Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), the aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, has long been treasured in kitchens around the world. But beyond its culinary charm, rosemary is also gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health, inflammation and immune function.
Modern science is finding there may have been something in this: in one study, people who inhaled rosemary’s scent performed better on memory tasks compared to those in an unscented environment.
So how does rosemary work on the brain? There are several mechanisms at play. For starters, rosemary stimulates blood circulation, including to the brain, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients, which may improve mental clarity. It also has calming properties; some studies suggest its aroma can reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Lower stress can mean better focus and memory retention.
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Another bonus? Rosemary is packed with antioxidants, which help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress – a major factor in cognitive decline.
Rosemary is rich in phytochemicals, plant compounds with health-enhancing effects. One of the most powerful is carnosic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps shield brain cells from harm, particularly from the kinds of damage linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2025, researchers developed a stable version of carnosic acid called diAcCA. In promising pre-clinical studies, this compound improved memory, boosted the number of synapses (the connections between brain cells), and reduced harmful Alzheimer’s related proteins like amyloid-beta and tau.
What’s especially exciting is that diAcCA only activates in inflamed brain regions, which could minimise side effects. So far, studies in mice show no signs of toxicity and significant cognitive improvements – raising hopes that human trials could be next.
Researchers also believe diAcCA could help treat other inflammatory conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Beyond brain health
Rosemary’s benefits could extend well beyond the brain. It’s been used traditionally to ease digestion, relieve bloating and reduce inflammation.
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid are known for their anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Rosemary may even benefit the skin – a review suggests it can help soothe acne and eczema, while carnosic acid may offer anti-ageing benefits by protecting skin from sun damage.
Rosemary oil also has antimicrobial properties, showing promise in food preservation and potential pharmaceutical applications by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
For most people, rosemary is safe when used in food, teas or aromatherapy. But concentrated doses or extracts can pose risks. Consuming large amounts may cause vomiting or, in rare cases, seizures – particularly in people with epilepsy.
There’s also a theoretical risk of rosemary stimulating uterine contractions, so pregnant people should avoid high doses. Because rosemary can interact with some medications – such as blood thinners – it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking large amounts in supplement form.
Rosemary is more than just a kitchen staple. It’s a natural remedy with ancient roots and modern scientific backing. As research continues, particularly into breakthrough compounds like diAcCA, rosemary could play an exciting role in future treatments for Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions.
In the meantime, adding a little rosemary to your life – whether in a meal, a cup of tea, or a breath of its fragrant oil – could be a small step with big health benefits.
Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carlos Abrahams, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Assessment – Director of Ecoacoustics, Nottingham Trent University
Superblocks in Barcalona, Spain, keep traffic noise to the periphery of residential areas. David Alf/Shutterstock
Sounds are integral parts of any landscape. Think of the calls of grouse and curlew on the Pennine Moors. Wind sieving through reed beds in the Norfolk Broads. Church bells chiming out over the hustle and bustle of central London. Every locale across the Earth, beneath our oceans, lakes and rivers, and even underground, has its own distinctive “soundscape”.
Soundscapes are created by a combination of biological sounds – the voices of birds, bats and insects – alongside environmental sounds from rainfall, waves crashing on the shore and low-frequency seismic rumbles. Layered over these natural sound sources are human-made noises from planes, trains, traffic and other elements of 21st-century life.
This human-made noise can be so loud and so pervasive in some areas that it blocks the natural sounds that would otherwise be audible. This affects the behaviour and life cycles of wildlife, because many species rely on sound for breeding activity, social communication and predator detection. Masking these important signals can reduce breeding success and drive populations away from the disturbed habitats.
Noise pollution also reduces our own health and wellbeing. Chronic noise exposure is linked to elevated stress levels, impaired cognitive function and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The damaging soundscapes of European urban areas contribute to 12,000 premature deaths and cost €40 billion (£34 billion) every year.
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As soundscape researchers, we are trying to both understand and learn how to minimise the effects of noise on both wild nature and humans. Part of the solution involves adapting landscape design to build towns and cities that don’t just limit adverse noise pollution, but produce beneficial soundscapes. These can help people and wildlife engage with their surroundings and navigate more easily through them.
For example, people might be drawn to vibrant chatter from a nearby street or use the sound of a river to place ourselves within the mental map of our neighbourhood. Paying attention to soundscapes within the landscape design process can create a stronger sense of place, linking us more closely to our surroundings.
Many cities tackle noise at its source through urban design. In Barcelona, 57% of people are regularly exposed to excessive noise levels. The “superblocks” initiative – where motorised traffic is limited to peripheral roads around groups of buildings in the city – has allowed the pedestrianised inner streets to be opened up for people, planting and wildlife. This has created tranquil and rich local soundscapes and improved the population’s health in these areas.
Landscape interventions, such as tree buffers, earth banks and noise walls, can limit noise propagation through the environment. At Buitenschot Park in the Netherlands, landscape architects have designed ridges or earth banks that absorb and disperse ground-level noise from the nearby Schiphol airport. These sculptural landforms were inspired by local observations that noise reduced with the ploughing of fields near the airport. The similar use of noise reduction surfaces, such as the low-noise asphalt currently being tested in Paris, also help to limit the spread of unwanted sound.
Changes to the landscape also alter the perception of noise by the listener. Adding favourable sounds, such as flowing water, can draw attention away from traffic noise. Soundscape projects that include green spaces help increase biodiversity and engage citizens at the heart of the city. Some UK initiatives such as Bristol soundwalks and London’s Sounder City strategy involve the mapping of such quiet spaces to explain their purpose and encourage their use.
Noise beyond cities
Noise is not just an urban issue. Rural landscapes are adversely affected by agriculture, quarrying and tourism. Historically, rural landscapes have been afforded greater protection from noise than their urban counterparts. The UK national parks were originally designated to allow for the “quiet enjoyment”
of countryside areas, while the tranquillity maps published two decades ago by the countryside charity Campaign to Protect Rural England sought to protect peaceful areas across the country.
Today, rewilding and habitat restoration can play an important role in returning more natural soundscapes with a better balance of non-human and human soundmakers. Restoring wetlands, woodlands and grasslands increases vocalising species, like birds. This benefits both wildlife and people, enabling nature connection and improving environmental quality. By considering sound as a key element of sustainability and resilience, spaces can support biodiversity while enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of the people in these communities.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Carlos Abrahams works for the ecological consultancy Baker Consultants Ltd and owns shares in Soil Acoustics Ltd. He has received research funding from Innovate UK in leration to soil ecoacoustics.
Usue Ruiz-Arana does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled for the fourth time in seven days, from the 22nd Tactical Air Base, Malbork, Poland, to intercept unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad and close to NATO air space.
RAF Typhoons were scrambled on three separate occasions to intercept and identify a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M, as it left Kaliningrad air space. The Ilyushin Il-20M known by its NATO code name COOT-A, is a Communication and Electronic signals intelligence surveillance-reconnaissance aircraft.
On the fourth occasion NATO scrambled RAF Typhoons to intercept and identify a pair of Russian FLANKER H, transiting closer to NATO air space.
Aircrew from No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), are currently conducting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) as part of NATO enhanced Air Policing (eAP) when they were scrambled.
“Today was the fourth time in seven days that NATO have scrambled RAF assets stationed at Malbork, Poland. Today’s mission was to intercept and identify the unknown aircraft departing Kaliningrad air space. It was not communicating, nor did it file a flight plan which is required under international law. Once intercepted we escorted the aircraft to protect civilian air traffic in the immediate area, before handing it over to another pair of NATO aircraft.”
An EAW spokesperson.
Op Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the NATO eAP mission. RAF personnel are currently deployed at Malbork Airbase and are under the command of 140 EAW. The operation sees personnel from across the RAF deployed to Malbork alongside NATOs newest member Sweden.
As the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) continues its journey to the Indo-Pacific region on Operation Highmast, the significance of this mission and its implications for global security are paramount. This operation is critical for ensuring a secure future for all NATO members and like-minded global allies. Through collaboration and innovation, the UK and its partners are poised to address future challenges with confidence and resilience.
Operation Highmast and CSG25 represent a comprehensive military operation involving multinational exercises throughout 2025. It aims to improve the interoperability and preparedness of NATO forces and global allies. Led by HMS The Prince Of Wales , the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, its primary objective is to illustrate and reinforce the strategic capabilities of the United Kingdom and its allies, ensuring preparedness to address a diverse range of global threats.
UK involvement
As the lead nation in this operation, the United Kingdom plays a pivotal role in the planning, coordination, and execution of all activities, movements, and exercises. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group, with HMS Prince of Wales at its centre, serves as a significant maritime force capable of projecting power and influence on a global scale. This deployment underscores the United Kingdom’s advanced military technology, particularly the F-35B Lightning, which are essential components of the carrier’s air wing.
The UK’s leadership in CSG25 consolidates its military capabilities and reflects its steadfast commitment to the principles of collective defence within NATO. By undertaking such a prominent role, the United Kingdom reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the security of the NATO alliance and our allies across the world.
Enhancing Global Alliances
This operation strengthens NATO bonds and global alliances through interoperability and collaboration. Multiple countries contribute their unique skills, enhancing overall effectiveness and unity. The UK defence gains crucial experience and insights into allied tactics and operations, ensuring seamless coordination in real-world scenarios requiring swift responses.
Furthermore, Op Highmast includes partner nations outside NATO with shared security interests, enhancing global stability and security. These nations’ diverse perspectives and capabilities enrich the exercise, highlighting the importance of strong international relationships. As global security challenges grow, a united response is essential.
This week, RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripens conducted training together for the first time since the start of their joint deployment to Malbork, Poland.
The British Typhoons departed Malbork Air Base first to simulate an adversary formation, with the Swedish Gripens being scrambled to intercept the Typhoons, supported by a German Air Force A400M air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
This is a first for the detachment, however it is not the first time the RAF Typhoon and Swedish Air Force Gripen aircraft have trained together. Previously, the aircraft from the RAF and Swedish Air Force carried out joint training in October 2022 as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) at Ravlunda Range in southern Sweden.
This week’s training sortie allowed pilots from No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron and Swedish Air Force 211 and 212 Fighter Squadrons, to gain first-hand experience of working together. This will lead to a better understanding of capabilities and increased interoperability both in the air and amongst the ground crews.
“We work to the same rules and tactics, so it is important to train with other NATO members. As a pilot you are always learning, sharing experiences, exchanging tactics and ideas. Ultimately pilots are all growing and maturing with every mission we fly, whether it is a training sortie or live mission.
“Training with other nations and aircraft results in all involved learning new ideas and improving all nations interoperability, today was a great experience for all involved.”
Officer Commanding No. II (AC) Squadron
Conducting air-to-air refuelling from a German A400M was another first for pilots from No. II (AC) Squadron, further enhancing the squadrons capability whilst operating in the enhanced Air Policing mission.
“We are greatly experienced in refuelling from RAF Voyager aircraft and similar aircraft from other nations. However, refuelling from an A400M presents unique challenges due to subtle differences, such as refuelling airspeed, hose response and basket size and shape. The German crews were extremely professional, and it was a great experience working with them.”
RAF Typhoon pilot
Operation Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission. RAF personnel currently deployed at Malbork Airbase, are under the command of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. Personnel from across the RAF are currently deployed to Malbork alongside NATO’s newest member, Sweden, until July 2025.
Hold onto your hats! Not one, but two elite parachute display teams will be dropping in — literally — to dazzle the crowds at this year’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day on Sunday, 29 June.
Back by popular demand — and making it a hat trick — are the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team, proudly sponsored by Wightlink.
These airborne aces will kick off the day at 10am, soaring above Ryde sands and landing with the kind of precision that makes jaws drop and cameras click.
“They’ve become a real crowd favourite,” said event organiser, Ian Dore. “It wouldn’t be Armed Forces Day without them.”
But the excitement doesn’t stop there.
In a major coup for the Island, the Royal Air Force Falcons will be making their first-ever appearance over Isle of Wight skies.
Led by Flight Lieutenant Alice Adam-Cairns, this 14-strong team of skydiving superstars is only performing at four Armed Forces Day events across the UK this year — and Ryde made the cut!
The Falcons are famous for their heart-stopping stunts and gravity-defying formations. Keep your eyes peeled for their signature moves like the Heart, Criss Cross-Carousel, Snakes & Ducks, and the thrilling Sabre Chase — all performed while plummeting from the sky with pinpoint accuracy.
They’re scheduled to jump at 4.30pm, with a pre-jump build-up on the beach to get the adrenaline flowing. And once they’ve landed, the fabulous Vintage Trio will take over with a nostalgic soundtrack to close the day on a high note.
Ian added: “This is another first for the Island and for Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day.
“The RAF Falcons have been on our wish list for a long time. Their display is not just a jump — it’s a high-adrenaline spectacle of advanced canopy handling and aerial choreography.”
With world-class displays, beachside entertainment, and a whole day dedicated to honouring our Armed Forces community, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Indian maritime companies have made significant strides at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, signing key agreements with global players to boost shipbuilding, green technology, and knowledge partnerships, reinforcing India’s maritime prowess and the “Make in India” initiative. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Intent (MoI) signing ceremonies, highlighting the deepening collaboration between India and global maritime leaders.
A notable MoI was signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata, and Germany’s Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Rehder GmbH & Co. KG for the construction of four additional 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels with hybrid propulsion and advanced cybersecurity features. This deal supplements an existing order of eight such vessels currently under construction at GRSE’s Kolkata yard. GRSE also inked MoUs with UAE-based Aries Marine LLC for collaboration on offshore platforms and vessels, and with a global engine manufacturer to further technological advancements.
Additionally, India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed an MoU with Norway’s DNV, covering cooperation in shipbuilding, offshore and maritime infrastructure, port development, energy systems, industrial solutions, smart infrastructure, sustainability, ESG, risk services, cybersecurity, and digital solutions.
Speaking at the Norwegian Pavilion, Union Minister Sonowal emphasized the strong maritime ties between India and Norway, rooted in shared values and a commitment to sustainable development. “Norway has long been a valued partner of India. As two proud maritime nations, we understand that the future of the blue economy hinges on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth,” he said. “These MoUs, including those with Norwegian companies, deepen our commitment to collaborate in the maritime sector.”
Sonowal highlighted India’s transformative maritime initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including the Sagarmala program, which focuses on modernizing port infrastructure, enhancing multimodal logistics, and promoting port-led industrial growth. He underscored the push for green ports and low-emission shipping, noting opportunities for collaboration in offshore wind energy, maritime digitalization, and sustainable port development. “Together, we can contribute to a sustainable and secure Indo-Pacific maritime ecosystem,” he added.
London, UK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — London, UK – June 2025 — JAMining, a cloud mining platform regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has officially announced the launch of its next-generation crypto mining ecosystem: Cloud Power 2025. This forward-thinking initiative aims to make cryptocurrency mining more accessible, energy-efficient, and financially rewarding than ever before.
As the cryptocurrency industry moves towards greater scalability and environmental accountability, JAMining is setting a new benchmark by combining FCA-compliant operations, green energy infrastructure, and automated earning mechanisms. The result? A user-friendly platform that allows individuals to mine digital assets such as Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin — without owning hardware or technical expertise.
A Smarter Way to Mine: Sustainable, Scalable, Secure
Cloud Power 2025 is built upon JAMining’s proprietary cloud infrastructure, powered by renewable solar and wind energy sources. This not only reduces the environmental footprint of mining but also significantly lowers operational costs, allowing users to receive higher daily returns.
“Cloud mining should not only be profitable, it should be sustainable, transparent, and accessible to everyone,” said a JAMining spokesperson. “We’re proud to be one of the few mining platforms that combine strong regulatory oversight with cutting-edge renewable technology.”
How It Works: One Click to Passive Crypto Earnings
Once registered, users select a mining contract and activate it with cryptocurrency payment. From that point forward, JAMining’s automated system begins generating daily income that is credited directly to the user’s account. The platform handles all backend operations — from server maintenance to hash power distribution — with full transparency and real-time reporting.
Example Profitability Table
Returns are estimates based on current blockchain conditions and are subject to market fluctuation.
Affiliate Program: Earning Beyond Mining
JAMining also announced enhancements to its affiliate program as part of the Cloud Power 2025 rollout. Users can earn lifetime commissions by referring others to the platform. The referral structure is non-hierarchical and transparent, allowing participants to scale their earnings alongside the community’s growth.
“We believe in empowering users not just to mine, but to build income ecosystems,” the company stated. “Our affiliate program is about sharing opportunity, not just traffic.”
FCA Regulation & Global Transparency
Unlike many offshore crypto mining schemes, JAMining is fully registered and regulated in the United Kingdom under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulatory oversight ensures anti-money laundering compliance, user fund protection, and ethical operations.
All user funds are secured through encrypted wallet infrastructure, and the platform’s uptime is maintained by distributed global data centers to ensure maximum resilience.
A Vision Beyond 2025
JAMining’s roadmap includes multi-token staking options, smart mining automation, and continued development of its renewable-powered server clusters. By combining regulation, sustainability, and profitability, the company hopes to set a long-term industry standard.
For those seeking a reliable, transparent, and forward-looking way to participate in the blockchain economy, JAMining offers a compelling model.
To learn more or register, visit:https://jamining.info Press Contact:info@jamining.com
JAMining — Cloud Power 2025. One click. Real income. Sustainable future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
Headline: Global App Store helps developers reach new heights
June 5, 2025
UPDATE
Global App Store helps developers reach new heights, supporting $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024
For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple
Apple today announced the global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, according to a new study by economists Professor Andrey Fradkin from Boston University Questrom School of Business and Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group. For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple.
“It’s incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people’s lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations. We’re proud to support their success.”
Developers Experience Global Growth Across the App Store
The new study by Professor Fradkin and Dr. Burley highlights how developers on the App Store have more ways than ever to monetize their apps. The study found that in 2024, developer billings and sales for digital goods and services totaled $131 billion, driven by games, photo and video editing apps, and enterprise tools. Sales of physical goods and services exceeded $1 trillion, fueled by rising demand for online food delivery and pickup, as well as grocery orders. In-app advertising revenue from ads placed by developers in their apps was $150 billion.
Since 2019, spending across all three categories — digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising — has more than doubled. Physical goods and services experienced the strongest growth (+2.6x), driven in particular by rapid increases in food delivery and pickup, and grocery spending. Growth in digital goods and services reflects continued demand for games and increased spending on apps that support content creation, such as photo and video editing apps. Meanwhile, in-app advertising has helped keep many apps free or low-cost for users. And the App Store continues to be a global launchpad for innovation, with AI-powered apps increasingly shaping users’ daily lives.
Regional Growth Trends Around the World
The App Store’s engine of commerce provides developers with a global distribution platform that allows them to reach users around the world, attracting over 813 million average weekly visitors worldwide. The study found that over the last five years in particular, billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem more than doubled in the U.S., China, and Europe. Spending on digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising grew across all regions during that period.
Digital payment spending grew over seven-fold in the U.S. since 2019 as mobile payments have become commonplace. In China, e-commerce marketplaces expanded substantially and online grocery spending grew over five-fold since 2019. Food delivery and pickup spending more than tripled in Europe, outpacing the growth in already popular categories like general retail and travel. In Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India, travel apps were major spending categories.
In the last five years, user spending on apps that support digital content creation have seen a steady increase. As a result, photo and video editing apps like Adobe creative tools have found tremendous success and have increasingly introduced new features to empower creative professionals, creators, and hobbyists. Earlier this year, Adobe introduced a new Photoshop app on iPhone designed for image and design enthusiasts with an easy-to-use mobile interface. Adobe Lightroom was also recognized as Apple’s 2024 Mac App of the Year as part of the App Store Awards for its high-quality photo editing and powerful AI-powered editing advancements on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple’s Investment in Developers
Apple invests in tools and capabilities that make it easier for developers to distribute their apps and games, be discovered by users around the globe, and grow successful businesses. For example, the App Store’s commerce system supports developers with more than 40 local currencies and provides seamless tax handling in nearly 200 regions, while enabling developers to set prices, manage subscriptions, and more.
Developers also benefit from a suite of tools and technologies — including services to develop and test their apps through Xcode and TestFlight, monitor app performance and benchmarks through App Analytics, and improve performance with tools like Product Page Optimization — along with opportunities and resources to promote their app. At the same time, Apple’s integrated payment system helps protect users from fraud and abuse; in the last five years, the App Store has protected users by preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions.
Apple also offers developers a variety of online and in-person programs to empower them to elevate their apps, including Meet with Apple sessions, appointments, and labs, and 24/7 access to Apple Support via phone and email in nine languages. Apple Developer Centers in the U.S., China, India, and Singapore have hosted tens of thousands of developers in the last year. The centers serve as home to year-round activities, offering supportive environments for teams to improve their apps through more than 250,000 APIs, including as part of frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, Core ML, MapKit, and SwiftUI.
Through a full, free curriculum for future professional developers, Apple Developer Academies in Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the U.S. help students build foundational skills in coding, AI, design, and marketing. Separately, more than 20 Apple Foundation Programs provide students of all levels with the fundamentals of app development through four-week intensive courses that are available across Apple’s 18 developer academies around the world.
Resources like Pathways and Apple Developer Forums are available to better connect developers within the community and help them easily access tools, documentation, and videos to create their best products on Apple’s platforms. Developers can share feedback, request enhancements, or report bugs at any time with the Feedback Assistant app or on the web.
Next week during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, developers from every part of the globe will have free access to more than 100 technical sessions, diving deep into the latest technologies and frameworks with Apple experts. Developers will also be able to access guides and documentation that can help walk them through the conference’s biggest announcements and stay up to date with the conference across the Apple Developer website, app, YouTube channel and Apple Developer WeChat. Apple Developer Program members and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members will also have a chance to connect directly with Apple experts through online group labs and one-on-one lab appointments.
One popular characterization of AI tools is that they “understand” what they are doing. Nobel laureate and AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton said: “What’s really surprised me is how good neural networks are at understanding natural language — that happened much faster than I thought…. And I’m still amazed that they really do understand what they’re saying.”
Chomskyan linguistics refers to American linguist Noam Chomsky’s theories about the nature of human language and its development. Chomsky proposes that there is a universal grammar innate in humans, which allows for the acquisition of any language from birth.
I’ve been researching how humans understand language since the 1990s, including more than 20 years of studies on the neuroscience of language. This has included measuring brainwave activity as people read or listen to sentences. Given my experience, I have to respectfully disagree with the idea that AI can “understand” — despite the growing popularity of this belief.
Geoffrey Hinton’s response to receiving the Nobel prize in physics for his work in AI.
Generating text
First, it’s unfortunate that most people conflate text on a screen with natural language. Written text is related to — but not the same thing as — language.
For example, the same language can be represented by vastly different visual symbols. Look at Hindi and Urdu, for instance. At conversational levels, these are mutually intelligible and therefore considered the same language by linguists. However, they use entirely different writing scripts. The same is true for Serbian and Croatian. Written text is not the same thing as “language.”
Next let’s take a look at the claim that machine learning algorithms “understand” natural language. Linguistic communication mostly happens face-to-face, in a particular environmental context shared between the speaker and listener, alongside cues such as spoken tone and pitch, eye contact and facial and emotional expressions.
The importance of context
There is a lot more to understanding what a person is saying than merely being able to comprehend their words. Even babies, who are not experts in language yet, can comprehend context cues.
Take, for example, the simple sentence: “I’m pregnant,” and its interpretations in different contexts. If uttered by me, at my age, it’s likely my husband would drop dead with disbelief. Compare that level of understanding and response to a teenager telling her boyfriend about an unplanned pregnancy, or a wife telling her husband the news after years of fertility treatments.
In each case, the message recipient ascribes a different sort of meaning — and understanding — to the very same sentence.
So, while some computer code can respond to human language in the form of text, it does not come close to capturing what humans — and their brains — accomplish in their understanding.
It’s worth remembering that when workers in AI talk about neural networks, they mean computer algorithms, not the actual, biological brain networks that characterize brain structure and function. Imagine constantly confusing the word “flight” (as in birds migrating) versus “flight” (as in airline routes) — this could lead to some serious misunderstandings!
Finally, let’s examine the claim about neural networks processing language better than theories produced by Chomskyan linguistics. This field assumes that all human languages can be understood via grammatical systems (in addition to context), and that these systems are related to some universal grammar.
Chomsky conducted research on syntactic theory as a paper-and-pencil theoretician. He did not conduct experiments on the psychological or neural bases of language comprehension. His ideas in linguistics are absolutely silent on the mechanisms underlying sentence processing and understanding.
There are at least 7,000 languages on the planet, and no one gets to pick where they are born. That means the human brain must be ready to comprehend and learn the language of their community at birth.
Regardless of where a child is born, the human brain is capable of acquiring any language. (Unsplash/tommao wang), CC BY
From this fact about language development, Chomsky posited an (abstract) innate module for language learning — not processing. From a neurobiological standpoint, the brain has to be ready to understand language from birth.
While there are plenty of examples of language specialization in infants, the precise neural mechanisms are still unknown, but not unknowable. But objects of study become unknowable when scientific terms are misused or misapplied. And this is precisely the danger: conflating AI with human understanding can lead to dangerous consequences.
Veena D. Dwivedi receives funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Brock University.
A direct connection to mainland Europe would be a positive boost to Scotland.
More in Transport
The First Minister has been urged to take action on “Brexit bureaucracy” and work to reinstate a direct ferry service between Scotland and mainland Europe.
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has been in discussions with Transport Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop to see a ferry service in operation between Rosyth and Dunkirk, creating a direct route for freight and passengers from Scotland.
There is a willingness from the Westminster Government to support actions needed to get the ferry service running, but so-called “Brexit bureaucracy” over border control ports need to be agreed upon.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions today, Mr Ruskell asked:
“To ask the First Minister what actions the Scottish Government is taking to secure a direct ferry route between Scotland and France?”
First Minister John Swinney said his government is determined to support action to make this ferry route possible, and that he believes Scotland’s future is in the European Union.
In his second question, Mr Ruskell asked:
“Well, can I thank the First Minister for that response. I absolutely welcome the engagement with the cabinet secretary earlier in the week.
“It’s absolutely clear that a direct ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk would be a great win for the economy and the environment. It would be wonderful news for all of us who cherish our connections with the rest of Europe.
“I understand the ferry operators, DFDS, want to move forward to start sailing in spring next year. Forth Ports around Rosyth want progress. The Port of Dunkirk have bought in. And the Westminster government is also supportive.
“The only thing that is getting in the way, First Minister, is Brexit bureaucracy around the location of a border control post. Time is ticking.
“A resolution needs to be found by the end of June to secure the service, First Minister.
“Are you able to take the lead, to convene stakeholders and to resolve these remaining issues and get this over the line?”
Speaking after FMQ’s, Mr Ruskell said:
“We are within touching distance of connecting Fife to France through a direct ferry service, but Brexit Bureaucracy is getting in the way.
“I’m pleased that both the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary have agreed to lead talks to resolve the issue of a Border Control Post but time is ticking and operators need certainty by the end of this month.
“For years people have been waiting for the Rosyth ferry to come back, it needs to happen by Spring 2026, stakeholders need the certainty that any fix in the regulations can be delivered in time.”
ATHENS, Greece, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TOP Ships Inc. (the “Company” or “TOP Ships”) (NYSE American:TOPS), an international owner and operator of modern, fuel-efficient “ECO” tanker vessels, announced today that the NYSE American (the “NYSE”) has established an ex-distribution date for the previously-announced proposed spin-off of two of its Suezmax tanker vessels.
Rubico Inc. (“Rubico”), currently a subsidiary of TOP Ships, would become an independent publicly-traded company listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market as a result of the planned spin-off. The initial assets of Rubico will be the M/T Eco Malibu and M/T Eco West Coast, each a modern, high specification, scrubber-fitted and fuel-efficient 157,000 dwt Suezmax tanker. As part of the spin-off transaction, TOP Ships intends to distribute 100% of the common shares of Rubico pro rata to its securityholders of record as of June 16, 2025.
The NYSE has established an ex-distribution date for the distribution of Rubico common shares of June 16, 2025. Beginning on that date, TOP Ships common shares will trade without an entitlement by the purchaser of such shares to Rubico common shares distributed in connection with the spin-off.
TOP Ships securityholders do not need to take any action to receive Rubico shares to which they are entitled, and do not need to pay any consideration or surrender or exchange TOP Ships common shares or warrants.
TOP Ships expects that approximately 3,057,337 Rubico common shares will be distributed in the Spin-Off at an assumed distribution ratio of one Rubico common share for every two TOP Ships common shares held by TOP Ships common shareholders (and warrantholders on an as-exercised basis) at the close of business on June 16, 2025. However, such distribution ratio will depend on the number of TOP Ships common shares outstanding, as well as the number of common shares into which outstanding TOP Ships common stock purchase warrants are exercisable, on June 16, 2025, the record date for the spin-off distribution.
Concurrently and conditioned on the spin-off transaction, Rubico expects to raise $1.5 million in a private placement of its common shares at a purchase price of $20.00 per share.
Rubico has filed a registration statement on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed spin-off. The transaction remains subject to such registration statement being declared effective and the approval of the listing of Rubico’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market. There can be no assurance that the transaction will occur or, if it does occur, of its terms or timing. TOP Ships may, at any time, decide to abandon the spin-off. A copy of the registration statement on Form 20-F filed by Rubico is available at www.sec.gov. The information in the filed registration statement on Form 20-F is not final and remains subject to change.
About TOP Ships Inc.
TOP Ships Inc. is an international owner and operator of ocean-going vessels focusing on modern, fuel-efficient eco tanker vessels transporting crude oil, petroleum products (clean and dirty) and bulk liquid chemicals. For more information about TOP Ships Inc., visit its website: www.topships.org.
Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding the proposed spin-off and the prospects and strategies of TOP Ships and Rubico following the spin-off, the valuation of the shares of Rubico and TOP Ships following the spin-off, and the listing of Rubico’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “pending,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including, without limitation, our management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records, and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs, or projections. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward‐looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.
For further information please contact:
Alexandros Tsirikos Chief Financial Officer TOP Ships Inc. Tel: +30 210 812 8107 Email: atsirikos@topships.org
The dinner party is going well until someone decides to introduce a controversial topic. In today’s world, that could be anything from vaccines to government budget cuts to immigration policy. Conversation starts to get heated. Finally, someone announces with great authority that a scientific study supports their position. This causes the discussion to come to an abrupt halt because the dinner guests disagree on their belief in scientific evidence. Some may believe science always speaks the truth, some may think science can never be trusted, and others may disagree on which studies with contradicting claims are “right.”
How can the dinner party – or society – move beyond this kind of impasse? In today’s world of misinformation and disinformation, healthy skepticism is essential. At the same time, much scientific work is rigorous and trustworthy. How do you reach a healthy balance between trust and skepticism? How can researchers increase the transparency of their work to make it possible to evaluate how much confidence the public should have in any particular study?
As teachers and scholars, we see these problems in our own classrooms and in our students – and they are mirrored in society.
The concept of reproducibility may offer important answers to these questions.
Reproducibility is what it sounds like: reproducing results. In some ways, reproducibility is like a well-written recipe, such as a recipe for an award-winning cake at the county fair. To help others reproduce their cake, the proud prizewinner must clearly document the ingredients used and then describe each step of the process by which the ingredients were transformed into a cake. If others can follow the directions and come up with a cake of the same quality, then the recipe is reproducible.
Think of the English scholar who claims that Shakespeare did not author a play that has historically been attributed to him. A critical reader will want to know exactly how they arrived at that conclusion. What is the evidence? How was it chosen and interpreted? By parsing the analysis step by step, reproducibility allows a critical reader to gauge the strength of any kind of argument.
We are a group of researchers and professors from a wide range of disciplines who came together to discuss how we use reproducibility in our teaching and research.
Based on our expertise and the students we encounter, we collectively see a need for higher-education students to learn about reproducibility in their classes, across all majors. It has the potential to benefit students and, ultimately, to enhance the quality of public discourse.
The foundation of credibility
Reproducibility has always been a foundation of good science because it allows researchers to scrutinize each other’s studies for rigor and credibility and expand upon prior work to make new discoveries. Researchers are increasingly paying attention to reproducibility in the natural sciences, such as physics and medicine, and in the social sciences, such as economics and environmental studies. Even researchers in the humanities, such as history and philosophy, are concerned with reproducibility in studies involving analysis of texts and evidence, especially with digital and computational methods. Increased interest in transparency and accessibility has followed the rising importance of computer algorithms and numerical analysis in research. This work should be reproducible, but it often remains opaque.
Broadly, research is reproducible if it answers the question: “How do you know?” − such that another researcher could theoretically repeat the study and produce consistent results.
Reproducible research is explicit about the materials and methods that were used in a study to make discoveries and come to conclusions. Materials include everything from scientific instruments such as a tensiometer measuring soil moisture to surveys asking people about their daily diet. They also include digital data such as spreadsheets, digitized historic texts, satellite images and more. Methods include how researchers make observations and analyze data.
To reproduce a social science study, for example, we would ask: What is the central question or hypothesis? Who was in the study? How many individuals were included? What were they asked? After data was collected, how was it cleaned and prepared for analysis? How exactly was the analysis run?
Proper documentation of all these steps, plus making available the original data from the study, allows other scientists to redo the research, evaluate the decisions made during the process of gathering and analyzing information, and assess the credibility of the findings.
This short video, made by the National Academies, explains the key concepts in reproducing scientific findings and notes ways the process can be improved.
A highly contentious, retracted study from 1998 linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. Scientists and journalists used their understanding of reproducibility to discover the flaws in the study.
The central question of the study was not about vaccines but aimed to explore a possible relationship between colitis − an inflammation of the large intestine − and developmental disorders. The authors explicitly wrote, “We did not prove an association between measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described.”
The study observed just 12 patients who were referred to the authors’ gastroenterology clinic and had histories of recent behavioral disorders, including autism. This sample of children is simply too small and selective to be able to make definitive conclusions.
In this study, the researchers translated children’s medical charts into summary tables for comparison. When a journalist attempted to reproduce the published data tables from the children’s medical histories, they found pervasive inconsistencies.
Reproducibility allows for corrections in research. The article was published in a respected journal, but it lacked transparency with regard to patient recruitment, data analysis and conflicts of interest. Whereas traditional peer review involves critical evaluation of a manuscript, reproducibility also opens the door to evaluating the underlying data and methods. When independent researchers attempted to reproduce this study, they found deep flaws. The article was retracted by the journal and by most of its authors. Independent research teams conducted more robust studies, finding no relationship between vaccines and autism.
Each research discipline has its own set of best practices for achieving reproducibility. Disciplines in which researchers use computational or statistical analysis require sharing the data and software code for reproducing studies. In other disciplines, researchers interpret nonnumerical qualities of data sources such as interviews, historical texts, social media content and more. These disciplines are working to develop standards for sharing their data and research designs for reproducibility. Across disciplines, the core principles are the same: transparency of the evidence and arguments by which researchers arrived at their conclusions.
Reproducibility in the classroom
Colleges and universities are uniquely situated to promote reproducibility in research and public conversations. Critical thinking, effective communication and intellectual integrity, staples of higher-education mission statements, are all served by reproducibility.
Teaching faculty at colleges and universities have started taking some important steps toward incorporating reproducibility into a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses. These include assignments to replicate existing studies, training in reproducible methods to conduct and document original research, preregistrationof hypotheses and analysis plans, and tools to facilitate open collaboration among peers. A number of initiatives to develop and disseminate resources for teaching reproducibility have been launched.
Despite some progress, reproducibility still needs a central place in higher education. It can be integrated into any course in which students weigh evidence, read published literature to make claims, or learn to conduct their own research. This change is urgently needed to train the next generation of researchers, but that is not the only reason.
Reproducibility is fundamental to constructing and communicating claims based on evidence. Through a reproducibility lens, students evaluate claims in published studies as contingent on the transparency and soundness of the evidence and analysis on which the claims are based. When faculty teach reproducibility as a core expectation from the beginning of a curriculum, they encourage students to internalize its principles in how they conduct their own research and engage with the research published by others.
Institutions of higher education already prioritize cultivating engaged, literate and critical citizens capable of solving the world’s most challenging contemporary problems. Teaching reproducibility equips students, and members of the public, with the skills they need to critically analyze claims in published research, in the media and even at dinner parties.
Also contributing to this article are participants in the 2024 Reproducibility and Replicability in the Liberal Arts workshop, funded by the Alliance to Advance Liberal Arts Colleges (AALAC) [in alphabetical order]: Ben Gebre-Medhin (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Mount Holyoke College), Xavier Haro-Carrión (Department of Geography, Macalester College), Emmanuel Kaparakis (Quantitative Analysis Center, Wesleyan University), Scott LaCombe (Statistical and Data Sciences, Smith College), Matthew Lavin (Data Analytics Program, Denison University), Joseph J. Merry (Sociology Department, Furman University), Laurie Tupper (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mount Holyoke College).
Sarah Supp receives funding from the National Science Foundation, awards #1915913, #2120609, and #2227298.
Joseph Holler receives funding from the National Science Foundation, award #2049837.
Peter Kedron receives funding from the National Science Foundation, award #2049837 and from Esri.
Richard Ball has received funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the United Kingdom Reproducibility Network.
Anne M. Nurse and Nicholas J. Horton do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country’s energy infrastructure has suffered approximately $20 billion in damage, causing widespread power outages and insufficient heat supply – with the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv alone accounting for over $630 million in losses, according to UNDP.
While emergency efforts have focused on rebuilding existing capacity and fossil fuel capacity replacements, this approach can overlook the need for more resilient and sustainable local energy solutions. In addition to the need to rebuild energy infrastructure and meet ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets in place in national energy and climate laws, Ukraine aims to move to a system that balances centralized and decentralized systems, across heat, electricity and energy demand.
In this context, Ukrainian cities will play an important role in the country’s sustainable and resilient reconstruction that is aligned with the energy transition, as well as with European standards and regulations.
Meeting with Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, H.E. Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean reiterated UNECE’s steadfast commitment to help the government address these issues, building on strong cooperation on urban development and energy policy. Looking ahead to the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome in July, she underscored solidarity and ongoing support for Ukraine’s sustainable and resilient recovery across UNECE’s areas of expertise.
Local action for Ukraine’s green energy recovery
Support to urban reconstruction planning has been a core dimension of UNECE’s support to Ukraine’s recovery since the start of the war. Through the UN4UkrainianCities initiative, UNECE has mobilized international partners to support the development of concept master plans and pilot projects in the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, and has supported the government to draft new housing legislation, including the State Housing Policy Strategy, as well as to strengthen capacities for the Urban Planning Cadastre.
To this end, UNECE, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Autonomous Region of Bolzano in Italy jointly organized an international study trip to strengthen the capacities of the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, among other 2 municipalities, for integrated urban energy planning focused on decentralized and renewable local energy and modern district heating systems.
This study visit is facilitated by the UNEP programme “Unlocking greener and more resilient energy in Ukrainian cities”, supported by the Italian Development Co-operation (AICS), and by UNECE’s UN4UkrainianCities initiative. Additional support to the study visit is provided by the NOI Technopark in Bolzano, Alperia (Bolzano, Italy), and EURAC Research.
Officials from Kharkiv and Mykolaiv will benefit from the guidance of international experts, and site visits to state-of-the-art local, renewable and decentralized energy installations.
Mobilizing partnerships meet financing needs on the ground
At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference this week, the City Council of Bucha, home to 73,000 people and located 30km from Kyiv, presented a project for the construction of a decentralised city energy system. Supported by UNECE, this provided an opportunity to present the project seeking €145 million from potential investors and financiers in staged investment through Public-Private Partnerships.
Developed in response to energy capacity losses during the war, the distributed energy system aims to provide a reliable uninterruptible power supply of over 112 MW through a clean, flexible and autonomous system comprising generation facilities and grid connection infrastructure. This would include power plants for households and critical infrastructure, power for the city’s industrial cluster, and energy storage systems. The project would in addition create an estimated 120 jobs.
Continued support for sustainable recovery
In Geneva, the Executive Secretary also recalled UNECE’s broader, multisectoral support to the government of Ukraine in implementing the National Recovery Plan, including through: the PIERS methodology to assess sustainability of infrastructure projects, facilitating Public-Private Partnerships and other investment; the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine; the Inter-agency Coordination Group on Environmental Assessments for Ukraine; harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Development; support for water-related and other environmental challenges, leveraging UNECE Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and applying the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) to support the sustainable management of Ukraine’s critical raw materials.
June 5, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, on the margins of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France. This was their first bilateral meeting.
The ministers discussed shared trade priorities and how to handle global trade uncertainty, including through full ratification of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. They agreed on the importance of working closely with trusted partners, including through the G7.
They discussed ways to expand and diversify trade and investment between Canada and France, including through more minister-led trade missions between the two countries.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE-supported conference in Montenegro tackles challenges of transnational drug crime
(l-r) U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke, Special State Prosecutor Vladimir Novović, acting director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro Jan Haukaas and Security Co-operation and Governance Programme Manager Stephen Harmon at the opening of the three-day international conference in Budva, 4 June 2025. (OSCE/Marina Živaljević) Photo details
Transnational organized crime, specifically drug trafficking, remains a critical, shared threat that transcends national borders. It can only be effectively countered through co-ordinated, joint action grounded in international collaboration, sustained strategic commitment, and mutual trust.
This was emphasized at the opening of a three-day international conference “Connecting the Drugs: Challenges and Threats from Expanding Trans-Atlantic Collusion and Traffic in Drug Crime”, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Police Directorate of Montenegro, with support from the Embassy of the United States of America. The event is taking place from 4 to 6 June in Budva.
The conference brings together 70 regional law enforcement leaders, investigators, and prosecutors involved in organized crime investigations from countries of the Western Balkans region, Italy, Romania, Spain and the United States.
Opening the conference, acting director of the Police Directorate of Montenegro, Lazar Šćepanović, noted that the dominant criminal activity of high-risk organized crime groups from Montenegro continues to be cocaine smuggling at the international level, with these structures maintaining links to criminal groups across the Western Balkans. “Despite all the challenges, Montenegro has made significant progress in the fight against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking in the previous period, relying on strengthening police co-operation, adopting European standards, and intensive international co-ordination,” said director Šćepanović. He also emphasized that “the priority of the Montenegrin police will remain the strengthening and intensifying of international police co-operation”, which is one of the underlying themes of the conference.
Special State Prosecutor Vladimir Novović stated that he was proud that the Special State Prosecutor’s Office had developed relations and intensive co-operation with key international institutions. “Each of them, within their own jurisdiction, is dedicated to fighting this global problem,” said Special Prosecutor Novović. He further noted that this co-operation has already enabled the prosecution to achieve significant results, especially in terms of uncovering and prosecuting international drug trafficking rings.”
U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke highlighted that the fight against drug trafficking requires unwavering commitment, collaboration, innovation, and trust. “Montenegro has been an incredible partner in this fight, and their leadership in this regional event is testament to the effectiveness of the police and prosecutors who work tirelessly to dismantle criminal groups. The positive results are encouraging, but there is still so much more to be done. Thank you for joining us here today so that together we can degrade these criminal networks, protect our communities, and ensure a safer future,” said Ambassador Reinke.
Head of Mission Jan Haukaas stated that the OSCE’s regional presence and comprehensive mandate made it uniquely positioned to support cross-border co-operation. “The OSCE is well placed to facilitate trust among institutions, and promote holistic, cross-sectoral responses that address both the criminal, institutional, economic and societal risks posed by criminal networks. This conference can contribute to those efforts by bringing together law enforcement and prosecutorial institutions across Southeast Europe and beyond,” said Ambassador Haukaas.
This three-day conference provides a platform for participants to exchange regional and international expertise in combating drug crime, with a particular focus on emerging collusion between South East Europe and Latin American criminal organizations. It also explores challenges and threats criminal collaboration poses to the region and the rest of Europe. The event brings together representatives from leading international, regional, and national law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, with presentations by UNODC, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, EUDA, DEA and the FBI, among others. The conference also includes an in-depth expert presentation by the Vigilance Project on Latin American drug cartels and the threats they represent for Europe, including Southeast Europe.
The following is a guest post by Louis Gilbert and Stephania Alvarez, foreign law specialists at the Law Library of Congress. Louis has previously published the following post: “Wait, It Is Not About Wigs?” – The Story of Faso Dan Fani Court Robes in Burkina Faso, and “Join Us on 11/21 for a Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar titled “Review of Law Library of Congress Research Reports Published in 2024.” Stephania has previously published the following blog posts: FALQs: Guyana-Venezuela Territorial Dispute, and Law Library Publishes New Report, “Peru: Civic Space Legal Framework.”
Please join us on June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, for another entry into our Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar series with our “Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Evolution of Surrogacy Law in France and Colombia” webinar. Surrogacy and the adoption of children born through this practice have been the focus of significant legislative and jurisprudential developments around the world. The evolution of surrogacy in France and Colombia has different legal implications in each country.
Register here.
In Colombia, surrogacy is neither explicitly regulated nor prohibited. Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court has addressed this topic in various rulings, in which it has established rules and requirements for surrogacy agreements and emphasized the need to protect the child’s fundamental rights.
On the other hand, surrogacy is forbidden in France, and the recognition of children born abroad is currently at the center of legal discussions. Recent developments in French jurisprudence have enabled numerous French citizens to resort to surrogacy agreements abroad. The questions of filiation and adoption are no longer framed solely around the legality or prohibition of certain practices but are increasingly approached from the perspective of the child’s fundamental rights.
Although France and Colombia adopt opposing approaches to surrogacy, their legal systems complement each other in safeguarding the best interests of the child. In Colombia, the severance of the legal bond between the surrogate and the baby allows for clear filiation between the intended parents and the child, which France now fully recognizes when it has been validly established abroad. Therefore, the absence of a specific legal framework prohibiting surrogacy in Colombia, in addition to the lower costs and greater accessibility compared to other countries, has made this country an increasingly common destination for surrogacy procedures.
Stephania Alvarez is a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress. She conducts research and writes reports on a wide range of topics relating primarily to the laws of Central and South American jurisdictions. Stephania has a Bachelor of Laws from Icesi University in Colombia. She completed a dual degree program at Sciences Po in Paris, France, and Georgetown University Law Center, earning a master’s in environmental policy and a Master of Laws in environmental and energy law, respectively.
Louis Gilbert is a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress. He conducts research and writes reports on topics relating to the laws of French-speaking jurisdictions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Essex, England, a master’s in comparative law from the Université Paris X, France, and a J.D. from American University.
To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].
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McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for attempting to coerce and entice the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a Finnish minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Brandon Roy Alvarez pleaded guilty Oct. 9, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton has now sentenced Alvarez to 210 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including that Alvarez would collect child pornography and store it on multiple devices. He would then pose as a minor and utilize the CSAM he collected to entice his victims to produce more. Alvarez will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Alvarez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began after authorities discovered a 10-year-old minor victim residing in Finland had received sexually explicit messages and CSAM videos from an English-speaking individual through various social media and other applications. They identified Alvarez as that person.
He had attempted to entice the minor victim into sending him a nude photo and/or a video of the victim masturbating from on or about Sept. 17-20, 2023.
Alvarez admitted he used his accounts to meet underage children online. He said he would pretend to be a minor female child to gain the other user’s trust and then use child pornography he collected to lure minors into sending sexually explicit photographs and videos.
FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
The works form part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s £19 million programme to transform the city centre experience for visitors to Darlington Street, Lichfield Street and Queen Square.
All externally funded, the investment will help boost the local economy by delivering better public spaces, improved lighting and safety, more trees, greenery and seating and easier access for buses, cycles and taxis. It follows extensive consultation with businesses, the public and key stakeholders.
Contractor Taylor Woodrow started the first stage of the transformation works on Darlington Street on 20 January and have been making good progress.
Unfortunately, recent excavation works have uncovered a water main in very poor condition that needs to be dealt with by Severn Trent Water, who are not expected to start on site until the end of June, halting the improvement works on the southside carriageway.
In addition, 2 BT chambers have been discovered that require emergency works. Cellars, belonging to buildings that once stood adjacent to the Fold Street car park, have also been exposed that require backfilling correctly to avoid future subsidence.
Despite readjusting the works schedule to pick up works in other parts of the site, the combined effect of these factors – all out of the council’s and Taylor Woodrow’s control – mean the Darlington Street works and associated road closure between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street will be in place longer than anticipated. Pedestrian access to businesses will continue to be maintained during business hours.
The overall city centre improvements 2 and a half year programme is still on course to be completed by summer 2027.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “We appreciate this is frustrating and we will continue to do everything in our power to minimise disruption caused by these unforeseen issues with utility providers.
“These works will ultimately enable people to better enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive and are the next step in our transformation plans that have already seen improvements in North Street and Victoria Street deliver positive outcomes for businesses, residents and visitors.
“In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these critical works are carried out.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, June 2025: UK and Canada joint statement to the OSCE
UK and Canada thank the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities for his active start in the role and urge continued prioritisation of support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Thank you, Mister Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada and the UK.
High Commissioner, dear Christophe, welcome back to the Permanent Council. Since this is your first report in this capacity, allow us officially to congratulate you on your appointment and for hitting the ground running. You have had a very active start to your tenure, as demonstrated by your comprehensive report today.
The UK and Canada are strong supporters of your mandate and the work of your office in promoting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities.
We commend your extensive engagement with – and visits to – a number of our participating States, including Moldova and Central Asia. We welcome the transparency around your activities, which you have achieved without undermining the “quiet diplomacy” that is an important characteristic of your mandate.
The UK and Canada greatly value your Office’s continued attention to the intersectionality of gender and national minorities. It is in all our interests that we fully support women’s and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of public life, including in peace and security. We agree with you, High Commissioner, that greater gender equality in societies contributes to greater comprehensive security for us all.
We also welcome that you have prioritised support to Ukraine, including an early visit. We commend the strides that the Ukrainian authorities have made in strengthening the legal and policy frameworks for protecting national minorities and preparing the ground for inclusive education reforms. This progress provides a promising foundation for Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery.
High Commissioner, your office plays a crucial role which is as important today as it was when created more than 30 years ago. But like most of the OSCE’s tools, it can only play this role when the political will exists to permit it.
The situation in Ukraine is a case in point. Your predecessor noted prior to the full-scale invasion that Ukraine was “working to maintain the delicate balance between the interests and rights of all groups in society”. Rather than engage in good faith dialogue, Russia has weaponised the issue of minorities. And the irony is that those Ukrainians who Russia claimed to be protecting, have suffered greatly from its invasion.
The UK and Canada support your office’s continued focus on the situation in the areas of Ukraine’s sovereign territory temporarily under Russian control. We condemn Russia’s systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity in these areas, including forced passportisation and the deportation of children. The deeply concerning situation in Crimea, including widescale repression of Crimean Tatars, has been well documented by numerous independent organisations.
High Commissioner, dear Christophe, we thank you and your team for your considerable efforts in the period covered by your report. You can rely on the UK and Canada’s continued support for your institution in the years ahead. Thank you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team to cover a period of maternity leave.
You will work with another HSO AMR co-ordinator to support the AMR surveillance manager in delivery of the surveillance programmes, including the interpretation and reporting of results. You will also co-ordinate important AMR activities across government and provide scientific input into, and generate outputs from, a diverse range of AMR surveillance initiatives.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
Russia continues to frustrate peace efforts while trying to convince the world it is taking them seriously: UK statement to the OSCE
Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s latest tactics to frustrate efforts to end its war in Ukraine while trying to convince the world it is serious about peace. He confirms that the Kremlin’s delay tactics will only redouble the UK’s resolve to support Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace
Thank you, Mister Chair. The UK welcomes the second round of bilateral negotiations that took place earlier this week in Istanbul. We thank Türkiye for again hosting the discussions and the United States for creating the momentum that got everybody to this point. The agreement to a further large-scale prisoner exchange and the return of fallen soldiers is a further step towards building confidence.
We regret, however, that Russia limited the progress that could be made at Monday’s talks by refusing to send, in advance, the memorandum setting out its position on ending this illegal war. The memorandum, when it arrived, revealed no movement away from the maximalist terms that we have all heard before. We also regret that the Kremlin continues to reject a complete, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire.
This is consistent with the tactics that Russia has employed for weeks over peace talks: to draw out the process and refuse to engage in a meaningful way; all while trying to convince the world that it is serious about peace. We see it in this Council and at the United Nations where Russia makes nonsensical claims. Among these is the allegation that those who materially support Ukraine’s sovereign right to defend itself from unprovoked aggression, are undermining peace efforts.
Nobody in this room is fooled; we know who started this war, and we know who is resisting efforts to end it. The UK is committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Delay tactics from the Kremlin will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and to use our sanctions to restrict Russia’s war machine.
Arrangements confirmed for City Cemetery Blessing of the Graves
5 June 2025
Members of the public wishing to attend the Annual Blessing of the Graves at the City Cemetery scheduled to take place at 3pm on Sunday June 22nd, are asked to check traffic and parking arrangements to help plan their visit.
130 car parking spaces will be made available for Blue Badge holders within the Cemetery. The places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to current Blue Badge holders and can be booked at www.derrystrabane.com/cemeterysunday
When booking online for the City Cemetery spaces users are advised that they must provide a Name, Mobile number, Vehicle Registration Number, Blue Badge Number and email address – any submissions without this information will be considered invalid. The people using these spaces can access them via the Lonemoor Road entrance and they are to arrive before 2pm as the gates will close promptly at this time.
The City Cemetery will be closed to the general public on Sunday, June 22nd, except for burials and for those who have a parking space booked. Those who secure a space must be in place by 2pm, as there will be no access for vehicles after this time. Parking spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and it will not be possible to reserve a space in a particular area. Please keep in mind that you may still have to walk some distance to reach family graves and make provision for this. Once on site, vehicles will remain there until the crowds have dispersed which, it’s estimated, will be approximately 30 minutes after the service finishes. Access to the cemetery for vehicles will be from the lower gate of the Cemetery at the Lone Moor Road.
Other car parking is being made available and again are for blue badge holders at St Mary’s Church, Creggan, St Cecilia’s College and Celtic Park. There is no prior booking to these sites, access will only be given to vehicles that display a current Disability Blue Badge Permit on arrival and these too will be filled on a first come basis first served basis.
Please note that for those unable to attend or anyone with accessibility issues, the Service will also be live streamed and can be viewed from home.
In a joint statement from the Council, as owners of the Cemetery, and the Church, as event organisers, people were asked to follow the guidance and plan their visit in advance. “The Blessing of the Graves is always well attended with thousands of people expected at the City Cemetery on June 22nd. In order to ensure the smooth running of the event and in the interests of health and safety a number of measures will be put in place. These are necessary to reduce the volume of traffic and keep pedestrian safe. We would appeal to everyone to follow this guidance and cooperate with the stewards there to manage the event on the day.
“Visitors parking outside the cemetery are asked to please park in appropriate areas and be considerate of people living in the area. Be mindful of residents living in the area and do not block roadways, footpaths, or gateways when parking. This is an important time of prayer for families who are remembering loved ones, and we ask that everyone is respectful of other visitors during the service. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in delivering this event.”
There will be no vehicle access to the cemetery from 12pm to facilitate preparations for the service. Access will only be given to those who have registered with gates remaining open until 2pm.
Winners across the 12 award categories include BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, The Guardian, Financial Times, ITV News and BBC Eye Investigations
Owen Jones took home The People’s Choice Award
Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh was presented with an Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism accolade
‘Journalists around the globe are facing increased attacks and being silenced – it is more important than ever that we champion their work and make a stand for press freedom’ – Sacha Deshmukh
Amnesty International UK has announced the winners of its prestigious Amnesty Media Awards 2025 in a ceremony at the BFI Southbank London this evening (4 June), hosted by actor, writer and director Jolyon Rubinstein.
The 12 categories commended the most outstanding human rights journalism of the last year, with winners including Channel 4 and BBC Eye Investigations. Financial Times won both the Written Feature and Written News awards, while ITV News took home the Broadcast News trophy.
The Guardian won the Written Investigations category for reporting on the violent truth behind Italy’s ‘migrant reduction’, whilst BBC Radio 4 won the Radio & Podcasts award for a programme spotlighting the diary of a woman from Afghanistan.
Most categories were judged by a panel of prestigious journalists and media workers, including Ayshah Tull, Lindsey Hilsum, and Alex Crawford, but a new award for 2025 – The People’s Choice Award – saw tens of thousands of people across the UK voting for the journalist who they felt has made the biggest contribution to human rights reporting over the past year. This award was handed to Owen Jones, for his tireless efforts highlighting injustices, especially around the ongoing devastating crisis in Gaza.
This year, the Amnesty Media Awards shone a spotlight on the dangers that journalists often face to expose the most pressing human rights issues. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers – at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed. A staggering 70% of those were a result of Israeli military action in Gaza and Lebanon.
A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism was presented to Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh , who gave a speech during the ceremony about the decades he has spent reporting from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The ceremony, which also featured a performance by singer Emeli Sandé, was live-streamed and attended by hundreds of journalists, broadcasters, producers and presenters.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said:
“We’ve seen and commended some truly breathtaking journalism this evening – proof that good human rights reporting is absolutely essential for exposing injustices and holding power to account. Journalism is far more than just reporting on the facts – it can instigate very real, concrete change that impacts peoples’ lives across the planet.
“At a time when journalists around the globe are under increased attack and at risk of being silenced, it is more important than ever to champion their work and make a stand for press freedom.
“While the footage, words and reports we’ve awarded this evening remind us of the horrors we are living through, they are also proof of the many people committed to highlighting, exposing and ending violence and abuse. That is what the Amnesty Media Awards are all about – recognising, celebrating and inspiring the human rights journalism that makes the world a fairer, more equitable and peaceful place.”
Headline: Vietnam Space Committee, OSB Group and Thales Partner to Promote Education and Innovation in Space Technologies
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Vietnam has been building a national framework to advance Space activities over the past decade. Its national strategy for space technology development until 2030 aims to drive the sector forward in socio-economic development, technological innovation and environmental monitoring. Thales and Thales Alenia Space align with these ambitions, with the objective of this partnership to raise awareness and promote education on the immense potential of Space sciences and technologies.
Through the scope of this MoU, VSC Office, OSB, Thales and Thales Alenia Space will work on jointly developing and deploying training programmes in background and advanced topics in space telecommunications, satellite navigation, and space exploration. From joint research and early outreach in initiatives like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to youth and academic institutions, Thales, Thales Alenia Space and their partners are working to build local technology expertise and capabilities in the coming generations.
Thales Alenia Space will bring its global expertise in space systems and technologies, together with Thales that will draw on its 30-year history in Vietnam for the aerospace, defence and cybersecurity and digital sectors. These capabilities complement those from the VSC Office who is the primary advisor for the Vietnamese government in its national space development strategies and policies, and with OSB, a leading local, high-tech telecom satellite network agency,
“Many governments are looking to satellites and communications technologies as the cornerstone in bringing connectivity, promoting economic development and safeguarding a country’s national security and sovereignty. Vietnam has keen ambitions for its Space sector, including the future VINASAT 3, which will bring state-of-the-art connectivity to millions. I am very optimistic on this partnership, signed in the framework of the Strategic Comprehensive Agreement between France and Vietnam, which builds on the 30-year legacy we have in Vietnam.” said Nicolas Bouverot, Vice-President for Asia at Thales.
“Thales Alenia Space is proud to develop this partnership with the Vietnam Space Committee Office and OSB Group. This collaboration will leverage on Thales Alenia Space’s longstanding capabilities in satellites systems while supporting the development of local talent to nurture innovative space technologies.” said Olivier Guilbert, Vice-President Export Sales at Thales Alenia Space.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
National Drought Group meets after driest spring in 132 years
Expert group told England has now experienced driest March, April and May since 1893.
The Environment Agency convened a National Drought Group meeting today (5 June 2025) to discuss the latest outlook and hear from water companies about steps they are taking to prepare for the summer.
England has only seen 57% of the long-term average May rainfall and spring is the driest since the reign of Queen Victoria. However, the recent rain at the end of May and the start of June is helping to stabilise the position.
The expert group will now meet monthly following a drought declaration in the north-west. Four other areas – the north-east, Yorkshire, east and west midlands – are also experiencing prolonged dry weather.
The EA told the group it has stepped up its operational response. This includes more compliance checks on businesses who abstract water, such as manufacturers, and increased monitoring of river and groundwater levels.
The regulator is also working with all members of the National Drought Group, including the National Farmers Union, to help farmers plan their water needs over the summer.
Meanwhile, water companies updated the group on how they are implementing their drought plans, including increased communication with customers, and speeding up the fixing of leaks.
United Utilities in the north-west has increased the rate of finding and fixing leaks by 70% in recent weeks after a strong response from the community in spotting leaks during the dry weather.
Youlgrave Waterworks, a private firm which supplies 500 homes in Derbyshire, became the first company to introduce a hosepipe ban at the start of June. The major water companies report they have no current plans for hosepipe bans but are keeping this under review.
Helen Wakeham, EA Director of Water and National Drought Group chair, said:
It’s been the driest spring since 1893, and we need to be prepared for more summer droughts as our climate changes.
The recent rainfall is having a positive effect, but it hasn’t been enough to stop a drought in the north-west and we must ensure we have enough water to last the entire summer.
We are working with water companies, farmers and other abstractors to help them plan their water usage over the summer and urge people to be mindful about their daily use.
The National Drought Group heard that without further substantial rain, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures this summer to conserve supplies.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
We face a water shortage in the next decade. That’s why the government is taking urgent steps to secure supplies into the future, as part of our Plan for Change.
As an immediate step, we have convened the National Drought Group to make sure water companies are acting to conserve this precious resource and act in line with their drought plans.
The Government has secured over £104 billion of private sector investment to fund essential infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs, and to cut leakage by 17% over the next five years.
Dr Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said:
After the driest Spring for more than a century across England, the start of June has brought some much-needed rainfall with a mix of Atlantic weather systems interspersed with drier and sunnier periods expected to continue over the coming days.
Most areas will experience showers at times with some seeing longer spells of rain. From mid-June onwards, the forecast becomes less clear with signs of drier conditions becoming more dominant across southern England.
Looking further ahead, the chance of a hot summer is higher than normal with an associated increased risk of heatwaves and related impacts. After the more unsettled and wetter start to June, the likelihoods of a wetter or drier than average summer remain evenly balanced.
Periods of dry weather and low rivers can have several consequences for the environment and wildlife. Low oxygen levels in water can lead to fish kills, as well as more algal blooms and lower river flows prevent wildlife from moving up or downstream.
The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, and conservation experts – heard:
Reservoir levels are now at 77%.
Fish rescues have been carried out on the Rivers Redlake and Tern in Shropshire.
Navigation issues have been noted with the Canals and Rivers Trust having to implement restrictions on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and Lancaster Canal because of low water levels.
The quality of spring crops is becoming a concern because of the dry soil and poor grass growth for feed.
Applications for Local Resource Options (LRO) screening studies are now open for groups of farmers to explore ways to improve water availability and reliability.
The Environment Agency is encouraging the public to report environmental incidents to their 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Meanwhile angling groups are also asking members to report signs of environmental impacts.
Notes to editors:
A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows and moisture in the soil along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments
Press release
Vigilance urged as warm and dry spring increases tree pest risk
Forestry Commission calls for caution from forestry sector as Ips typographus beetle flight season gets underway
Woodland managers, landowners and the forestry sector are today (Thursday 5 June) being encouraged to increase their vigilance against the tree pest Ips typographus.
The warning comes following a record dry spring, and the heavy rain and waterlogging of last year, which has left lowland spruce, particularly those on clay soils, at heightened risk of stress, potentially increasing their susceptibility to beetle infestation.
Ips typographus, also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, is a serious pest of spruce trees in Europe which was first identified in the UK in 2018. It prefers stressed or dying trees but under the right conditions it can attack healthy trees and has the potential to cause significant damage to Great Britain’s forestry and timber industries.
We are now entering a heightened risk period as it is the beginning of the annual season of blow over of beetles from mainland Europe.
The Forestry Commission, including Forest Research, lead a robust and comprehensive management programme to manage the pest which, if left unmanaged, could leave an estimated 725,000 hectares of spruce at risk of infestation with an estimated total value of £2.9 billion.
Defra Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said:
“I am urging foresters and landowners to really be on their guard as we enter the heightened risk period for Ips typographus.
“We need maximum vigilance from all landowners and land managers as temperatures rise – the dry spring following last year’s wet summer has created ideal conditions for the beetle. The cooperation of the forestry sector has been vital in our efforts to keep the pest at bay and we need that to continue.”
Dr Anna Brown, Director of Forest Services at the Forestry Commission, said:
“Continued vigilance to the threat posed by Ips typographus is needed following the recent rise in temperatures, and we’re urging landowners and land managers to report any sightings immediately via Tree Alert to help reduce the risk of the pest spreading. The beetle prefers stressed or dying trees but it can attack healthy trees if the conditions are right.
“The help of the sector is vital in the successful management of this pest – landowners, agents and timber processors should continue to comply with ongoing restrictions for movement of spruce material and methods of forest operations in the Demarcated Area.”
A grant is available within the Proactive Spruce Removal Area as part of the Tree Health Pilot and the Forestry Commission plans to provide a new offer to further support removal of spruce later this year.
Defra will host a workshop later this year, in collaboration with UK Agri-Tech Centre, to continue to exchange knowledge with the international plant health community on innovative and technological solutions for managing bark beetle pests.
Additional information:
The risk is highest within the ‘Demarcated Area’ currently in place in parts of the South East and East of England. This area is designated by the Forestry Commission to manage outbreaks of the beetle, with restrictions in place.
All outbreak sites are subject to robust eradication action in line with our Ips typographus contingency plan and a Demarcated Area is in place restricting the planting, movement and felling of susceptible material. Action includes destroying infested material as soon as possible to disrupt the lifecycle of the pest, preventing it from developing, emerging and dispersing. This is alongside ongoing wider environment surveillance to identify new outbreak sites.
Material susceptible to infestation by the pest – that is, with weakened defences, like windthrow and harvesting residues – is prioritised for removal, to prevent further infestation by any beetles remaining on the site.
Lastly, healthy spruce is also felled and removed from the area immediately surrounding the original infestation as a precautionary measure (on varying timescales, depending on the initial density of beetles in the infested area).
Following the removal of spruce, pheromone traps are placed on the site for three years during the insect flight period, to capture any beetles concealed in the leaf litter.
Updated guidance is available via this link on movement restrictions for spruce within the Ips typographus Demarcated Area and guidance is also available on the process of being issued with a Statutory Plant Health Notice if you have an Ips infestation.
The Amenities Team at Highland Council has won the Gold Award in the ‘Parks, Grounds and Street Scene’ category at this year’s APSE Scotland Striving for Excellence Awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of local authorities in Scotland and celebrate those exceeding expectations within waste and recycling, parks, fleet and grounds management services.
Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone in the team and a well-deserved award. The team have prioritised the voices of young people in everything they do which has resulted in a nationally recognised strategy that has played a part in influencing best practice. Play is fundamental to the wellbeing of children in our communities, and I would like to congratulate the Amenities Team for their commitment to ensuring our approach to play is child-led and beneficial for young people of all ages and abilities.”
As part of The Council’s Amenities Review in 2024, an in-house play team was established with three members of staff and has now developed into a team of eight. Since then, the team has worked with more than 50 community groups, refurbished 27 play areas and approved a Playpark Strategy and Action Plan for the next 10 years. Highland Council’s Playpark Strategy was recently highlighted in the evidence base and supporting research of the Scottish Government’s Play Vision Statement and Action Plan 2025-2030.
Debbie Sutton, Strategic Lead for Community Operations and Logistics at Highland Council accepted the award on behalf of the team and said: “We’re delighted to have won this award which recognises the team’s hard work and commitment to improving play for children of all ages throughout the Highlands. I am extremely proud of the team and honoured to accept the award on their behalf.”
Winners were announced at a charity dinner on Thursday 22 May as part of the APSE Scotland Fleet, Waste and Grounds Seminar at the Aviemore Highland Resort.
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a not-for-profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK to promote excellence in public services.
