Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
ICYMI: Senator Murray, Former NOAA Administrator and WA State NOAA Employees Fired for No Reason Slam Trump & Elon’s Destructive Mass Layoffs at NOAA
***PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
Seattle, WA— Today, on Earth Day, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Western Regional Center, which is NOAA’s largest campus by square footage in the U.S. NOAA has a large footprint in Washington state—where it employs approximately 1,000 people at the Western Regional Center, including non-NOAA contractors. Communities across Washington state rely on the work NOAA does—from providing storm warnings and weather forecasts to protecting and restoring marine resources that are essential to our state’s economy and culture.
On the tour, Senator Murray visited the National Weather Service, met with meteorologists, and saw the cutting-edge equipment they use to forecast the weather and issue severe weather warnings to protect life and property. Senator Murray also met with scientists and researchers at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory who work together to steward our ocean resources and habitat.
“It was a pleasure visiting NOAA’s Western Regional Center today and hearing from scientists about the vital research they do and services they provide that help all of us. Whether they know it or not, every American relies on the work NOAA does—from creating accurate weather forecasts and storm warnings to managing our fisheries. Here in Washington state, our marine resources are essential to our state’s economy and culture—and the experts at NOAA play a critical role in protecting our waterways and habitats,” said Senator Murray.
“But Trump and Elon are mass firing experts at NOAA, terminating research programs, and closing facilities—taking a wrecking ball to NOAA and the work it does that helps our country in so many ways, and Washington state in particular,” continued Senator Murray. “NOAA staffing cuts are threatening years of salmon harvest—a multibillion dollar industry in Washington state. Our seafood industry benefits tremendously from NOAA’s work protecting the Puget Sound, NOAA’s storm warnings save lives and property, and shipping routes are dependent on the weather forecasts NOAA provides, to name just a few examples. This administration’s massive, thoughtless cuts at NOAA are putting all of this at risk—I will continue doing everything I can to raise the alarm, speak out, and drive home how essential NOAA’s work is for communities across America.”
Senator Murray has been outspoken in calling attention to how Trump and Elon’s indiscriminate mass layoffs—including at NOAA—are hurting people across the country and will undermine services Americans everywhere rely on. In March, Senator Murray held a press conference with former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad and NOAA employees in Washington state who were fired through no fault of their own. More than 650 NOAA employees have already been fired for no reason by Trump and Elon, with another round of job cuts targeting more than 1,000 additional employees still expected. In addition to employees who accepted the “Fork in the Road” offer, NOAA could potentially see a combined loss of 20 percent of its staff with this next round of cuts. Before January 2025, NOAA’s workforce exceeded 12,000 people worldwide, with more than 50 percent being scientists and engineers. Probationary employees at NOAA who were fired in February were temporarily reinstated in mid-March after a federal court ruling—but the Supreme Court reversed the reinstatements on April 8th, and probationary workers at NOAA and other federal agencies were re-fired.
Senator Murray has been a leading voice raising the alarm about how Trump and Elon’s mass firings across the federal workforce will undermine services all Americans rely on and hurt families, veterans, small businesses, farmers, and so many others in Washington state and across the country. Senator Murray has spoken out on the Senate floor repeatedly against this administration’s attacks on federal workers, held multiple press conferences with federal workers—including at NOAA—who are being fired for no reason and through no fault of their own, released information about the mass firings, and repeatedly outlined her concerns with the administration’s so-called “Fork in the Road” offer to her constituents in Washington state.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
***AUDIO HERE; PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
Seattle, WA— Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with small business owners in Seattle’s University District to hear how Trump’s chaotic trade war is impacting them. Trump is currently taxing goods from every country—including close allies like Canada—at a minimum 10 percent tariff rate across-the-board. He has also significantly escalated his trade war with China, with 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods—meaning higher prices and serious pain for families and small businesses across Washington state and the country. Even with his 90-day “pause” on reciprocal tariffs, Trump’s new tariffs are still the highest tariff rates in decades, and are estimated to cost American families more than $4,000 each year—the largest tax increase since 1968.
During the visit, Senator Murray heard from small business owners about how the Trump administration’s reckless trade war is leading to serious uncertainty for businesses and consumers in Seattle. Businesses are worried that tariffs will push them to raise prices—potentially driving customers away—and lay off workers to cut costs. Participating in the discussion with Senator Murray, held at Café Allegro, were: Yasuaki Saito, Owner of Saint Bread; Miles Richardson, General Manager of University Volkswagen/Audi Seattle; Trevor Peterson, CEO of the University Book Store; Efrem Fesaha, CEO of Boon Boona coffee; Jennifer Antos, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets; Chris Peterson, Owner of Cafe Allegro since 1985; Lois Ko, Owner of Sweet Alchemy ice cream shops in the U District, Ballard, and Capitol Hill, and Anson Lin, Owner of Astora Construction.
“These small businesses are at the heart of the U District community, and it was important to hear from them about how Trump’s tariffs and his pointless trade war are affecting their bottom lines—it’s something I’m hearing about everywhere I go across Washington state,” said Senator Murray. “Trump’s ham-fisted trade war is threatening livelihoods here in Washington state—small businesses are worrying about whether they can keep their doors open without laying people off, families that are already scrambling to pay the bills are worried about rising costs at the grocery store, and our farmers are deeply concerned about retaliatory tariffs from other nations in response to Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s tariffs are an enormous new tax on hardworking Americans and businesses. I will continue to share the stories and raise the voices of the people in Washington state who are being affected by Trump’s thoughtless trade war.There is no good reason for us to be picking fights with our trading partners and close allies like Canada—it’s time for Republicans in Congress to stand up and vote with us to end this chaos.”
Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Canada is Washington’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $20 billion in imports and $10 billion in exports. China is the world’s second-largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods, the most in imports from any country aside from Canada. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade and calling on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Last week, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in pressing U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on how the Trump administration’s tariffs are affecting farmers across the country. Last week, Senator Murray also held a roundtable discussion in Tacoma with local businesses and ports, toured local businesses in downtown Vancouver, and held a roundtable discussion in Vancouver with local businesses and ports, to highlight how Trump’s chaotic trade war and senseless tariffs are harming the overall economy in Washington state.
Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union
WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction in Widakuswara v. Lake, affirming the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was unlawfully shuttered by the administration, Acting Director Victor Morales and Special Adviser Kari Lake. The decision enshrines that USAGM must fulfill its legally required functions and protects the editorial independence of Voice of America (VOA) journalists and other federal media professionals within the agency and newsrooms that receive grants from the agency, such as Radio Free Asia and others.
Journalists, federal workers, and unions celebrate this important step in defending this critical agency, First Amendment rights, resisting unlawful political interference in public broadcasting, and ensuring USAGM workers can continue to fulfill their congressionally mandated function.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “The Trump administration’s illegal attempt to shutter Voice of America and other outlets under the U.S. Agency for Global Media was a transparent effort to silence the voices of patriotic journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to spreading the truth and fighting propaganda from lawless authoritarian regimes. This preliminary injunction will allow these employees to get back to work as we continue the fight to preserve their jobs and critical mission.”
“Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world. The judge’s message is clear – this administration has no right to unilaterally dismantle essential agencies simply because they do not agree with their purpose,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We celebrate this decision and will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the Voice of America is restored.”
“Journalists hold power to account and that includes the Trump administration,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “This injunction orders the administration to reverse course and restore the Congressionally-mandated news broadcasts of Radio Free Asia, Voice of America and other newsrooms broadcasting to people who hope for freedom in countries where that is denied.”
“We are gratified by today’s ruling. This is another step in the process to restore VOA to full operation.” said Government Accountability Project Senior Counsel David Seide.
“Today’s ruling marks a significant victory for press freedom and for the dedicated women and men who bring it to life—our clients, the journalists, executives, and staff of Voice of America,” said Andrew G. Celli, Jr., Founding Partner at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP and counsel for the plaintiffs. “VOA is more than just an iconic brand with deep roots in American and global history; it is a vital, living force that provides truth and hope to those living under oppressive regimes. We are thrilled that its voice—a voice for the voiceless—will once again be heard loud and clear around the world.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the rule of law and the vital role that independent journalism plays in our democracy. The court’s action protects independent journalism and federal media professionals at Voice of America as we continue this case, and reaffirms that no administration can silence the truth without accountability,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, co-counsel for the plaintiffs. “We are proud to be with workers, unions and journalists in resisting political interference against independent journalism and will continue to fight for transparency and our democratic values.”
“Today’s decision is another necessary step in restoring the rule of law and correcting the injustices faced by the workers, reporters, and listeners of Voice of America and US Agency for Global Media,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund. “By granting this preliminary injunction, the court has reaffirmed the legal protections afforded to these civil servants and halted an attempt to undermine a free and independent press. We are proud to represent this resilient coalition and support the cause of a free and fair press.”
“This decision is a powerful affirmation of the role that independent journalism plays in advancing democracy and countering disinformation. From Voice of America to Radio Free Asia and across the U.S. Agency for Global Media, these networks are essential tools of American soft power—trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association. “By upholding editorial independence, the court has protected the credibility of USAGM journalists and the global mission they serve.”
“We’re very pleased that Judge Lamberth has recognized that the Trump administration acted improperly in shuttering Voice of America,” said Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF USA. “The USAGM must act immediately to implement this ruling and put over 1,300 VOA employees back to work to deliver reliable information to their audience of millions around the world.”
While only the beginning of what may be a long, hard-fought battle, the court’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction marks a critical victory—not just for VOA journalists, but also for federal workers and the unions that represent them. It affirms that the rule of law still protects those who speak truth to power.
2025-55 HAWAIʻI’S FIRST EVER “DO THE WRITE THING” STUDENT AMBASSADOR CHOSEN TO REPRESENT HAWAIʻI AT NATIONAL SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON D.C.
Posted on Apr 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
ANNE LOPEZ
ATTORNEY GENERAL
LOIO KUHINA
HAWAIʻI’S FIRST EVER “DO THE WRITE THING” STUDENT AMBASSADOR CHOSEN TO REPRESENT HAWAIʻI AT NATIONAL SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON D.C.
News Release 2025-55
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
HONOLULU — In a powerful reflection on the realities of youth violence, Waiʻanae Intermediate School eighth grader Keziah Chloe Bacor was selected to represent Hawaiʻi at the National Do the Write Thing (DtWT) Summit for her personal essay titled, “Why Violence?” The piece was written as part of a classroom assignment challenging students to examine how violence has impacted their lives and what they can do to create change. Keziah becomes Hawaiʻi’s first DtWT student ambassador and will travel to Washington, D.C., this July to share her story on a national stage.
DtWT is a national writing program that empowers middle school students to become changemakers by exploring the root causes and impacts of youth violence. Through classroom discussions and personal reflection, students write essays responding to three key questions: What are the causes of youth violence? How has violence affected your life? What can you do to reduce youth violence?
“I am thrilled by the overwhelming success of this program as it engages our youth and inspires future generations to speak out against violence and bullying in their homes, schools and communities,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.. “Their dedication to promoting peace and addressing youth violence also designates them as Hawaiʻi’s Ambassadors for Peace.”
“Do the Write Thing is an inclusive and equitable program for all middle school students. The writings submitted aren’t judged by grammar or academic skill, but by the power of the ideas and lived experiences they share. This isn’t a writing contest—it’s a platform for young voices, and a powerful movement for change,” said Amber Moyer, DtWT Program Director, Washington, D.C.
Keziah’s essay will be published with the writings of her peers from across the country. The anthology is archived at the Library of Congress. The students will also meet with members of Congress to share their perspectives and advocate for a future free from violence during a four-day summit.
“In the beginning of my eight-grade year, many violent acts occurred in our community. Four shootings happened in a span of four weeks. After that, I’ve never been more careful of my surroundings or my family’s,” said Keziah. “Along with this writing challenge, my classmates and I were able to talk to Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and AG Anne Lopez about what was happening in our community, as well as doing sign waving to promote awareness in front of our school. Doing this allowed me to express my feelings about the violence that I have been bottling up inside me. I never thought I would win this competition but I’m forever grateful that I did. I would tell other students let your emotions out. You don’t have to be scared.”
The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) launched DtWT at the start of the 2024–25 school year, with Waiʻanae Intermediate serving as the pilot site.
“This year has presented significant challenges for our community. However, this writing initiative has given our students a voice, empowering our students to become active agents of change,” Wai‘anae Intermediate School Principal John Wataoka said. “Through their reflective work, our students showed a deep consideration of the unseen impacts of violence and were afforded a positive outlet for expressing their feelings, one that often sparks a discourse of ideas toward potential solutions.”
“Each year, millions of young lives are shaped by violence, leaving behind deep physical and emotional scars,” Attorney General Anne Lopez said. “I am thankful to the Department of Education and my staff for their hard work implementing DtWT this school year. Together, we are already looking at expanding the program to other schools across the state. We want it to become a tool and platform for our youth to express their thoughts and ideas in writing about addressing youth violence.”
From the start of the school year, Waiʻanae Intermediate educator Nicole Kurata guided 27 students through meaningful conversations that encouraged empathy, self-reflection, and a commitment to positive change. Students were invited to submit essays or poems of up to three pages for consideration.
Essays were reviewed by a selection panel that included Attorney General Lopez; Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert; HIDOE Deputy Superintendent Heidi Armstrong; Nānākuli-Wai‘anae Complex Area Superintendent Disa Hauge; and Ashley Atisanoe of the Waiʻanae Coast Community Mental Health Center.
For more information on the national Do the Write Thing Program, visit www.dtwt.org/program. Photos, video and soundbites from today’s ceremony at Washington Place can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0dmqmrxecpd9524ptej23/AJBQUafFXUVJxq19w1ZoAXc?rlkey=mj44116a1arukenuolxbluqez&st=rxl6jhtf&dl=0
# # #
Media contacts:
Nanea Ching
Communications Director
Hawai‘i State Department of Education
Office: 808-784-6200
Cell: 808-260-5032
Email: [email protected]
Dave Day
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1284
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov
Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email: [email protected]
FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a 43-count indictment against Talisha Cooper, 44, of Coward, for preparing false tax returns.
The indictment alleges that Cooper was a tax return preparer and manager of Tax Fusions, located in Florence. Beginning in 2019 and through 2023, Cooper knowingly filed numerous returns that were fraudulent. The returns reported false fuel tax credits, family and sick leave credits, employee business expenses and Schedule C business profits or losses. The investigation revealed at least 43 instances of false returns with a total loss of $374,349.
Cooper was arrested today and arraigned in federal court this afternoon. Cooper faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmytro Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Kherson region Volodymyr Saldo. The topics of the meeting were the development of the region’s agro-industrial and fisheries complexes and environmental issues.
The Vice Prime Minister and the Governor discussed the situation in agriculture. The topic of restoring orchards in the region, in particular fruit and berry orchards, was touched upon. The issue of restoring the irrigation system was also raised. This year, six projects were submitted for the competitive selection in the field of melioration from the Kherson region.
Dmytro Patrushev drew attention to the importance of high-quality spring field work in the Kherson region. The region should monitor the implementation of the structure of sowing areas, as well as the provision of farmers with financial resources and means of production – seeds, mineral fertilizers, fuels and lubricants, agricultural machinery.
The development of the regional fisheries complex was also discussed at the meeting. The need was noted not only to increase the volume of catch of aquatic bioresources in the region, but also to expand the range, increase the production of products with high added value. This will allow the creation of highly efficient production and new jobs.
In addition, Dmitry Patrushev and Volodymyr Saldo discussed the results of the implementation of the national project “Ecology” and the readiness of the Kherson region for the events of the new national project “Ecological Well-being”. The region takes part in four federal projects: “Closed-loop Economy”, “Water of Russia”, “Forest Preservation” and “General Cleaning”. By 2030, the region is planned to be allocated more than 2 billion rubles under these projects.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
KENNEWICK — Following an Attorney General’s Office investigation into discriminatory employment practices and misrepresentations to local farmworkers about agricultural job opportunities, King Fuji Ranch, a Richland-based agricultural company, will reform its hiring practices and pay $180,000 to the Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney General Nick Brown filed today a resolution with the company in Benton County Superior Court that will end the investigation and avoid litigation. King Fuji grows apples and wine grapes in central Washington and is operated by Michael Taggares, who also owns Tagaris Wines.
The legally binding agreement requires King Fuji to reform its hiring practices to protect local farmworkers from being unlawfully displaced by foreign H-2A workers, adopt a nondiscrimination policy the Attorney General’s Office will review and approve, and provide training for the next five years to employees and supervisors about their rights and obligations under state civil rights and consumer protection laws. Once approved by a judge, the agreement will become an enforceable court order.
“Employers cannot discriminate against willing, available local workers in order to abuse foreign visa programs,” said Brown. “The Attorney General’s Office will protect farmworkers in Washington state from employers that break the law.”
“Growers who use the H-2A program are required to show a real labor shortage before they can bring in foreign workers,” said Andrea Schmitt, an attorney with Columbia Legal Services, the legal aid organization that brought the issue of King Fuji’s alleged hiring practices to the attention of the Attorney General’s Office. “In reality, we often see growers deceiving local farmworkers to avoid hiring them because the growers prefer H-2A workers who can’t change jobs regardless of working conditions. We are grateful to the Attorney General’s office for standing up to King Fuji, a grower that was unlawfully pushing local farmworkers aside.”
The H-2A program is intended only for employers who face a shortage of laborers. Employers cannot apply for this program unless they can show that there is a shortage of U.S.-based workers in their region who are willing, qualified and able to work. It is not a free pass to hire foreign H-2A workers who may be more vulnerable and less aware of their rights than U.S.-based workers.
Between 2016 and 2019, King Fuji represented to local farmworkers that it required three months of tree fruit experience for jobs thinning, training, pruning, and harvesting apples and wine grapes. But it communicated a different set of hiring criteria to its H-2A labor recruiter in Mexico — including that they find married men under the age of 35 and without any mention of the requirement that they have three months’ tree fruit experience.
The Attorney General’s Office asserted that hiring male H-2A workers and displacing local male and female workers constitutes sex and national origin discrimination. The Office asserted the deceptive advertising to local workers requiring experience that was not required of H-2A workers from abroad violated the Consumer Protection Act.
Assistant Attorneys General Patricio Marquez, Teri Healy, and Matt Geyman, investigators Alma Poletti and Rebecca Pawul, and paralegal Anna Alfonso handled the case for Washington state.
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The Wing Luke Civil Rights Divisionworks to protect the rights of all Washington residents by enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws. It is named for Wing Luke, who served as an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Washington in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He went on to become the first person of color elected to the Seattle City Council and the first Asian American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest.
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Chobani’s latest facility will be built at the Triangle parcel located at Griffiss Business and Technology Park, which was awarded more than $23 million from FAST NY last year to complete infrastructure and transportation improvements. When at full capacity, Chobani will process over 12 million pounds of milk per day, representing a large economic opportunity for the state’s dairy farms.
Chobani has selected Rome, New York for this project based on:
A skilled local workforce, including a high concentration of military veterans living in the area, as well as graduates from nearby colleges
Easy access to the major population of the East Coast
Availability of affordable housing in the area as well as Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to building affordable homes in New York State
Additional resources coming from the state to support the creation of new jobs
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s announcement represents how New York is building a stronger, more sustainable economy that creates jobs, promotes tradable industries and supports additional economic sectors in the state. This public-private partnership with Chobani will grow the market for New York’s dairy farmers, create jobs that provide a path to the middle class, and develop even more world-class food products that are widely recognized across North America. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State continues to invest in the companies and jobs that bolster New York’s economic vitality of today and tomorrow.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Twenty years ago, Chobani opened its first U.S. facility right here in New York, so we’re thrilled with their decision to expand their roots here with a brand-new manufacturing facility in the Mohawk Valley. This is tremendous news for our state and for our dairy farmers, who will be supplying milk to this state-of-the-art processing facility. Chobani has long been a part of New York’s world-class dairy industry, and this feels like a real full-circle moment to welcome them to another region in our state. I thank Governor Hochul and all of the partners involved and look forward to the positive long-term impact this will have on our dairy community statewide.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “New York’s dairy industry is essential to the success of our state’s economy, putting food on the table for families statewide and providing countless pathways to good-paying careers. Governor Hochul has made strengthening New York’s agricultural workforce a top priority and the results speak for themselves. Chobani’s massive investment in the Mohawk Valley will continue to expand our state’s impressive, and delicious, dairy offerings and bring career opportunities to so many New Yorkers, including those in underserved populations.”
To help facilitate the company’s investment and expansion in the Mohawk Valley, Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide Chobani up to $73 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support the creation of more than 1,000 jobs at the Rome location. Additionally, the company has pledged to collaborate with ESD to develop workforce training that aims to train and provide job opportunities at Chobani to underserved populations.
The dairy industry is the largest single segment of New York’s $8 billion agricultural industry. The state has nearly 3,000 dairy farms that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the fifth largest dairy state in the United States. New York is the largest producer of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese and the fifth largest producer of milk. The dairy community in New York includes both large dairy operations and small, family run farms. It also boasts approximately 200 dairy processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers.
Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Today, Chobani makes Upstate New York the No. 1 Greek yogurt producer in America. Chobani’s $1 billion investment — the largest investment in natural food making in American history — is a win-win-win for Chobani, NY dairy farmers, and the Mohawk Valley economy and jobs. I’ve fought to help Chobani grow since the very beginning to lay the foundation for a day like today. When Chobani wanted to expand the reach of their delicious and nutritious Greek yogurt, I helped get them included in the national school lunch program to be enjoyed by children across the country. With this new factory, more people will be able to enjoy their ‘Made In NY’ Greek yogurt than ever before. Dairy farmers are the beating heart of Upstate NY and this massive new facility and 1,000 new jobs will help support so many family farms across the state. I sincerely thank Chobani’s amazing CEO, and my very good friend, Hamdi Ulukaya for continuing his commitment to our state. I also thank Governor Hochul: without her leadership, today would not be possible. New York is proud that Chobani calls it home and more people will be enjoying their yogurt that comes from NY dairy farms made here in the Mohawk Valley than ever before.”
Representative John Mannion said, “This transformational investment by Chobani is a major win for New York State, and its success is a top priority for the Mohawk Valley. Residents of NY-22 will help fill the 1,000 new jobs and increased demand will benefit local dairy farmers and strengthen their bottom lines. I was proud to support FAST NY in the State Senate, working with Governor Hochul to drive economic growth and create good paying jobs for New Yorkers. I’m grateful for the Governor’s leadership and for Chobani’s continued commitment to New York agriculture, our workers, and our communities.”
State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “I thank Chobani for their willingness to continue to invest in Upstate New York and appreciate the efforts of all those who have helped make today’s announcement a reality, especially Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. and the Governor and Empire State Development. This major expansion will generate new employment opportunities, boost the local and regional economies, strengthen the state’s dairy industry and enhance the City of Rome, Oneida County and Upstate New York. I am looking forward to watching as this project progresses and am excited about the significant, positive, transformational impact it will potentially have on the community, region and state.”
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenchon said, “I welcome Chobani to my district and look forward to a great partnership. Chobani is an amazing employer that provides healthy, delicious products for our families. They also always support our local communities by helping those in need. I sincerely thank Chobani for choosing Oneida County and for all they do for New York State.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, “This is a generational win for Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley. We believed in the potential of the Griffiss Triangle site and invested over $6 million to make it shovel-ready because we knew it could attract a world-class partner like Chobani. I’m proud of the role Oneida County played in bringing this transformative project to fruition. This $1 billion investment will create over 1,000 good-paying jobs, boost our local economy, and reaffirm our region as a hub for innovation and opportunity. We couldn’t be happier to welcome Chobani to Rome and begin this new chapter together.”
Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said, “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul and the State of New York for their continued support of Chobani’s tremendous project here in the City of Rome. This transformative investment marks a major step forward for our community, bringing new jobs, opportunities, innovation, and growth. The redevelopment of the Triangle Site was a visionary effort — one that required forward-thinking investments, long-term commitment and dedication. We are very proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter for Rome.”
Embedded Flickr Album
Governor Hochul’s Ongoing Support for the Agricultural Industry Today’s expansion of Chobani in Rome complements Governor Hochul’s commitment to the agriculture industry in New York State. Governor Hochul has made record investments to support the state’s farmers. Initiatives such as Nourish NY and the 30 percent Initiative have connected locally grown food with underserved communities while boosting the agricultural economy. Governor Hochul has invested $55 million to help dairy farms adopt sustainable practices and modernize operations and protected and enhanced the state’s farming industry through an $82 million investment in agricultural stewardship programs.
In her most recent State of the State, Governor Hochul has continued to build on these efforts and has proposed additional investment in agricultural stewardship programs and will provide additional funding to research and implement climate-resilient practices on dairy farms. Additionally, the Governor has proposed the expansion of agriculture education in New York’s schools. More information on the Governor’s 2025 State of the State proposals for New York’s agriculture industry.
About Chobani Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk and creamers — Chobani yogurt is America’s No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world — putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.
For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The Rules on Special Advisers[1] to the Commission determine whether a special adviser should be paid or not and in the former case also provide the relevant aspects of their remuneration.
The higher grade is chosen in duly substantiated exceptional cases, where the political importance is so high that a higher remuneration is justified to get the best services for the Commission.
The skills of the chair of the strategic dialogue, his professional experience and knowledge of the subject were determinant for being engaged as a Special Adviser to the President of the Commission. The budgetary authority is always informed by the Commission of the budget foreseen for intended paid appointments.
Special advisers are engaged to assist Members of the College based on the level of their professional experience and expertise. The choice of the chair of the strategic dialogue was based on his knowledge of the subject and professional experience, especially when it comes to his ability to navigate as a trusted arbitrator in complex negotiation processes with high level stakeholders and to the proven capacity for consensus-building around complex issues.
As chairperson of the ‘Future Commission Agriculture’ of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (2021-2024), the chair of the strategic dialogue led the ‘agricultural summit’ discussion with 40 associations and organisations, proving his strong negotiation skills, and established a report on the future of agriculture. This expertise was not available within the Commission.
The procedure applied for the designation and appointment of a special adviser is laid down in the Rules on Special Advisers , including rules on prevention of conflict of interests, prior information of the budgetary authority, and specific appointment procedure.
[1] Commission Decision C(2007) 6655 of 19 December 2007, as amended by Commission Decision C(2014) 541 of 6 February 2014.
In the State of the Union address to the European Parliament on 13 September 2023, the President announced the launch of a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU. Considering the complexity of the task, the Commission decided to entrust it to an external independent person.
Special Advisers are engaged to assist Members of the College based on the level of their professional experience and expertise. The choice of the chair of the strategic dialogue was based on his knowledge of the subject and professional experience, especially when it comes to his ability to navigate as a trusted arbitrator in complex negotiation processes with high-level stakeholders and to the proven capacity for consensus-building around complex issues.
As chairperson of the ‘Future Commission Agriculture’ (ZKL) of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (2021-2024), the professor delivered a report on the future of agriculture.
He led the ‘agricultural summit’ discussion with 40 associations and organisations.
He was also the president of the German Research Foundation from 2013 to 2019, i.e. with an interdisciplinary and academic management profile, and not a profile limited to medieval history.
Paid special advisers receive a fee for every day worked that is consistent with the level and the quality of the services expected from the special adviser and that is in accordance with the Rules on Special Advisers to the Commission.
Thanks to the chair’s engagement, the s trategic d ialogue brought together a highly diverse range of stakeholders specialized in farming issues, creating trust and presenting consensual solutions .
The Commission is aware of the issues raised in the question, and shares the importance of the uniform classification of goods in the Common Customs Tariff, the cornerstone of the Customs Union .
Therefore, as there still are (despite the existing Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2080) divergent views on the classification of the products at issue (salted and dried tomatoes), the Commission opened a case of divergent classification. The issue was examined at the meeting of the Customs Code committee (25 to 26 March 2025).
The Customs Code Committee that previously voted unanimously on the above Regulation agreed that salting is not a permitted preparation mentioned in the wording of heading 07.12 (‘Dried vegetables, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder, but not further prepared’)
The heading covers only dried vegetables, and the drying process does not require the addition of the salt. According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 7: ‘Vegetables not presented in a state covered by any heading of this Chapter are classified in […] Section IV. For example, […] vegetables prepared or preserved by any process not provided for in this Chapter fall in Chapter 20’.
The Commission ensured an appropriate re-examination of the case by the Customs Code Committee, taking into consideration all relevant arguments presented by the industry.
The Customs Code Committee confirmed during its meeting, that the products at issue are to be classified in heading 2002 — in line with the above Regulation.
Question for written answer E-001489/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
Greek farmers are facing problems due to persistent delays in the payment of subsidies by OPEKEPE. In particular, thousands of producers have still not received all the aid they are entitled to for 2023. Around 9 000 farmers have not been paid at all, while 19 000 were underpaid due to errors by the agency.
At the same time, there have been instances of mismanagement and fraud in relation to the agricultural subsidies. As a result, European funds often end up lining the pockets of individuals or companies that have nothing to do with the agricultural sector, thereby depriving the rightful beneficiaries of resources. For this reason, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is already investigating dozens of unlawful disbursements of EU agricultural subsidies.
Bearing in mind that, in 2024, the Commission imposed a penalty on Greece for OPEKEPE’s management and warned that if no corrective measures were taken, Greece would risk losing EU funding for agricultural subsidies, can the Commission say:
1.Is there any way to ensure that the delayed subsidies are paid immediately and in full to Greek farmers?
2.Is there a system for monitoring the award of agricultural subsidies from the beginning, in order to prevent fraud and enhance transparency?
3.How does it check that the Greek authorities are respecting the criteria for the proper allocation of European funds?
On 27 February 2025[1] Greece submitted the Annual Performance Report[2] covering the expenditure for claim year 2023. The Commission has reviewed the data provided and has communicated its assessment to the Greek authorities on 8 April 2025.
Overall, the absorption of second pillar funds under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in all member states is just picking up the speed, after the reformed CAP was launched in 2023. For Direct Payment though, the absorption of funds for claim year 2023, paid in 2024, is of 95%.
Funds for technical assistance are available within the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and may be used to finance a broad range of activities.
Since the start of 2024, the Commission, together with the Member State experts and sector stakeholders, has been analysing the possibilities to further simplify and streamline implementation of the reformed CAP.
The first round of simplifications was done in early 2024 and the second one is expected in the second quarter of 2025. However, it is also a responsibility of a Member State to remove bureaucratic obstacles when it comes to interaction with the final beneficiaries.
The CAP is implemented under shared management. Member States have an obligation to protect Union funds from irregularities and fraud.
The Commission conducts risk-based audits to check if the CAP governance systems put in place by the Member State function properly to ensure the legality and regularity of the CAP expenditure.
If deficiencies are established, the Commission imposes net financial corrections (recovered to the EU budget)[3]. Moreover, in the case of Greece, the Minister for rural development and food placed the paying agency under probation on 12 September 2024 upon request from the Commission.
[2] As required by Article 134 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, pp. 1-186).
[3] https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2020-10/agri_sp_2020_2024_en.pdf — Strategic Plan 2020-2024 Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, page 30-32.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports interventions that help farmers to implement actions to prevent crisis situations and build on medium and long-term resilience.
For mitigating short-term impacts, the available tools include direct payments, aiming to stabilise farmers’ incomes, risk management tools, and compensation aid to farmers affected by adverse events.
When needed, the Commission can adopt exceptional support measures, as it was the case in 2022 when input costs increased strongly. In addition, the Commission presented the action plan for Affordable Energy[1] to help reducing energy costs for industry and households and building a genuine Energy Union.
The CAP is implemented in shared management with the national authorities. Member States have an obligation to protect Union funds from irregularities and fraud, and the Commission is committed to ensuring that these funds are spent appropriately and reach the rightful beneficiaries.
Furthermore, Member States are also bound by the obligation of disbursing the payments in full and for the measures under the Integrated administration and control system at the latest by June 30 of the year following the claim.
The Commission conducts risk-based audits to check whether the CAP governance systems put in place by the Member State function properly to ensure the legality and regularity of the CAP expenditure. Such audits were conducted in Greece in 2024, and the Member State was notified of the results.
Government of India has decided to renew the Certificate of Registration as Virginia tobacco grower and License for operation of a barn to 3 years instead of 1 year as a part of ease of doing business, in order to reduce the burden of mandatory yearly renewal of Certificate of Registration as Virginia tobacco grower and license for operation of a barn. This means, the registrations / licenses will be valid for 3 years instead of the existing practice of renewing every year.
To facilitate the growers to renew this registration / licenses once in 3 years, the Government of India has amended the sub-rule(5), (6) and (7) of rule 33 and sub-rule (2) and (3) of rule 34N, of Tobacco Board Rules, 1976. The amendment to the aforementioned Tobacco Board Rules, 1976 was published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, Government of India.The same will be effective from 2025-26 crop season in Andhra Pradesh.
This amendment of increasing the periodicity from one to three years will be greatly helpful to around 83,500 farmers covering around 91,000 barns in renewing their registrations/licenses across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Odisha states.
Virginia tobacco is being regulated in India by an Act of Parliament i.e., Tobacco Board Act, 1975 and the rules notified there under. As per the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 and Rules notified thereunder, every grower intending to take up cultivation of Virginia tobacco has to obtain certificate of registration as a grower and a license for operation of a barn. Accordingly, the Tobacco Board is facilitating the registration / licensing on an annual basis.
India is 2nd largest producer and 4th largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco in the World (in value terms during 2023) and generating to the Indian exchequer. During 2024-25 Financial Year, Tobacco exports contributed 1979 US million dollars (Rs.16,728 Crores) to the Indian exchequer.
Dr Jitendra Singh calls for greater synergy between innovation and industry for a sustainable StartUp ecosystem; Startup Ecosystem must link all stakeholders together to become globally competitive: Dr. Jitendra Singh
‘Time to Open the Gates’: Union Minister Calls for Science-Industry Synergy at Hyderabad Conclave
Agriculture is India’s exclusive and relatively under-explored domain, says Minister
Hyderabad Startup Meet Marks Shift Toward Inclusive Innovation, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 22 APR 2025 5:22PM by PIB Delhi
In a spirited call for greater synergy between innovation and industry for a sustainable StartUp ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the time has come for Indian science to break silos and integrate with stakeholders including industry, investors, and the public.
Speaking at the Startup Conclave jointly organized by CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CCMB, and CSIR-NGRI in Hyderabad, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India’s moment in science and innovation has arrived.
Addressing a gathering of scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the rare joint initiative by the three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs, noting that “such an integrated scene of science and governance under one roof” reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of collaborative and inclusive innovation.
The Minister made a strong pitch for dismantling the outdated image of government labs as “ghost-haunted places where frogs are dissected,” narrating how villagers once misunderstood the work of CSIR labs due to lack of public outreach. “Science should not be confined behind gates. If your domain is agriculture, invite the farmers in. Let them see what you’re doing,” he asserted.
Dr Jitendra Singh underlined the need for early and deep industry involvement in research and innovation, pointing to the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, where over 3,000 youth, many of them non-graduates, became successful agri-entrepreneurs with minimum annual earnings of ₹60 lakh. “That’s the real transformation—a blend of technology, livelihood, and dignity,” he said.
Referring to India’s rapidly growing biotechnology sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled that in 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups. Today, the number exceeds 10,000. “It’s not just numbers. We’ve moved from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech valuation. This is not just growth, it’s a revolution,” he said, citing the government’s dedicated policies like Bio-E3 and the National Quantum Mission.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern over internal compartmentalization within CSIR and even within his own Ministry. He revealed that he now holds monthly joint meetings of all science departments including Atomic Energy, Space, and Biotechnology, to ensure overlapping initiatives are integrated rather than duplicated. “How can we compete globally if we don’t even know what our neighbouring lab is doing?” he questioned.
The Minister also announced plans to open up the nuclear sector, noting that a new realism has replaced the secrecy that once shrouded scientific endeavours. “When Google can peek into our lives, what’s the point of denying access to potential collaborators in the name of confidentiality?” he asked.
The Minister made a compelling case for realistic, demand-driven innovation. “Let the industry do the mapping. Let them invest from day one. If they put in ₹20, they’ll make sure your startup doesn’t fail,” he said, encouraging researchers to see industry not just as a customer but as a co-investor.
In a candid remark, Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged that while the government has significantly increased support—CSIR and DSIR budgets have risen over 230% since 2014—true sustainability lies in self-sufficiency and public-private collaboration. “You can start a startup, but sustaining it is the challenge. Social and economic security must match the aspiration,” he said.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that Hyderabad, with its unique blend of scientific legacy and tech-savvy spirit, is best positioned to lead India’s science-led development agenda. “This is not just about Hyderabad or about CSIR. This is about India stepping out of the shadows and leading the global innovation narrative,” he said.
The event, held at a time when India’s Global Innovation Index has jumped from 81 to 39 in less than a decade, marked a decisive moment in the Centre’s mission to democratize science, empower youth, and position India as a global innovation powerhouse.
NISE’s New PV Lab to Set Global Benchmarks in Solar Testing Capabilities: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi India on Track to Meet 500 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Target by 2030, Including 292 GW Solar: Union Minister Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Solar PV Testing Facility at NISE, Gwal Pahari
Posted On: 22 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi
Marking a major advancement in India’s renewable energy capabilities, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwal Pahari, Bandhwari, Haryana. Speaking at the occasion, the Minister stated that the new lab will set global benchmarks in solar R&D, testing, training, and policy support while marking a bold step towards self-reliance, innovation, and global excellence.
Shri Joshi also said that NISE is now equipped to offer comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification services, particularly for photovoltaic modules and technologies where no established standards currently exist. He termed the lab a pioneering facility for India and further highlighted that as Indian companies scale up the production of large modules, this lab will ensure that products meet the highest quality standards. Shri Joshi noted that the lab also aligns with BIS standards and will provide a major boost to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and support India’s aspiration to become a global manufacturing hub.
The Minister also underlined the importance of NISE as a training ground for government officials, industry professionals, and international delegates. He appreciated NISE’s efforts in training over 55,000 Suryamitra technicians and for installing more than 300 solar air dryer-cum-space heating systems in Leh, which are being used by farmers to dry apricots. He said such initiatives strengthen technical capacity and foster collaboration among government, industry, and academia. Shri Joshi also stated that with the new facility, NISE will significantly improve its efficiency, quality, and research in accordance with global benchmarks.
Tremendous Growth in RE Sector
Highlighting the exponential growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister said that India’s installed solar capacity increased from 2.82 GW in 2014 to crossed 106 GW now, marking a growth of over 3700%. In terms of manufacturing, solar module production has increased from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW today, with a target of reaching 150 GW by 2030. Alongside solar progress, the Minister also underscored the achievement of 50 GW in wind energy capacity.
Emphasising the government’s ambitious targets, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi said that India is firmly on track to achieve the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, including 292 GW of solar energy, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Minister said that NISE should reflect the transformation India’s renewable energy sector has seen in the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He also urged the institute to step up efforts in global research impact and patent generation.
Emerging Technologies and Scalable Innovations
Union Minister Joshi highlighted the need for deep research, innovation, and global collaboration. He advised NISE to build partnerships, develop talent, and push boundaries so that its work resonates across laboratories, manufacturing units, and solar farms worldwide.
He also acknowledged that NISE is already working on advanced technologies like Perovskite Solar Cells and Bifacial Panels. Going forward, he said, NISE should undertake initiatives for mass adoption of innovations such as AI for Solar Power Forecasting, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and Solar-Driven EV Charging Stations. He added that enabling sustainable EV charging through solar is a part of Prime Minister Modi’s vision and should be explored by NISE at scale.
Strengthening Global Solar Cooperation
The Minister also chaired a meeting to review the progress of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), along with MNRE Secretary Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, ISA Director General Shri Ashish Khanna and other senior officials. He emphasized the need for collaborative global efforts in solar energy adoption.
Commemorating Earth Day with Green Commitments
Shri Joshi also planted a tree as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at NISE, calling it a heartfelt initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that each sapling is a tribute to our mothers and a promise for a greener tomorrow. On World Earth Day, he called upon all to renew their commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet.
Inaugurated the PV Module Testing & Calibration Lab at @Nise_Gurgaon, Haryana.
This pioneering facility empowers NISE to provide comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification services for photovoltaic modules and technologies. pic.twitter.com/RYl2HqZ6or
Chaired a meeting to review the International Solar Alliance’s progress, along with @MNREIndia Secretary, @isolaralliance Director General, and other senior officials. Emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to drive global solar energy adoption. pic.twitter.com/P4S4f4RF8S
Planted a tree as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at @Nise_Gurgaon — a heartfelt initiative by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji. Each sapling is a tribute to our mothers and a promise of a greener future.
BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested illegal 23-year-old Guatemalan national Keycy Robinson Alexis Barrera-Rosa, April 5, in La Plata, Maryland. Berrera-Rosa is pending charges for the murder of his girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez-Guerra, 23. Ramirez was also a Guatemalan alien.
Barrera-Rosa’s uncle, Rolvin Eduardo Barrera-Barrera, 37, has also been charged by local authorities with accessory after fact of murder.
“The arrest of these two individuals marks a significant step towards justice,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins. “This heinous crime not only devastated a community but also reinforced the urgent need to prioritize public safety by identifying, arresting, and removing egregious illegal aliens who threaten our neighborhoods. ICE will continue to work tirelessly, side by side with our law enforcement partners, to safeguard our communities and uphold the rule of law.”
The United States Border Patrol apprehended Barrera-Rosa April 10, 2019, near El Paso, Texas, and served him a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. Barrera-Rosa reported Ramirez missing to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, March 31. ICE arrested Barrera at the CCSO, April 5, and served him a notice to appear. The CCSO charged Barrera-Rosa with first-degree murder April 18.
The United States Border Patrol apprehended Barrera-Barrera April 10, 2019, along with his nephew Barrera-Rosa, near El Paso, Texas, and served him a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. The CCSO arrested and charged Barrera-Barrera April 18, with accessory after fact of murder. On the same date ICE placed an immigration detainer on Barrera-Barrera with the Charles County Detention Center.
Barrera-Barrera is being held without bond at the CCDC. Barrera-Rosa is currently in ICE custody at the Farmville Detention Center in Farmville, Virginia, as he awaits extradition to the CCSO.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.
Augmedics, a pioneer in augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation, today announced it has treated 10,000 patients with the xvision Spine System®. The landmark achievement marks a new record for the use of augmented reality navigation for spine surgery.
Dr. Isaac Moss, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn Health, completes Augmedics’ 10,000th case in Hartford, CT.
“Since inception, Augmedics has been a company of firsts – the first FDA-approved AR navigation system for surgery, the first augmented reality spine surgeries in US, the first clinical accuracy studies,” said Augmedics President & CEO Paul Ziegler. “With that, there has always been a high degree of interest in AR and its potential to improve the safety and efficacy of spine surgery. The milestone of 10,000 surgeries is not only a celebration of 10,000 patient lives impacted, but definitive proof that we are fundamentally changing the surgical status quo. AR is here to stay.”
The 10,000 patient milestone comes as Augmedics’ initiates US commercial launch of its CT-Fluoro registration method, a move that greatly expands navigation access for spine surgeons and further builds on the flexibility of xvision’s open platform system.
“Our mission to break down barriers to adoption and bring the benefits of navigation to surgeons and their patients remains steadfast,” said Ziegler. “The milestone of 10,000 patients and all it represents – the lessons learned, our growing body of clinical evidence, our surgeon advisors – is significant. Add to that the launch of CT-Fluoro, which significantly impacts the ease and access of surgical navigation, and it feels like we’re on the cusp of something really special.”
X-ray vision beyond the “cool factor” The record-setting 10,000th case was performed by Dr. Isaac L. Moss, Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut. Moss and the UConn team began using Augmedics in May 2022, becoming the first in central Connecticut to offer AR navigated spine surgery. Today, with six spine surgeons across the orthopedic and neurosurgery departments regularly utilizing xvision, it’s one of the largest AR programs in the country.
A childhood fan of Superman, Moss was originally drawn to the cool factor of a technology that gave him “x-ray vision.” Three years on, he views the clinical value through a different lens.
“Augmented reality navigation makes instrumentation of the spine, even complex revision or deformity, a low cognitive load task,” explained Moss. “Meaning, you can achieve high levels of accuracy in complex situations with very little mental fatigue. This in turn allows surgeons to have greater focus during the potentially more complex parts of the procedure. While this can be achieved with traditional navigation, the ease of use and the intuitive nature of the augmented reality system gives it a significant advantage over other platforms. As a result, we can do more complex cases with less invasive techniques on a regular basis and achieve optimal results for patients with likely less surgeon fatigue and burnout in the short and long run.”
Moss noted the UConn spine faculty has also demonstrated significant operative efficiency and reduction in radiation exposure using xvision. The team has also seen the positive impact of their AR program beyond clinical value.
“This has been great for us, the growth of our reputation and program,” said Chris Hyers, UConn Health Vice President of Marketing and Clinical Strategy Advancement. “In a crowded and very competitive landscape, it’s hard to differentiate. By being an early adopter of AR, we could pair the tremendous talents and reputations of our faculty with something easy for the consumer to understand – an innovative leadership position consistent with an academic medical center and consistent with our brand.”
There are new findings out about the benefits of eating walnuts. Results from a UConn School of Medicine clinical trial on the cover of the April edition of the journal Cancer Prevention Research show walnuts improve systemic inflammation while also reducing colon cancer risk.
Why walnuts?
Walnuts (Photo by California Walnut Commission).
Ellagitannins, plant-derived polyphenol compounds found in walnuts, are shown to be metabolized exclusively by the gut microbiome into a wide range of anti-inflammatory molecules called urolithins. These urolithins are associated with very potent anti-inflammatory properties and may even inhibit cancer.
“Ellagitannins in the walnut are importantly providing the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that we’re seeing in patients in our clinical trial research, particularly the gut’s conversion of ellagitannins to a potent anti-inflammatory agent, urolithin A,” reports Daniel W. Rosenberg, Ph.D. and his multidisciplinary team of researchers at the UConn School of Medicine.
Rosenberg serves as the HealthNet Chair in Cancer Biology and is an Investigator in the Center for Molecular Oncology. He has studied walnut properties for more than a decade and has researched the connection between walnut consumption and its anti-inflammatory properties.
The UConn research team’s clinical trial findings show that high levels of urolithin A formation by the gut microbiome from walnut consumption has a positive impact on reducing inflammatory markers across blood, urine, and fecal samples, and may even positively affect the immune cells within colon polyps.
For the clinical trial, patients between the ages of 40 to 65 years and at an elevated risk for colon cancer, were referred for the study from the Division of Gastroenterology at UConn Health, the University of Connecticut’s academic medical center. Each of the 39 enrolled study participants were screened by the clinical research team at UConn John Dempsey Hospital and asked to complete an NIH Food Frequency Questionnaire for analysis by Ock Chun Ph.D., a nutritional epidemiologist in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UConn Storrs. Patients were asked to avoid all ellagitannin-containing foods and beverages for a week to set their urolithin levels at or close to zero before they began consuming ellagitannin-rich walnuts as part of their closely monitored diet. At the end of the three-week study, all participants received a high-definition colonoscopy performed by Drs. John Birk and Haleh Vaziri.
Among the key findings, the researchers found that elevated urolithin A levels in the urine of patients correlated with the serum levels of peptide YY, an interesting protein that has been associated with inhibition of colorectal cancer. Reduced levels of several inflammation markers present in the blood were also found, especially in obese patients that had the greatest capacity to form urolithins by their gut microbiome.
UConn School of Medicine’s walnut clinical trial study findings are highlighted on the cover of Cancer Prevention Research this April 2025.
Rosenberg also used high-dimensional spatial imaging technology that allowed UConn researchers to develop a detailed view of the direct cellular interactions present inside colon polyps that were removed during colonoscopy at the end of the walnut study. This cutting-edge advanced imaging technology revealed that patients with high levels of urolithin A formation following walnut consumption was directly associated with reduced levels of several important proteins that are often present in polyps, showing for the first time how walnut ingestion may directly enhance colon health.
The research team also discovered that the protein vimentin, often associated with more advanced forms of colon cancer, was greatly reduced inside polyp tissues obtained from patients who had also formed the highest levels of urolithin A by their gut microbiome.
These important new research findings build upon the earlier work of Dr. Masako Nakanishi, an assistant professor in the Rosenberg Lab, who showed in several earlier publications that walnuts had beneficial and anti-cancer effects in the colons of cancer-prone mice, key findings that prompted the current clinical trial.
“Urolithin A has a very positive influence on inflammation and maybe even cancer prevention,” says Rosenberg. “Our study proves that dietary supplementation with walnuts can boost the general population’s urolithin levels in those people with the right microbiome, while significantly reducing several inflammatory markers, especially in obese patients.”
Rosenberg concludes, “Our study provides strong rationale for dietary inclusion of walnut ellagitannins for cancer prevention. Nutrients from walnuts can contribute to reduced cancer risk. There are many potential benefits one can get from eating walnuts, with so little downside risk, that just grabbing a handful every day is really something that you can easily do for your long-term health benefit.”
This research is supported by generous awards from the American Institute for Cancer Research, the California Walnut Commission, and the National Cancer Institute.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 22, 2025/APO Group/ —
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has recently approved a $19.85 million grant over two years to support a humanitarian and resilience operation in Sudan, with a strong focus on improving livelihoods of vulnerable populations and easing the impact of the ongoing conflict on communities and infrastructure.
In the short term, the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project, co-financed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will train and mobilize frontline workers such as health professionals, water and sanitation specialists, and market facilitators. The project will also restore up to five health facilities and four emergency centers in conflict zones, as well as rehabilitate water and energy systems in urban and rural settings.
The financing also facilitates delivery of emergency food aid, such as lentils and sorghum and other staples, like tea leaves and sugar. Some 60,000 people will receive farming inputs like fertilizers and seeds this year alone. Cash grants to support livelihoods, with a focus on women and their dependents, as well as survivors of gender-based violence will also be provided.
Overall, the project will benefit 1.5 million Sudanese, or 265,000 households, of which a majority are led by women. The project will also benefit internally displaced (IDPs) and hosting communities. The Bank categorizes the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project as “Category 1” on its Gender Marker System, indicating the principal objective of the project directly addresses gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Peace, security and stability are urgently needed for Sudanese communities to reach their full potential,” Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, said about the project.
“The Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project will help restore social services and economic opportunities to some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. The Bank financing will also strategically promote inclusive and resilient economic activities, intentionally contributing to peacebuilding” she added.
The Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF) is financing the bank’s share of the project. The Facility, introduced in 2008, provides additional concessional resources to countries facing situations of fragility and conflict.
This Bank crisis response operation, implemented in collaboration with the ICRC, goes beyond short-term humanitarian interventions to invest in long-term resilience and sustainable development with a focus on women and affected communities. It adopts a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach which blends urgent humanitarian relief with efforts to lay the foundation for long-term development and peace. While addressing the conflict with a rapid response focused on food security and other livelihood support, the project’s focus remains on early recovery for affected communities and displaced populations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross will draw on its deep operational experience and long-standing presence in Sudan and work through existing staffing and infrastructure. The project focuses on scaling up sustainable solutions, including through strengthening capacities of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. As part of its mandate, the ICRC will also advance respect for International Humanitarian Law, which remains a cornerstone of humanitarian response in conflict-affected areas, thereby also protecting civilian infrastructure and assets.
To date, an estimated eleven million Sudanese have been displaced internally, and another 3.8 million — mostly women and children — have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. Supporting Sudan’s stabilization requires coordinated and joint efforts of combined immediate relief laying the foundation for inclusive long-term development and lasting stability. Policy dialogue will be key to ensuring women’s participation in conflict prevention and crisis management.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
NEWARK, N.J. – Two operators of a New Jersey marketing company were sentenced to prison for their roles in conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to pay and receive illegal kickbacks, United States Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Eric Karlewicz a/k/a “Anthony Mazza,” 46, of Rockland County, New York, and Nicco Romanowski, 33, of Roswell, Georgia, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court following their guilty pleas to Informations charging conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Karlewicz was sentenced to 51 months in prison and Romanowski was sentenced to 80 months in prison.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From in or around June 2017 through in or around May 2019, Karlewicz and Romanowski participated in a scheme with durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies, telemedicine companies, and doctors to submit false claims to health care benefit programs, including Medicare and TRICARE, based on a circular scheme of kickbacks and bribes. Karlewicz and Romanowski controlled a New Jersey-based marketing company, Empire Pain Center Holdings LLC (“Empire”), though which they and their co-conspirators identified Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries to target. Employees of Empire called the beneficiaries to pressure them to agree to accept DME, frequently consisting of back, shoulder, and knee braces. Karlewicz and Romanowski paid Empire’s employees commissions, bonuses, and incentives to encourage them to convince as many beneficiaries as possible to accept DME, regardless of medical necessity.
Karlewicz and Romanowski, through Empire, then paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies, which in turn paid kickbacks to doctors in exchange for prescriptions for the DME. As agreed upon, the doctors signed the prescription orders regardless of medical necessity, often without ever speaking to the patient. Karlewicz and Romanowski distributed the prescriptions to DME suppliers around the country, with which Empire had additional kickback arrangements. These DME suppliers submitted claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs including Medicare and TRICARE, and thereafter sent a portion of the proceeds to Empire as payment for the doctor’s orders generated through the conspiracy. Empire received more than $63 million from DME suppliers in exchange for the referrals.
In total, Karlewicz and Romanowski caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs totaling in excess of $127 million for DME. Using proceeds from the scheme, Karlewicz and Romanowski purchased luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari, and Lamborghini, a Bentley, and a BMW.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Salas sentenced each defendant to three years of supervised release and ordered them to pay $127,600,000 in restitution. Karlewicz was ordered to forfeit over $63 million, and Romanowski was ordered to forfeit over $5.5 million.
United States Attorney Habba also announced that Karlewicz and Empire entered into a civil settlement agreement. As part of that civil settlement agreement, Karlewicz and Empire admitted to violating the False Claims Act and agreed to the entry of a consent judgment against them in the amount of $63.8 million.
The civil settlement agreement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The relator, Robert Jackson Tyler, Jr., will receive a share of the funds recovered by the United States pursuant to the False Claims Act.
United States Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro, with the investigation.
The government is represented in the criminal case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Bank Integrity, Recovery, and Money Laundering Unit in Newark.
The government is represented in the civil case by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Trial Attorney Martha Glover of U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Fraud Section.
###
Defense counsel: Darren Gelber, Esq. (for Eric Karlewicz)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)
Safford, AZ – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani told Graham County ranchers that they should receive full compensation for cattle killed by Mexican gray wolves.
“Ranchers in Arizona and other western states face an intolerable situation,” said Ciscomani. “Their livelihood is directly threatened by an animal that the federal government has reintroduced into our communities. Yet when a wolf kills their cattle, they can’t get full compensation. This just isn’t right.”
Ciscomani told ranchers he’s a co-sponsor of the Wolf and Livestock Fairness (WOLF) Act (H.R. 2227) to fully reimburse ranchers for any livestock killed or harmed by endangered Mexican gray wolves. Currently, ranchers are compensated for 75 percent of the value of livestock killed by gray wolves. This bill increases compensation for ranchers to 100 percent of the value of cattle loss and compensates them for decreased herd sizes.
“Government bureaucracy cannot stand between ranchers and their way of life,” said Ciscomani.
The Congressman’s meeting with ranchers in Safford was part of a day spent in Graham County. He also provided a congressional update to elected officials, students, business leaders, educators, and community members at Eastern Arizona College. Here is some of the legislation he has introduced and cosponsored to support students, veterans, and workers across Arizona’s 6th District:
TheSecure our Rural Schools Act(H.R. 1383) which provides funding to rural counties and schools that are impacted by federal land management, particularly those with large areas of federally owned, tax-exempt forests.
TheVeterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act (H.R. 1458), would expand veterans’ access to educational opportunities in high-demand skill and vocation programs, whether in-person or partially online.
The Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural and Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act (H.R. 1055) would create a grant program to fund and develop residential construction education and certification programs at community colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools
“I am committed to making sure that rural communities, which are often overlooked by the federal government, have a seat at the table,” said Ciscomani. “I spent the day in Graham County, where I met with ranchers to talk about my efforts to strengthen water security, the problem posed by Mexican gray wolves, and my support of a bipartisan bill to provide full reimbursement to ranchers when livestock are killed or harmed by these wolves. Afterwards, I had an engaging meeting with local leaders and community members where I provided an update on my work in Congress and reiterated my ironclad support of Pell Grants, protecting Medicaid, and next steps in reconciliation process. As I always say, you never have to wonder what people in rural Arizona think, and today’s dialogue equips me to better deliver for all of my constituents.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) delivered a keynote speech at the Concord 250 celebrations marking the semiquincentennial of the start of the Revolutionary War in Concord, Massachusetts. “What began here in Concord became ‘the shot heard round the world.’ It was more than the start of a war – it was the beginning of an idea. That liberty is worth defending. That government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. That even the smallest towns in the smallest colonies could stir the conscience of a world,” said Congresswoman Trahan. CLICK HERE to view the full speech. A transcript is embedded below.
The Concord 250 ceremony was hosted at the Old North Bridge in Minute Man National Historical Park, home to the first serious battle of the Revolutionary War. The shots fired in the Battle of Concord were later described by American author Ralph Waldo Emerson as the “shot heard round the world.” “In every generation, there have been bridges like this one in Concord and like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where brave Americans marched for civil rights and faced down brutality in the name of justice. Moments that demand to know who we are and what we stand for,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “So let us meet our moment today. Let us be citizens worthy of this history, and ancestors worthy of remembrance. And let us ensure that two hundred and fifty years from now, when future generations gather at this bridge, they won’t just hear the echo of that first shot – they’ll hear the echo of our voices, rising to say: we carried the promise of a stronger America forward.” ———————————— Congresswoman Lori Trahan Remarks as Delivered Concord 250 Ceremony April 19, 2025
Good morning. Two hundred and fifty years ago, right here at the Old North Bridge, ordinary people faced an extraordinary choice: monarchy or democracy. They could remain subjects of a distant crown, or risk everything for the idea of self-government. They chose freedom. Farmers and blacksmiths, shopkeepers and ministers, teachers and mothers, everyday citizens who had no guarantee of success stood their ground. And when the smoke cleared on that April morning, the first shots of a revolution had been fired. What began here in Concord became “the shot heard round the world.” It was more than the start of a war – it was the beginning of an idea. That liberty is worth defending. That government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. That even the smallest towns in the smallest colonies could stir the conscience of a world. But it was never inevitable. The men and women who gathered here were not professional soldiers or political elites. They were neighbors and parents. Workers and worshippers. People with families to protect, farms to tend, and lives to live. And yet, when the moment came, they answered history’s call. Today, as we mark the 250th anniversary of that defining moment, we gather not just to honor their courage, but to reckon with the responsibility they left us. Because we are the stewards now. Every generation inherits the promise made here in Concord. And every generation must choose what echoes we will send forward. Will we echo courage or complacency? Unity or division? Will we, like those early patriots, rise together to meet the challenges of our time? Even our founders knew that the greatest threat to this fragile experiment wouldn’t come from abroad – it would come from within. In fact, when George Washington agreed to attend the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he explained why in a letter to a friend. He warned of “some aspiring demagogue who will not consult the interest of his country so much as his own ambitious views.” Washington wasn’t worried about the jeweled crowns of foreign kings – he was worried about the domestic ones, those who drape themselves in flags while declaring themselves above the Constitution. That remains our charge today. To ensure that in America, no one, no matter how loud, how wealthy, or how powerful, stands above the law. Because in a democracy, the law, not a single man, is sovereign. Our union is still imperfect. Our freedoms still tested. But the story of America has always been one of progress – not because the path was easy, but because courage found its way into common hands. In every generation, there have been bridges like this one in Concord, like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma where brave Americans marched for civil rights and faced down brutality in the name of justice. Moments that demand to know who we are and what we stand for. So let us meet our moment today. Let us be citizens worthy of this history, and ancestors worthy of remembrance. And let us ensure that two hundred and fifty years from now, when future generations gather at this bridge, they won’t just hear the echo of that first shot – they’ll hear the echo of our voices rising to say: we carried the promise of a stronger America forward. Thank you. ###
HAMILTON, Ontario, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovative climate solutions require bold ideas, and young leaders are stepping up to the challenge. Wawanesa Insurance and Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) are thrilled to announce the latest recipients of the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants. The $150,000 in available funding will support youth-led projects focused on tackling climate change and building more resilient communities across Canada.
Through a competitive selection process, five outstanding projects have been chosen to each receive a $30,000 grant to develop and implement their climate-focused initiative with support from C2R2 partner institutions. These projects represent the creativity and commitment of young Canadians striving for meaningful environmental impact.
“The level of innovation and dedication from young leaders across Canada is truly inspiring,” said Has Malik, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Provost & Vice President Academic and C2R2 Co-Chair. “By investing in these projects, we are not only supporting youth-led ideas, but also empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Recognizing the critical role youth play in driving climate adaptation and mitigation solutions, Wawanesa first awarded the grant last year in partnership with C2R2. The initiative is part of the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which reinforces the insurer’s annual $2 million commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
“Canada’s youth are instrumental in building more climate-resilient communities,” said Jackie De Pape Hornick, Director, Communications & Community Impact at Wawanesa. “These grants are designed to empower young climate champions to transform their innovative ideas into action. We’re proud to once again partner with C2R2 to support another group of changemakers as they create a meaningful, lasting impact in our communities.”
The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants received over 10 outstanding submissions from youth across seven of C2R2’s institution partners. Of the projects, the following have been selected to receive funding:
Anamika Gupta at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for her project; Prairie EcoWatt: Energy Champions of Saskatchewan.
Clarissa Getigan at New Brunswick Community College for her project; Sustainable Greenhouse Farming: Securing Food with Resource Efficiency.
Dexter Guino at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for his project; Enhancing the Durability Performance of Low-Carbon Concrete using Carbon-Sequestered SCM.
Jeshuah Gilroy at Holland College for his project; Novel bioremediation approach to neutralize nitrous oxide precursors from water.
Maninder Kailay and Nga Phan at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for their project; Supercritical CO₂ Techniques for Lithium-Ion Battery Metal Recovery.
These projects will be implemented over the next year, with recipients working alongside industry experts, academic mentors, and community partners to maximize their impact.
About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)
Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 15 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.
Overlooking Peel Bay on the Isle of Man. Clint Hudson
The production and use of toxic synthetic chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned internationally more than 40 years ago. There is a great deal of evidence that they are carcinogens and hormone disrupters in mammals and can cause birth defects.
PCBs can build up in the tissues in increasing amounts over time (bioaccumulate) in long-lived animals and people exposed to them. They also biomagnify in the environment meaning they build up in food chains – smaller animals take them into their tissues, those are then eaten by larger animals (such as fish), which themselves are eaten by humans and marine mammals such as dolphins and seals living in Britain’s waters.
Despite these risks, the Isle of Man government – by its own admission – has been dumping toxic silt containing PCBs into the waters of Peel Bay and unlined landfills over the past decade. This is despite the fact these waters have been declared a Unesco biosphere.
Here, Patrick Byrne, Professor of Water Science at Liverpool John Moores University, questions freshwater scientist Calum MacNeil about why he thinks it is so important that the world, and particularly Unesco, takes notice about what’s being dumped into the sea around the Isle of Man.
When did you live on the Isle of Man and what was your exact role?
I lived on the Isle of Man for nearly 15 years (2004 – 2019) and left at the end of 2019.
From 2004 – 2007, I was the Isle of Man government’s freshwater biologist. From 2007 – 2017, I was the freshwater biologist and enforcement officer, responsible for regulation and enforcement of environmental matters related to controlled waters (all inland waters and coastal waters).
Where is the Isle of Man and what is the Unesco status it has earned?
The Isle of Man is a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea, located almost an equal distance from England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is British but not part of the UK: it is a self-governing dependency of the British Crown with its own government and laws. It is not part of the EU but is signed up to various international agreements on the environment.
Unesco is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It began the biosphere programme in 1991, concentrating on the care of land, sea and species, as well as culture, heritage, community and economy.
According to the island government’s own fact sheet, biospheres have three functions: promoting sustainable development, conservation and learning. The sea makes up 87% of the Isle of Man Unesco biosphere.
Despite earning this status, evidence in the public domain shows that pollutants have been dumped into the sea. What’s been going on?
The Isle of Man government has been accused of deliberately dumping 4,000 tonnes of toxic silt from harbour dredging, which included synthetic industrial chemicals known as PCBs and heavy metals, in the Irish sea in 2014.
Despite extensive evidence in the public domain, this dumping was not mentioned once in the biosphere nomination documents, dated 2015. The nation’s biosphere website says the nomination process was “several years” in the making and the Unesco biosphere designation occurred in 2016 – only a relatively short time after the deliberate dumping in the Irish Sea.
The government has also allegedly discharged toxic PCB-contaminated effluent – known as called leachate – from an old landfill, called the Raggatt, directly into Peel Bay, an area which has one of the most popular public beaches on the island. Peel is one of three beaches (technically designated as non-bathing areas) on the island that recently failed to meet minimum standards for bathing waters.
I wasn’t aware of the details of the sea dumping of toxic silt until June 2022 when the employment tribunal findings related to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s (Defa) ex-marine monitoring officer Kevin Kenningtonbecame public. This tribunal heard evidence that this was going on before, during and after the Unesco biosphere designation.
The Isle of Man is a signatory to the Oslo-Paris convention for the protection of the marine environment for the north-east Atlantic (Ospar). The convention specifies a maximum level of marine contaminants.
A decade on from its initial application, the Isle of Man is currently bidding to renew its Unesco Biosphere status in 2026.
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There does appear to be a lack of monitoring, at least in the public domain. Given the serious nature of the contaminants, I would expect the environmental regulator to monitor any PCBs detected in the environment and fully inform the public of any exposure risk.
The disposal of thousands of tonnes of contaminated silt into biodiverse waters could have had a serious negative impact on that bid. So, how did you discover that all was not as it seemed with the marine biosphere status?
Shortly after resigning from my post in 2017, I read an article in the local media about how the attorney general of the Isle of Man (the government’s senior legal advisor) believed it might be in the public interest to hold a full investigation into the discharging of potentially toxic material retrieved from an old landfill site that was being transported by tankers and taken to the sea. There were a number of statements made in that article that I found very concerning, such as the two below:
The then Environment Minister Richard Ronan told the House of Keys [the parliament of the Isle of Man] in July last year that levels of a range of metals, ammonia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 225 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) identified in the leachate exceed environmental quality standards, making it unsuitable for direct discharge into the River Neb.
The government said the leachate is subject to a large degree of dilution [as] it enters the sea. Samples are analysed regularly and the leachate “does not pose a risk to people swimming in Peel bay”.
To be clear, I knew at the time of reading this article in 2017 that there was no UK or EU environmental quality standard to legally allow a deliberate discharge of PCBs into either freshwaters (rivers and lakes) or to the sea. I knew this because PCBs are massively hydrophobic (water-hating) – meaning you shouldn’t have them suspended in effluent anyway because all they want to do is settle out at the bottom of whatever they are suspended in as soon as possible.
So, if you can detect them suspended in actual effluent you should be very worried about how much is built up or buried in the sediment accompanying that effluent. I knew the deliberate discharge of this was internationally banned and that it shouldn’t be going on into rivers or the sea.
I was even more alarmed when the article quoted a government spokesperson saying the leachate “does not pose a risk to people swimming in Peel Bay”. The government needs to prove that statement legally and scientifically because in the US and Europe there is a “risk averse” approach to PCB release.
This story and the government’s response was very concerning to me as an internationally banned carcinogen was being discharged deliberately to Peel bay, a popular public beach area, while the public were being told it was fine, legal and safe. I didn’t see how this could possibly be legal as regards international agreements.
A few months later, I was concerned about further silt dredging at Peel bay and was curious how Defa as a regulator would deal with avoiding the risk of resuspending previously buried PCBs.
Ospar gives guidance on this, as this is important as PCBs remain toxic for decades and dredging could obviously further increase the risk to the public and environment – resuspending any PCBs that had been previously buried under layers of sediment for decades would result in releasing another source of PCBs into the bay.
Was anyone concerned about possible pollution at the time of the Unesco application?
The Isle of Man government says it spent a great deal of time on the nomination process and the publicly available nomination documents are long and detailed and Defa was heavily involved in the application process and the details provided so they would have to answer that.
I don’t know if any other scientists were raising a red flag at the time, but I do refer you to Kevin Kennington’s tribunal findings which involved dumping toxic silt at sea and Defa officers were aware of this dumping in 2014. None of this was mentioned in the nomination document as far as I have been able to ascertain.
The tribunal found the toxic silt exceeded Ospar guidelines.
When The Conversation put that to Isle of Man government, it did not accept it was in contravention of the rules. But a spokesperson for the UK regulator, Defra told us: “Defra’s internal analysis concluded that the incident constituted actions that were not in accordance with the Ospar convention (Articles 4, and Annex II Art 4) and the 1996 London protocol on the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter.”
What laws are involved here?
The 252-page-long nomination forms refer to the Water Pollution Act 1993. This is an act that makes “new provision for the protection of inland and coastal waters from pollution, to control deposits in the sea and for connected purposes”.
Some EU legislation is also applied to the Isle of Man, such as Ospar (the convention for protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic) and the Basel convention which governs how nations, including the Isle of Man, should treat and dispose of hazardous waste, including PCBs, in an environmentally sound way.
What are the most worrying impacts of the pollution here?
In my view, the deliberate tanker discharge of PCBs to Peel bay is extremely worrying from both an environmental and public health risk perspective, as is the dredging up of PCB contaminated silt in Peel harbour.
I’m alarmed by the fact that the Isle of Man government decided that it was not in the public interest to pursue the case for the discharge into the sea, given that international agreements were broken.
What needs to change in terms of governance and law enforcement?
I feel there needs to be international scientific and legal scrutiny of all of this. I believe both Unesco and the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have a responsibility here as well given the international agreements involved and the biosphere designation. Given the biosphere status surely the Isle of Man government should be acting not just to the letter of the law but the spirit of the law.
What should a biosphere reserve really look like and what needs to change?
Ideally, the government in the world’s only all-nation Unesco biosphere would fully abide by its own principlesand pledges and adhere to international agreements.
For instance, the Isle of Man government set its own environmental quality standards (EQS) for PCBs – now, those won’t be breached by the levels of existing discharges. EQS values for soil, sediment, freshwater and marine environments are derived from years of research showing the maximum concentrations (or quality standards) that cannot be exceeded in order to protect human and environmental health.
As far as I’m aware, there is still no EQS for PCBs in effluent agreed to by the EU. There are PCB guidelines for sediment and biota (animals and plants) at the end of pipelines but these are more concerned with monitoring legacy historic sources of PCBs. I don’t know legally how the Isle of Man was able to do this despite international laws.
The Isle of Man government should be taking a far more precautionary approach to PCBs and potential public exposure, environmental damage and public health risk. They should be doing this anyway, but in the world’s only entire nation Unesco biosphere, I think the moral and legal onus is on them to prove what they are doing is safe. If they are saying it is safe, they obviously need to prove it. I think the onus is also on Unesco to check what is going on in their only all-nation biosphere, especially in the “care” areas of that biosphere.
Calum MacNeil raises some important questions about the very nature of Unesco biosphere status and about the safety of the waters in and around the Isle of Man. The public has a right to clear answers and information. Here are some of the key issues from my perspective as a water scientist.
Long-term health effects
The point about PCB sorption to sediments is a good one. An important study from 2019 estimated that 75% of all PCBs manufactured since 1930 now reside in marine sediment. Marine sediment is literally the waste bin for PCBs. Dilution in rivers is commonly used as a convenient way of masking the mass transport of chemicals through rivers and ultimately to the oceans. So, yes, dilution decreases concentrations locally, but it does not reduce the volume of chemicals transported to or disposed of at sea.
The PCB discharge to Peel bay has been going on since the 1990s which is worrying given possible long-term public health risks and environmental impacts.
Some of the metabolites may leave your body in a few days, but others may remain in your body fat for months. Unchanged PCBs may also remain in your body and be stored for years mainly in the fat and liver, but smaller amounts can be found in other organs as well. Once in our bodies, they can have toxic long-term health effects. Some are associated with fertility issues and they are classed as probable human carcinogens.
Persistence in the environment
Since the 1970’s, the gradual phasing out and banning of PCBs has led to dramatic reductions in their release into the environment. However, despite this, PCBs remain one of the biggest chemical threats to humans and wildlife worldwide. Why is this? Well, we know PCBs are very persistent in the environment, which means they last for decades to hundreds of years. Because of this persistence, they accumulate in living things and we know that at certain concentrations they can be very harmful to us.
It is also because of the widely held belief that “dilution is the solution to pollution”. Sure, dilution of effluent in a river reduces concentrations locally and might allow a government or an industry to meet an environmental quality guideline.
But where have the pollutants gone? They have not disappeared – remember PCBs may persist for hundreds of years. They have gone out to sea where they accumulate in sediments and living things. And we see the evidence and impacts of this all around us. For example, PCBs and other harmful chemicals are routinely detected in apex predators like orcas and whales and polar bears and we know this is negatively impacting their physiology and reproductive health.
PCBs have been detected in the Arctic and Antarctica and even in the Mariana trench in the deep ocean. This is the cumulative result of decades of PCB discharge into the seas from all around the world. We cannot do anything about PCBs that are already in the sea, but with everything we now know about how harmful and long-lasting these chemicals are, we really cannot knowingly continue discharging them into the sea.
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Patrick Byrne receives funding from the UK Natural Environment Research Council.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
In honor of Earth Day, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that aims to help the U.S. reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector by 2040—while giving America’s farmers more tools and resources to increase their profitability.
“From historic droughts and wildfires to devastating floods and extreme weather, America’s farmers are directly impacted by the climate crisis,” said Pingree, a longtime organic farmer and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “With the Farm Bill in limbo and the Trump Administration actively undermining farmers’ interests, bold legislation like the Agriculture Resilience Act is more urgent than ever. These goals are ambitious—but they’re achievable. By helping farmers adopt practices that boost resilience and profitability, this bill charts a path to not only create a more sustainable future for America’s agriculture sector, but ensure greater economic viability for our farmers as well.”
“New Mexico’s agricultural producers and rural communities rely on the health of our land and water to sustain their families and communities. They are also the first to feel the impacts of climate change. That is why we need to provide our farmers and ranchers with new tools to not only protect their land and way of life, but also be part of the climate solution,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to reintroduce the Agriculture Resilience Act, which sets a national goal of achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2040 through farmer-led, science-based initiatives. I’ll continue working to bring our communities the tools they need to improve soil health, expand conservation programs, increase research into climate-friendly agricultural practices, and support on-farm renewable energy projects.”
To reach net-zero agricultural emissions within the next 15 years, the ARA focuses on six concrete policy areas—and solutions that are rooted in science.
These goals include:
Increasing Research: The ARA would ensure existing agriculture research programs prioritize climate change research, increase funding for USDA’s Regional Climate Hubs, support public breed and cultivar research, and create a new SARE Agricultural and Food System Resilience Initiative for farmer and rancher research and demonstration grants.
Improving Soil Health: The ARA would create a new soil health grant program for state and tribal governments, authorize USDA to offer performance-based crop insurance discounts for practices that reduce climate risk, expand the National Agroforestry Center by authorizing three additional regional centers, and provide more technical assistance and flexibility in USDA conservation programs to support climate-smart practices.
Protecting existing farmland and supporting farm viability: ARA would increase funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program to help keep local farms profitable and create a new subprogram for farm viability and local climate resilience centers to help farmers reach new markets. The bill would also increase funding for the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program to make farmland affordable for the next generation.
Supporting pasture-based livestock systems: The ARA would create a new alternative manure management program to support an array of livestock methane management strategies and establish a new grant program to help small meat processors cover the costs associated with meeting federal inspection guidelines.
Boosting investments in on-farm energy initiatives: The ARA would increase funding for the Rural Energy for America Program to prioritize low-emissions electrification projects and direct USDA to study dual-use renewable energy and cropping or livestock systems.
Reducing food waste: The ARA would standardize food date labels to reduce consumer confusion about the shelf life of foods, create a new USDA program to reduce food waste in schools, and increase federal support for food waste research and outreach, composting, and anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy projects.
The ARA is supported by dozens of national and local organizations including American Farmland Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, as well companies like Stonyfield and Organic Valley. Click here for a full list of endorsers.
READ WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ARA.
An organic farmer since the 1970s, Pingree has been recognized as a national policy leader on sustainable food and farming. Pingree is the founder of Congress’s first-ever Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus and is Vice Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Climate and Agriculture Task Force. In addition to serving on the House Agriculture Committee, Pingree is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she serves as Ranking Member on the Interior and Environment Subcommittee and on the Agriculture Subcommittee.
NEWTON, Mass. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paytronix, an Access Group company and leader in guest engagement for restaurants and convenience stores, will host their premier guest engagement event next week, as Paytronix clients gather in Nashville for PX|NXT ’25. Hospitality leaders will come together once again to share their experiences and learn from the industry’s visionaries as they jam with Paytronix in Music City, at the Loews Nashville Hotel, from April 29th to May 1st.
PX|NXT will feature lively presentations, interactive sessions, and signature social events, focused on building community and educating attendees on innovative guest engagement strategies, from loyalty and online ordering programs to reservation systems, kiosks, and messaging. Over three days, Paytronix will offer an opportunity to learn new revenue generating techniques and master the use of Paytronix’s solutions.
Paytronix was acquired by UK-based The Access Group in October of last year, and PNX|NXT will be an opportunity for attendees to learn how new solutions and integrations from Access will help them take their guest engagement strategies to the next level.
“We’re going even bigger for the 10th anniversary, bringing our customers together and building connections and deeper industry relationships because we learn the most from each other. PX|NXT has a tremendous lineup of customers and experts speaking and sharing their first-hand experiences,” said Pamela Robertson, CMO at Paytronix. “This year’s sessions will explore how new technologies in mobile, AI and digital engagement are not only taking guest experiences to new levels, but when done right — they’re also driving efficiencies and powering growth.”
PX|NXT Speakers Present Game-Changing Experiences & Strategies Paytronix assembled a powerful lineup of experts to speak in 2025, with thought-provoking, high-energy sessions centered around upcoming products, theory and case studies around guest engagement strategy. This year’s speaking lineup is full of leaders who have driven loyalty and embraced innovation for some of the industry’s leading brands.
In addition to Paytronix and customer speakers, this year’s keynotesinclude:
Liz Seelye, CEO and brand wayfinder of StarryEyed Strategy – who has proven why brand purpose matters and how restaurants can leverage it to lead their categories. For 20 years, Liz has helped brands, big and global (Starbucks, Cinnabon, Chick-fil-A, CAVA, FAT Brands), small and local (Legacy Pie Co., Pancho & Lefty’s, The Post) find their North Stars to move their businesses forward fast.
Gerry O’Brion, author and featured speaker on translating big brand strategies into knowledge that any business can use to win in the marketplace. Gerry shares experiences from leading marketing for top brands with Procter & Gamble, Coors Brewing Company, Quiznos restaurant chain and most recently, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
Executives from top restaurant and convenience store brands will share their restaurant tech strategies for guest engagement, loyalty, ordering, mobile and more. Read the full list of featured speakers online, including but not limited to:
Erin Newkirk, CMO, Caribou Coffee
Eric Rush, Director of Marketing, Tri Star Energy
Jeff Lee, Director of IT & Operations, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza
Jimmy VanValkenburg, Head of Digital Marketing & Loyalty, PDQ Chicken
Olga Lopategui, Founder & Principal Consultant, Restaurant Loyalty Specialists
About Paytronix Paytronix, an Access Group company, is a cloud-based digital guest engagement platform for the hospitality industry. Our innovative, unified platform provides loyalty programs, online ordering, gift cards, branded mobile applications, and strategic insights to more than 1,800 leading restaurant and convenience store brands. Our valued clients leverage the power of Paytronix across 50,000 sites globally to create seamless, personalized, and brand-authentic experiences that foster lasting relationships with their customers. For more than 20 years, Paytronix has been a trusted partner helping brands maximize the lifetime value of their guests and grow more profitable businesses. For more information, visit www.paytronix.com.
Many bakers working at high altitudes have carefully followed a standard recipe only to reach into the oven to find a sunken cake, flat cookies or dry muffins.
Experienced mountain bakers know they need a few tricks to achieve the same results as their fellow artisans working at sea level.
These tricks are more than family lore, however. They originated in the early 20th century thanks to research on high-altitude baking done by Inga Allison, then a professor at Colorado State University. It was Allison’s scientific prowess and experimentation that brought us the possibility of perfect high-altitude brownies and other baked goods.
We are two current academics at CSU whose work has been touched by Allison’s legacy.
One of us – Caitlin Clark – still relies on Allison’s lessons a century later in her work as a food scientist in Colorado. The other – Tobi Jacobi – is a scholar of women’s rhetoric and community writing, and an enthusiastic home baker in the Rocky Mountains, who learned about Allison while conducting archival research on women’s work and leadership at CSU.
Inga Allison is one of the fascinating and accomplished women who is part of the exhibit.
Allison was born in 1876 in Illinois and attended the University of Chicago, where she completed the prestigious “science course” work that heavily influenced her career trajectory. Her studies and research also set the stage for her belief that women’s education was more than preparation for domestic life.
In 1908, Allison was hired as a faculty member in home economics at Colorado Agricultural College, which is now CSU. She joined a group of faculty who were beginning to study the effects of altitude on baking and crop growth. The department was located inside Guggenheim Hall, a building that was constructed for home economics education but lacked lab equipment or serious research materials.
Allison took both the land grant mission of the university with its focus on teaching, research and extension and her particular charge to prepare women for the future seriously. She urged her students to move beyond simple conceptions of home economics as mere preparation for domestic life. She wanted them to engage with the physical, biological and social sciences to understand the larger context for home economics work.
Such thinking, according to CSU historian James E. Hansen, pushed women college students in the early 20th century to expand the reach of home economics to include “extension and welfare work, dietetics, institutional management, laboratory research work, child development and teaching.”
News articles from the early 1900s track Allison giving lectures like “The Economic Side of Natural Living” to the Colorado Health Club and talks on domestic science to ladies clubs and at schools across Colorado. One of her talks in 1910 focused on the art of dishwashing.
Allison became the home economics department chair in 1910 and eventually dean. In this leadership role, she urged then-CSU President Charles Lory to fund lab materials for the home economics department. It took 19 years for this dream to come to fruition.
In the meantime, Allison collaborated with Lory, who gave her access to lab equipment in the physics department. She pieced together equipment to conduct research on the relationship between cooking foods in water and atmospheric pressure, but systematic control of heat, temperature and pressure was difficult to achieve.
She sought other ways to conduct high-altitude experiments and traveled across Colorado where she worked with students to test baking recipes in varied conditions, including at 11,797 feet in a shelter house on Fall River Road near Estes Park.
But Allison realized that recipes baked at 5,000 feet in Fort Collins and Denver simply didn’t work in higher altitudes. Little advancement in baking methods occurred until 1927, when the first altitude baking lab in the nation was constructed at CSU thanks to Allison’s research. The results were tangible — and tasty — as public dissemination of altitude-specific baking practices began.
As a senior food scientist in a mountain state, one of us – Caitlin Clark – advises bakers on how to adjust their recipes to compensate for altitude. Thanks to Allison’s research, bakers at high altitude today can anticipate how the lower air pressure will affect their recipes and compensate by making small adjustments.
Air pressure is a force that pushes back on all of the molecules in a system and prevents them from venturing off into the environment. Heat plays the opposite role – it adds energy and pushes molecules to escape.
When water is boiled, molecules escape by turning into steam. The less air pressure is pushing back, the less energy is required to make this happen. That’s why water boils at lower temperatures at higher altitudes – around 200 degrees Fahrenheit in Denver compared with 212 F at sea level.
So, when baking is done at high altitude, steam is produced at a lower temperature and earlier in the baking time. Carbon dioxide produced by leavening agents also expands more rapidly in the thinner air. This causes high-altitude baked goods to rise too early, before their structure has fully set, leading to collapsed cakes and flat muffins. Finally, the rapid evaporation of water leads to over-concentration of sugars and fats in the recipe, which can cause pastries to have a gummy, undesirable texture.
Allison was one of many groundbreaking women in the early 20th century who actively supported higher education for women and advanced research in science, politics, humanities and education in Colorado.
Others included Grace Espy-Patton, a professor of English and sociology at CSU from 1885 to 1896 who founded an early feminist journal and was the first woman to register to vote in Fort Collins. Miriam Palmer was an aphid specialist and master illustrator whose work crafting hyper-realistic wax apples in the early 1900s allowed farmers to confirm rediscovery of the lost Colorado Orange apple, a fruit that has been successfully propagated in recent years.
In 1945, Allison retired as both an emerita professor and emerita dean at CSU. She immediately stepped into the role of student and took classes in Russian and biochemistry.
In the fall of 1958, CSU opened a new dormitory for women that was named Allison Hall in her honor.
The authors 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.
The Isle of Man government has said it is “fully committed to environmental protection and transparency” regarding its Unesco biosphere status – despite admitting that legacy landfill sites are discharging hazardous chemical contaminants into the sea.
The Isle of Man is a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between the UK and and Ireland. It is not part of the UK or the European Union, but has the status of “crown dependency” with an independent administration. Its population of about 84,000 people are British citizens.
But polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) – synthetic industrial chemicals once used to make electricals and other materials – continue to be released into the waterways and the sea.
Although the production of PCBs was banned globally in the 1980s, they still exist in many products, like electrical equipment, much of which lingers in landfills and so they continue to pose a risk to ocean health. Research has shown how legacy contaminants such as PCBs can be released from hundreds of thousands of coastal landfills across Europe – and the Isle of Man is no different.
Evidence has been accumulating for years about PCB discharges on the Isle of Man and much of it is on the government’s own website.
For example, 4,000 tonnes of toxic silt from harbour dredging – which included PCBs and heavy metals was dumped in the Irish sea in 2014. This “trial dump” was despite environmental and legal advice from its marine monitoring officer that this would be ignoring international agreements and would be damaging to the environment.
The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.
Then in 2015 – a time when it would have been putting together its Unesco application – the island government compiled a document, titled “the Peel Marina silt questions and answers” in which it discussed further toxic waste dumping options. It states:
Disposing of 18,000 tonnes of contaminated sediments from the marina directly to the sea bed would have had a negative impact on the species involved. Testing carried out by Defa [Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture] officers had already identified the likelihood that earlier disposal of 4,000 tonnes into the sea had contributed to rises in contaminants within commercial fisheries species to levels approaching EU food safety standards.
That batch of 18,000 tonnes of contaminated silt, collected after harbour dredging in Peel harbour, was eventually moved to a sealed pit.
But it is the ongoing situation with legacy landfills which is seeing PCBs continuing to leach into the sea – a situation that the island government admits will not be entirely solved until the construction of a wastewater treatment plant (building is due to start on the plant in April 2025).
But despite its pledges of being a destination with a “fantastic seascape…and coastline”, contaminated leachate from decommissioned landfill continues to drain into the marine environment.
The Isle of Man applied for the biosphere reserve status in 2013, which was awarded in 2016 based on the submission of a comprehensive 250-page nomination document. But there was no mention of toxic landfill leachate or the dumping of thousands of tonnes of contaminated harbour silt which later came to light.
The Isle of Man government told The Conversation that Unesco was aware of the discharges and that “biosphere status is not a hallmark of perfection”. It said its PCB discharges are in line with those of the UK.
But it raises the question of whether such pollution can be in line with the spirit of the biosphere status.
It is important to be clear that the Isle of Man is not unique in the British Islands in having managed disposal or unintentional discharges of legacy industrial wastes to the sea.
My team’s research (Patrick Byrne’s) documents thousands of coastal landfills in England and Wales, many of which discharge hazardous materials to the sea through leachates or erosion.
A Unesco biosphere reserve is not supposed to be perfect – almost nowhere is. But it should be a model for how we protect and sustainably manage our environment, including how we address legacy pollution. Why not highlight the issue of legacy industrial wastes as a challenge to be met?
The Isle of Man government rejects the idea that it misrepresented any of the facts around its environmental credentials.
But when The Conversation put the details to Unesco, it said it had not been made aware of previous dumping of toxic silt containing PCBs in 2014 and added that the first time the issue was raised with them was “in late 2023”.
A spokesperson said: “At the time of the nomination, the International Committee of the Unesco Biosphere Programme was not aware of this issue.”
The government told The Conversation it included “all information relevant for consideration by Unesco” when it made its application, but said certain discharges were not in the “zonation area” and that “nowhere is perfect”.
The major concern is about being open and honest with the public and Unesco about the environmental challenges and potential human health concerns associated with legacy pollutants like PCBs. It is entirely possible that the Isle of Man’s Unesco status would still have been granted if Unesco had been fully aware about the dumping at sea.
Landfills
The Conversation spoke to Calum MacNeil, a freshwater scientist who worked for the Isle of Man government for 13 years. He now works for a research institute in New Zealand but has been flagging concerns about contamination from toxic silt. Together with his help, we spent months gathering all of the evidence, checking the facts and joining the dots between silt dredged from a harbour, landfills and sealed pits aimed at temporarily dealing with this legacy pollution.
On the Isle of Man, historic landfills dating back to the 1940s are unlined so they are not sealed. After heavy rain, pollutants can wash away and leach out into the surrounding environment.
According to a 2017 news report, the government stated that the leachate “does not pose a risk to people swimming in Peel Bay” because it’s diluted by seawater. MacNeil insists that this is “a crucial admission” because he believes that the government cannot scientifically prove that any public exposure to PCB contamination is ever safe.
MacNeil said: “I feel there needs to be international scientific and legal scrutiny of all of this. I believe both Unesco and the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have a responsibility here as well given the international agreements involved and the biosphere designation. Given the biosphere status, surely the Isle of Man government should be acting not just to the letter of the law but in the spirit of the law.”
Regulations
While various international regulations govern levels of chemical contamination in leachate in and immediately around old landfills, the same rules do not apply to anything that is deliberately dumped or discharged directly into rivers or the sea.
Isle of Man legislation called the Water Pollution Act 1993 outlines that any discharge or dumping must abide by any and all relevant international agreements that apply to the Isle of Man.
MacNeil argues that the onus should be on the Isle of Man government to prove that any discharge of PCBs is legal under international agreements.
Tourists and local residents swim all year round in bathing waters such as Peel Bay, and praise for this nation’s marine conservation achievements is vast. Last summer, the Isle of Man was even nominated for the “most desirable island in Europe” travel award hosted by magazine Wanderlust.
With goals to grow annual visitor numbers to 500,000, a thriving ecotourism industry could contribute an estimated £520 million by 2032. According to the island’s tourism agency, Visit Isle of Man, it aims to be “a leading British ecotourism destination that provides a range of opportunities for visitors to connect with our unique nature and wildlife”.
Contaminated silt was allegedly dredged from Peel harbour and dumped out at sea. Daniel Sztork/Shutterstock
As one 2022 study explains, biosphere reserves are “learning sites for sustainable development”. Researchers point out that a coherent and holistic approach on the Isle of Man is not necessarily easy to achieve, in part because the biosphere is managed by one government department (Defa) with a remit for environment, food and agriculture, resulting in “age-old tensions between farming and conservation”.
The Isle of Man government’s website states: “Our biosphere status encourages us to learn about and cherish what we have in the Isle of Man and safeguard it for the future by making good decisions, as individuals, as organisations and as an island. It tells potential new residents and visitors that we are a special place for people and nature and have a conscience.”
But without openly acknowledging the legacy pollution challenges, they are literally being buried for future generations. This ultimately undermines local, national, and international efforts to learn and move forward in a sustainable way, which is at the heart of the Unesco biosphere philosophy.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Man government said:
“The Isle of Man government remains fully committed to environmental protection and transparency regarding its Unesco Biosphere status. We reject any assertion that the government has acted to misrepresent environmental matters in its Unesco application.
“All relevant data and policies have been developed in line with scientific evidence and regulatory frameworks. The Isle of Man government conducts rigorous environmental monitoring, including assessments of water quality and potential contaminants, to ensure compliance with established safety standards.
“The Isle of Man has legacy landfill sites similar to those found in the UK, Europe and around the world which leach contaminants, including PCBs, into the marine environment. Details of PCB discharges from UK landfills can be found on the UK Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) data sets where the pollutant threshold below which data is not required to be submitted for PCBs in water is stated as 0.1kg.
“The level of PCBs entering the marine environment in the Isle of Man is slightly lower than the average throughout the Irish Sea as determined by sediment and biota samples.
“The leachate discharge from the historic Raggatt landfill, which closed in 1990, is planned to be discharged to Peel Wastewater Treatment Plant which has recently received planning permission and construction expected to commence by April 2025.
“As stated on the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s pollution control monitoring webpage: ‘Independent advice from Phoenix Engineering is that this would represent the best available technology to manage and control emissions of PCBs present in Raggatt landfill leachate to the marine environment in Peel.’
“Due to historic mining, heavy metals such as lead are known to flow down the river and accumulate in silt at Peel Marina, which has previously exceeded Cefas action level 2 where sediments are considered unacceptable for uncontrolled disposal at sea without special handling and containment. No further deposits to sea of Peel dredging silt have been made since 2014, and a catchment management plan is currently being developed to reduce this contamination at Peel Marina.
“The aim for all Unesco Biospheres is to improve our environment; something which the Isle of Man has consistently strived to achieve since accreditation in 2016.”
A spokesperson for Unesco said:
“Unesco first received information on this issue in late 2023, which was then relayed to the relevant government authorities for comments. Unesco was informed that the situation appeared to stem from the presence of a UK historic landfill which is being followed through a comprehensive monitoring programme.
“Following Unesco’s request, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs confirmed that ‘it is in line with the UK government’s responsibilities under the Ospar convention, and are satisfied the Isle of Man government is taking all possible steps to prevent and eliminate pollution of PCBs from land-based sources entering the marine environment in line with Article 3 of the Ospar convention’.
“In the original application dossier, the Isle of Man committed to ‘take responsibility for overseeing salvage and pollution counter-measures in order to comply with international conventions’. It also committed to observing a range of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).
“As the Isle of Man Biosphere Reserve was designated in 2016, its periodic review is scheduled for 2026. Unesco will make all information available to the Intergovernmental Committee in charge of examining the renewal of the status.”
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Patrick Byrne receives funding from the UK Natural Environment Research Council.
Anna Turns 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.
