easier to assess the scope of flooding events quickly. Davis typically uses imagery from several satellites to analyze an event like this—“anything and everything I can get,” he said, often leaning on data from Planet, NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the European Space Agency. He uses the raw imagery to produce maps of flooded areas, which he then combines with data about crop type to calculate damage estimates. “Then we share what we’re finding with the governor’s office, state and federal ag officials, and others involved in disaster response,” he said. “The goal is to deliver actionable information to people making decisions as quickly as possible.”
The aerial photograph above, taken by a local farmer, shows where a helicopter was used to place white sandbags in a levee breach. As the flood situation evolves, the Division of Agriculture extension team will continue to use satellite imagery and ground observations to update damage estimates for farmers and policymakers.
NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Flooded plant photo courtesy of Joe Christian. Astronaut photograph provided by NASA’s Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit. Aerial photographs courtesy of David Hodges and provided by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Story by Adam Voiland.
Headline: Funding Is Available To Support Cleanup of Your Home
Funding Is Available To Support Cleanup of Your Home
FRANKFORT, Ky
– If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely after the April severe storms and flooding, FEMA may be able to provide you with money to cover costs associated with cleanup and sanitization
This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters in Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties
You may qualify for FEMA assistance if you meet the following criteria:Your pre-disaster primary residence is in a county designated for Individual Assistance
FEMA verified you have disaster damage, and your primary residence is safe to occupy
You have saved all receipts from any cleanup supplies, materials or paid help
The costs are not covered by your insurance
Avoiding damage from mold is an important responsibility of a resident
Building owners are strongly encouraged to begin cleanup immediately after a flood to prevent the growth and spread of mold
For more information about cleanup and documenting damages, you can read more here
How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceThe first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply
Survivors of the April storms who live in the designated counties have until June 25 to apply for assistance
You can apply in several ways:Online at DisasterAssistance
gov
Visit any Disaster Recovery Center
To find a center close to you, visit fema
gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)
Use the FEMA mobile app
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
It is open 7 a
m
to 10 p
m
Eastern Daylight Time
Help is available in many languages
If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service
Apply for Each Disaster Separately Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal assistance, if you had property damage or loss in Woodford County from the February severe incident, and then again from the April severe incident, you would need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications
For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www
2025-60 DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONDUCTING UNATTENDED DEATH INVESTIGATION
Posted on May 2, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
ANNE LOPEZ
ATTORNEY GENERAL
LOIO KUHINA
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONDUCTING UNATTENDED DEATH INVESTIGATION
News Release 2025-60
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2025
HONOLULU – The Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division is investigating the discovery of a body in a restroom in the Sand Island State Recreation Area. Investigators responded at approximately 1:07 p.m., at the request of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement.
The body was that of a deceased female, who appeared to be in her mid 40’s.
AG Investigators have opened an unattended death investigation and as such, no further information will be released at this time.
AG Investigations Division is asking anyone with information to call 808-586-1240.
* * *
Media Contacts:
Dave Day
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1284
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov
Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email: [email protected]
Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Wins Passage Of Historic Climate Impact Legislation
Posted on May 2, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN WINS PASSAGE OF HISTORIC CLIMATE IMPACT LEGISLATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2025
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today heralded the Legislature’s passage of SB1396, creating the climate impact fee, or “green fee,” that will help the islands to mitigate the impacts of climate change and the roughly 10 million annual visitors we welcome to our shores.
“This legislation, which I intend to sign, is the first of its kind in the nation and represents a generational commitment to protect our ‘āina. Hawai‘i is truly setting a new standard to address the climate crisis, and I want to thank lawmakers for their unrelenting work these past two years in bringing this to fruition,” said Governor Green.
SB1396 will increase the state’s portion of the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) collections from 10.25% to 11%. Additionally, all four counties have exercised their legislated authority to apply an additional TAT of up to 3% and have adopted the full amount. The net result with this 0.75% increase is a TAT of 14% statewide. General Excise Tax is applied on top of room rates. It is estimated the fee will raise $100M annually to provide disaster mitigation for the Aloha State.
“Given the devastation we saw on Maui in August of 2023, this measure is crucial because it will help us to deal with wildfire risk resulting from the climate change crisis. It is foundational to our ability to provide a safe and secure Hawai‘i for our children, our residents, our visitors and the environment,” Governor Green said.
Governor Green has until July 9, 2025, to sign the bill into law. He has repeatedly indicated his intention to do so, as it has been a priority piece of legislation for his administration.
A video statement by Governor Green shared on his social media platforms is available here. Courtesy: The Office of the Governor.
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Media Contacts: Erika Engle Press Secretary Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i Office: 808-586-0120 Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan Director of Communications Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi Cell: 808-265-0083 Email: [email protected]
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the University of California Board of Regents named James Milliken the new president of the University of California:
“California’s future depends on the strength of our institutions, and few are more vital than the University of California. Chancellor Milliken brings years of experience and the steady, strategic leadership needed to expand UC’s impact across the state. I am excited to see him drive the next chapter of innovation, talent, and progress that will shape California and the country for generations to come.
“I also want to thank Dr. Michael Drake for his leadership and vision during his tenure — he is a strong partner and his intellect, experience and commitment to our students has helped grow the next generation of California leaders. We wish him well in his retirement.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
James B. (“JB”) Milliken is chancellor of The University of Texas System, where he also holds the Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail Regents Chair in Higher Education Leadership. As chancellor, he oversaw 14 academic and health institutions, including seven medical schools and five Carnegie R1 research universities. Before joining the UT System, Milliken served as the chancellor of The City University of New York (CUNY), president of the University of Nebraska, and senior vice president of the University of North Carolina.
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News What you need to know: As part of the California Jobs First initiative, the state is awarding $30.5 million in tax credits to seven companies committed to creating new jobs and investing over $2.1 billion across key industries like clean energy, advanced…
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News LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm…
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News What you need to know: For the second year in a row, California’s Department of Finance released data showing the Golden State’s population grew. In 2024, the state added more than 100,000 residents. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that…
At the direction of the President of the United States, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has ordered the flags of the United States and State of Nevada to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The proclamation from President Trump is below:
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 2025 – The White House
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the United States flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this time.
Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags in Honor of Prince David Klaren La‘amea Kaumuali‘i Kawānanakoa
Posted on May 2, 2025 in Flag Orders, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN LOWERS FLAGS IN HONOR OF PRINCE DAVID KLAREN LA‘AMEA KAUMUALI‘I KAWĀNANAKOA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2025
HONOLULU – In honor of the late Prince David Klaren La‘amea Kaumuali‘i Kawānanakoa, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard effective immediately until sunset on Friday, May 9. Plans for a memorial service are pending.
Prince David Kawānanakoa, a respected figure in Hawai‘i’s ali‘i lineage and a dedicated cultural steward, passed away on May 1, 2025. A descendant of Kaua‘i’s royal family and a member of the House of Kawānanakoa, Prince David was a direct descendant of both Prince David Kawānanakoa, heir to the Hawaiian Kingdom — and of King Kaumualiʻi, the last sovereign ruler of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. He was deeply committed to preserving and perpetuating Native Hawaiian history, language and traditions. His advocacy, mentorship and leadership enriched generations of cultural practitioners and strengthened the connection between Hawai‘i’s past and its future.
“David Kawānanakoa was a pillar of aloha ‘āina and cultural pride for our islands. His life’s work leaves an indelible mark on Hawai‘i and serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage, service and kuleana to our community,” said Governor Green. “Jaime and I offer our deepest condolences to his ‘ohana and all those whose lives he touched.”
A photo of Prince David Kawānanakoa, along with his wife Maria Kawānanakoa, Governor Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, can be found here.
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Media Contacts: Erika Engle Press Secretary Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i Office: 808-586-0120 Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan Director of Communications Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi Cell: 808-265-0083 Email: [email protected]
