Donald Trump’s efforts to expand presidential power defy the Constitutional separation of powers.zimmytws/iStock via Getty Images
I learned basic civics in my public school. But mostly, because it was more interesting, I also learned civics after school watching the animated series “Schoolhouse Rock,” often with my abuela – my grandmother – who took care of me.
Back then, “Schoolhouse Rock” had a wonderful episode, “Three Ring Government.” In singing narration, the characters explained “about the government, and how it’s arranged, divided in three, like a three-ring circus.”
Those three circles, all the same size, kept each other honest. For many in my generation, those three rings were our introduction to the idea of the checks and balances built into the U.S. government. They include the separation of powers among the legislative, judicial and executive branches.
In short, we learned, Congress passes the laws, the president administers the laws, and the courts interpret the laws.
This elegant but simple system stood in contrast to the nearly unshackled power of the British king, who ruled over the American colonies before independence. And it provided representation for “We the People,” because we vote for members of Congress.
During its first month, the second Trump administration has pushed a new balance of these powers, granting the president expansive and far-reaching authority. These actions imperil the power of elected lawmakers in the House and Senate to pass legislation, oversee the federal government and exercise spending authority.
Most U.S. legal scholars regarded these issues as fairly settled. Trump’s recent actions, however, have unsettled this understanding.
Here are three examples of how the balance of power is being upset by Trump and his administration:
The explanation of the separation of powers in the U.S. government in “Schoolhouse Rock.”
Independent agencies
On Jan. 28, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Gwynne Wilcox, a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board, three years before the end of her five-year term.
The National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB, established in New Deal legislation in 1935, was designed to ensure industrial peace by protecting the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively. Congress created the board as a bipartisan body to resolve allegations of unfair labor practices brought by workers or management.
By design, the board operated independently from Cabinet-level departments. Congress sought to preserve this independence by ensuring that board members serve a fixed term and could be removed only for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.”
This independent structure – shared by other agencies such as the Securities Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – aims to provide regulatory consistency, slightly removed from the political passions of the day.
Wilcox is suing the administration for its apparent violation of Congress’ statutory language by firing her.
“Ms. Wilcox is the first Black woman to serve on the Board, the first Black woman to serve as its Chair, and – if the President’s action is allowed to stand – will also be the first member to be removed from office since the Board’s inception in 1935,” the lawsuit states.
If this case makes it to the Supreme Court, and the court takes the unusual step of reversing itself, its ruling would imperil the independent structure, not just of this agency but of other agencies too.
Asylum laws
Congress created a comprehensive system of laws for processing the asylum claims of people who say they are fleeing persecution or torture to seek protection in the U.S.
These laws allow applicants to show likelihood of harm if they could not stay in the U.S. They were originally adopted in response to humanitarian crises, including when Jews fleeing Nazi Germany were turned away by the U.S., among other countries.
In doing so, Trump ignored critical portions of laws passed by Congress. This move places asylum seekers already in the U.S. in danger of being deported to the countries where they say they face life-threatening persecution or torture.
Congressional spending authority
Protesters near the White House oppose President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans on Jan. 28, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to set spending amounts and priorities for the federal government. By law, the executive branch cannot spend what has not been appropriated – meaning approved by Congress – nor can it stop that spending.
Shortly following the inauguration, however, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget ordered a pause of federal grants and loans to organizations and programs ranging from Head Start to farm subsidies.
Almost immediately, several states, concerned about the loss of essential federal services, filed a lawsuit to halt the freeze. A federal court in Rhode Island sided with the plaintiffs and temporarily stayed the freeze.
The judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that it must “align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities,” calling it “constitutionally flawed.” And he concluded that the president could not act unilaterally under the Constitution.
“Congress has not given the Executive limitless power to broadly and indefinitely pause all funds that it has expressly directed to specific recipients and purposes,” wrote the judge, John J. McConnell, Jr. “The Executive’s actions violate the separation of powers.”
“Schoolhouse Rock” taught that one ring must respect the other coequal rings. What has happened under Trump is one ring expanding in size to swallow up much of another ring – that of Congress.
Yet for the most part, Congress as an institution has mostly remained silent as the executive branch invades its sphere of authority.
Instead, the courts have served as a check on his power by stalling, temporarily, more than a dozen of Trump’s presidential actions that surpass the executive powers permitted under various laws and the Constitution.
Most of these stays are only temporary. They were issued based on the recognition that the immediate harm of unlawful presidential overreach would be difficult to roll back.
In the end, the Supreme Court will likely decide the scope of presidential powers in the various contexts. If they rule in Trump’s favor, the U.S. government will become a one-ring circus run by a kinglike president – precisely what it was never meant to be.
Gwynne Wilcox is a Rutgers Law grad and has spoken to our class.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council, February 2025: UK statement
UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, addresses a Reinforced meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and underlines continued UK support for Ukraine.
Three years ago, when Putin unleashed his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a clear breach of the UN charter, he expected a swift victory. What he got instead was a catastrophic failure.
Putin’s imperial ambitions have killed and injured close to a million in his own forces and driven its economy into the ground. The rouble is plummeting, inflation is soaring, and the deficit at record levels. All for a war that he thought would be over in three days.
The extent of death, destruction, and suffering caused by one man’s selfish ambition is staggering. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and millions more injured, displaced, and in need of urgent help as civilians are relentlessly attacked.
Repeated findings of the Moscow Mechanism and other independent reports document Russian atrocities. There are increasing reports of Russian forces deporting children and using rape, torture and execution as weapons of war. The OSCE is playing a crucial role in securing justice for survivors and victims.
Yet, in the face of this brutality, Ukrainians continue to defend their homeland with extraordinary courage and ingenuity. This proves that, with the right support, they can defy Putin’s barbarism.
The UK has been at the forefront of this effort from day one. Our military support worth £3 billion a year is putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position. And our new 100 Year Partnership cements our unwavering commitment for generations to come.
Make no mistake, Putin’s invasion violates laws and principles which underpin Euro-Atlantic security – including the Helsinki Final Act.
Laws which Russia itself signed up to, and we cannot allow such aggression to succeed.
The days ahead will determine the future security of our continent. This is the moment for all of us to step up. Because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear and because it is fundamental to European security.
That’s why the UK will stand with Ukraine—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Wolverhampton, one of 3 local authorities chosen to take part in the first phase of the Pathfinder, has worked to deliver support to families based on 3 principles:
Delivering family help through local multi disciplinary teams working with partners to provide welcoming and effective support, tailored to the needs of children and families
Where child protection is necessary, it is carried out by social workers with greater expertise and experience, and time to dedicate to the family and child
Greater use of family networks involving the wider family in decision making and with them being the first port of call if a child has to leave the family home. There is enhanced engagement with extended family members and friends to build long term resilience, with a genuine focus on family led planning
Other key objectives of the work being undertaken include ensuring that families are helped at the earliest opportunity so that they can remain together safely so that an escalation of need is prevented and reducing the need for statutory child protection involvement. Where this cannot happen, there will be increased kinship care arrangements to keep children with close family or friends.
Where a child protection response is required, family will be supported by an independent advocate, leading to a better understanding of what is happening. The lead worker remains involved with a family throughout their journey, so that there is consistency for families and an emphasis on building trusted relationships.
Seven more councils joined the Pathfinder in the second phase last year, and funding for the programme has now been extended for a further 12 months.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “One of our top priorities as a council is to ensure our children and young people get the best possible start in life and so we are very pleased to be a part of this important piece of work.
“The FFCP programme aims to help children and families facing challenges by giving them the right help at the right time, by ensuring early support, family help and intervention is available to help them overcome adversity and stay together where possible.
“We are sharing our learning through regular meetings with the Department for Education and policy leads from cross government departments, as well as presenting at national public learning events and conferences.
“The Government’s new Children Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which began its journey through Parliament in December, shows a clear commitment to rolling out social care reform nationally, and findings from the Pathfinder will be used to help shape these reforms.
“This means that, thanks to our involvement with the Pathfinder, we – and the children and families we support – will be able to directly influence the national rollout of reforms to children’s social care.”
Last Autumn, Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, visited Graiseley Family Hub, one of 9 family hubs across the city, to meet staff, children and families and see first hand how the council had successful embedded the Pathfinder.
Alison Hinds, the council’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “The visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the collaboration between ourselves and the wider partnership, as well as demonstrating how well we’ve managed to achieve frontline support for families.
“Families tell their story once – we work restoratively with families to discuss what support they need and work with them to create a family plan – families own their plan. Family help support is integrated in our Family Hubs across the city, providing a holistic offer of support in a non stigmatising environment which helps to build solid relationships.”
The positive impact of the Pathfinder was also highlighted by inspectors from Ofsted who carried out a week long focused inspection of Children’s Social Care Services in October. They found that managers are supported by clear systems and processes, collaborating with practitioners to ensure that informed and timely decisions are made for children and families, with interventions appropriately escalated and de-escalated in a timely way.
Inspectors also reported ‘strong relationships across the council and with safeguarding partners’ and a collaborative and co-ordinated approach to working with children and families’ which ensure that most children access ‘the right services at the right time’.
We will continue to monitor the impact of the reforms locally, with a clear focus on getting direct feedback from families.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine:
“On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing a campaign of unimaginable brutality that has left hundreds of thousands dead. The invasion was an escalation of a war of aggression, an unequivocal violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and an attack against freedom, democracy, and international law, including the United Nations Charter.
“When Putin ordered his tanks across the Ukrainian border, he thought Kyiv would quickly fall and the people of Ukraine would surrender. He was wrong. Three years later, Ukraine stands defiant. Ukrainians are valiantly protecting their territory against relentless Russian attacks. Russian aggression has been met with fierce defence and, winter after winter, the Ukrainian flag flies over Kyiv.
“Ukrainians are continuing to live their lives – united in hope, courage, pride, and an unbreakable love for their country. They are fighting for their families, their land, their heritage, and their identity. They are fighting to ensure that Putin not be rewarded for his unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression. They are fighting to remind the world that democracy and freedom are important enough to die for – and that Ukrainians are strong enough to win.
“That is what is at stake, and that is why Canada stands resolute with Ukraine. Our support includes billions of dollars for equipment and capabilities like multi-mission drones, armoured combat vehicles, small arms, ammunition, F-16 pilot training, and a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Under Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces has trained over 44,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015. We have imposed sanctions on the Russian regime as well as its war chest and oligarchs. As part of the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, we proposed legislative changes to ensure profits from frozen Russian assets in Canada are used to rebuild Ukraine. As part of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-led by Canada and Ukraine, we are working with our international partners to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and illegally transferred by Russia. As G7 President this year, Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and support a just and lasting peace for its people.
“The friendship between Canada and Ukraine runs deep. Ukrainian immigrants arrived on our shores in 1891 and, generation after generation, the community has helped build the Canada we know and love. Today, we are proudly home to 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent, and over the past three years, Canadians from all walks of life have stood side-by-side with the community – by waving flags and wearing pins; by donating to charities and helping with Ukrainian resettlement efforts; by learning more about Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and, when President Zelenskyy visited Canada in 2023, proudly singing the Ukrainian national anthem right alongside him. To our friends in Ukraine: We stand with you, and our support for your sovereignty is ironclad.
“On this solemn day, we remind ourselves that Ukraine is fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy – values that Canada will always defend. We support a future for Ukraine that’s written by Ukrainians. A future where Ukraine stands strong and free.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Seminar participants
On February 20–21, the Department of Geodesy, Land Management and Cadastre of SPbGASU held the National (All-Russian) scientific and practical seminar “Current issues of land management, cadastres and geodesy”. More than 50 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students and young scientists from different cities of Russia took part in its work.
“The reports were devoted to developments in the field of cadastral and market valuation, law enforcement practice of implementing current legislative norms in terms of clarifying the boundaries of land plots. These topics are very relevant in connection with the need to improve regulation in this area. In addition, we presented the interim results of one of the projects within the framework of the SPbGASU program “Startup as a Diploma”: we are talking about the development of an automated system for ensuring cadastral activities,” noted acting head of the department Yana Volkova.
St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering student Daria Mineeva (fourth year in the field of Land Management and Cadastres) admits that she did not choose the topic of her report “Provision of land plots to preferential categories of citizens using the example of Chelyabinsk” by chance.
“The topic is close to me because I am a native of this city and I know very well how sad the environmental situation is there, taking into account the impact of sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises. Due to the large territories of these zones, the number of land plots for residential development is not increasing. According to the city administration, there are only 13 plots for 850 families. In order to find an opportunity to increase the number of the latter, I am developing a mechanism for providing plots, including a search for lands of undivided ownership, that is, without title documents. In a special information system on the map, I clearly marked the current boundaries of Chelyabinsk, noted the main enterprises with a high level of danger. Thus, you can get the location zones of these plots with one click. It became obvious that the territory allows you to increase the number of plots several times if you solve the labor-intensive issue of determining the location of sanitary zones according to modern requirements. In addition, in the system, citizens can check the characteristics and location of plots. The development will allow us to solve several problems at once: increase the number of sites and the quality of life of city residents, which, in turn, will lead to a decrease in the high level of morbidity,” explained Daria Mineeva.
Vera Voronetskaya (in the foreground)
Vera Voronetskaya, a first-year postgraduate student at the Department of Land Management and Cadastre at the Saint Petersburg Mining University, presented her research on the topic of “Establishing a zone of negative environmental impact of a solid waste landfill on the human habitat for the purposes of individual real estate assessment.”
“The topic is relevant: landfills pollute the soil, ground and surface water, the atmosphere, and emit unpleasant odors. All these factors reduce the quality of the living environment, which entails losses for owners of real estate located near landfills. These losses must be taken into account. I propose developing a methodology for assessing the environmental impact of landfills in order to determine the zone of their negative impact, and then a methodology for calculating losses,” Vera Voronetskaya said.
According to Yana Volkova, the exchange of relevant scientific and technical information and the identification of key trends in the industry became a good incentive for students to conduct independent research work in accordance with the topics proposed by representatives of the real sector of the economy.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hanane Benadi, Research Officer, Religion and Global Society, London School of Economics and Political Science
“There is no time for imagination, religious or otherwise. We need to act now!” an irritated scientist told me during a workshop on climate change and religion in 2024. Contrary to the tone of his comment, this scientist was not dismissing religion as being marginal to tackling climate change, but his underlying assumption rang clear: religion, while undoubtedly a necessary part of the solution, is only useful if it works alongside rational science.
Research by me and my colleagues suggests that framing religion and science as totally separate entities is unhelpful in advancing a global response to climate change.
In 2022 and 2023, I spent four months conducting fieldwork in Egypt, living and interacting with Muslim and Christian communities in Cairo and Alexandria. As a salient reminder of the ongoing climate crisis, my research took place over the summer, when temperatures reached more than 45°C.
These heatwaves were a part of everyday discussions, but I didn’t hear only scientific jargon used to refer to these phenomena. Often, religion was the language used to make sense of the heat.
As an Anglican priest in Alexandria told me, members of his congregation understood these heatwaves as manifestations of climate change, but at the same time asked him: “What is God is trying to tell us? Is this a sign of his anger? What should we do?” In other words, while scientific knowledge was used to explain the extreme heat, religion gave it meaning.
Building a global response to the climate crisis requires us to learn about the many ways people make sense of climate change and learn to live with its consequences. And for most of the world’s population, a purely scientific framing is unhelpful.
Science v religion?
The long-perceived tension between religion and science seems to be reappearing today as we confront climate change. The scientist’s reaction to my work is one example of this, which left me wondering: what role is religion playing in tackling climate change globally? And how often is it framed as a field outside of science?
Unfortunately, the approach adopted on the global climate stage seems to perpetuate a hierarchy of knowledge that implies that science trumps social and cultural influences such as religion and ethics. It is telling that the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the preeminent global body on climate policy, still relies heavily on hard science in presenting its findings, despite efforts in its latest reports to highlight the role of social sciences and humanities, including religion, can play.
With my team from the LSE Religion and Global Society research unit, I ran a climate change and religion workshop in Cairo with Muslim and Christian female and male faith leaders. Many of the 30 participants explained they felt frustrated that the climate science lens dominates.
One member of a faith-based organisation told me during an interview after the workshop that: “We are often approached by western organisations and research institutions to collaborate. However, when we ask about the nature of these collaborations, it is often reduced to our logo and a couple of statements that tell people that they should care about climate change.”
Rather than taking religion seriously on its own terms, climate science often shapes what kind of role religion should play in communicating climate change. This is a problem.
Science meets religion
Our current work with female scientists in Egypt is teaching us that in many non-western countries, such as Egypt, the religious and the scientific cannot be as easily untangled as some might like to think.
I asked an Egyptian scientist who has been working on water management for the last 30 years how she sees the future of water in her country. She began her response with a verse from the Quran before turning to a scientific explanation of what that entails.
While much of her work is informed by scientific models of reason that underpin the Egyptian state’s nationalist development projects, she can hold together scientific and religious ethical modes of reasoning. Bringing an understanding of this overlap to international climate policy is critical for creating global solidarity around this issue.
Fortunately, things are changing. Through initiatives such as the UN Environment Programme’s Faith for Earth Coalition and the faith pavilion at recent UN climate summits, religious groups are becoming more prevalent and active on the global climate stage.
But efforts to seek collaborations between scientists and faith communities are not good enough. We need to resist the urge to see religion as a mere vehicle for convincing most of the global population for whom religion gives meaning to life. The only way we can do that is for scientists and faith leaders to start laying the groundwork for new ways of thinking together.
As Russian author Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “Science is meaningless because it has no answer to the only questions that matter to us: ‘What should we do and how shall we live?‘” The climate crisis demands new ways of thinking, new ways of perceiving reality, and religion is fundamental to achieving that.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
A “calling” in the context of work might be characterised by a strong sense of purpose and a motivation beyond just being paid at the end of the month. It’s mostly associated with occupations like healthcare workers, teachers or nonprofit staff, for example. We might not immediately think of sustainability managers – employed by companies to reduce their environmental impact – as following a calling in the same sense.
As researchers, however, we have found that sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers are also drawn to their work by a calling to serve as agents for social change – even though their roles are corporate ones.
The social aspirations of sustainability managers are key to the success of corporations’ CSR and sustainability work. However, these aspirations often clash with the corporate reality within the organisation.
Our research is based on 57 sustainability managers in international companies in Sweden across various industries and career levels. We found that sustainability managers chose their careers in order to live out their strong socio-environmental ambitions.
Yet keeping that motivation is far from easy. According to sustainability managers themselves, their employers fail to live up to their social aspirations. They are pushed to prioritise corporate goals over social good, and their visions are reduced to compliance only. Their innovative ideas can fade in the struggle to be heard and gain support within the organisation.
We found that as sustainability managers gain more seniority within the corporation, they lose their socio-environmental purpose and instead start to focus on the bottom-line results of sustainability initiatives. This means they become less ambitious with regard to sustainability initiatives – and more concerned with the profit-driven benefits of sustainability.
For example, a senior sustainability manager among our cohort who was employed at a company facing accusations of human rights violations focused more on improving the sustainability report and how she could communicate the idea that “CSR makes sense for business”.
Though sustainability managers in the early stages of their careers are committed to radical change, their voices are seldom heard by the management or their colleagues. They struggle with feelings of social exclusion and meaninglessness, as their aspirations crumble.
This can be emotionally draining and challenging to their identity, ultimately leading them to adopt more commercial aspirations instead. The sustainability managers find they can do little to mobilise the organisation to support their case for doing good.
Shifting to the corporate mindset
During their mid-careers, sustainability managers seemed more able to sell their social aspirations within the corporation. But their calling for social and environmental change becomes “corporatised” and a scaled-back version of their original vision. The shift to a business mindset seems important to get others in the organisation to take them seriously. It’s also important for the sustainability managers themselves, as it increases their sense of belonging within the organisation.
But the initial drive towards societal change begins to dissipate. One sustainability manager explained that they had been “moulded” to think with more of a business mindset. “The first thing is that everything has to have business value,” they said.
As sustainability managers in the later stages of their careers gain more power within their organisation, they also express more pride when they talk about their achievements. These are often linked to increased ranking or branding value – for example featuring on sustainability indices or securing media coverage of the company’s sustainability credentials.
The social motivation for sustainability work, however, is sidelined. Sustainability managers say their work is meaningful and in line with their purpose. But the purpose is now almost exclusively driven more by corporate benefits.
Businesses should take care not to crush the ambitions of early-career sustainability staff in the corporate machine. Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock
Are sustainability managers useless, then? Far from it. But our research shows how the very system that hires them to drive change often stifles their social and environmental aspirations.
As such, companies should value and respond to sustainability managers’ social aspirations to ensure that they maintain the spirit, motivation, and passion for change. This, after all, is what lies at the heart of sustainability and CSR work.
Our research underscores a critical point. If corporations want sustainability managers to drive meaningful and lasting change, they must support their calling for social impact. This includes giving them a voice and authority, for example, by including them in the executive team.
Sustainability managers should not be relegated to work only on compliance tasks, but actively encouraged to contribute to the corporate strategy. A culture of openness that welcomes critical perspectives should embrace sustainability managers challenging the status quo. Without this, the drive for greener and more equitable corporate practices risks fading away.
Sanne Frandsen receives funding from Handelsbankens Forskningstiftelser and the Swedish Research Council.
Enrico Fontana and Mette Morsing 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.
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU reacted swiftly and decisively, condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression, imposing wide-ranging sanctions, and offering Ukraine its unwavering support. The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine until it achieves a just and lasting peace.
Strong and comprehensive EU response
The EU has provided almost €135 billion in support to Ukraine, including economic, military, financial, and humanitarian aid. It continues to work with international partners to ensure sustained support and hold Russia accountable.
Hard-hitting sanctions have significantly weakened Russia’s economy and war capabilities. The EU is also working to ensure those responsible for war crimes face justice through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague.
Peace, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European future
On the third anniversary of the invasion, President von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners are visiting Kyiv. The President is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and together, they are co-chairing a College-to-Government meeting to discuss Ukraine’s future as a free and sovereign nation.
The EU continues to work with Ukraine on its EU accession process. Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership reflects the will of its people for democratic reforms and a European future.
After the war, Ukraine will require extensive reconstruction. The EU has been actively contributing to the country’s resilience and recovery, but further support will be needed to rebuild a free and prosperous country, anchored in European values and well-integrated into the European and global economy.
WORK to prepare the busy A6 in Leicester for new measures to control dangerous and inconsiderate parking will get under way next month.
Leicester City Council is set to install a ‘red route’ – or ‘no stopping order’ – along the full length of Abbey Lane and St Margaret’s Way to reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing.
A red route means that where there are double red lines marked on the road, along the kerb line, no stopping is permitted at any time, even to drop off or pick up passengers or deliveries.
The new measures will help prevent unauthorised and inconsiderate parking, particularly by car transporters, which can be a significant cause of congestion along the route.
Enforcement of the new red route – which will affect the stretch of road between the inner ring road and Red Hill Circle in both directions – will be carried out by camera car.
Drivers caught illegally stopping on the red route will face a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days of the penalty charge notice (PCN) being issued.
Exemptions will be in place for buses and hackney carriages.
This will be the second red route introduced in Leicester. The first, on parts of London Road, has been in operation since it was introduced on an experimental basis in summer 2020.
The Traffic Regulation Order required to introduce the new red route on Abbey Lane and St Margeret’s Way was advertised in summer 2023 and received no objections.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport, said: “The introduction of a red route will build on the major investment we have already made in highways improvements on and around Abbey Lane and St Margaret’s Way.
“The new rules are being introduced, after public consultation, to tackle the problem of cars and lorries stopping illegally along this busy road. It will help cut congestion, keep traffic moving more efficiently and improve this important route in and out of the city for all road users.”
Work to prepare the route for the new no stopping order will get under way from Monday 3 March and is expected to take around four weeks to complete.
To help minimise disruption, work to remove the old yellow lines and apply the new red route markings will take place during off-peak hours, between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, when the road is less busy.
The work will be carried out in phases, with temporary lane restrictions in place.
However, up to four short road closures will be required on the A6 while work is carried out between Thurcaston Road and at its junctions with Corporation Road and Beaumont Leys Lane. These are programmed to take place on the outbound route on Sunday 9th March and Monday 17th March 2025 and on the inbound route on Monday 10th March and Sunday 23rd March 2025. The road closures will be in place between 7.30pm and 11.30pm and well-signposted diversion will be in place.
Access to properties will be maintained throughout the works.
The introduction of the new red route is the latest in a major programme of improvements, maintenance and resurfacing carried out on the A6 St Margarets Way and Abbey over the last 18 months. It’s part of a citywide programme of works – backed by £40 million of government cash through the Transforming Cities Fund – to encourage more people to make the shift to sustainable transport and help ease congestion.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government commits to get more veterans into meaningful jobs
Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND.
Government to expand UK-wide career support for the armed forces community, ensuring support for all veterans, regardless of when they left service
Careers advice service Op ASCEND offer to include broader range of job support for veterans, helping more into employment and boosting growth under this government’s Plan for Change
Service will work with industry bodies to make sure businesses are set up to make the most of the talents veterans have to offer, showing how the government is renewing the contract with those who serve and have served
Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND. The free service has so far equipped 3,000 veterans and family members with the tools to make their next career move.
When jobseekers sign up to Op ASCEND for employment advice, specialist-trained advisors can support with:
CV writing and interview preparation
advice on entering new sectors such as energy, data and digital, telecommunications and construction
tips on how to navigate recruitment schemes run by veteran-friendly employers
access to employment fairs
advice on retraining or setting up a business
The changes underline the government’s commitment to renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, and will help boost economic growth by helping more veterans into employment.
The government is committed to improving services and maximising the impact of every penny spent under its Plan for Change, which the improvements will help deliver on.
Speaking today at an audience of industry leaders and veterans at Mission Community’s annual National Transition Event in Silverstone, Veterans Minister Alistair Carns announced plans to expand the support available under Op ASCEND, which is run by the Forces Employment Charity (FEC). The service will align more closely with the MOD’s official resettlement programme – the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:
This government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
Op ASCEND is a natural extension to the government’s resettlement scheme, enabling veterans and their families to further maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level.
This is about delivering a clear, easily accessible offering for veterans. From the time they join, to the time they leave service and beyond, veterans will be empowered to succeed, whether that be in protection of our nation, or through meaningful careers which maintain and develop their skills.
For those just leaving the forces, there is a range of transition and resettlement support available through the CTP. For those who left service more than 2 years ago and are looking for a new job or to progress within their career, Op ASCEND is available to them. This could include provision for those veterans looking to set up their own business or hone their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.
Sam, a British Army veteran who recently secured a role as a physical oil trading contracts analyst in the energy industry thanks to Op ASCEND, said:
I found Op ASCEND online, and was assigned a mentor to help me navigate the process. There’s the intangible side of the service – knowing there’s people around that care, are interested and want to see you succeed. Knowing you can connect with an advisor, write to them or call them up if you’re having problems and get some advice. Then there’s the tangible impact of the employment events – they’re actionable, you can go ahead and do something with it.
As well as offering career advice to the armed forces community, Op ASCEND has worked with over 300 businesses to date, helping them understand the commercial benefits of hiring veterans. The service encourages employers to:
review their work in recruiting, progressing and retaining talent from the armed forces and their families
run employment events to connect job-seeking members of the military community with job opportunities
expand or create new military pathways to help veterans with their transition and keep them connected to those with similar backgrounds
Ian Fortune, Head of Pathways, Centrica, said:
Working with the Forces Employment Charity through the delivery of Op ASCEND has enabled high-calibre service leavers and the wider military family to bring their significant talent and skillsets into our organisation with confidence. With fantastic Pathways events such as Women Into Employment, we have been bringing diversity of thought, background and experience into our company and with it, fresh perspectives and thinking that is helping to energise a greener, fairer, future.
Op ASCEND is being run alongside a veteran industry engagement programme, both backed by £2.1 million of government funding. Run by service charity Mission Community, the programme works with industry bodies – such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders – to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within their sectors. Through this partnership with business, the government will help ensure that the value veterans bring to UK businesses is fully recognised, and that industries make the most of the talents they have to offer.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with representatives of the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) and the state company Avtodor
February 24, 2025
Implementation of the project for the construction of the M-12 “Vostok” high-speed highway. Section between the Republic of Tatarstan and the Sverdlovsk Region
February 24, 2025
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Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with representatives of the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) and the state company Avtodor
In Russia, the implementation of a large-scale infrastructure project to build the M-12 “Vostok” high-speed highway to Yekaterinburg continues. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin flew over the section under construction between the Republic of Tatarstan and the Sverdlovsk Region, and also held a meeting with representatives of the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) and the state company “Avtodor”.
“The Russian construction industry is systematically working to improve the connectivity of the regions of our large country. Single routes, including high-speed ones, are being created from individual sections. The “Russia” transport route will stretch for approximately 12 thousand km from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. It will include both existing highways and those built from scratch. One of them is the M-12 “Vostok” highway, the construction of which is being carried out on the instructions of the President. To extend the highway, the state company “Avtodor” is actively building a new 275 km Dyurtyuli – Achit section in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Perm Krai and Sverdlovsk Oblast. Having flown the route, I can say that the pace of work on extending the M-12 to Yekaterinburg is not bad. There was a delay for a number of reasons, including weather conditions. Last year there were heavy rains, the road was washed away in places, they could not deliver sand and gravel. But by the end of June we are determined to prepare the highway for opening,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that work on extending the highway is in full swing. For example, the overall readiness of the first stage of the Dyurtyuli-Achit road in the Republic of Bashkortostan is more than 72%. Engineering networks are being built at the site, and 5,000 lighting poles and lamps have already been installed for the safe movement of drivers at night.
At the second stage, 31 artificial structures are being built in Perm Krai, including seven bridges, including a bridge across the Malaya Sarana River. In terms of height, it is comparable to an 8-story building (more than 24 m). At the third stage, two interchanges, seven overpasses and five bridges will be built in Sverdlovsk Oblast, including a bridge across the Bolshaya Sarana River with a length of 540 m.
After Yekaterinburg, the federal highway M-12 “Vostok” will be extended to Tyumen. At the meeting, Marat Khusnullin discussed the renewal of the Yekaterinburg-Tyumen section with representatives of the Federal Road Agency. Other topics included the construction of bypasses of Omsk, Tyumen, a road towards Perm, as well as the expansion of access roads from Ufa to Dyurtyuli, so that residents could conveniently use the M-12 highway.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that history and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.
He made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the latter’s request.
Xi said the two leaders had a video meeting before the Chinese Spring Festival during which they made plans for the development of China-Russia relations throughout the year and strengthened coordination on a series of major international and regional issues.
Various departments from both countries are steadily advancing cooperation in all fields in accordance with the consensus reached by the two leaders, including carrying out activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the victory of World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said.
Xi said China-Russia ties enjoy strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, adding that the relationship does not target any third party nor would it be influenced by any third party. The development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are for the long-term, he said.
Despite changes in the international situation, China-Russia relations will proceed with ease, which will help each other’s development and revitalization, and inject stability and positive energy into international relations, he said.
Xi stressed that at the beginning of the overall escalation of the Ukraine crisis, he put forward the “four-should” and other basic proposals for resolving the crisis.
In September last year, China and Brazil, together with some countries of the Global South, set up the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis to create an atmosphere and accumulate conditions for promoting the political settlement of the crisis, Xi noted.
China is happy to see Russia and relevant parties make positive efforts to defuse the Ukraine crisis, he said.
LONDON, UK – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is making its London Fashion Week debut as part of E.L.V. DENIM’s first ever presentation titled ‘The Journey’.
The British luxury brand, dedicated to crafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials, created ‘The Journey’ to trace its evolution from the first pair of jeans in 2018 to a full ready-to-wear collection, including shirting, tailoring, leather, and evening wear.
Set to a backdrop of Samsung’s Series 6 Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers – which offer a range of features that help reduce energy consumption[1] as well as decreasing the amount of harmful plastic microfibers clothes shed[2] – the show portrays E.L.V.’s commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability by exploring the six core elements of E.L.V. DENIM’s production: sourcing, washing, grading, pairing, cutting & sewing.
Dan Barfield, Director of Digital Appliances, Samsung UK & Ireland, comments: “We’re proud to be a part of E.L.V. DENIM’s London Fashion Week debut. The presentation showcases both brand’s dedication to innovation, making our products the perfect backdrop to the first fully upcycled show on-schedule.
“This collaboration is a powerful statement towards responsible consumption. While E.L.V. DENIM transforms garments otherwise destined for landfill into high-end fashion, our laundry innovations help extend the life of clothing by delivering a deep clean using less water and energy. We’re committed to building products and providing consumers with options that put responsible practices at the forefront of fashion.”
Anna Foster, Founder & Designer, E.L.V. DENIM, comments “From the very beginning, we believed—and still believe—that we make the best jeans in the world. Our commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability sets us apart. Some might call that a bold statement, but we have the processes to prove it. That’s why we’ve created a fully transparent presentation that shows exactly how we do it.
“We welcome questions and interaction—our team is here to share everything. Only by being completely open can we prove who we are, and what we’re striving to become. Today, E.L.V. DENIM is the only brand in the world producing high-end garments at scale entirely from 100% upcycled post-consumer waste. We are not just making jeans; we are rewriting the rules of fashion.”
Samsung offers innovative solutions to help consumers reduce water and energy usage. Various Samsung washing machines have AI energy mode[3] that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%[4], whilst ecobubble technology can wash effectively at cooler temperatures.
Samsung also offers the Less Microfiber cycle that works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%[[5]].
Top Tips: How to Make Your Laundry More Eco-Friendly
Embrace energy-saving tech to cut down on water and energy use
While it is a staple to our daily lives, electricity production generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, making it vital we explore how to cut our energy consumption. Our washing machines with AI energy mode can reduce your energy consumption by using sensors to detect the weight of your laundry before calculating and dispensing the optimal amount of water needed for the load. [3+4]
Less is more when it comes to detergent
Many laundry detergents contain microplastics—harmful plastic microfibres that make it into the ocean[6]. That’s why Samsung developed the new Less Microfiber Filter, an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfiber emissions during laundry cycles.
Designed with inspiration from apparel maker Patagonia and expertise from the global ocean conservation organisation Ocean Wise, the filter captures 98%[[7]] of microplastics released during laundry from escaping into the ocean, equivalent to eight 500ml plastic bottles per year when used four times a week[8].
To manage the amount of detergent we use to avoid damaging the planet, our clothes and the machine itself over time, Samsung’s Auto Dispense feature automatically adds the right amount of detergent and softener into the washer, taking the guesswork out of every wash.
Don’t be afraid of the cold (wash)
Using hot water during a laundry cycle uses a substantial amount of energy—in fact, 75% of the energy required during a hot wash cycle is used just to heat up the water[9]. With Samsung’s EcoBubble technology, you need not worry that a colder wash will result in a less effective clean.
Even at a cold wash setting of 15°C, EcoBubble technology will still effectively dissolve detergent and mix it with air and water to create bubbles that thoroughly penetrate clothes so as to remove even the toughest stains.
Choose appliances that are built to last
A final tip for making your laundry as eco-friendly as possible is to opt for appliances that are sure to last for a long time, a decision that contributes to the reduction of landfill waste, the conversation of resources, the prevention of environmental contamination by toxic materials, and the reduction of greenhouses gases created in the production of new materials.
Samsung’s washers and dryers have been designed for long-term use, coming with industry-leading warranties for both product and parts so that users can rest assured that their appliance decisions are the best ones for the environment.
About E.L.V. DENIM
E.L.V. DENIM is a pioneering British luxury brand dedicated to handcrafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials. Breathing a second life into garments that could otherwise be destined for landfill, E.L.V. DENIM transforms loss into luxury.
In a world of over-consumption, E.L.V. DENIM challenges convention. It’s fabric-first curated sourcing of pre-loved garments ensures every piece is unique and innovative designs create pieces to last a lifetime. Founder and Creative Director Anna Foster launched E.L.V. DENIM to redefine the perfect fit in denim, ensuring every pair of ‘off the rack’ jeans feels like it is tailor made. In addition, it is the first denim brand to launch a jean that can adapt to the wearer’s life with built-in seam allowances for effortless tailoring.
In 2023 the brand extended beyond denim and into new categories; upcycling corduroy, shirting, tailoring, leather and cotton, helping to protect the environment for future generations and proving that a completely circular fashion model can be a success.
All production takes place in East London, minimising carbon footprint and supporting our local
community of ateliers. The brand has a holistic approach to sustainability and zero-waste, all parts of the jeans are used to make new products, scraps are constructed into sheets of patchwork fabrics and the smaller threads are turned into denim paper.
[1] Our washing machines with AI energy mode* can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%** * Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ** Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
[2] The Less Microfiber cycle works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%. Based on testing by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab using a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing the Synthetics cycle on a Samsung conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on the WW7000B. Results may vary depending on the actual clothes and usage conditions.
[3] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
[4] Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
[5] Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber Cycleon WW9400B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested at the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab. Newsroom post here.
[6] “Fashion’s tiny hidden secret”, United Nations Environment Programme (unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret).
[7] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment.
[8] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. One wash cycle’s reduction amount of 0.627g is based on a 5kg load (0.125g/kg x 5kg). Annual reduction amount (132g) is calculated based on 210 cycles (4 times a week, 52 weeks) and 5kg load on each cycle. 500㎖ bottle weight (15.4g) is based on the Korea Ministry of Environment’s guideline on plastic bottles.
[9] Data source: https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/07/14/eco-washing-your-way-to-a-cleaner-planet
February 24, 2022, marked a turning point for Europe. Today, we honor Ukraine’s fallen heroes and stand with those defending their country.
The EU has provided €134 billion in support, with a new €3.5 billion package arriving in March. We are accelerating arms deliveries, strengthening Ukraine’s economy and energy security, and integrating its electricity market with the EU by 2025.
A free and sovereign Ukraine is not only in the European interest. It’s also in the interest of the entire world. An investment in Ukraine’s sovereignty is an investment in preventing future wars.
Slava Ukraini
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-268103
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Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maggie Lieu, Research Fellow, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham
In December 2024, astronomers in Chile spotted a new asteroid streaking through the sky, which they named 2024 YR4. What’s significant about this 100m-wide space rock is that it has a small chance of hitting Earth in 2032.
Since its discovery, the asteroid’s probability of an impact with our planet has gone all over the place. At one point, the risk rose as high as 3.1%. This may not sound like a lot, until you realise that that is a 1 in 32 chance of collision.
As of February 21 2024, the European Space Agency’s (Esa) Near Earth Object Centre predicts the collision probability to be just 0.16%, which is a 1 in 625 chance – a huge difference. So why is there such a huge variability in these predictions? And is there really a need to be concerned?
Asteroids are left over remnants from the formation of the solar system, mostly rock, but also metallic, or icy bodies that tend to live in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Space agencies like Nasa and Esa independently monitor and track over 37,000 near Earth asteroids (NEAs). These NEAs are those that come within 1.3 astronomical units distance of Earth, where 1 astronomical unit is the average distance between the Earth and Sun. Around 1,700 objects are considered to have an elevated risk because they make a relatively close approach to Earth at some point in the future. They are said to have a non-zero probability of colliding with our planet.
Now it’s estimated that 44,000 kg of space rock hits our planet every year, but most of it is dust or sand grain sized particles that will burn up in the atmosphere, creating the beautiful streaks in the sky that we know as shooting stars.
Rarely do these objects make it to the Earth intact as a meteorite and it’s even rarer to have a cataclysmic impact, like the 10km wide object that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The last major asteroid event in recent history was the 18m wide meteorite that hit Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013.
The fireball turned night into day and released an estimated 500 kilotons of energy (equivalent to 500,000 tonnes of TNT) as it explosively broke apart in our atmosphere. Around 1,500 people were injured – many through the sonic waves shattering windows.
Current estimates for 2024 YR4 suggest it to be up to 100m in size. It is capable of releasing about 7.8 Megatons of energy (equivalent to 7.8 million tonnes of TNT explosive), which is much more than Chelyabinsk. If such an asteroid were to hit the centre of London you could expect over 2 million fatalities. But the effects would be felt over a larger area.
The impact would have a “thermal radiation radius” of 26 km. Within this radius, the heat from the impact would be so intense it would cause third degree burns. So despite the small probabilities, there’s no question that this asteroid should be monitored and tracked closely.
Nasa has also reported a very small chance that 2024 YR4 could collide with the Moon instead. This would pose no threat to people on Earth, but would generate a sizeable impact crater on our planet’s only natural satellite.
No simple answers
Tracking an asteroid turns out to be more complex than you might think. Unlike stars and galaxies, asteroids don’t emit light so are notoriously difficult to spot. This faintness likely contributed to why 2024 YR4 4 eluded detection up until so recently.
In addition, the shape of the asteroid, and its albedo – which measures how reflective the asteroid is – is still highly uncertain, further complicating the prediction of its future path. The albedo of the asteroid not only tells us about the composition of the asteroid, but can inform us of interactions with the Sun.
A 10 metre-wide asteroid broke up over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013.
A darker asteroid will absorb more light, heating up any gases within the asteroid. When released, these gases can act like jet thrusters, altering the trajectory of the asteroid. A more reflective asteroid, might incur more radiation pressure from the Sun. This pressure can actually push it in another direction to the one it was previously going in.
The current estimates of YR4’s albedo are between 0.05 – 0.25, with 0 being completely matte, and 1 being completely reflective, so the margin of uncertainty is wide. As you might expect, the shape of the asteroid will also affect the direction in which these forces act and the resulting trajectory of the object.
Current trajectory estimates assume a spherical asteroid, with a typical density for an S-type asteroid (a common type of rocky asteroid). The asteroid 2024 YR 4 has very little chance of being spherical (that shape tends to be seen in bigger objects with stronger gravity) and we don’t know what exactly it’s made from. Future observations, potentially including those from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), aim to refine our understanding of the asteroid’s shape.
However, past discrepancies between predictions of the comet 67P, as seen by the Hubble telescope from far away, versus its actual shape captured by the Rosetta spacecraft, which explored it up close, demonstrate the limitations of our predictions.
Spectral imaging (which measures different colours of light to give an indication of composition) will hopefully allow us to better understand what type of material is on the surface of the asteroid and whether there could be volatile gases hiding beneath it that could affect its future path.
Given that the projected Earth impact is a mere seven years away, the window for sending a spacecraft to try and divert it away from our planet, as successfully demonstrated by Nasa’s Dart mission in 2022, is rapidly closing. While other options such as detonating a nuclear weapon near the asteroid to deflect its path remain theoretically possible, they come with significant risks and ethical considerations. For instance, instead of diverting the asteroid, a nuclear explosion could break it into two or more pieces, which could then collide with Earth in distinct locations.
There is a possibility that the asteroid could be nudged off course by collisions with other space rocks. It’s also likely that, if it does collide with Earth, it won’t hit a populated region, since the majority of our planet is uninhabited. However, it should be possible to evacuate people should it threaten a populated area.
For now, the best thing we can do is track the asteroid with more observations, refining its trajectory, properties and impact probability estimates as more data becomes available. As we have already seen over the past few days, the predictions are likely to continue changing.
As migration patterns shift and security challenges evolve, Frontex remains at the forefront of Europe’s border management efforts. January 2024 saw significant progress in multiple areas, from life-saving operations in the Central Mediterranean to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings in the Western Balkans. Additionally, the Agency welcomed closer cooperation with Albania, reported key migration trends, and hosted EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for discussions on future challenges. Here’s a look at key developments from the past month.
In January, a Swedish patrol boat participating in a Frontex operation in Italy played a critical role in a life-saving mission. The vessel intercepted a fiberglass boat packed with 58 migrants, none of whom had life jackets, putting them in immediate danger. With air support from a Frontex plane, all individuals on board were safely rescued. In addition to operational efforts, Frontex continues to support Italian authorities in identifying and dismantling smuggling networks responsible for these perilous journeys.
Frontex’s collaboration with EU partners and neighbouring countries is yielding positive results. In the Western Balkans, illegal border crossings dropped by 78% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This significant decline underscores the effectiveness of joint efforts between the EU and its neighbours in addressing migration challenges.
Albania remains a key partner in these efforts. A new phase of cooperation has begun with the deployment of Frontex officers in Joint Operation 2025 in Albania. They were warmly welcomed by the Albanian State Police and Regional Border and Migration Police in Gjirokastra. This partnership strengthens border security and enhances regional stability.
Frontex data for 2024 shows a 38% decrease in irregular border crossings compared to 2023, marking the lowest level since 2021. However, challenges remain:
Western Africa: A notable 18% increase in arrivals, reaching nearly 47,000—the highest number since Frontex began collecting data in 2009.
Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean: Both routes recorded sharp declines of 78% and 59%, respectively.
Demographics: Women accounted for 10% of all irregular crossings, with 62% entering through the Eastern Mediterranean. Minors made up 16%, up from 13% in 2023.
Currently, 3,000 Frontex officers and staff are deployed in operations across Europe, ensuring the security of the EU’s external borders.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Continued efforts to ensuring justice and accountability key to lasting peace in Ukraine, OSCE human rights office says
Continued efforts to ensuring justice and accountability key to lasting peace in Ukraine, OSCE human rights office says | OSCE
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022
Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.
107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion.
Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin.
Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.
Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.
As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent. The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.
The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.
Targets include:
Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.
North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.
13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.
For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine. We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.
Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change.
Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.
Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.
The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.
Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy. Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.
After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.
Work to begin with stakeholders on non-legislative measures following consultation.
The responses to a public consultation on media reporting of child homicide victims have been published.
The 12-week consultation sought views on possible legislative and non-legislative approaches to reduce trauma that media reporting of child homicide cases can cause grieving loved-ones.
The consultation heard from bereaved families, victim support organisations, children’s organisations, media and legal organisations and legal academics.
After careful consideration of the responses, the Scottish Government has concluded that legislation would not be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of media reporting on child homicide cases. The consultation made clear there would be serious difficulties in developing legislation that could strike a balance between privacy rights and freedom of expression, and also be practically enforced.
The Scottish Government will now work with stakeholders on non-legislative measures that could improve the experiences of families affected by reporting on child homicide cases. This includes supporting the development of guidance for journalists by media, victims organisations and regulators; exploring the potential for journalism courses, newsrooms or regulators to offer bespoke training for journalists; and working with Victim Support Scotland to consider how media guidance provided to bereaved families could be enhanced.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“I have great sympathy for the distress felt by bereaved families in child homicide cases, which can be compounded by the significant media attention that such cases attract, often well beyond the death and any court case if there is one.
“I am grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation for their thoughtful, reasoned and heartfelt views, which I considered very carefully. What is clear is that there needs to be more sensitive media reporting in child homicide cases, while striking a balance between a right to privacy and freedom of expression.
“I do not consider that legislation would be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of reporting on child homicide cases, or flexible enough to cover the diverse circumstances of cases and the people affected by them. Any legislative approach would also likely criminalise ordinary human responses to the tragedy of a child’s death, such as public tributes.
“However, I understand that more could be done to highlight the impact on families and we will work with stakeholders on a range of non-legislative actions.”
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street
Speech
PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech this morning at a meeting of world leaders to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Thank you very much – colleagues, let me start with Volodymyr and saying on this day of all days, I want to pay tribute to your leadership Volodymyr. And friends – it’s right that we mark this grim anniversary together. For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.
Their voices must be must at the heart of the drive for peace. And I want to be clear – I hear them. I think of the soldiers and civilians that I met in Kyiv just a few weeks ago in the ICU, in the burns unit… The witnesses to the horror of Bucha… The school children I met living under constant bombardment… The soldiers training in the UK, bound for the frontline… Their voices echo in my ears – They inform the decisions I take – and the peace that I believe we must see.
So I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day. From His Majesty the King… To the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine… To the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart. And that’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelenskyy last month – Because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today, and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.
This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin – we must work together to shape the outcome.
Russia does not hold all the cards in this war… Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country… Because Russia’s economy is in trouble… And because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion. So we must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in fighting. We can do that in three ways.
First, by stepping up our military support to Ukraine. The UK is doing that… Providing £4.5bn in military aid this year – more than ever before. We’re doing more than ever to train Ukrainian troops, helping Ukraine to mobilise even further… And we’re proud to have taken on the leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Secondly, we must keep dialling up the economic pressure… To get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions. So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war… Going after Russia’s shadow fleet… And going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – And I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk – Including on the oil price cap… Sanctioning Russia’s oil giants… And going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.
Third, we must bring our collective strength to the peace effort.
President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks. And it has created an opportunity. Now, we must get the fundamentals right.
If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table… And any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine… Backed up with strong security guarantees. The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground – With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place.
And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.
So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine – and for us all. Let me close with one of those voices I mentioned earlier – A patient called Petro, from the burns unit I visited in Kyiv. He said to me… “If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.” That is what’s at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine, and with our allies… Against this aggression… And for a just and lasting peace. Slava Ukraini.
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Palazzo Chigi today. President Meloni later delivered a speech at the Italy-UAE Business Forum at the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech this morning at a meeting of world leaders to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Thank you very much – colleagues, let me start with Volodymyr and saying on this day of all days, I want to pay tribute to your leadership Volodymyr. And friends – it’s right that we mark this grim anniversary together. For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.
Their voices must be must at the heart of the drive for peace. And I want to be clear – I hear them. I think of the soldiers and civilians that I met in Kyiv just a few weeks ago in the ICU, in the burns unit… The witnesses to the horror of Bucha… The school children I met living under constant bombardment… The soldiers training in the UK, bound for the frontline… Their voices echo in my ears – They inform the decisions I take – and the peace that I believe we must see.
So I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day. From His Majesty the King… To the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine… To the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart. And that’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelenskyy last month – Because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today, and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.
This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin – we must work together to shape the outcome.
Russia does not hold all the cards in this war… Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country… Because Russia’s economy is in trouble… And because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion. So we must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in fighting. We can do that in three ways.
First, by stepping up our military support to Ukraine. The UK is doing that… Providing £4.5bn in military aid this year – more than ever before. We’re doing more than ever to train Ukrainian troops, helping Ukraine to mobilise even further… And we’re proud to have taken on the leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Secondly, we must keep dialling up the economic pressure… To get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions. So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war… Going after Russia’s shadow fleet… And going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – And I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk – Including on the oil price cap… Sanctioning Russia’s oil giants… And going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.
Third, we must bring our collective strength to the peace effort.
President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks. And it has created an opportunity. Now, we must get the fundamentals right.
If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table… And any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine… Backed up with strong security guarantees. The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground – With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place.
And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.
So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine – and for us all. Let me close with one of those voices I mentioned earlier – A patient called Petro, from the burns unit I visited in Kyiv. He said to me… “If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.” That is what’s at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine, and with our allies… Against this aggression… And for a just and lasting peace. Slava Ukraini.
The Mount Edgcumbe slipway has officially reopened following extensive repairs, ensuring safe and reliable access for Cremyll Ferry passengers.
The repair works, which began in late October, have been successfully completed, and the slipway is now fully operational.
During a routine review, Plymouth City Council surveyors identified significant cracks and deterioration beneath the slipway, exacerbated by recent storms. The main concrete walkway had come loose and collapsed in places, necessitating urgent repairs. The Council swiftly closed the slipway and commenced works.
The comprehensive repair project included:
Removing and replacing loose stonework.
Reinforcing the propping of the concrete slab.
Filling in voids and gaps.
Installing Odex pile casings filled with reinforced concrete to stabilize the northwest side.
Constructing new reinforced concrete outer walls and levelling the deck slab.
In addition to repairing the slipway, the Council is also making repairs to the general area with left over materials. Contractors are fixing a large hole between the slip and the ticket office and filling in holes in the wall outside the slipway.
The maintenance work has significantly enhanced the slipway’s durability, extending its useful life to 25 years and beyond.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Facilities Management, said: “We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Mount Edgcumbe slipway! It supports not only the ferry service but also the economic vitality of the area by facilitating tourism and local business.
“The repairs have not only restored the slipway but have also improved its resilience for the future, showcasing our commitment to maintaining vital infrastructure for the community. I want to extend my thanks to the ferry operator and the public for their patience and support during this time.”
Cornwall Councillor Kate Ewert, Joint chair of the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee, said ” The reopening of the slipway is fantastic news for the community and visitors. The slipway is a crucial access point to a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Mount Edgcumbe and the brilliant businesses we have in the park, have had a really tough time over the past few months, so we are thrilled to see the ferry service back at the slipway and would use it as a reminder to everyone that Mount Edgcumbe is very much open for businesses.”
Ben Squire, owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, which operates the Cremyll Ferry, added: “We are delighted to resume regular operations from the Cremyll slipway. “The safety and convenience of our passengers are our top priorities, and we’re grateful for the swift and effective repairs carried out by Plymouth City Council, in time for the return of our increased seasonal timetable from 1 April. We look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
Polytechnicians received a unique opportunity to learn new facts from the history of the war period. As part of the project “Lines scorched by war” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory, free access to digitized archives of newspapers published during the Great Patriotic War is provided until June 30.
Access is now available to issues of five key publications from the war years:
Users will be able to read documents, as well as save and print articles (subject to copyright restrictions), using the moderate text search function for research purposes.
Military newspapers are not only a chronicle of events, but also an important source of information about the era, reflecting the emotions and feelings of people who fought for the victory of their country. This is an opportunity to touch living history, preserve the memory of the people’s exploits and pass on this knowledge to future generations.
Access is provided via the SPbPU ESA and from the university’s IP addresses vialink.
For questions about working with the resource, please contactE-Mail.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital City Bank announces a newly created executive role of chief banking officer, providing comprehensive oversight of the lending and deposit functions of the Bank with a strategic focus on growth, efficiency and operational cohesion. The position has been filled by Ramsay Sims, a tenured member of the Company’s senior leadership team who brings broad expertise in financial services and effective leadership. Concurrently, William Smith has been promoted to chief lending officer, filling the vacancy left by Sims’ promotion to chief banking officer.
“Adding this new leadership role positions us for long-term success and sustained excellence as we continue to grow,” said Bill Smith, Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO. “With Ramsay’s extensive experience, proven track record and demonstrated ability to lead in diverse banking environments, he is well-equipped to drive the strategic goals and objectives of this critical role.”
As chief banking officer providing high-level oversight of both lending and deposit functions of the Bank, Sims will streamline the strategic direction of these areas, allowing for more efficient management and alignment of growth objectives. Smith will focus on driving the lending strategies of the Bank as chief lending officer under Sims’ direction.
Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO Bill Smith added, “Ramsay has been a key contributor to our success since he joined the Bank. I have consistently valued his expertise as a member of our executive leadership team. Likewise, William’s diverse background, impressive achievements and deep understanding of the market will add additional strength to our executive ranks. I am confident that these enhancements to our executive management team will provide a solid foundation for continued progress and future growth.”
Sims came to Capital City Bank in 2010 and served most recently as chief lending officer. He has amassed decades of experience serving corporations, governments and non-profit organizations in the financial sector. Before joining Capital City Bank, Sims spent five years in public finance with Merrill Lynch, three years in corporate tax-exempt finance with Banc of America Securities and six years with GE Capital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the South (Sewanee) and a master’s in business administration from Florida State University.
Smith, who served most recently as North Florida Region executive overseeing an operational area that included Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties in Florida and Grady County in Georgia, joined Capital City Bank in 2007 as a management trainee. Over his career, Smith has gained expertise in multiple specialties, including small business, commercial real estate, special assets and private banking. In 2020, he was appointed the market president overseeing Leon County and served three years in that role until being promoted to North Florida Region executive in 2023. Smith demonstrates a deep commitment to community advocacy through service on multiple non-profit boards, including Big Bend Hospice, where he holds the office of treasurer, and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Tallahassee Entrepreneurs Organization and Florida Bankers Association Government Relations Council.
About Capital City Bank Group, Inc. Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.3 billion in assets. We provide a full range of banking services, including traditional deposit and credit services, mortgage banking, asset management, trust, merchant services, bankcards, securities brokerage services and financial advisory services, including the sale of life insurance, risk management and asset protection services. Our bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 63 banking offices and 104 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., www.ccbg.com.
For Information Contact: Brooke Hallock Hallock.Brooke@ccbg.com 850.402.8525
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Dr. Swati Dhingra reappointed to the Monetary Policy Committee
Dr. Swati Dhingra has been reappointed as an external member to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced.
Her three-year term was due to end on 8 August 2025. Following her appointment for a second term, Dr. Dhingra will continue to hold the post until 8 August 2028.
Dr. Swati Dhingra is an Associate Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), and an Associate of the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. Her research has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council; European Research Council; International Growth Centre; UK Research and Innovation; and she was awarded the Office for National Statistics’ Research Excellence People’s Choice Award 2019.
From 1 January 2023, Dr. Swati Dhingra has been Director of the Review of Economic Studies. She has also been a member of the UK’s Trade Modelling Review Expert Panel and the LSE’s Economic Diplomacy Commission.
About the reappointment process
Reappointments are not automatic, and each case is considered on its own merits. This reappointment was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.
About the Monetary Policy Committee
The independent MPC makes decisions about the operation of monetary policy. It comprises of the Governor of the Bank of England, three Deputy Governors, the Bank of England’s Chief Economist and four external members. External members, who are appointed by the Chancellor, may serve up to two three-year terms on the MPC.
The appointment of external members to the MPC is designed to ensure that the Committee benefits from thinking and expertise in addition to that gained inside the Bank. Each member of the MPC has expertise in the field of economics and monetary policy. They are independent and do not represent particular groups or areas.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A conference abstract presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Conference looks at emulsifier restriction in people with Crohn’s disease.
Dr Dominic Farsi, Postdoctoral Researcher in Nutrition Science, INRAE (l’Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement), France, said:
Does the press release accurately reflect the science?
“Yes.
Is there enough data and information available to be able to assess the quality of the science?
“Yes I believe there is enough information. In addition, ECCO is one of the prominent organisations in gastroenterology and this abstract will have been reviewed by the conference committee (though that is different from journal peer review) and also the fact that it is being presented at the meeting would suggest that it is of a high standard as it has been accepted and chosen for the meeting.
How does this work fit with the existing evidence? + What are the implications in the real world? Is there any overspeculation?
“A lot of the evidence to date surrounding emulsifiers and Crohn’s comes from rodent models, which while informative, will always have limitations, as, it is rodents, not humans. This evidence does suggest that food additive emulsifiers may negatively impact the gastrointestinal environment, including the gut microbiota. The evidence in humans is very limited and so this study could be viewed as foundational to help understand the potential impact of food additive emulsifiers in Crohn’s. This study is a first of its kind and to date, we have not had significant data such as this, the results are positive and exciting, and as more research is performed in this topic, it will help further develop our understanding. If future research confirms that making a dietary change such as removing emulsifiers from the diet can help people manage Crohn’s, then that would be viewed as very positive – but we need more evidence first.”
Prof Kim Barrett, Vice Dean for Research and Distinguished Professor of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, said:
“This preliminary presentation reports that removing emulsifiers from the diet may be helpful in patients with Crohn’s disease. It’s difficult to be fully confident in the conclusions since details of the study are not yet available, and more subjects dropped out of the control group vs. the treatment arm. Nevertheless, the findings available are consistent with predictions from previous animal studies, and could offer a simple and inexpensive way to reduce symptoms in patients with limited treatment options.”
Prof Gary Frost, Chair in Nutrition and Dietetics, Imperial College London, said:
“I think that the study is well designed, it is clear how they have decreased exposure to emulsifiers to all in the trial then reintroduced them in a portfolio of food in the control group giving the low emulsifier diet (LED) group foods that had a low emulsifier content.
“The intention to treat results look clear as reported in the abstract but the protocol results suggests that about 60% of the control group did not finish the study there for the results are not so clear. There needs to be more understanding about the reasons for the stark difference in not completing the trial. (The results are expressed in two ways. The intention to treat results include all the volunteers in the study even if they dropped out. Although the authors do not say how they used the data usually the last recorded measure is taken as the final results. This means if someone dropped out at 4 weeks the results at 4 weeks will be taken as the last results and analysed with others that have completed at 8 weeks. It is this analysis that shows a significant difference. The per protocol analysis only analyses people who completed the trial. The problem they have is only 49 of the 75 controls completed the study. There is no explanation for this level of patients not completing.)”
Prof Alexandra Johnstone, Theme Lead for Nutrition, Obesity and Disease, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, said:
“There is currently a lot of interest in the role for ultra processed foods and health, and this study embraces this trend, to examine the role of emulsifiers, which are food additives, within a specific UK patient group. Regulatory bodies ensure that food additives are rigorously tested for safety and additives continue to undergo long‐term monitoring for their effects on chronic health conditions. Food additives that pass these safety tests are given an ‘E’ number which must be listed on packaging. Whilst consumption of some food additives (e.g. artificial sweeteners) can be limited through food choice, it is much more difficult to avoid ingestion of emulsifiers (also known as surfactants or detergents) because they are commonly added to a wide variety of foods within the modern Western diets. Some emulsifiers are man-made or synthetic (e.g. polysorbates) and some occur naturally (e.g. lecithin). In this study, the emulsifiers that were provided, were carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80 (control). For example, carboxymethylcellulose is a non‐digestible polysaccharide polymer, hence its common use as a thickening agent and stabilizer in food emulsions.
“Emerging evidence1,2,3 suggests that permitted dietary emulsifiers may impact on gut health through impairing intestinal barrier function, thus increasing antigen exposure, and/or by modulating the microbiota, thus potentially increasing the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease is a form of IBD.
“The study to be presented at European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Conference in Berlin provides hope for patients with Crohn’s disease to manage symptoms. The press release accurately reflects the brief data shared in the abstract, and I would welcome seeing the full dataset as a paper, once peer reviewed. The limitations of the study are that this is a relatively small group of patients (N=154) and conducted over a short time-frame (8 weeks). Patients with active flare in their disease were recruited, which was measured as inflammatory response, and the study abstract results indicate that the low emulsifier diet reduced inflammatory symptoms and promoted remission. It was good to read the quote from the patient in the press release about the positive impact this had on quality of life. Going forward, a peer-reviewed publication will likely reveal a more comprehensive analysis and discussion from the study team, including exploring the putative mechanism(s) of action. For example, recognising the small subject numbers and limitations of the results that would need to be explored in a larger cohort of patients. The study does offers hope for patients for future research on management of symptoms through dietary changes.”
1 Partridge D, Lloyd KA, Rhodes JM, Walker AW, Johnstone AM, Campbell BJ. Food additives: Assessing the impact of exposure to permitted emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health – introducing the FADiets study. Nutr Bull. 2019 Dec;44(4):329-349. doi: 10.1111/nbu.12408.
2 Naimi, S., Viennois, E., Gewirtz, A.T. et al. Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota. Microbiome 9, 66 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-020-00996-6
3 Chassaing B, Koren O, Goodrich JK, Poole AC, Srinivasan S, Ley RE, Gewirtz AT. Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nature. 2015 Mar 5;519(7541):92-6. doi: 10.1038/nature14232. Epub 2015 Feb 25. Erratum in: Nature. 2016 Aug 11;536(7615):238. doi: 10.1038/nature18000.
Dr Elizabeth Lund, Independent Nutrition Consultant, previously Research Leader at Quadram Institute of Biological Sciences, Norwich, said:
“This study looking at the potential benefit of diets low in emulsifiers shows a potential benefit for patients with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. It is only an abstract for a meeting and thus lacks detail and has not yet been peer reviewed. This is important for journalists to recognise. The nearly 20% drop out rate, that is the difference between those recruited and those completing the study, is on the high side but not atypical. I would want to better understand why these people dropped out. Nevertheless, the data looks very promising and – emphasising this data is yet to be peer reviewed – would suggest that this diet is well worth a try for Crohn’s patients, probably helping many if not all who suffer from this condition. It is unlikely this is the only trigger for Crohn’s; inflammatory conditions tend to be very individual.”
Dr Baptiste Leurent, Associate Professor in Medical Statistics, UCL, said:
“This research is only published as a short summary, and it is difficult to assess its quality. The results could be interesting, but their validity can only be assessed (and communicated to the public) once the full study will be published.
“I am particularly concerned by the data presented in Table 1, which suggest that the differences found could be related to assumptions made regarding missing data.
“The abstract does not state clearly how many participants had Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) data at 8 weeks, but the numbers reported suggest there may have been participants with missing CDAI response, particularly in the control group. And that all of them may have been counted as “no CDAI response” in the primary (intention-to-treat) analysis.
“Given there was much more missing data in the control group, this would explain (at least some of) the lower CDAI response seen in the intervention group. When looking at the `per-protocol’ analysis (participants with actual CDAI data) none of the results were statistically different between the two groups.
“Much other information is missing from the abstract to assess the study validity. For example, it is not clear if the participants were aware of the emulsifier content of the food they were receiving, how similar were the two types of food received (apart from the emulsifier content), and to which extent participants ate the food they received. Note that what is being evaluated here is receiving regular emulsifier-free food, compared to receiving regular high emulsifier content food. It is not what is defined as LED (“low emulsifier diet”) in the abstract, which consisted of dietary advice and other material (both groups received this). No protocol or analysis plan were published – it would be important to know if the outcomes reported here are all the outcomes that were originally planned to be looked at or if there were others.
“Further information is needed before these results can be communicated to the public, and I would be very concerned if any diet recommendation is made based on this abstract.”
Rachel Richardson, Methods Support Unit Manager, Evidence Production and Methods Directorate, Cochrane, said:
“It is difficult to properly assess this study as all we have is an abstract. This means that the full report of the study is not available for scrutiny. It would be helpful to have more detail in order to assess the validity and generalisability of these results.
“A few examples: the number of people who dropped out was high – only 73% completed the study, even though it only lasted for 8 weeks and the drop-out rate was higher in the control group than in the intervention group. High rates of dropout can lead to bias in a study’s results, so it would be helpful to know more about why people dropped out.
“Another example is the fact that the authors adjusted the results for a variety of possible confounding factors, including BMI. However this was a randomised trial which means that confounders should be evenly distributed between groups and no adjustments are necessary. It would be useful to know why authors needed to do this.
“A final striking point is that we do not know from the abstract whether the results were precise enough to demonstrate meaningful improvement across all possible scenarios. The confidence intervals, or margins of error, were quite wide for a number of the effect estimates. Whilst improvement could be significant, there is also the possibility that the effect could be small, which may mean no clinical difference.”
Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:
“These findings are interesting. However, they are based on a conference abstract. The full research report will not (yet) have been through the full peer review process, that it will need to go through before it can be published in a scientific journal. Peer reviewers might (or might not) pick up important problems in the complete trial report. Also, we don’t have by any means complete information, only a press release and a rather brief abstract (summary) of the findings. So, while on the face of it the results look encouraging, it’s just not possible to evaluate the quality of the research properly on the basis of the information available.
“Overall, statistically, the results don’t seem to me to be nearly as clear-cut as the press release implies. I’ll explain why I think this below. It all rather depends on the reasons for the different rates of completing the full trial for the trial in the two groups (those who were on the diet without emulsifiers, and the control group who had emulsifiers). The small amount of information we have doesn’t allow me to make a judgement on that. Maybe the trial does show everything that the press release says it shows, but it remains possible that it doesn’t, not entirely anyway. We need to know more.
“One issue is as follows. As is usual in reports of randomised clinical trials, the researchers present two different sets of comparisons between the ‘intervention’ group (who had a diet without emulsifiers) and the ‘control’ group (who were given some emulsifiers). One is the so-called ‘intention to treat’ comparison, which compared the results for everyone for whom results are available, regardless of whether they stayed on the diet that they were allocated to for the duration of the trial. The other is the so-called ‘per-protocol’ analysis, that compares the results of only those patients who continued on the diet they were allocated to, for the full duration of the trial. Usually the results of the intention to treat analysis are considered to be more revealing. However, it’s important to consider the per-protocol results as well, particularly if a lot of people didn’t remain on the allocated treatment for the full period. In this trial, about four out of five (81%) of those allocated to the emulsifier-free diet were on that diet throughout, and so contributed to the per-protocol analysis. But a considerably smaller proportion, only about two out of three (65%), of those allocated to the control diet remained on it throughout. The information we have doesn’t give an explanation for the differences in completion rates, and it might well matter. Maybe people on the control diet were more likely to drop out because they felt it wasn’t helping them, or maybe they were eating more emulsifiers than usual and felt this was disagreeing with their digestion or health, or maybe something else – we don’t know.
“The results repeated in the press release are based on the intention to treat analysis. But the results from the per-protocol analysis are less clear-cut, and indeed, apart from the finding about the proportion who said their symptoms improved, the other three outcomes given in the table in the Abstract don’t have large enough differences between the no-emulsifier and the control group to allow a conclusion that differences are definitely due to anything other than random chance. (This doesn’t mean that they are due to no more than chance, just that it’s still feasible that they could be no more than chance.)
“Another issue is that the trial is not comparing what patients with Crohn’s disease do on a diet without emulsifiers, compared to what they would otherwise have eaten. The control group of patients ate a diet containing emulsifiers, together with some snacks provided by the researchers, that also contained emulsifiers. The patients in the intervention (no emulsifiers) group also were given snacks and some food provided by the researchers, but without emulsifiers. I am no dietician, but I do know some people with Crohn’s disease, and they all avoid various types of food. So the comparison in the trial seems to be between people definitely eating a special diet with no emulsifiers, with another group who are eating a different special diet that does contain emulsifiers. This makes sense, to ensure, as far as practicable, that all the patients in each of the two groups are eating more or less the same things as the others in their group, but it does imply that the researchers are not comparing people on a special diet free of emulsifiers, with those eating what they would typically eat anyway. You’d have to ask a dietician rather than a statistician to be sure of how important this is in the context of real-world diets.”
Abstract title: ‘Emulsifier restriction is an effective therapy for active Crohn’s disease: the ADDapt trial – a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, re-supplementation trial in 154 patients’ by A. Bancil et al was presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Conference in Berlin. The embargo lifted at 17:20 UK time on Friday 21 February 2025.
There is no paper.
Declared interests
Dr Dominic Farsi: “During part of this study, I was within the department and involved in other diet trials, however not this one (the ADDapt trial). I have since left this role and I am now a Postdoctoral Researcher at INRAE in France. I have no other conflicts of interest.”
Prof Kim Barrett: “I have no conflicts of interest.”
Prof Gary Frost: “None.”
Prof Alexandra Johnstone: “AJ holds funding from UKRI which involves UK retail partners, the Scottish Government. She currently holds voluntary committee position with Nutrition Society, Association for Nutrition and British Nutrition Foundation.”
Dr Elizabeth Lund: “No conflicts of interest to declare.”
Dr Baptiste Leurent: “No conflict of interest.”
Rachel Richardson: “I have no interests to declare.”
Prof Kevin McConway: “Previously a Trustee of the SMC and a member of its Advisory Committee.”
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Two priests were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday, February 22. Father Matthew David Dutsemi, of the diocese of Yola, and Father Abraham Saummam, of the diocese of Jalingo, were captured by armed men who, in the early hours of February 22, raided the rectory where the two Catholic priests were staying in Gweda-Mallam, in the Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, in the north-east of Nigeria.In a note to the faithful, the Diocese of Yola asks for “prayers that the two priests be released quickly and safely”. “We place our hope and trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, to bring them to safety,” the statement reads. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/2/2025)
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European Council President António Costa travelled to Kyiv for the International summit on the support of Ukraine, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. He delivered his remarks reiterating EU’s full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people, as well as calling for credible peace negotiations that involve Ukraine and the EU. President Costa also emphasised EU’s efforts to deliver on its defence capabilities and work towards a future where Ukraine thrives as an integral member of the EU.
Headline: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years
February 24, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years
Teams and facilities to expand in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington
Plans include a new factory in Texas, doubling the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, a manufacturing academy, and accelerated investments in AI and silicon engineering
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.
“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”
As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.
The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.
Today, Apple supports more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.
Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston
As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.
Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.
Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.
Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund
As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.
The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.
Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.
To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.
Growing R&D Investments Across the U.S.
Apple continues to expand its R&D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.
Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.
In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit
To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.
Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.
Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
