Ground and air search efforts were conducted today (May 18) in Pictou County as the missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues.
More than 115 volunteer searchers from Colchester, East Hants, Eastern Shore, Halifax, Musquodoboit Valley, Pictou County, Pugwash, Springhill, Strait Area, Valley, and West Hants ground search and rescue and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association focused on specific areas around Gairloch Rd. in an effort to locate Lilly and Jack and advance the RCMP investigation. The search was supported by Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications and EHS Emergency Preparedness Special Operations.
This search follows a large-scale air and ground search that began on May 2 and was scaled back on May 7 in favour of more specific searches.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the search and rescue volunteers who have selflessly given up over 10,000 hours of their time since this search began,” says S/Sgt. Curtis MacKinnon, Pictou County District RCMP. “Their tireless commitment in truly gruelling conditions is appreciated by both the RCMP and the greater community.”
This weekend’s search will be carefully reviewed and assessed by investigators and search managers to help in planning any further ground and air search efforts.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his visit to Rome, Italy, and Vatican City, where he attended the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, alongside counterparts and delegations from around the world.
Prime Minister Carney met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his inaugural Mass. The Prime Minister thanked him for his message of unity, compassion, and peace.
During his visit to Italy, the Prime Minister met with the Italian Prime Minister and President to underscore the strength of the Canada-Italy relationship and efforts to further enhance it. While in Rome, he also met with over a dozen other leaders. Their discussions focused on expanding trade and commercial partnerships, deepening bilateral investment, and addressing immediate global pressures, including around energy security, supply chains, Canada’s support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and the imperative of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Looking ahead to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, next month, the Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s role as a stable, reliable, and innovative partner with a wealth of natural resources and expertise.
In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada will work with its Allies and partners to grow our economies, defend Canadians’ interests, and address the most pressing global challenges.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL8
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 288 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 430 PM CDT Sun May 18 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of West-Central into North-Central Texas
* Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 430 PM until 1000 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3 inches in diameter likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Supercells will continue to rapidly develop and pose a threat for both a few tornadoes and large to very large hail this afternoon and evening as they move east-northeastward. The largest hailstones may reach up to 2-3 inches in diameter. A strong tornado may occur with any persistent supercell this evening as low-level shear increases.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles southwest of Brownwood TX to 25 miles north northwest of Wichita Falls TX. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 286…WW 287…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector 25030.
…Gleason
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW8 WW 288 TORNADO TX 182130Z – 190300Z AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 15SW BWD/BROWNWOOD TX/ – 25NNW SPS/WICHITA FALLS TX/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /62SE ABI – 19NNW SPS/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.
LAT…LON 31640015 34309972 34309762 31649811
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU8.
Watch 288 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (30%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
High (70%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance.
Building on their meeting earlier this month at the White House, the Prime Minister underscored to the Vice President that Canada and the United States are stronger when we work together.
To that end, the Prime Minister and the Vice President discussed efforts underway to secure borders, crack down on fentanyl, increase investments in defense and security, and find more areas of mutual co-operation.
The leaders spoke about the immediate trade pressures and the need to build a new economic and security relationship.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — U.S. Air Force Col. Barry Deibert was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at the Wyoming National Guard’s Joint Force Readiness Center on May 17, 2025.
Deibert is known for his integrity, honesty and perseverance—qualities that have shaped his decades of service and earned him the respect of those he leads. As the assistant adjutant general for air and commander of the Wyoming Air National Guard, he oversees more than 1,200 Airmen who support a wide range of national, state and community missions.
Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, adjutant general of Wyoming, presided over the ceremony and commended Deibert for his lifelong dedication to service and community in addition to being a caring leader.
“You look at his entire life, and he is the epitome of a citizen Airman—serving full time while also teaching in our schools,” said Porter. “Every chance Deibert has to make an impact—to make the world and our state a better place—he takes it. It’s a privilege to be here today to celebrate you.”
Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow Airmen and Soldiers, Brig. Gen. Deibert received his new rank in a ceremony filled with pride and tradition. Among the honored guests was his father, August Anton Deibert a 97-year-old U.S. Army veteran who is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War.
The importance of family was a theme throughout the ceremony. Porter acknowledged their vital role, noting that continued service would not be possible without their support.
Deibert’s wife, Pat, and daughter, Darcy, had the honor of pinning on his brigadier general rank. The pinning ceremony, a time-honored tradition, marks the first time the new rank is officially placed on the uniform. The star, representing general officer rank, traces its lineage to a 1780 decree by Gen. George Washington during the War for American Independence. It is customary for close family or friends to participate, symbolizing the contributions they’ve made to the officer’s career.
In his first remarks as a general officer, Deibert spoke with humility and reflected on his journey, including an earlier retirement before being asked—several times—to return to service. Eventually, he answered the call.
“Standing here today, wearing this rank—it’s humbling,” said Deibert.
With humor, he added, “That could be a trivia question: How long does it take for an airman basic to make brigadier general? 39 years.” The audience laughed, and he continued, “But it’s a culmination of years of service, sacrifice, and support—and I’m not talking about mine. I’m talking about everyone else in this room. This promotion isn’t about a single person. It’s about all the people I’ve had the privilege to serve with. To the Airmen I’ve worked alongside—you’ve inspired me and continue to. Airmen are the magic.”
Deibert closed by saying he views his new role not as a reward, but as a responsibility.
“This wasn’t in my original plan. But I’m humbled and grateful for the support. Stay strong, be proud, and fly for the brand.”
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Air Force song, followed by the Army song—in honor of his father, Corporal August Anton Deibert.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LISBON, May 18 (Xinhua) — The center-right Democratic Alliance coalition led by Portugal’s incumbent Prime Minister Luis Montenegro won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election, exit polls showed.
However, the coalition failed to obtain the 116 seats needed for a parliamentary majority and therefore will not be able to form a government on its own. –0–
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL7
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 287 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 340 PM CDT Sun May 18 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of South Central Kansas Western and Central Oklahoma Northeast Texas Panhandle
* Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 340 PM until 1000 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to 3 inches in diameter likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
SUMMARY…Supercell thunderstorms are expected to rapidly intensify along a dryline and warm front and spread across the watch area through the evening. Very large hail and a few tornadoes are possible.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles west northwest of Russell KS to 25 miles south southwest of Fort Sill OK. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 286…
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25030.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW7 WW 287 TORNADO KS OK TX 182040Z – 190300Z AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 45WNW RSL/RUSSELL KS/ – 25SSW FSI/FORT SILL OK/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /31ESE HLC – 20N SPS/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.
LAT…LON 39099810 34319717 34319997 39090109
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU7.
Watch 287 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
High (70%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Mod (60%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
High (80%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
High (80%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (>95%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jye Marshall, Lecturer, Fashion Design, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology
The family and friends are all gathered, wedding bells are ringing, and the bride walks down the aisle in her beautiful bubblegum pink wedding dress.
Twenty years ago, this would have raised some eyebrows. But not so much now, as a growing number of women opt to buck the traditional bridal gown for more unique and colourful finery.
The origins of the white wedding dress
The white wedding gown tradition wasn’t cemented in the West until the 19th century. Before then, brides across Europe wore all manner of hues on their wedding day, including reds, blues, yellows, and even black (often in cases where the bride was mourning a close family member).
During the Victorian era (1837–1901), fashion trends were heavily influenced by the wealthy, and especially by the royal families. So it was Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding that truly kicked off the white wedding gown trend.
In a bridal context, the colour white often came to be associated with “purity” – symbolism that can be traced back to ancient Rome, where white was worn by brides and by “vestal virgins” – the priestesses who served in the cult of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth.
In the decades following Queen Victoria’s wedding, we continued to see British royal brides adorned in shades of white, and particularly ivory, cementing what a traditional wedding dress should look like.
Breaking the mould
That said, this tradition might now be on its way out, reflecting broader shifts in societal attitudes towards marriage.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a steady long-term decline in the percentage of people getting married – as well as an increase in the median marriage age for both men and women.
Australia has also become increasingly multicultural. And with more multicultural marriages comes a unique blend of marriage traditions and colour palettes. For instance, in many Asian cultures, including Chinese and Vietnamese, it is customary to wear red due to its positive associations with luck, joy and happiness.
Religious adherence also has a role to play in the overall aesthetic of modern weddings. A growing number of young Australians are identifying as non-religious, which means they’re less likely to partake in a church wedding with a puffy white tulle dress.
Without religious protocols to follow, young couples are expressing their own youthful values at their weddings – and this often includes a more laid-back approach to dressing.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017 has also prompted bridal stores to cater to a wider market by offering a greater variety of non-traditional colours and silhouettes.
For decades, celebrities have been innovators delivering shock value on their special day. Back in 1954, Marilyn Monroe wore a dark brown suit to her second wedding with Joe DiMaggio. Some 15 years later, Audrey Hepburn got married in a pink Givenchy minidress.
Today’s stars are following suit. In 2018, singer Mandy Moore donned a pink dress on her wedding day, while model Emily Ratijowsky chose a bright yellow Zara pantsuit.
In Australia, designers have spent decades distancing themselves from the typical European influence to forge their own fashion identity. One such person, Akira Isogawa, helped develop the bridal landscape throughout the 1990s, by pushing the boundaries of the “traditional bride”.
The Japanese-born designer brings his own flavour to bridal dresses by infusing them with Eastern elements such as different coloured silks, hand-embroidered motifs, unique beading and even woven fabric. He has also showcased his designs internationally, helping expand Australia’s fashion identity on a world stage.
Impacts on the industry
Despite the move away from traditional wedding gowns, bridal stores are expected to grow their revenue over the next few years. And the industry as a whole will likely continue to contribute to overconsumption by capitalising on the shift away from tradition.
Many stores have changed their business model to cater for more women picking off-the-rack gowns due to financial pressures. According to one industry report, about 17% of brides in 2024 had a custom wedding dress made, compared to 75% purchasing a dress off-the rack, and 7% purchasing a second-hand dress.
At the same time, a number of new fashion technologies are supporting the next generation of onshore manufacturing by allowing the creation of hyper-personalised dresses. In the future, it may be common for brides to co-design their off-the-rack wedding dress.
This may just be the tip of the iceberg of the non-traditional bridal movement. Australian weddings are starting to take their own shape, becoming less about formality and more about celebrating what couples value the most.
While we won’t see every bride walking down the aisle in colours like fuchsia pink, we can expect to see more brides opt for softer pastels over shades of white.
Ideally, the bridal industry would slow down in adopting new trends and instead focus on “localism” practices, wherein consumers are looped into the process of how their clothes are made. This would emphasise sustainability through local production and consumption, while also contributing to local fashion cultures.
Jye Marshall is a member of The Australian Fashion Council and Ethical Clothing Australia Accreditation.
Australia has become world-famous for its wine, but the industry faces an uncertain future. Too many grapes grown amid falling consumer demand, an oversupply of budget wine, and an undersupply of premium wine are just some of the problems besetting the industry.
There are still many small and medium-sized wineries across Australia. But the industry is dominated by a few large players, as well as “vertical integration” with ownership linkages between wineries and retailers.
Just this month, a merger between global drinks giant Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine brands and Accolade Wines (one of Australia’s largest winemakers) was completed, creating a new giant – Vinarchy – to be based in Adelaide with A$1.5 billion in annual revenue.
This move will involve an estimated cull of up to 50 wine brands, which speaks to a broader story of growing concentration. Numerous Australian wine companies have come up for sale in recent years, and the industry is undergoing rationalisation.
The current pressures will require an overall reduction in wine production, and a focus on premium over ordinary wines. Grape-growers and some smaller wineries are likely to be most affected.
Still the top drop
According to Wine Australia, the Australian wine industry currently has about 6,000 grape growers and 2,156 wineries. It employs 163,790 people (full- and part-time) and contributes $45 billion to the Australian economy each year.
This large size shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Wine is the most popular alcoholic drink in Australia. But troubles have been brewing for the industry for years.
Domestic wine consumption has been in steady decline, down 9% since 2016–17.
However, the picture is nuanced. Wine isn’t a staple product; it is a discretionary purchase. Prices in Australia can range from less than $5 to well over $1,000 per bottle, and palates vary significantly among consumers.
Price is generally regarded as an indicator of quality. Wine selling in Australia in the “ordinary” price range of less than $15 per bottle is declining, but wine selling in the “premium” ($15 per bottle and above) price range is increasing.
In the face of decreased global wine consumption, Australia’s shrinking domestic market has also been faced with a steady decline in wine exports. This is problematic for producers looking to exports to offset declines in domestic sales.
A warm country
These woes are impacting the wine industry in different ways at different points along the supply chain. Let’s start with grape-growing.
The current challenge is for growers of “ordinary-quality” grapes in the shrinking marketplace. The Riverina and Riverland areas are the main grape-producing areas of Australia and achieve a low price per tonne.
There is still high demand for “premium-quality” grapes but these are generally grown in select regions of Australia, typically with a cooler climate.
Unsurprisingly, grapes from warm inland regions of Australia account for 72% of wine grape production, at an average price of $345 per tonne, whereas grapes from cool temperate regions achieve an average price of $1,531 per tonne.
The future impacts of climate change need to be assessed, and are already playing into growers’ decisions. Cooler regions are becoming more highly sought after for grape-growing.
Coupled with increased demand for premium grapes, this will make warm inland regions increasingly problematic. Unlike seasonally planted crops such as vegetables and grain, new grape vines require three years after planting before bearing decent levels of fruit. Farmers must determine the most appropriate long-term use of their land.
Concerns about climate change are driving interest in cool regions – such as Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. Marcin Madry/Shutterstock
The challenge of standing out
Many of Australia’s 2,156 wineries are small-scale (typically privately owned). Other wineries are much larger, with extensive resources. Most consumers are largely unaware of most of these wineries – how many wine brands can you list?
Such diversity already presents a challenge for various wineries trying to market themselves. Adding to this, a large number of Australian wine brands are owned by just a few large industry players, some with links to retailers via vertical integration.
Standing out in a crowded market is a big challenge for small producers. Sirbouman/Shutterstock
How can wineries survive?
With the trend towards less consumption overall, and towards premium-quality wines instead of ordinary-quality wines, some wineries may need to shift their focus.
On the challenges facing the industry, acclaimed Victorian winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner told me:
We need a better balance of supply and demand and especially more emphasis on top quality wines at reasonable prices.
Why this matters to you
If you’re a wine drinker, current wine industry issues may seem irrelevant. But the ongoing oversupply of ordinary-quality wine for the near future offers plenty of price discounts.
For consumers of premium wines, given current high demand, be wary: does what you’re getting quality-wise match the price? Some wines marketed at high prices don’t have the quality to match.
Consumers may wish to increase direct contact with wineries (via cellar doors, websites and mailing lists) and independent retailers to expand their options.
Winners and losers will emerge as inevitable industry change occurs.
Paul Chad 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: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chiara Holgate, Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century, Australian National University
Swathes of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in the grip of drought as they experience some of the lowest rainfall totals on record.
Farmers are spending eye-watering amounts of money buying feed, or selling stock to stay afloat.
Some towns are already on water restrictions. Those not connected to the mains water system are in a perilous situation. In the Adelaide Hills, water is being trucked in to fill empty rainwater tanks and dams.
The story playing out across southern Australia could be a glimpse of what’s to come. Our recent research suggests southern Australia may experience longer and more intense droughts in the future, as the climate changes.
Parts of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are experiencing serious rainfall deficiencies. Australian Bureau of Meteorology
How bad is this drought?
Parts of southern Australia have been experiencing drier than normal conditions for well over a year.
In Adelaide, the desalination plant has ramped up to maintain water supply. Similarly, Victoria’s desal plant has fired up for the first time since 2022 as dam levels fall.
These kinds of weather systems have been notably absent from southern Australia in recent months. Instead, slow-moving high-pressure systems, which typically bring warm and dry conditions, have been the standout feature across southern Australia.
For Australia, the driest inhabited continent, heavy rains are what keep drought at bay. Last spring and summer, drought conditions were building in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales. But then Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rains, dumping up to four times as much rain as these areas usually get in February and March.
Similarly, heavy rains at the end of last year helped parts of northern and central WA avoid drought conditions.
Unfortunately, western Victoria and southern SA have had no such luck.
Drought is more likely to break if weather systems and climate drivers are favorable, such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in its negative phase, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in its wet phase, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in its La Niña phase, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) in its negative phase and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) active. Background climate change can affect all of these drivers. Holgate et al 2025 Communications Earth & Environment, CC BY-NC-ND
How long will the drought last?
If farmers, water authorities and policymakers knew how much longer this drought would last, they could make clear plans. Keep or sell livestock? Impose water restrictions or wait?
Unfortunately, drought timing is very hard to predict. As our research shows, the climate processes that bring weather systems laden with heavy rain are complex.
But we do know heavy and persistent rain is needed to break the drought. And the current forecast shows there’s a decent chance of that as we head towards spring. Though forecasts can change, and those with skin in the game will have their eyes glued to next month’s update to the Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook.
It also helps that we’re heading into what’s usually the rainier time of year. This means the odds of receiving decent rain are higher at this time of year than if we were heading into summer.
Climate and water long-range forecast, issued 15 May 2025 (Bureau of Meteorology)
Dry and drier
Over the past few decades, southern Australia has become drier. Drying has been most pronounced during the cooler months, between April and October. Some parts of southern Australia have also become more drought-prone, with the number of months spent in drought increasing over this time.
Maps of the current dry conditions across southern Australia closely follow the regions projected to experience longer and more frequent drought conditions in future.
It’s too early to draw a clear line between climate change and this particular drought. But the weight of evidence shows southern droughts are likely to strike more often in the future. The Tinderbox Drought from 2017–19, for instance, was the first Australian drought to show a possible worsening from climate change.
The good news? We now know more about how Australian droughts work. This means we can now be more confident in the direction of Australia’s water future than in past decades.
We must urgently use this new knowledge to develop innovative solutions that will allow Australia to thrive in a climate of increasingly variable water availability. Solutions will involve setting sustainable limits on water use, introducing water recycling and improving efficiency, among other measures.
Though solutions may look different in different parts of Australia, one thing rings true everywhere: we all need to make every drop count.
Chiara Holgate receives funding from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century.
Ailie Gallant receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Medicinal cannabis refers to legally prescribed cannabis products. These are either the plant itself, or naturally occurring ingredients extracted from the plant. These ingredients, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are also made in labs to act like the ones in the plant.
Medicinal cannabis comes in different forms, such as oils, capsules, dried flower (used in a vaporiser), sprays and edible forms such as gummies.
Since regulatory changes in 2016 made medicinal cannabis more accessible, Australia’s regulator has issued more than 700,000 approvals. (But approvals for medicinal cannabis don’t reflect the actual number of patients treated. One patient may have multiple approvals, and not all approved products are necessarily prescribed or supplied.)
Around half of the approvals have been for chronic pain that isn’t caused by cancer.
In Australia, chronic pain affects around one in five Australians aged 45 and over, with an enormous impact on people’s lives.
So what does the current evidence tell us about the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain?
What the evidence shows
A 2021 review of 32 randomised controlled trials involving nearly 5,200 people with chronic pain, examined the effects of medicinal cannabis or cannabinoids. The study found a small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared with a placebo.
A previous review found that to achieve a 30% reduction in pain for one person, 24 people would need to be treated with medicinal cannabis.
The 2021 review also found small improvements in sleep, and no consistent benefits for other quality of life measures, consistent with previous reviews.
This doesn’t mean medicinal cannabis doesn’t help anyone. But it suggests that, on average, the benefits are limited to a smaller number of people.
Many pain specialists have questioned if the evidence for medicinal cannabis is sufficient to support its use for pain.
The Faculty of Pain Medicine, the professional body dedicated to the training and education of specialist pain physicians, recommends medical cannabis should be limited to clinical trials.
Guidance from Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), on medicinal cannabis for chronic non-cancer pain reflects these uncertainties.
The TGA states there is limited evidence medicinal cannabis provides clinically significant pain relief for many pain conditions. Therefore, the potential benefits versus harms should be considered patient-by-patient.
The TGA says medicinal cannabis should only be trialled when other standard therapies have been tried and did not provide enough pain relief.
In terms of which type of medical cannabis product to use, due to concerns about the safety of inhaled cannabis, the TGA considers pharmaceutical-grade products (such as nabiximols or extracts containing THC and/or CBD) to be safer.
This evidence may feel at odds with the experiences of people who report relief from medicinal cannabis.
In clinical practice, it’s common for individuals to respond differently based on their health conditions, beliefs and many other factors. What works well for one person may not work for another.
Research helps us understand what outcomes are typical or expected for most people, but there is variation. Some people may find medicinal cannabis improves their pain, sleep or general well-being – especially if other treatments haven’t helped.
What are the side effects and risks?
Like any medicine, medicinal cannabis has potential side effects. These are usually mild to moderate, including drowsiness or sedation, dizziness, impaired concentration, a dry mouth, nausea and cognitive slowing.
These side effects are often greater with higher-potency THC products. These are becoming more common on the Australian market. High-potency THC products represent more than half of approvals in 2025.
After using cannabis for a long time, some people need to take higher doses to get the same effect. Nuva Frames/Shutterstock
Medical cannabis can also interact with other medications, especially those that cause drowsiness (such as opioids), medicines for mental illness, anti-epileptics, blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
Even cannabidiol (CBD), which isn’t considered intoxicating like THC, has been linked to serious drug interactions.
These risks are greater when cannabis is prescribed by a doctor who doesn’t regularly manage the patient’s chronic pain or isn’t in contact with their other health-care providers. Since medicinal cannabis is often prescribed through separate telehealth clinics, this fragmented care may increase the risk of harmful interactions.
Another concern is developing cannabis use disorder (commonly understood as “addiction”). A 2024 study found one in four people using medical cannabis develop a cannabis use disorder. Withdrawal symptoms – such as irritability, sleep problems, or cravings – can occur with frequent and heavy use.
For some people, tolerance can also develop with long-term use, meaning you need to take higher doses to get the same effect. This can increase the risk of developing a cannabis use disorder.
How does it compare to other treatments?
Like many medicines for chronic pain, the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis is modest, and is not recommended as a sole treatment.
There’s good evidence that, for conditions like back pain, interventions such as exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy and pain self-management education can help and may have fewer risks than many medicines.
But there are challenges with how accessible and affordable these treatments are for many Australians, especially outside major cities.
So where does this leave patients?
The growing use of medicinal cannabis for chronic pain reflects both a high burden of pain in the community and gaps in access to effective care. While some patients report benefits, the current evidence suggests these are likely to be small for most people, and must be weighed against the risks.
If you are considering medicinal cannabis, it’s important to talk to your usual health-care provider, ideally one familiar with your full medical history, to help you decide the best approaches to help manage your pain.
Suzanne Nielsen receives funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside government and philanthropic organisations to conduct independent research.. She is the president-elect for the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs. She serves as a consultant for the World Health Organization. She has contributed to independent reviews of the evidence on medical cannabis for government organisations include Worksafe and the TGA.
Myfanwy Graham receives funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside government and university institutes. Myfanwy has served as a consultant for the UNODC, WHO and NASEM. She is an appointed member of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group. This article does not represent the views of the TGA or the Expert Working Group.
As Israel continues to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing scores of people a day, the two-month ceasefire that brought a halt to the violence earlier this year feels like a distant memory.
Israel’s overall military and political objective in Gaza hasn’t changed after 19 months of war: it is still seeking the absolute defeat of Hamas and return of the remaining Israeli hostages.
But it is unclear how Hamas will ever be militarily defeated unless there is a complete and unconditional surrender and the laying down of all arms. This appears unlikely, despite the success of Israel’s so-called “decapitation strategy” targeting the Hamas leadership.
And Hamas continues to hold an estimated that 57 Israeli hostages in Gaza, of which up to 24 are believed to still be alive. The group is insisting on guarantees that Israel will end the war before releasing any more hostages.
An ongoing blockade for 18 years
With negotiations at a stalemate, Israel has not only maintained its blockade of Gaza, but strengthened it.
Israel first imposed a land, sea and air blockade of Gaza in 2007 after Hamas came to power. These restrictions have severely limited the movement of people and vehicles across the border, as well as the amount of food, medicine and other goods that have been permitted to go into and out of Gaza.
These controls increased significantly after Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. They’ve been maintained at heightened levels ever since.
The January ceasefire temporarily increased the flow of food, medical aid and other support into Gaza. However, this came to an end in early March when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut off aid again to pressure Hamas to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages. Hostilities resumed soon after.
The United Nations’ humanitarian efforts in Gaza have now come to a “near-standstill”. On May 13, Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, addressed the UN Security Council, stating:
For more than 10 weeks, nothing has entered Gaza – no food, medicine, water or tents. […] Every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face the risk of famine. One in five faces starvation.
Israel denies there are food shortages in Gaza. It says it won’t permit any trucks to enter the strip until a new system is in place to prevent Hamas from siphoning supplies.
International law is clear
Both the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary international law make clear:
The use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare is prohibited.
Under international humanitarian law, Fletcher noted, Israel has the responsibility to ensure aid reaches people in territory it occupies. However, Israel’s method of distributing aid, he said, “makes aid conditional on political and military aims” and “makes starvation a bargaining chip”.
What have the courts found?
International courts have not ignored Israel’s obligations on this front.
In relation Netanyahu and Gallant, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber found:
there are reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies.
As Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, there is no obligation on the government to act on the arrest warrants. Both men remain free to travel as long as they do not enter the territory of a Rome Statute party. (Even then, their arrest is not guaranteed.)
The ICC warrants will remain in effect unless withdrawn by the court. The arrest in March of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted that while ICC investigations may take time, those accused of crimes can eventually be brought before the court to face justice.
This is especially so if there is a change in political leadership in a country that allows an arrest to go ahead.
The case began with high-profile hearings last year when the court issued provisional measures, or orders, requiring Israel to refrain from engaging in any genocidal acts.
The most recent of those orders, issued last May, called on Israel to immediately halt its offensive in Rafah (in southern Gaza) and maintain the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow “unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.
These orders remain in effect. Yet, Rafah today is a “no-go zone” that Gazans have been ordered to evacuate. And Israel’s ongoing blockade of the strip and restrictions on aid and food entering the territory are clearly in defiance of the court.
Late last month, the ICJ began hearings to form an opinion on Israel’s duties to allow aid to enter Gaza. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, criticised the ICJ’s hearings as “another attempt to politicise and abuse the legal process in order to persecute Israel”.
The court’s advisory opinion on this issue is not expected for several months. A final decision on South Africa’s broader case may take years.
So, what can be done?
Reflecting on the situation in Gaza, Fletcher observed at the UN:
This degradation of international law is corrosive and infectious. It is undermining decades of progress on rules to protect civilians from inhumanity and the violent and lawless among us who act with impunity. Humanity, the law and reason must prevail.
Yet, while the Security Council continues to have the situation in Gaza under review, it has proven incapable of acting decisively because of US support for Israel.
The Biden Administration was prepared to use its veto power to block binding Security Council resolutions forcing Israel to respond to the humanitarian crisis. The Trump Administration would no doubt do the same.
However, as Duterte’s arrest shows, international law sometimes does result in action. The finding by another UN body last week that Russia was responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 is another case in point.
As the Dutch foreign minister pointed out in that case, the finding sends a message that “states cannot violate international law with impunity”.
Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milica Stilinovic, PhD Candidate, School of Media and Communications; Managing Editor, Policy & Internet journal, University of Sydney
Artificial intelligence (AI) might not have been created to enable new forms of sexual violence such as deepfake pornography. But that has been an unfortunate byproduct of the rapidly advancing technology.
This is just one example of AI’s many unintended uses.
AI’s intended uses are not without their own problems, including serious copyright concerns. But beyond this, there is much experimentation happening with the rapidly advancing technology. Models and code are shared, repurposed and remixed in public online spaces.
These collaborative, loosely networked communities — what we call “underspheres” in our recently published paper in New Media & Society — are where users experiment with AI rather than simply consume it. These spaces are where generative AI is pushed into unpredictable and experimental directions. And they show why a new approach to regulating AI and mitigating its risks is urgently needed. Climate policy offers some useful lessons.
A limited approach
As AI advances, so do concerns about risk. Policymakers have responded quickly. For example, the European Union AI Act which came into force in 2024 classifies systems by risk: banning “unacceptable” ones, regulating “high-risk” uses, and requiring transparency for lower-risk tools.
Other governments — including those of the United Kingdom, United States and China — are taking similar directions. However, their regulatory approaches differ in scope, stage of development, and enforcement.
But these efforts share a limitation: they’re built around intended use, not the messy, creative and often unintended ways AI is actually being used — especially in fringe spaces.
So, what risks can emerge from creative deviance in AI? And can risk-based frameworks handle technologies that are fluid, remixable and fast-moving?
Sub communities within the larger Reddit platform often experiment with unintential uses of AI. Tada Images/Shutterstock
Experimentation outside of regulation
There are several online spaces where members of the undersphere gather. They include GitHub (a web-based platform for collaborative software development), Hugging Face (a platform that offers ready-to-use machine learning models, datasets, and tools for developers to easily build and launch AI apps) and subreddits (individual communities or forums within the larger Reddit platform).
These environments encourage creative experimentation with generative AI outside regulated frameworks. This experimentation can include instructing models to avoid intended behaviours – or do the opposite. It can also include creating mashups or more powerful variations of generative AI by remixing software code that is made publicly available for anyone to view, use, modify and distribute.
The potential harms of this experimentation are highlighted by the proliferation of deepfake pornography. So too are the limits of the current approach to regulation rapidly advancing technology such as AI.
Deepfake technology wasn’t originally developed to create non-consensual pornographic videos and images. But this is ultimately what happened within subreddit communities, beginning in 2017. Deepfake pornography then quickly spread from this undersphere into the mainstream; a recent analysis of more than 95,000 deepfake videos online found 98% of them were deep fake pornography videos.
It was not until 2019 – years after deepfake pornography first emerged – that attempts to regulate it began to emerge globally. But these attempts were too rigid to capture the new ways deepfake technology was being used by then to cause harm. What’s more, the regulatory efforts were sporadic and inconsistent between states. This impeded efforts to protect people – and democracies – from the impacts of deepfakes globally.
This is why we need regulation that can march in step with emerging technologies and act quickly when unintended use prevails.
Embracing uncertainty, complexity and change
A way to look at AI governance is through the prism of climate change. Climate change is also the result of many interconnected systems interacting in ways we can’t fully control — and its impacts can only be understood with a degree of uncertainty.
Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to confront this challenge: to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks. And although this framework has yet to demonstrate its ability to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has succeeded in sustaining global attention over the years on emerging climate risks and their complex impacts.
At the same time it has provided a forum where responsibilities and potential solutions can be publicly debated.
A similar governance framework should also be adopted to manage the spread of AI. This framework should consider the interconnected risks caused by generative AI tools linking with social media platforms. It should also consider cascading risks, as content and code are reused and adapted. And it should consider systemic risks, such as declining public trust or polarised debate.
Importantly, this framework must also involve diverse voices. Like climate change, generative AI won’t affect just one part of society — it will ripple through many. And the challenge is how to adapt with it.
Applied to AI, climate change governance approaches could help promote preemptive action in the wake of unforeseen use (such as in the case of deepfake porn) before the issue becomes widespread.
Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks. Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock
Avoiding the pitfalls of climate governance
While climate governance offers a useful model for adaptive, flexible regulation, it also brings important warnings that must be avoided.
But, when it comes to AI governance, this all-too-familiar climate stalemate brings with it important lessons for the realm of AI governance.
First, we need to find ways to align public oversight with self-regulation and transparency on the part of AI developers and suppliers.
Second, we need to think about generative AI risks at a global scale. International cooperation and coordination are essential.
Finally, we need to accept that AI development and experimentation will persist, and craft regulations that respond to this in order to keep our societies safe.
Francesco Bailo has received funding from Meta and from Australia’s Department of Defence.
Jonathon Hutchinson and Milica Stilinovic do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
NEW YORK, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monexis today announced the official launch of its revamped multi-asset trading platform, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering bespoke strategies, real-time analytics, and round-the-clock support to traders on every continent. Built around the principle that “one strategy never fits all,” Monexis empowers clients to trade with confidence by melding personalized guidance with cutting-edge technology.
“Success in today’s markets demands more than fast execution—it demands insight tailored to each individual,” said a Monexis spokesperson. “Our platform was engineered to translate sophisticated research into clear, actionable plans for every trader, from the first-time investor to the seasoned professional.”
Personalization at the Core Monexis’s advisory teams craft individualized trading roadmaps aligned to each client’s goals and risk tolerance. Proprietary analytics transform vast market data into concrete entry and exit signals, while intuitive progress dashboards let users track performance against customized milestones.
A Platform Designed for an Edge The newly upgraded interface delivers:
Real-time market data and price alerts across equities, forex, commodities, and digital assets
Integrated portfolio management for holistic oversight in one view
Institutional-grade charting tools to test and refine strategies on the fly
Ultra-fast order routing that minimizes latency and slippage
Lifelong Learning & 24/7 Support Recognizing that knowledge is the trader’s greatest asset, Monexis maintains an expansive resource library ranging from foundational tutorials to advanced strategy webinars. Live chat specialists and account managers are available 24 hours a day, ensuring users receive guidance whenever markets move.
Truly Global Reach From New York and São Paulo to Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Sydney, Monexis connects clients to the pulse of international finance. Multi-language newsfeeds and macro-economic briefings keep traders abreast of policy shifts, earnings trends, and geopolitical developments—helping them seize opportunities wherever they arise.
Six Reasons Traders Choose Monexis
Advanced trading technology for seamless, lightning-fast execution
Personalized customer support and strategy design
Direct access to major global markets around the clock
Comprehensive educational programs tailored to every skill level
Competitive trading conditions with tight spreads and flexible leverage
Robust security and regulatory compliance rooted in transparency and trust
Values That Drive Success Honesty, responsibility, innovation, excellence, and team spirit define the Monexis culture. These principles underpin continuous platform improvements and reinforce the company’s dedication to building long-term, transparent relationships with its clients.
About Monexis Monexis is a New York–based trading firm providing personalized strategies and state-of-the-art tools to clients worldwide. Leveraging deep market analysis and innovative technologies, Monexis supports traders at every stage—offering a full spectrum of instruments that spans traditional shares and ETFs to cutting-edge cryptocurrency products.
Prospective traders can explore the platform and begin their journey to trading excellence by visiting https://monexis.org.
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Monexis. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ONFA FINTECH USA, a subsidiary ofMETTITECH GROUP HOLDINGS, has signed a strategic agreement backed byMetti Capital Fundingto expand its blockchain-based digital banking platform. This strategic move aims to strengthen ONFA’s technological capabilities and accelerate its growth in the global decentralized finance (DeFi) market.
ONFA FINTECH USA: Next-Generation Banking Meets Blockchain and AI
ONFA FINTECH USA operates at the intersection of blockchain innovation and artificial intelligence, offering a next-generation digital banking ecosystem that prioritizes security, efficiency and decentralization. Designed with multi-layered encryption and two-factor authentication, ONFA ensures that users’ digital assets are protected at the highest level against loss or unauthorized access.
At the core of ONFA’s ecosystem is the ONFA Wallet – a secure, AI-powered, multi-currency wallet that facilitates seamless crypto transactions and intelligent asset management. Building on this foundation, ONFA has launched a full-featured ecosystem that connects blockchain assets to real-world utility:
– Stable Staking: Allows users to stake stablecoins such as USDT and VNDT with annual returns of up to 121%. Featuring daily rewards, flexible terms and AI-enhanced strategies, Staking empowers users to maximize idle assets with minimal effort.
– ONFA Savings: A flexible and secure savings solution designed for the digital age. Offering attractive interest rates and seamless mobile integration, ONFA Savings allows users to manage their finances anytime, anywhere. With ONFA Savings, users can enjoy passive income with returns of up to 35% APY, making it an ideal option for long-term financial growth.
– ONFA Share: A profit-sharing model in which users receive a share of profits generated across the entire ONFA ecosystem (from transaction fees, product revenues, etc.). This initiative fosters community involvement and financial alignment.
– NFT Mining: A revolutionary method that allows users to earn OFT tokens daily without the need for expensive equipment or high electricity costs. Unlike traditional mining, ONFA NFT Mining only requires users to hold an officially issued NFT in their wallet. With a maximum holding period of 720 days, users receive daily OFT rewards, offering a stable and long-term income stream.
– ONFA Stake: A strategic staking program designed to help users grow their digital assets securely and sustainably. With fixed USDT returns, a 100% principal refund guarantee and preferential exchange rates, ONFA Stake offers a simple and transparent way to participate in the evolving digital finance ecosystem.
– ONFA Lottery: A blockchain-powered lottery system that ensures fairness and transparency. With just 10 OFT per ticket and more than 5,500 successful rounds, users can participate for a chance to win valuable digital rewards.
– Sagaha Foundation: A pioneering blockchain-based charitable initiative, seamlessly integrated with ONFA Wallet. By accepting donations in USDT, OHOand other supported cryptocurrencies,Sagaha ensures full transparency and builds greater trust among global donors. With ONFA, the foundation supports critical humanitarian missions across Asia. Through the power of blockchain, Sagaha goes beyond traditional finance to create tangible, life-changing impact where it’s needed most.
Strategic Funding to Power Global Growth
In June 2024, ONFA FINTECH USA secured strategic backing from Metti Capital Funding, underscoring strong investor confidence in ONFA’s bold vision for the future of decentralized finance (DeFi), AI-powered finance and blockchain-based banking. According to Mr. Nathan Ho (CEO), the capital will be allocated toward:
– Enhancing the scalability and cybersecurity of the ONFA Wallet.
– Expanding AI-powered financial tools for smart asset management and automated trading.
– Scaling global operations to make ONFA’s banking ecosystem more accessible in underserved and emerging markets.
“This funding marks a pivotal moment in our journey to make decentralized finance universally accessible – from city centers to remote communities, from crypto veterans to first-time users,”said Mr. Nathan Ho, CEO. “Our goal is to build a future where secure, intelligent and borderless financial tools are available to all.”
With this milestone,ONFAreaffirms its commitment to democratizing access to digital finance
and reshaping the future of banking through decentralized, intelligent and inclusive technologies.
Contact: 7777 Center Avenue, Suite 210 Huntington Beach, California 92647, USA
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the ONFA FINTECH USA CORPORATION. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KHARTOUM, May 18 (Xinhua) — At least 14 civilians were killed Sunday in El Fasher, capital of western Sudan’s North Darfur state, after artillery strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), local volunteer groups said.
“14 civilians were killed today as a result of artillery shelling by the RSF,” the Coordination Group of Resistance Committees in El Fasher said in a statement.
It is noted that the targets of the shelling were the Naivasha market in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons and several neighborhoods in the northern part of El Fasher.
The Abu Shouk camp emergency department confirmed in a statement that 14 people were killed in the artillery shelling carried out by the RSF.
“The scale of losses is significant, due to the security situation we cannot yet establish the total number of dead and wounded,” the medical service said.
Meanwhile, the volunteer NGO Sudanese Doctors Network reported that 19 people were killed and 28 others were injured in “deliberate shelling” by the SRF on city neighbourhoods and the Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons in El Fasher.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tbilisi, May 18 (Xinhua) — China is an important strategic market for Georgian wine, where a marketing campaign is being actively carried out to increase awareness and expand exports of Georgian wines, the Georgian National Wine Agency said on Sunday.
According to the organization, 1.12 million liters of Georgian wine were exported from Georgia to China in January-April of this year, which is 78 percent more than in the same period last year. “Thus, China has firmly taken its place among the top five largest countries exporting Georgian wine,” the agency noted.
With the financial and organizational support of the National Wine Agency, in 2025 Georgian wines will be actively represented in such strategic markets as China, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Poland, the Republic of Korea and Japan.
In 2024, Georgia exported 95 million liters of wine and spirits to 72 countries worldwide for a total of about $565 million. –0–
arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul marched in the JCRC-NY Israel Day on Fifth parade.
B-ROLL of the Governor during the parade can be found on YouTube and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Thank you, Mark, and all the members of JCRC and Eric Goldstein for all the great work you do with UJA and all of the supporters of Israel who are gathered here today. Make your voices heard.
You can do better than that. I want them to hear you across the ocean. Let them know as John Kennedy — if you allow me to quote another Irish Catholic because that’s what I am. You okay with me quoting John Kennedy?
He said, “Israel in 1960 was the child of hope”. That is the theme of our parade. And they said they’ll always overcome adversity because — my God, they are resilient people. They were tested then at the birth of this nation and they’re continuing to be tested today.
And as I said last year — speaking about the hostages — I went there and I met Keith’s family in Israel days after they were taken hostage. We gathered, all of us went together. And we said, “We will not rest until every single one of them is brought home.” Never in the wildest dreams did I think that 589 days later, there’d still be 60 – 60 hostages waiting to come home. Some alive and some have not made it.
My God, we will not rest until these three words become a reality. “Bring them home.”
Bring them home. Bring them home. Thank you. We’re going to continue supporting Israel. Always here in the great State of New York. Thank you.
This year’s budget will be one of the tightest in a decade, with the New Zealand government halving its operating allowance – the new money it has available to spend – from NZ$2.4 billion to $1.3 billion.
The cut reflects weaker than expected growth owing to global economic turmoil. It also highlights just how difficult it is to predict what is going to happen when it comes to the economy.
Economies are dynamic systems where relationships between variables shift. Even the current state of the economy is uncertain due to data revisions and lags in reporting.
Despite this uncertainty, governments have to assume paths for revenue and expenditure to make meaningful plans.
As forecasts changed, so did those plans. By the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU 2024), released in December 2024, the goal of an operating surplus had been pushed back to 2029.
The table below shows the change in the 2027 forecasts for key economic indicators between the two fiscal updates.
Nominal gross domestic product (GDP) measures the value of goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. It is a key determinant of tax revenue. Real GDP measures the volume of output of the New Zealand economy.
Ultimately, the 2027 nominal GDP forecast at the half-year update was weaker than expected. This weakness was driven by lower than expected output, not by changes in prices.
The 2027 forecast tax revenue fell even more sharply than the nominal GDP forecast. This was in part due to the government’s personal income tax cuts which have been costed at $3.7 billion a year.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned that the 2025 budget will be very tight, reflecting uncertainty in the global economy. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Research has shown that United States-based uncertainty spills over into the New Zealand economy by making firms more pessimistic about the future. This pessimism leads to firms delaying investment, ultimately reducing potential output in the future.
Potential output is important as it represents the economy’s capacity to grow without generating inflation. Potential GDP is affected by productivity, which has also been weaker than expected and one of the reasons Treasury lowered its forecasts after the pre-election fiscal update.
The lesson from all of this
New Zealand is running a structural budget deficit. That means the government is spending more than it earns, even accounting for the fact that governments automatically spend more and tax less in economic downturns.
These deficits add to government debt, which can limit future spending and taxation choices. High debt can also hamper the government’s ability to assist in counteracting the next downturn if the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate is already near zero.
It can also limit the ability of the government to respond to external shocks such as disasters or extreme weather events. These concerns are possibly behind the government’s goal of returning to surplus by 2029.
But there are counter-arguments. With pressing needs in many areas, some argue the government should be spending more now to boost productivity and growth. These contrasting views reflect a legitimate debate about values and priorities.
Still, one point is clear: weaker than expected economic growth since the pre-election update has made the trade-offs between present and future fiscal choices more acute.
The takeaway is that economic growth is essential for expanding the resources available to both households and governments. This is so they can spend money on things they deem important both now and in the future.
A growing economy is not just about producing more for prestige – it’s about creating the economic and fiscal resources to improve lives both now and in the future.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Four of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading environmental organisations have today issued a joint open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, urging him to reject the Regulatory Standards Bill in full.
The Regulatory Standards Bill is being discussed in Cabinet on Monday, 19 May 2025.
The open letter, signed by the executive directors of Forest & Bird, Greenpeace Aotearoa, the Environmental Defence Society (EDS), and WWF-New Zealand, describes the Regulatory Standards Bill as “an unprecedented threat” to environmental protection, climate action, and the country’s democratic and constitutional foundations.
The organisations warn the Bill would create a dangerous new precedent where governments are expected to compensate companies if new environmental protections interfere with their property, effectively turning the polluters pay principle on its head.
RCMP NL’s Major Crimes Unit has charged 27-year-old Michael Tuglavina with first degree murder and attempted murder following a complaint of an assault in Hopedale on Friday.
During the evening of May 16, 2025, Hopedale RCMP responded to an urgent complaint of an assault at a local residence in the community. Upon their arrival, police officers discovered a deceased male inside of the residence with injuries indicative of foul play, and a second victim nearby who had sustained serious injuries.
A brief shelter in place order was issued for the community, and suspect was quickly identified and was arrested by the RCMP within a short period of time. The RCMP Major Crime Unit assumed control of the investigation and charged 27-year-old Michael Tuglavina on May 17, 2025 with first degree murder and attempted murder. He currently remains in custody.
The suspect and the victims are known to one another. There is currently no known risk to public safety.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the community over the next few days as officers with the RCMP Major Crimes Unit are in the community continuing the investigation.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing
RCMP NL extends condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this most difficult time.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the prime ministers of Australia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Croatia, as well as the presidents of Israel, Ireland, Paraguay, and Nigeria, on the margins of the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Prime Minister underscored his new government’s mandate to diversify trade, build a stronger economy, and deepen commercial ties with partners. To that end, he welcomed partnership on shared priorities.
During his conversation with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Carney reiterated the need for Hamas to release all hostages and stressed the imperative of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He called for urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid to reach civilians and affirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution. The Prime Minister and the President agreed that Hamas must lay down its weapons and have no future role in the governance of Gaza.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy H. McCain, on the margins of the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for the World Food Programme and its lifesaving work in Gaza. To that end, he emphasized Canada’s $100 million support earlier this year for the United Nations and other trusted partners in providing food and humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Carney reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Coast Guard celebrates National Safe Boating Week, May 17 to May 23, urging all mariners and beachgoers to practice safe recreational boating ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. National Safe Boating Week, leading up to the Memorial Day weekend, is recognized as the unofficial start for the boating season.
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 18 (Xinhua) — The Israeli army on Sunday announced a large-scale move into “many areas” of the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health officials said airstrikes overnight and early morning killed at least 67 people, including many women and children.
The Israeli military said ground forces, including reservists, had launched “large-scale operations” in the north and south of the Palestinian enclave in an operation code-named “Gideon’s Chariots.” The campaign marks a new stage in Israel’s 20-month-old war against the Palestinian Hamas movement and other armed groups.
Palestinian sources said Israeli air strikes hit the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, including tents housing displaced civilians.
At least 67 Palestinians have been killed and 361 wounded in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
According to the Israeli army, its forces have killed “dozens” of militants, eliminated ground and underground military infrastructure and now occupy strategic positions in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, delegations from Israel and Hamas have gathered in the Qatari capital Doha for another round of proximity talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire and releasing the hostages. Diplomats say progress remains elusive as both sides remain firm in their positions. –0–
SYDNEY, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP’s bullish momentum continues to shake the crypto world, XenDex is quickly becoming the most anticipated DeFi launch on the XRP Ledger. With its soft cap already filled and the hard cap nearly complete, the $XDX presale is approaching full sellout, but there’s still time to secure tokens before listings and price hikes.
XenDex is developing the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) on XRPL, offering a seamless user experience that combines everything XRP has been missing. Currently in development, Version 1 of the platform is nearing release, and a first-look UI mockup will be shared in the coming days to showcase how all its DeFi features work together in one intuitive dashboard.
In addition, XenDex will undergo its first third-party smart contract security audit this week, demonstrating its commitment to transparency, security, and long-term trust.
What Makes XenDex Stand Out
XenDex is developing a unified DeFi solution on XRPL with the following key features:
AI-Powered Copy Trading
Non-Custodial Lending & Borrowing
Cross-Chain Trading (Solana, Ethereum, BNB Chain)
Staking & Yield Farming
DAO Governance via $XDX
Presale buyers will receive exclusive early access to the XenDex platform upon launch.
With the SEC lawsuit withdrawn, XRP ETFs gaining momentum, and analysts projecting $1,000 XRP long-term, XenDex is rising at the perfect time with its first third-party smart contract security audit coming up this week, to show commitment to transparency, security, and long-term trust.
Secure your $XDX before the presale closes and become part of XRP’s DeFi evolution.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented.We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article.This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital.It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
SYDNEY, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP makes headlines across the globe, XenDex is capturing investor attention as the most powerful decentralized exchange being built on the XRP Ledger. With its soft cap already filled and the hard cap nearly reached, the final phase of the $XDX presale is now underway — and time is running out.
Thousands of early adopters have already locked in their tokens. With prices set to rise significantly on launch, this is the last chance to buy $XDX at presale pricing before major exchange listings go live.
With institutional capital entering the market, analysts are now predicting $1,000 XRP in the long term — and XenDex is launching at the perfect time to harness this wave.
What Is XenDex?
XenDex is the first all-in-one DEX on XRPL, offering:
Thousands have already joined the XenDex community across Telegram and X (Twitter), locking in their $XDX tokens before exchange listings go live. With the soft cap filled, token supply shrinking, and momentum building by the hour, this is your last best opportunity to buy before price pressure explodes, waiting could mean paying more or missing out entirely.
Join the DeFi revolution on XRPL. Buy $XDX now before the price surge.
Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented.We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article.This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital.It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a historic piece of legislation that empowers ICE to deport the millions of illegal immigrants that entered under Joe Biden, ensures illegal immigrants do not receive food stamps or Medicaid, taxes money illegal aliens send out of the country, and permanently secures the border.
The Big Beautiful Bill includes tens of billions of dollars in expanded ICE detention and calls for hiring a minimum of 10,000 new ICE agents. The House Judiciary Committee says the bill “provides funding for at least 1 million annual removals, 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, and detention capacity sufficient to maintain an average daily population of at least 100,000 aliens.”
As NumbersUSA said in a statement: “For decades Congress has promised to secure the border and failed to deliver. The House Reconciliation bill delivers on the promise of building the border wall, 10,000 ICE officers, detention beds, historic funding for Customs and Border Patrol and a tax on money illegal aliens send out of the country. The Trump Administration needs this funding to deport illegal aliens, millions of whom entered the country over the last four years.”
Even opponents of the President’s agenda acknowledge that this historic legislation will allow ICE to “ramp up mass deportation operations to a level never before seen in American history.”
Put simply, The Big Beautiful Bill will empower Big Beautiful Deportations.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva/Rome – 18 May 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) extends its sincere congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the inauguration of his papacy, which took place today, Sunday 18 May in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV reflected today on a world still marked by discord, fear of the other, the marginalization of the poor and economic systems that continue to weigh heavily on the planet’s resources. From his words emerged a hope for a reconciled world and a renewed spirit of unity.
This vision resonates with IOM’s mission to promote the dignity and rights of all people, including migrants and displaced populations. We welcome this call to look beyond divisions and work together to build more inclusive and humane societies, where everyone can live in safety and with respect, regardless of their origin or status.
