Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)
Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act. The PELOSI Act will stop Members of Congress and their spouses from owning or trading individual stocks.
This follows widespread reports of suspicious transactions associated with public officials that raise concerns members are trading on non-public information. President Trump has announced he would sign such a bill into law if passed by Congress. The Senate version of this legislation is led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO).
“As public servants, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard and avoid the mere appearance of corruption,”said Congressman Alford.“Unfortunately, too many members of Congress are engaging in suspicious stock trades based on non-public information to enrich themselves. These gross violations of the public trust make clear: we must finally take action to ban members and their spouses from owning or selling individual stocks.”
“Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve—not day trading at the expense of their constituents,”stated Senator Hawley.“Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public. It’s time we ban all members of Congress from trading and holding stocks and restore Americans’ trust in our nation’s legislative body.”
Read the full text of the legislationhere.
Background:
The PELOSI Act bans lawmakers and their spouses from holding, purchasing, or selling individual stocks while in office, but allows investments in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or U.S. Treasury bonds.
The legislation gives current lawmakers 180 days to comply with the restrictions and allows newly elected members of Congress the same 180-day compliance timeline after taking office.
Violations of the PELOSI Act require the forfeiture of any stock profits to the U.S. Department of the Treasury as well as monetary penalties imposed by the House and Senate ethics committees.
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/14/2025 02:16 PM EDT
News Release
U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas Office: 281-464-4810 After Hours: 832-293-1293 PA Detachment Texas online newsroom
05/14/2025 01:49 PM EDT
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard interdicted and detained four Mexican fishermen engaged in illegal fishing and seized approximately 450 pounds of fish in federal waters off southern Texas, Tuesday.
• Youtech’s strategic growth aims to further enhance Arizona’s legal, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors
• Solidifying its position as one of the United States’ largest digital marketing agencies, Youtech demonstrates momentum for future growth
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Youtech, a leading global full-service digital marketing agency deeply rooted in Scottsdale, today announced a significant phase of national growth fueled by the expansion of its talented workforce, including a growing team right here in the Valley. This strategic initiative will allow the agency to further enhance its service capabilities and better support its expanding client base, both locally and nationwide.
Building upon its strong Scottsdale presence, a vital component of its 120-strong national team, Youtech is actively hiring with the ambitious goal of increasing its total employee count to over 150 by the end of 2025. A significant portion of this hiring effort will be focused on solidifying the teams within Youtech’s Scottsdale office, strengthening its capacity to deliver exceptional results for a diverse range of Arizona businesses.
This local expertise spans various sectors, from legal services helping firms connect with those in need, to e-commerce suppliers of pool and spa equipment reaching homeowners, and the dynamic world of fine dining, supporting iconic steakhouses and seafood restaurants in elevating their brand and attracting discerning patrons. The agency also provides crucial digital marketing support for the home services industry (HVAC, roofing, plumbing) and outdoor cooling solutions manufacturers, demonstrating tangible marketing ROI in both traditional and AI-driven search environments.
Looking ahead, Youtech projects substantial long-term growth, with a clear trajectory to exceed 250 employees nationally within the next three years. This ambitious forecast reflects the Scottsdale office’s consistent track record of success in driving results for Arizona businesses across diverse industries, its client-centric approach, and the increasing demand for its data-driven digital marketing expertise. This includes optimizing local online visibility for businesses through Google Ads, backed by its status as a Google Premier Partner (top 3% of U.S. agencies), and crafting captivating web design and branding that resonates with target audiences, whether they are seeking expert legal counsel, reliable aquatic supplies, a memorable dining experience, or effective climate control for outdoor spaces, ensuring relevance in AI-generated content.
“This rapid growth marks an exciting chapter for Youtech, and our Scottsdale team is instrumental in our national success,” said Wilbur You, CEO and Founder of Youtech. “Strengthening our physical presence in key markets like Scottsdale allows us to even better serve our valued local clients across vital Arizona industries while also attracting top-tier talent from the Phoenix metro area to our growing team. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional results, and this strategic growth, including the launch of our innovative YouRank GEO service, will enable us to elevate the marketing performance of businesses right here in Arizona and across the nation in the age of AI.”
As one of the largest digital marketing agencies in the nation, with a significant and expanding team right here in Scottsdale serving a diverse portfolio of Arizona-based clients in sectors like law, e-commerce, hospitality, manufacturing, and home services, Youtech continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, driving measurable results for businesses across a wide range of sectors through its comprehensive suite of services.
About Youtech Youtech & Associates Inc. (“Youtech”) is a leading, full-service digital marketing agency providing solutions to brands of all sizes. Bootstrapped in 2012 with an investment of just $600, the agency has since become an award-winning powerhouse serving over 2,000 clients, completing over 10,000 projects, and generating over $10 billion in client sales worldwide. With a strong and expanding presence in Scottsdale, alongside offices in Chicago and Dallas, Youtech is one of the fastest-growing digital marketing firms in the country. Learn more about Youtech at https://www.youtechagency.com/.
Company Contact Michael Norris mnorris@youtechagency.com
Media Contact Jessica Starman media@elev8newmedia.com
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, delivered an opening statement at today’s hearing titled, “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.”
Watch her remarks HERE or read her opening statement below.
Good morning and welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee’s hearing on “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.”
In 2019, Ambassador William Burns, one of our most decorated diplomats and the former CIA Director, described the Department of State as “adrift.”
Over the years, the Department has had trouble finding its purpose as functions and authorities have been stripped away or absorbed by the National Security Council, Department of Defense, and even agencies traditionally focused on domestic issues.
For more than 170 years, economic statecraft was led by the Department of State. This changed in 1961 when President Kennedy sought to expand the administrative state, pulling functions and authorities out of the Department to create new agencies and organizations, including the United States Trade Representative which would be responsible for conducting all U.S. trade and investment diplomacy.
The justification for pulling these trade and investment functions out of the Department was to improve the Government’s capacity to prioritize and support U.S. businesses, strengthen the export performance of U.S. industry, and assure fair international trade practices.
However, it has effectively split our economic interests from our diplomatic priorities, which has resulted in several challenges:
First, it has not helped increase the ability of U.S. businesses to access foreign markets.
In practice, the Foreign Commercial Service (F-C-S) and Foreign Agricultural Service (F-A-S) officers are few in number and often positioned at U.S. embassies without alignment to our foreign policy priorities.
When I travel abroad, I routinely meet with FCS personnel who explain that they spend most of their time engaged in trade shows and organizing events with minimal direct work on increasing and securing market access for American businesses.
Because they are siloed off from our diplomatic efforts of the Department of State, they’re restricted in leveraging the other tools in our diplomatic toolkit to assist American companies.
Second, the American market has been left susceptible to predatory foreign competition.
Our ability to protect American businesses and workers has been severely hampered, leading to calls from across the country for the Executive to act and repatriate entire industries and sectors.
President Trump, like his predecessors, has repeatedly said that “economic policy IS foreign policy.” Unfortunately, we have not implemented the structural reforms needed to mobilize that sentiment.
Even President Obama asked Congress for the authority to consolidate six agencies with trade and investment functions in 2012; this request was not supported by Congress.
Bipartisan administrations have independently come to the same conclusion: the current alignment of functions and agencies charged with leading our economic statecraft effort is in need of structural reform.
I agree that “economic security is national security”, and the key question we will be asking today is: what structural reforms are necessary to reflect this prioritization?
We intend to answer that question in the Committee’s first comprehensive State Authorization legislation in more than 20 years.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) has reintroduced the BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act, legislation which will alleviate staffing shortages at Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities across the country by cutting bureaucratic red tape to enhance the safety and security of BOP personnel.
President Donald Trump’s recent call to reopen Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary to house America’s most violent criminals highlights the growing national concern that our prison system is overwhelmed and under-resourced. This legislation received support from five cosponsors, as well as the Council of Prison Locals C-33 (CPL-33), the largest union for BOP employees nationwide.
“One of the main hurdles in President Trump’s effort to reopen Alcatraz will be the ability to quickly hire Correctional Officers,”said Grothman.“That is why Congress needs to quickly pass this legislation to help the federal prison system which has been understaffed and overwhelmed for years.
“We have labor shortages everywhere in this country, but when it comes to hiring correctional officers, it is unnecessarily multiplied by the federal bureaucracy. I have toured the Federal Correctional Institution in Oxford, Wisconsin, which is part of the Bureau of Prisons, and I often receive feedback from many of its employees. Unfortunately, FCI Oxford is yet another example of the staffing crisis that has devastated BOP facilities and personnel across the country.”
“For far too long, our Bureau of Prisons facilities have faced dangerous staffing shortages that threaten the safety of correctional officers, staff, and inmates alike. As the Representative of FCI Ray Brook, I am proud to support the BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act, a critical step toward reversing this crisis and restoring safe staffing levels across the Bureau of Prisons,”said Chairwoman Stefanik.“This bill empowers BOP facilities to move swiftly to fill open positions and will significantly improve workforce morale, retention, and overall institutional safety. I thank Congressman Grothman for his leadership on this important issue, and I will continue to advocate for solutions that prioritize the safety of our correctional personnel and communities.”
“The current staffing levels in BOP institutions have reached dangerously low levels, posing significant risks to both staff and inmates. Insufficient staffing within the Bureau of Prisons has far-reaching consequences, affecting prison operations, inmate management, and overall institutional functioning. In fact, in FY2023, there were over 7,700 vacancies for Correctional Officers within the BOP,”said Brandy Moore White, National President of CPL-33.“We firmly believe that the enactment of the “BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act” into law will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our prison facilities.”
Background Information
For many years, staffing ratios at numerous Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities have fallen below safe or sustainable levels, posing increased risks to the safety and well-being of both BOP personnel and inmates. The lack of manpower also affects personnel morale and retention. Shane Fausey, former National President of the Council of Prison Locals, highlighted this concern during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2022 by reporting that staffing at BOP has fallen from 43,369 employees in January of 2016 to 35,000 employees in September of 2022.
One of the biggest issues that affects the BOP’s ability to hire personnel in a timely manner are requirements by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Currently, applicants to BOP must be processed through OPM before the applications are made available to individual BOP facilities for potential hire. This cumbersome process takes a minimum of 105 days, but often results in a lag of six months from the time a position is posted until it is filled.
A straightforward and simple solution to tackle this issue is to provide individual BOP facilities with direct-hire authority for all vacant positions throughout the agency, at least until staffing ratios increase to acceptable levels. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the hiring process, ensuring that critical positions are filled promptly and efficiently.
The BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act would provide direct-hire authority for all BOP facilities until each facility reaches a level of 96 percent staffed and is supported by the Council of Prison Locals C-33 (CPL33), the largest union for BOP employees nationwide.
Grothman is joined by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX).
U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is serving his fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “National Economic Security, Advancing US Interests Abroad.”
Watch Here
-Remarks-
Good morning and welcome to the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittees, national security, national economic security advancing U.S. interests abroad. In 2019, William Burns, one of our most decorated diplomats and former CIA director described the Department of State as adrift. Over the years, the department has had trouble finding its purpose as functions and authorities have been stripped away or absorbed by the National Security Council, Department of Defense, and even agencies traditionally focused on domestic issues.
For more than 170 years, economic statecraft was led by the Department of State. This changed in 1961 when President Kennedy sought to expand the administrative state, pulling functions and authorities out of the department to create new agencies and organizations, including the United States Trade Representative, which would be responsible for conducting all US trade and investment diplomacy. The justification for pulling these trade and investment functions out of the department was to improve the government’s capacity to prioritize and support US businesses, strengthen the export performance of U.S. industry and assure fair international trade practices. However, it has effectively split our economic interests from our diplomatic priorities, which has resulted in several challenges.
First challenge is that it has not helped to increase the ability of U.S. businesses to access foreign markets. In practice, the foreign commercial service and foreign agriculture service officers are few in number and often positioned at U.S. embassies without alignment to our foreign policy priorities. When I travel abroad, I routinely meet with FCS personnel who explain that they spend most of their time engaged in trade shows and organizing events with minimal direct work on increasing and securing market access for American businesses. Because they are siloed off from our diplomatic efforts of the Department of State, they are restricted in leveraging the other tools in our diplomatic toolkit to assist American companies.
Second challenge is that the American market has been left susceptible to predatory foreign competition. Our ability to protect American businesses and workers has been severely hampered, leading to calls from across the country for the executive to act and repatriate entire industries and sectors. President Trump, like his predecessors, has repeatedly said that economic security, economic policy is foreign policy. Unfortunately, we have not implemented the structural reforms needed to mobilize that sentiment.
Even President Obama asked Congress for the authority to consolidate six agencies with trade and investment functions in 2012. This request was not supported by Congress. Bipartisan administrations have independently come to the same conclusion. The current alignment of functions and agencies charged with leading our economic statecraft effort is in need of structural reform. I agree that economic security is national security, and the key question we’ll be asking today is what structural reforms are necessary to reflect this prioritization. So we intend to answer that question in our committee’s first comprehensive state authorization legislation that we will be doing in more than 20 years.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of children.
According to court documents, Gary Owens Jr., 42, of Suffolk, engaged in a scheme to “catfish” teenage boys. Using images of a real, adult woman, including sexually explicit images, Owens pretended to be a minor female named “Jessica Lincon” on Instagram before enticing boys to Kik to obtain sexually explicit images and videos from them.
Owens exploited children over at least a five-year period from 2019 to 2023 and amassed a collection of at least 1,800 images and videos of child sexual abuse material and age questionable material. Law enforcement identified at least 35 minor victims in 2022 alone.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Withers and Rebecca Gantt prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-78.
The emergence of four-legged animals known as tetrapods was a key step in the evolution of many species today – including humans.
Our new discovery, published today in Nature, details ancient fossil footprints found in Australia that upend the early evolution timeline of all tetrapods. It also suggests major parts of the story could have played out in the southern supercontinent of Gondwana.
This fossil trackway whispers that we have been looking for the origin of modern tetrapods in the wrong time, and perhaps the wrong place.
The first feet on land
Tetrapods originated a long time ago in the Devonian period, when strange lobe-finned fishes began to haul themselves out of the water, probably around 390 million years ago.
This ancestral stock later split into two main evolutionary lines. One led to modern amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders. The other led to amniotes, whose eggs contain amniotic membranes protecting the developing foetus.
Today, amniotes include all reptiles, birds and mammals. They are by far the most successful tetrapod group, numbering more than 27,000 species of reptiles, birds and mammals.
They have occupied every environment on land, have conquered the air, and many returned to the water in spectacularly successful fashion. But the fossil record shows the earliest members of this amniote group were small and looked rather like lizards. How did they emerge?
The oldest known tetrapods have always been thought to be primitive fish-like forms like Acanthostega, barely capable of moving on land.
Acanthostega, an early tetrapod that lived about 365 million years ago, was a member of the ancestral stock that gave rise to amphibians and amniotes. The authors
Most scientists agree amphibians and amniotes separated at the start of the Carboniferous period, about 355 million years ago. Later in the period, the amniote lineage split further into the ancestors of mammals and reptiles-plus-birds.
Now, this tidy picture falls apart.
A curious trackway
Key to our discovery is a 35 centimetre wide sandstone slab from Taungurung country, near Mansfield in eastern Victoria.
The slab is covered with the footprints of clawed feet that can only belong to early amniotes, most probably reptiles. It pushes back the origin of the amniotes by at least 35 million years.
Mansfield slab, dated between 359-350 million years old, showing positions of early reptile tracks. The authors
Despite huge variations in size and shape, all amniotes have certain features in common. For one, if we have limbs with fingers and toes, these are almost always tipped with claws – or nails, in the case of humans.
In other tetrapod groups, real claws don’t occur. Even claw-like, hardened toe tips seen in some amphibians are extremely rare.
Claws usually leave obvious marks in footprints, providing a clue to whether a fossil footprint was made by an amniote.
Close up showing the oldest known tracks with hooked claws from Mansfield, Victoria. Left, photo; right, optical scan. The authors
The oldest clawed tracks
The previous oldest fossil record of reptiles is based on footprints and bones from North America and Europe around 318 million years ago.
The oldest record of reptile-like tracks in Europe is from Silesia in Poland, a new discovery also revealed in our paper. They are around 328 million years old.
However, the Australian slab is much older than that, dated to between 359 and 350 million years old. It comes from the earliest part of the Carboniferous rock outcropping along the Broken River (Berrepit in the Taungurung language of the local First Nations people).
This area has long been known for yielding many kinds of spectacular fossil fishes that lived in lakes and large rivers. Now, for the first time, we catch a glimpse of life on the riverbank.
Fossil hunters search the Carboniferous red sandstone in the Mansfield area of Victoria. Such outcrops recently yielded the trackways of the world’s oldest reptile. John Long
Two trackways of fossil footprints cross the slab’s upper surface, one of them overstepping an isolated footprint facing the opposite direction. The surface is covered with dimples made by raindrops, recording a brief shower just before the footprints were made. This proves the creatures were moving about on dry land.
All the footprints show claw marks, some in the form of long scratches where the foot has been dragged along.
The shape of the feet matches that of known early reptile tracks, so we are confident the footprints belong to an amniote. Our short animation below gives a reconstruction of the ancient environment around Mansfield 355 million years ago, and shows how the tracks were made.
A short animation showing the creature making the tracks and its scientific significance. By Flinders University and Monkeystack Productions.
Rewriting the timeline
This find has a massive impact on the origin timeline of all tetrapods.
If amniotes had already evolved by the earliest Carboniferous, as our fossil shows, the last common ancestor of amniotes and amphibians has to lie much further back in time, in the Devonian period.
We can estimate the timing of the split by comparing the relative lengths of different branches in DNA-based family trees of living tetrapods. It suggests the split took place in the late Devonian, maybe as far back as 380 million years ago.
This implies the late Devonian world was populated not just by primitive fish-like tetrapods, and intermediate “fishapods” like the famous Tiktaalik, but also by advanced forms including close relatives of the living lineages. So why haven’t we found their bones?
The location of our slab provides a clue.
Big evolutionary questions
All other records of Carboniferous amniotes have come from the northern hemisphere ancient landmass called Euramerica that incorporated present-day North America and Europe. Euramerica also produced the great majority of Devonian tetrapod fossils.
The new Australian fossils come from Gondwana, a gigantic southern continent that also contained Africa, South America, Antarctica and India.
In all of this vast landmass, which stretched from the southern tropics down across the South Pole, our little slab is currently the only tetrapod fossil from the earliest part of the Carboniferous.
The Devonian record is scarcely much better. The Gondwana fossil record of early tetrapods is shockingly incomplete, with enormous gaps that could conceal – well, just about anything.
This find now raises a big evolutionary question. Did the first modern tetrapods, our own distant ancestors, emerge in the temperate Devonian landscapes of southern Gondwana, long before they spread to the sun-baked semi-deserts and steaming swamps of equatorial Euramerica?
It’s quite possible. Only more fieldwork, bringing to light new discoveries of Devonian and Carboniferous fossils from the old Gondwana continents, might one day answer that question.
We acknowledge the Taungurung people of Mansfield area where this scientific work has taken place.
John Long receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki receives funding from the Swedish Research Council and the European Research Council.
Per Ahlberg receives funding from the European Research Council and the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “Critical Supply Chains.”
As prepared for delivery:
“Trade has the ability to increase productivity, incomes and the availability of goods. While we talk often about how the increased supply and choice of goods that come from international trade benefit our consumers, we sometimes forget that this also benefits our producers.
“In fact, a majority of what we import each year is reinvested into more manufacturing, processing and farming activity. Efficient and reliable supply chains help American businesses, farmers and workers expand their production and focus their resources on the high-value aspects of an industry.
“The issue we must be wary about is when supply chains turn unreliable, in particular because they are controlled by countries that refuse to follow free-market rules, such as China. As we are all aware, China continues its march toward expanding control over key resources and goods, and thus over the world’s supply chains.
“For example, advanced semiconductors increasingly rely on the rare earths mineral dysprosium. Ninety-nine percent of dysprosium comes from China.
“This is not an isolated case where China has dominance over a strategic resource. China controls over ninety percent of global processing for rare earths minerals and seventy percent for cobalt, which is used in batteries for electric cars, smartphones and other components.
“The way China uses trade and investment to expand its control over resources outside its own borders is particularly concerning. Indonesia has 40 percent of the world’s reserves for nickel, the largest of any single country. Yet, Chinese firms control about 75 percent of Indonesia’s nickel refining capacity.
“We need to take a hard look at the reality of our situation and develop an aggressive strategy to counter China.
“Our domestic policies are at fault in some instances. There are things we can produce efficiently here, but burdensome and unnecessary regulation stalls development of many important projects.
“We should not have to learn from another economic shock, like the oil embargo of the 1970s—to realize that where we have resources or potential for investment, it must be unleashed.
“Both sides of the aisle agree that we need a strong semiconductor industry. In Asia, new semiconductor fabs are being built and deployed in under three years.
“In the United States, the semiconductor industry—one of the safest manufacturing sectors for workers—must contend with a myriad of permitting measures that provide only marginal, if any, benefit. These permits, however, guarantee increased delays and costs, often adding years to projects.
“As part of its economic policy, the Trump Administration has prioritized deregulation as a means to drive economic growth, and I look forward to working with them to rationalize our regulatory system.
“In many other cases, geography and geology do not provide the United States with all the natural resources that we require. Here, the fault rests mainly with the failure to develop an affirmative trade policy. An affirmative trade policy ensures our consumers and manufacturers have access to the resources that our nation needs to be secure and independent.
“Here, for example, the Trump Administration was correct to exempt Canadian potash—a key nutrient for our corn and soy farmers, from recent tariffs.
“Another key to the Administration’s economic approach is to renegotiate global trade deals, including deals that reclaim America’s lead over China.
“Critically, these deals will be particularly useful in strengthening supply chains, if they improve market access opportunities. Our trading partners must respect American investment and afford it the same treatment given to their own companies.
“Our partners must also realize that it bolsters their security when they do not inhibit access to cutting-edge American technology, like our state-of-the-art medical devices.
“Unfortunately, a number of trading partners use price controls, technology theft, weak intellectual property protections or unreasonable government procurement policies to keep these devices out of their markets. Such actions only undermine the health of their own citizens, while leaving a strategic opening for China.
“Today, we have an opportunity to consider these issues carefully. Our four witnesses are experts on industries critical to America’s economic security. We should encourage thoughtful debate on how to advance a trade policy that strengthens the security of our supply chains and creates opportunities for all Americans.”
After careful consideration, long discussions with my family, and lots of prayers, I have decided to step down from my position as Commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) at the end of the month, to pursue new opportunities. This decision is not easy, and it breaks my heart to leave the agency that I have grown to love so much over the last five years. It has been a privilege to work and serve at the CFTC in both the first and the current Trump Administrations, doing my part to assist in pursuing the President’s important policies. While I have spoken often of my agricultural roots, I have not spent much time talking about my upbringing. My parents did not go to college. They went straight from high school to the workforce. My dad worked from the early morning hours until late at night, and my mom sometimes worked two jobs to make ends meet. We lived in a small trailer house, our family outings were church on Sunday, and the only time we ate out was when our church hosted a potluck lunch after Mass. Despite the lack of material comforts, we never lacked love, support, or encouragement. My parents sacrificed so that my siblings and I could live out our dreams. My background really is not unique or noteworthy, and I suspect many Americans share a similar life story. I share this to explain just how grateful I am for the opportunities I have had throughout my life. When I started answering phones for Congressman John Thune in the summer of 1999, I could not possibly imagine the career opportunities before me, and I am still in awe today. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my parents who worked to support my dreams, and to Majority Leader John Thune who took a chance on a small-town kid from Onida, South Dakota. Over the last three years as a commissioner, I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a stellar team who made me look good every day. Thank you to Terry Arbit, Libby Mastrogiacomo, Josh Beale and Tim Achinger for sharing your brilliant legal minds and for all the hours and effort you selflessly contributed over the years. Thanks to Lauren Fulks, an absolute hidden gem in the agency, who took my vision for the Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee (“EEMAC”) and made it a reality, and Lillian Cardona and JonMarc Buffa for diligently working with an extraordinary team of professionals to create masterful reports from our EEMAC subcommittees. A special thanks to the members of the EEMAC for their intellectual curiosity and willingness to go “off-road” in the pursuit of understanding America’s energy sector. I also want to thank LaTasha Pate and Janet Schmautz for keeping the office, and the staff, running smoothly. And finally, I need to say thank you to my chief of staff, Chris Lucas. The title of chief of staff does not come close to covering all of Chris’s duties over the last few years. Chris was the optimism to my realism, the morning person to my hatred of anything happening before 10 am, my cheerleader, and the voice of reason when I needed someone to tell me the hard truth. Thank you to all my staff for working so hard on my behalf and on behalf of the CFTC and, most importantly, thank you for your willingness to tell me “No” when I needed to hear it. I will miss the work and my fellow commissioners, who have become close friends. But most of all, I will miss the amazing team at the CFTC. The talented staff at this agency are true public servants committed to fulfilling the agency’s mission. They are the heart of the agency and of great value to the United States government. It has been an honor to both work with you and learn from you. Thank you. I have always loved the following quote from A.A. Milne, and I can think of no better words to express my sentiment as I prepare to step into the next adventure in my career: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
More than 100 Indigenous-led projects are underway in communities throughout B.C., helping to strengthen local food security and food sovereignty with another round of funding set to open.
“Working alongside Indigenous partners is crucial to growing and maintaining our province’s food systems and part of our government’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture. “These Indigenous-led projects highlight how Indigenous knowledge supports increasing local food supply and food security, especially in rural and remote communities.”
In 2023, the New Relationship Trust (NRT) launched the $30-milllion Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program and is supporting both on-reserve and off-reserve projects, such as revitalizing food harvesting and Indigenous agro-ecosystems, expanding production capacity, boosting local food processing and distribution, and growing commercial value-added enterprises.
On Vancouver Island, Jared “Qwustenuxun” Williams, a Salish educator and traditional-foods chef who previously managed the Elders Kitchen in Cowichan Tribes, is upgrading a smokehouse into a commercial-quality kitchen that blends ancient preservation methods with modern food-safety standards.
“Building the smokehouse has taken more time than I first expected, but that time has allowed me to really think about how to bring together traditional methods and new ideas,” said Williams. “I’m creating a modern version of the smokehouse that’s still rooted in our teachings, something that reflects both where we come from and where we’re going. I’m grateful for the support that came with patience and trust, because meaningful work doesn’t always follow a set timeline.”
On Haida Gwaii, Indigenous-owned food supplier Haida Wild is upgrading its packaging facility with a new state-of-the-art vacuum-sealing machine that allows it to preserve its high-quality seafood longer, reduce waste and enhance distribution.
“Haida Wild is proud to share the seafood traditions of Xaayda Gwaay | XaaydaGa Gwaay.yaay | Haida Gwaii with the world in a way that honours our people, our values and our environment,” said Leticia Hill, CEO, Haida Wild. “With support from the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty grant, we’ve been able to grow our operations in a sustainable way that supports our Haida fishers, creates jobs here at home and strengthens food security for the long term.”
Another project is helping the Sts’ailes First Nation near Agassiz undertake a series of workshops, conversations, shared meals and other community events, centred around a community greenhouse, to promote traditional-food usage and ancestral practices for local use.
“We’ve been implementing a lot of the new vegetables into our daily cafe and our catering services,” said Kandice Krista-Anne Charlie, executive officer, Sts’ailes development corporation. “It’s just the beginning. We want to evolve to rely less on ordering bulk food from commercial stores and producing that food in-house and serving it out to our people.”
The New Relationship Trust, an independent, Indigenous-led non-profit organization, administers the program and works with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities and businesses to identify and respond to their needs and empower them.
“At New Relationship Trust, we recognize that strengthening sustainable food production in B.C. starts with honouring Indigenous leadership and vision for food systems rooted in both land and water,” said Walter Schneider, chief executive officer, NRT. “We’re proud to support Indigenous food producers who are driving community well-being, economic growth and food sovereignty, all while upholding their values and deep connection to the land.”
The Province’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples has led to increased participation in Indigenous agriculture and food systems, which is a key part of implementing B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Quick Facts:
Applications opened on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the third and final round of $10-million funding.
Total funding for the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program is $30 million over three years.
Learn More:
Applications and more details about the program are available here: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/apply-for-funding/sustainability-development-goals-sdg-initiatives/food-security-grants/
To see the full list of Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program funding recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/IFSS_Approved_Grants_2025.pdf
A selection of videos highlighting Indigenous food security and sovereignty projects is available here: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/indigenous-food-security-and-sovereignty-program-highlights/
A July 2023 news release announcing the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023AF0047-001230
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)
Last night in the House Agriculture Committee markup of the partisan reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) spoke out against Republicans’ proposal to slash $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In her opening remarks, Pingree questioned how leaving Americans with fewer tools to feed their families affordably and healthily, further straining our health care system and driving up costs for everyone, will “Make America Healthy Again.”
[embedded content] Pingree’s full opening remarks are availablehereand copied below.
The Committee will reconvene today to debate amendments. Tune in live here.
+++
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I’m fortunate to have served on this committee for more than a decade. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity and the great privilege to work on bipartisan Farm Bills that are designed to strengthen our agricultural sector, to support our farmers, and to help hungry people access food. So, I am deeply disappointed that we’re sitting here tonight not doing that but debating a bill that will gut the single largest anti-hunger program in America.
Frankly, I can’t believe we are trying to shove the Farm Bill into the reconciliation process, stripping this committee of the chance of a truly bipartisan Farm Bill.
And let’s not sugarcoat what this bill is. It’s a $300 billion assault on struggling families, seniors, children, and veterans, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and corporations.
The average SNAP benefit is $6 a day, $6 a day. That is barely enough to buy a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. And if this bill passes, some of the most vulnerable people in America will be denied even that. Make no mistake, this will lead to more kids going to bed hungry, more seniors skipping meals to afford their medicine, and more parents forced to sacrifice their own nutrition so their kids can eat.
In my state, 175,000 people rely on SNAP to put food on the table, including over 36,000 children and 6,300 veterans. That’s tens of thousands of Mainers who stand to lose their benefits under this proposal. 1 in 5 children in Maine struggles with food insecurity. That’s 1 in 5. And it’s not just individuals who will suffer. The bill threatens the very businesses that keep our rural communities alive.
More than 1,500 retailers in Maine – grocery stores, corner markets, and mom and pop shops – rely on SNAP sales to stay open. When you cut SNAP, you don’t just take food off the table, you rip the economic rug out from under those businesses in the communities they support.
And then there’s the unfunded mandate that this bill dumps on Maine. My Republican colleagues call this “cost shifting,” but they are forcing states to pay at least 5% – and in many cases, much more of the cost – of supporting SNAP. So, let’s just call that what it really is: a backdoor way of sending this program into a death spiral, pushing the blame for the inevitable wave of hunger and hardship under governors and state legislatures.
It cuts programs like the National Education, Obesity and Prevention Grant program, commonly known as Snap Ed. Snap ed helps families make their SNAP dollars stretch further. It teaches people how to make nutritious meals using SNAP funds. In Maine, this program has reached nearly 20,000 people with free classes and cooking, budgeting, and healthy eating. Eliminating these services will leave families with fewer tools to feed their families affordably and healthily, further straining our health care system and driving up costs for everyone.
Tell me, is this really making America healthy again?
This … bill is not about reducing “waste” or fixing “fraud” or finding errors. It’s all about sacrificing the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, most vulnerable amongst us, so that billionaires like Elon Musk can get even richer. It’s about taking food out of the hands of hungry children, cutting off lifelines to families in need, and shattering the basic safety net that millions of Americans rely on.
We should be writing a Farm Bill that supports our local farmers, strengthens rural economies, and ensures that no one in this country goes hungry. Instead, this proposal sacrifices families and communities for short term political win.
So, for me tonight, I’m a no. Tomorrow I’m a no. Every day from now until whenever my Republican colleagues come to their senses and do what right is right for America and for the people who are their constituents, I will stay a no on this bill.
Light is all around us, essential for one of our primary senses (sight) as well as life on Earth itself. It underpins many technologies that affect our daily lives, including energy harvesting with solar cells, light-emitting-diode (LED) displays and telecommunications through fibre optic networks.
The smartphone is a great example of the power of light. Inside the box, its electronic functionality works because of quantum mechanics. The front screen is an entirely photonic device: liquid crystals controlling light. The back too: white light-emitting diodes for a flash, and lenses to capture images.
We use the word photonics, and sometimes optics, to capture the harnessing of light for new applications and technologies. Their importance in modern life is celebrated every year on 16 May with the International Day of Light.
Scientists on the African continent, despite the resource constraints they work under, have made notable contributions to photonics research. Some of these have been captured in a recent special issue of the journal Applied Optics. Along with colleagues in this field from Morocco and Senegal, we introduced this collection of papers, which aims to celebrate excellence and show the impact of studies that address continental issues.
In more recent times, Africa has contributed to two Nobel prizes based on optics. Ahmed Zewail (Egyptian born) watched the ultrafast processes in chemistry with lasers (1999, Nobel Prize for Chemistry) and Serge Harouche (Moroccan born) studied the behaviour of individual particles of light, photons (2012, Nobel Prize for Physics).
Unfortunately, the African optics story is one of pockets of excellence. The highlights are as good as anywhere else, but there are too few of them to put the continent on the global optics map. According to a 2020 calculation done for me by the Optical Society of America, based on their journals, Africa contributes less than 1% to worldwide journal publications with optics or photonics as a theme.
Yet there are great opportunities for meeting continental challenges using optics. Examples of areas where Africans can innovate are:
bridging the digital divide with modern communications infrastructure
optical imaging and spectroscopy for improvements in agriculture and monitoring climate changes
harnessing the sun with optical materials for clean energy
bio-photonics to solve health issues
quantum technologies for novel forms of communicating, sensing, imaging and computing.
The papers in the special journal issue touch on a diversity of continent-relevant topics.
Another paper is about tiny quantum sources of quantum entanglement for sensing. The authors used diamond, a gem found in South Africa and more commonly associated with jewellery. Diamond has many flaws, one of which can produce single photons as an output when excited. The single photon output was split into two paths, as if the particle went both left and right at the same time. This is the quirky notion of entanglement, in this case, created with diamonds. If an object is placed in any one path, the entanglement can detect it. Strangely, sometimes the photons take the left-path but the object is in the right-path, yet still it can be detected.
New approaches in spectroscopy (studying colour) for detecting cell health; biosensors to monitor salt and glucose levels in blood; and optical tools for food security all play their part in optical applications on the continent.
Another area of African optics research that has important applications is the use of optical fibres for sensing the quality of soil and its structural integrity. Optical fibres are usually associated with communication, but a modern trend is to use the existing optical fibre already laid to sense for small changes in the environment, for instance, as early warning systems for earthquakes. The research shows that conventional fibre can also be used to tell if soil is degrading, either from lack of moisture or some physical shift in structure (weakness or movement). It is an immediately useful tool for agriculture, building on many decades of research.
The diverse range of topics in the collection shows how creative researchers on the continent are in using limited resources for maximum impact. The high orientation towards applications is probably also a sign that African governments want their scientists to work on solutions to real problems rather than purely academic questions. A case in point is South Africa, which has a funded national strategy (SA QuTI) to turn quantum science into quantum technology and train the workforce for a new economy.
Towards a brighter future
For young science students wishing to enter the field, the opportunities are endless. While photonics has no discipline boundaries, most students enter through the fields of physics, engineering, chemistry or the life sciences. Its power lies in the combination of skills, blending theoretical, computational and experimental, that are brought to bear on problems. At a typical photonics conference there are likely to be many more industry participants than academics. That’s a testament to its universal impact in new technologies, and the employment opportunities for students.
The last century was based on electronics and controlling electrons. This century will be dominated by photonics, controlling photons.
Professor Zouheir Sekkat of University Mohamed V, Rabat, and director of the Pole of Optics and Photonics within MAScIR of University Mohamed VI Polytechnic Benguerir, Morocco, contributed to this article.
– Light is the science of the future – the Africans using it to solve local challenges – https://theconversation.com/light-is-the-science-of-the-future-the-africans-using-it-to-solve-local-challenges-256031
Light is all around us, essential for one of our primary senses (sight) as well as life on Earth itself. It underpins many technologies that affect our daily lives, including energy harvesting with solar cells, light-emitting-diode (LED) displays and telecommunications through fibre optic networks.
The smartphone is a great example of the power of light. Inside the box, its electronic functionality works because of quantum mechanics. The front screen is an entirely photonic device: liquid crystals controlling light. The back too: white light-emitting diodes for a flash, and lenses to capture images.
We use the word photonics, and sometimes optics, to capture the harnessing of light for new applications and technologies. Their importance in modern life is celebrated every year on 16 May with the International Day of Light.
Scientists on the African continent, despite the resource constraints they work under, have made notable contributions to photonics research. Some of these have been captured in a recent special issue of the journal Applied Optics. Along with colleagues in this field from Morocco and Senegal, we introduced this collection of papers, which aims to celebrate excellence and show the impact of studies that address continental issues.
In more recent times, Africa has contributed to two Nobel prizes based on optics. Ahmed Zewail (Egyptian born) watched the ultrafast processes in chemistry with lasers (1999, Nobel Prize for Chemistry) and Serge Harouche (Moroccan born) studied the behaviour of individual particles of light, photons (2012, Nobel Prize for Physics).
Unfortunately, the African optics story is one of pockets of excellence. The highlights are as good as anywhere else, but there are too few of them to put the continent on the global optics map. According to a 2020 calculation done for me by the Optical Society of America, based on their journals, Africa contributes less than 1% to worldwide journal publications with optics or photonics as a theme.
Yet there are great opportunities for meeting continental challenges using optics. Examples of areas where Africans can innovate are:
bridging the digital divide with modern communications infrastructure
optical imaging and spectroscopy for improvements in agriculture and monitoring climate changes
harnessing the sun with optical materials for clean energy
bio-photonics to solve health issues
quantum technologies for novel forms of communicating, sensing, imaging and computing.
The papers in the special journal issue touch on a diversity of continent-relevant topics.
Another paper is about tiny quantum sources of quantum entanglement for sensing. The authors used diamond, a gem found in South Africa and more commonly associated with jewellery. Diamond has many flaws, one of which can produce single photons as an output when excited. The single photon output was split into two paths, as if the particle went both left and right at the same time. This is the quirky notion of entanglement, in this case, created with diamonds. If an object is placed in any one path, the entanglement can detect it. Strangely, sometimes the photons take the left-path but the object is in the right-path, yet still it can be detected.
New approaches in spectroscopy (studying colour) for detecting cell health; biosensors to monitor salt and glucose levels in blood; and optical tools for food security all play their part in optical applications on the continent.
Another area of African optics research that has important applications is the use of optical fibres for sensing the quality of soil and its structural integrity. Optical fibres are usually associated with communication, but a modern trend is to use the existing optical fibre already laid to sense for small changes in the environment, for instance, as early warning systems for earthquakes. The research shows that conventional fibre can also be used to tell if soil is degrading, either from lack of moisture or some physical shift in structure (weakness or movement). It is an immediately useful tool for agriculture, building on many decades of research.
The diverse range of topics in the collection shows how creative researchers on the continent are in using limited resources for maximum impact. The high orientation towards applications is probably also a sign that African governments want their scientists to work on solutions to real problems rather than purely academic questions. A case in point is South Africa, which has a funded national strategy (SA QuTI) to turn quantum science into quantum technology and train the workforce for a new economy.
Towards a brighter future
For young science students wishing to enter the field, the opportunities are endless. While photonics has no discipline boundaries, most students enter through the fields of physics, engineering, chemistry or the life sciences. Its power lies in the combination of skills, blending theoretical, computational and experimental, that are brought to bear on problems. At a typical photonics conference there are likely to be many more industry participants than academics. That’s a testament to its universal impact in new technologies, and the employment opportunities for students.
The last century was based on electronics and controlling electrons. This century will be dominated by photonics, controlling photons.
Professor Zouheir Sekkat of University Mohamed V, Rabat, and director of the Pole of Optics and Photonics within MAScIR of University Mohamed VI Polytechnic Benguerir, Morocco, contributed to this article.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Today, on his last day of work, RCMP NL congratulates Superintendent (Supt.) David Cook on his well-deserved retirement! With more than 43 years of service, Supt. Cook is one of the longest-serving RCMP officers to retire in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Supt. Cook has had an amazing career with the RCMP and spent much of his service in various policing roles in Alberta. Born and raised in Ottawa, he began his career in 1982 as a Constable in Westlock, Alberta. After serving in a number of locations across the province, he left Alberta as a Staff Sergeant in 2011. He then transferred to Ottawa where he was in charge of the Emergency Management Unit.
In 2014, he was commissioned to the rank of Inspector and served in Regina Saskatchewan. He was responsible for the National Law Enforcement Training Program at Depot, the RCMP’s Training Academy.
In 2017, Supt. Cook was promoted to his current rank. He was transferred to Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador and since then, he has worked as the District Policing Officer for Western Newfoundland and Labrador.
Over the course of 43 years, Supt. Cook has likely seen and heard it all, and we are sure his experiences would make for some interesting stories. He says he’ll remember his time with the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador fondly.
“What I enjoyed most are the people and how friendly and welcoming I’ve found Newfoundland and Labrador. My wife Beth and I have been fortunate to make great friendships here and plan to stay where we are,” says Supt. Cook. “At work, I’m proud of all our employees and know the commitment and dedication that they bring to serving our communities. I’ll miss seeing that in action but know that it will continue every day.”
RCMP NL wishes Supt. Cook a retirement full of health and happiness. Thank you for your service, Sir!
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Democrats will continue pushing back against the reckless Republican scheme to rip healthcare and nutritional assistance away from the American people.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: This morning, the House Energy and Commerce Committee continues its marathon session on proposed Medicaid cuts that will be included in the Republican Party’s sweeping domestic policy bill. Let’s bring in House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. It’s good to have you on sir. Tell us about those cuts. How will Americans be feeling them?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning. House Democrats are working hard through the night, both on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, to push back against this GOP Tax Scam, where they are trying to enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history north of $700 billion. And independent observers have confirmed that if the Republicans are successful in passing this GOP Tax Scam, then approximately 14 million people will actually lose their health coverage. Hospitals will close. Nursing homes will shut down. This really is a matter of life and death, and it’s all being done to try to enact massive tax cuts for MAGA billionaire donors like Elon Musk. It’s shameful.
WILLIE GEIST: Leader Jeffries, I’m also looking deep into this bill at proposed cuts to SNAP. That’s food assistance for people across the country—red states, blue states, white, Black, Latino, you name it. $300 billion cuts proposed. What would be the impact of that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Republicans are literally ripping food out of the mouths of children and seniors and veterans. About 20% of households that have veterans living in them right now rely upon SNAP. And in addition to trying to jam this massive cut to healthcare down the throats of the American people, this would be the largest cut to nutritional assistance in the history of the United States of America. And so Republicans are really pushing an extreme agenda at this point in time, directed by Donald Trump. And unfortunately, what we’ve seen is that Republicans in the Congress continue to simply be a rubber stamp as opposed to standing up for the best interests of their constituents.
KATTY KAY: Leader Jeffries, there’s so much going on around the country and so much news coming out of this administration that perhaps this bill is not getting the attention you may feel it deserves. I know there were protesters and some people arrested up on Capitol Hill this week. How can you make Democrats and Republicans who could lose in red states and rural areas as well from this bill—how can you make them more aware and get their voices heard so that changes could be made to the bill?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, these cuts are deeply unpopular across the country, and we’re seeing that in district after district after district. One of the reasons why Republican House leaders have told their members to stop holding town hall meetings is because the American people in blue states, in swing states, in red states have been showing up protesting these proposed cuts to their healthcare, these proposed cuts in nutritional assistance, the efforts to hurt veterans. And so, we just have to keep the pressure on. We’re in a more-is-more environment. We’re doing town hall meetings in our districts and town hall meetings in Republican districts, rallies and speeches and demonstrations and sit-ins. We’ll continue to elevate for the American people the stakes of this battle. And all we need is to find four Republicans who are willing to do the right thing and we could stop this extreme budget from being enacted.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let me circle back to an issue that we were talking about a month ago. And I’m just curious what Congress is doing, what Congress can do, what Democrats can do about USAID. We have a situation where you have the richest billionaire in the world slashing funding that’s going to ultimately take food out of the mouths of the poorest children on the planet. Now, USAID obviously was a congressionally-mandated agency. You all authorized the spending. You appropriated the spending. And I’m just curious, when does Congress circle back? Because I know there are a lot of Republicans on the Hill that don’t want PEPFAR cut, this Bush program that was inspired by his faith, his evangelical faith, saved over 25 million lives in Africa. We can talk about Catholic charities, Baptist charities. A lot of cuts, both secular and religious charities, helping the poorest across the world. What can Congress do to make sure that funding starts back up?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Joe, as you know, the Constitution gives Congress generally, and the House specifically, the power of the purse. And as the appropriations process begins at the conclusion of this Republican budget reconciliation effort, we’re going to have to strongly push our Republican colleagues to join us to make sure that congressionally-mandated funding, including as it relates to USAID, which helps the best interests of the United States of America. It’s the right thing to do. It’s a moral outrage that these funds have been cut, but it’s also a strategic outrage because what the Trump administration and Elon Musk are doing are undermining the soft power of the United States of America. And if we don’t step in to battle these humanitarian situations that are happening across the world, China will step in and that’s bad for the national security of the United States of America.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York, thank you very much for coming on the show this morning. We appreciate it.
The third reading stage will take place after a debate on Friday May 16 and would test MPs’ commitment to a change they initially supported at second reading in November 2024. In this first vote, the bill passed with 331 votes to 276 (with 35 abstentions), but in subsequent stages, the process has been more controversial. Emotions are running high and pressure groups have been vocal on both sides.
As with many issues of morality, this is a free vote – MPs are not told what to do by their party. And after the second reading in November, MPs could, and did, give a range of reasons for how they voted, including their own experiences of loved ones’ final days, discussions with constituents, the experiences of other countries with assisted suicide – and also their religious views.
Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.
In that first vote, there were clear patterns in voting relating to religious affiliation. MPs with no religion were much more likely to support assisted dying.
In this group, 76% voted for, while just 18% voted against. Christian MPs overall were more likely to oppose the bill, with 57% voting against with the most pronounced opposition coming from Catholics, who were 74% opposed.
Muslim MPs were even more likely to vote against, with 84% of them on the no side. Jewish and Sikh MPs were both roughly twice as likely to support the bill as to oppose it, whereas Hindu MPs were more likely to oppose than support by the same margin. The one Buddhist MP – Suella Braverman – voted against.
Beyond their own demographic, political or religious position, the views of their constituents are also expected to influence how MPs vote. To explore this, I conducted a regression analysis (a statistical method to find a relationship between factors) that included a range of constituency variables, such as the proportion of white residents and the percentage of each religious group (along with those identifying as non-religious).
I also considered the percentage of constituents with no formal qualifications, graduates, and those reporting some form of disability. In the full model, which incorporated all these variables, none of the religious variables were found to be statistically significant, suggesting that localised religious lobbying did not have a measurable effect on MPs’ voting behaviour.
However, an interesting finding is that MPs with a higher proportion of disabled people in their constituency were more likely to vote for assisted dying. It is not clear if this relationship is causal, suggesting they had been lobbied by their constituents to support the bill, or a correlation between disabled people being more likely to live in Labour constituencies.
How MPs voted on assisted dying, November 2024
Characteristic
Overall
Yes
No
Abstain
Total
642
331 (52%)
276 (43%)
35 (5%)
Female
261
143 (55%)
107 (41%)
11 (4.2%)
Ethnic MP
90
30 (33%)
57 (63%)
3 (3.3%)
LGBT
71
49 (69%)
18 (25%)
4 (5.6%)
Elected As
Labour
411
236 (57%)
155 (38%)
20 (4.9%)
Conservative
121
23 (19%)
93 (77%)
5 (4.1%)
Liberal Democrat
72
61 (85%)
11 (15%)
0 (0%)
Scottish National Party
9
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
9 (100%)
Independent
6
0 (0%)
6 (100%)
0 (0%)
Democratic Unionist Party
5
0 (0%)
5 (100%)
0 (0%)
Reform UK
5
3 (60%)
2 (40%)
0 (0%)
Green Party
4
4 (100%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
Plaid Cymru
4
3 (75%)
1 (25%)
0 (0%)
Social Democratic & Labour Party
2
1 (50%)
0 (0%)
1 (50%)
Alliance
1
0 (0%)
1 (100%)
0 (0%)
Traditional Unionist Voice
1
0 (0%)
1 (100%)
0 (0%)
Ulster Unionist Party
1
0 (0%)
1 (100%)
0 (0%)
MP Religion
None
234
179 (76%)
43 (18%)
12 (5.1%)
Christian (all)
351
132 (38%)
199 (57%)
20 (5.7%)
Catholic
35
7 (20%)
26 (74%)
2 (5.7%)
Muslim
25
2 (8.0%)
21 (84%)
2 (8.0%)
Jewish
13
8 (62%)
4 (31%)
1 (7.7%)
Sikh
12
8 (67%)
4 (33%)
0 (0%)
Hindu
6
2 (33%)
4 (67%)
0 (0%)
Buddhist
1
0 (0%)
1 (100%)
0 (0%)
Note: the vote tallies differ from that given by the parliament website because I have included tellers for both sides, and correctly assigned MPs who voted in both lobbies as abstentions.
In the first vote, female MPs were slightly more likely to vote for assisted dying than against it. LGBT MPs leaned heavily towards support (with 69% voting in favour of the law change). And minority ethnic MPs leaned heavily in the opposite directions – with 63% voting against.
Perhaps predictably, given the prime minister’s open support for assisted dying, Labour MPs supported the bill, with 57% voting in favour and 38% against.
The Liberal Democrats were overwhelmingly supportive – 85% backed it – whereas 77% of Conservative MPs voted against. All Northern Irish unionist parties – as well as the independent unionist MP – voted against the bill, with no abstentions.
Reform UK MPs were split, with two against and three in favour (albeit one of the three, the now-suspended Rupert Lowe, only after a survey of his own constituents).
But there is an interesting story unfolding on the left of politics. The 2024 general election saw challenges to Labour from both the Green Party and so-called Gaza independents. In this free vote, we see the contrasting social views between these two groups play out.
All Green MPs supported assisted dying, while all Gaza independents – and Jeremy Corbyn – opposed it. This divide echoes Maria Sobolewska and Robert Ford’s framework in Brexitland, which distinguishes between “conviction identity liberals” and “ethnic minority ‘necessity liberals’”.
The latter group aligns with conviction liberals on issues of discrimination due to self-interest, but often diverges on broader socially liberal issues such as assisted dying. Issues like assisted dying lay bare the tensions within this coalition.
Identifying religion in parliament
Religion is a personal matter so there is no official database that records the religious affiliation of MPs. It is therefore often impossible to test how religious views interact with voting behaviour. To address this gap, I built a dataset using a three-step methodology to determine MPs’ religious affiliation.
Among MPs (excluding the Speaker and Sinn Fein MPs, who don’t take their seats), 54.7% (351) are Christian, including 5.5% (35) who are Catholic; 36.4% (234) have no religion; 3.9% (25) are Muslim; 2% (13) are Jewish; 1.9% (12) are Sikh; 0.9% (6) are Hindu; and 0.2% (1) is Buddhist.
To work this out, I look first to see if an MP is a member of a religiously based group, such as Christians in Parliament. They are classified as belonging to that religion. Second, if an MP has publicly stated their religious beliefs – say, in a speech or interview – they are also classified accordingly.
These first two steps, however, cover only a fraction of MPs. Fortunately, all MPs are required to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown when sworn in. This oath can be made on a religious text or as a non-religious affirmation, and crucially MPs can choose which text to swear on, making this decision a meaningful and publicly visible indication of belief.
That brings us to step three: the religious text (or lack thereof) used in the swearing-in ceremony is taken as an additional source of evidence for classification.
These three sources are used in order of priority. For example, Tim Farron is a member of Christians in Parliament and has spoken openly about his faith, yet he chose to affirm without using a religious text. Even so, he is classified as Christian based on the first two criteria.
What has been particularly interesting in this case has been the different voting patterns between Christian groups. I was able to set these groups apart because when MPs swear in, Catholics usually request specific versions of the Bible – such as the New Jerusalem Bible – whereas others might simply ask for “the Bible” and are given the King James Version.
Treating Catholics as a distinct category allows for greater nuance in the analysis of the religious composition of parliament. A full breakdown of the religion of MPs, and the data used for this project, can be found here.
We’ll soon be able to see how these markers interact with voting in the third reading.
David Jeffery 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.
An outrigger canoe would typically have several paddlers and one navigator.AP Photo/David Goldman
Wet and shivering, I rose from the outrigger of a Polynesian voyaging canoe. We’d been at sea all afternoon and most of the night. I’d hoped to get a little rest, but rain, wind and an absence of flat space made sleep impossible. My companions didn’t even try.
It was May 1972, and I was three months into doctoral research on one of the world’s most remote islands. Anuta is the easternmost populated outpost in the Solomon Islands. It is a half-mile in diameter, 75 miles (120 kilometers) from its nearest inhabited neighbor, and remains one of the few communities where inter-island travel in outrigger canoes is regularly practiced.
A documentary team made a recent visit to Anuta.
My hosts organized a bird-hunting expedition to Patutaka, an uninhabited monolith 30 miles away, and invited me to join the team.
Wayfinding techniques vary, depending upon geographic and environmental conditions. Many, however, are widespread. They include mental mapping of the islands in the sailors’ navigational universe and the location of potential destinations in relation to the movement of stars, ocean currents, winds and waves.
Western interest in Pacific voyaging
Disney’s two “Moana” movies have shined a recent spotlight on Polynesian voyaging. European admiration for Pacific mariners, however, dates back centuries.
In 1768, the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville named Sāmoa the “Navigators’ Islands.” The famed British sea captain James Cook reported that Indigenous canoes were as fast and agile as his ships. He welcomed Tupaia, a navigational expert from Ra‘iātea, onto his ship and documented Tupaia’s immense geographic knowledge.
In 1938, Māori scholar Te Rangi Hīroa (aka Sir Peter Buck) authored “Vikings of the Sunrise,” outlining Pacific exploration as portrayed in Polynesian legend.
In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer and amateur archaeologist, crossed from Peru to the Tuamotu Islands aboard a balsa wood raft that he named Kon-Tiki, sparking further interest and inspiring a sequence of experimental voyages.
Ten years later Andrew Sharp, a New Zealand-based historian and prominent naysayer, argued that accurate navigation over thousands of miles without instruments is impossible. Others responded with ethnographic studies showing that such voyages were both historic fact and current practice. In 1970, Thomas Gladwin published his findings on the Micronesian island of Polowat in “East Is a Big Bird.” Two years later, David Lewis’ “We, the Navigators” documented wayfinding techniques across much of Oceania.
A final strand has been experimental voyaging. Most celebrated is the work of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. They constructed a double-hull voyaging canoe named Hōkūle‘a, built from modern materials but following a traditional design. In 1976, led by Micronesian navigator Mau Piailug, they sailed Hōkūle‘a over 2,500 miles, from Hawai‘i to Tahiti, without instruments. In 2017, Hōkūle‘a completed a circumnavigation of the planet.
In traversing Earth’s largest ocean, one can travel thousands of miles and see nothing but sky and water in any direction. Absent a magnetic compass, much less GPS, how is it possible to navigate accurately to the intended destination?
Which stars are visible, as well as their rising and setting points, changes throughout the year. Therefore, navigation requires detailed astronomical understanding.
Also, stars are constantly in motion. One that is positioned directly over the target island will soon either rise too high to be useful or sink below the horizon. Thus, a navigator must seek other stars that follow a similar trajectory and track them as long as they are visible and low on the horizon. Such a sequence of guide stars is often called a “star path.”
Of course, stars may not align precisely with the desired target. In that case, instead of aiming directly toward the guide star, the navigator keeps it at an appropriate angle.
A navigator must modify the vessel’s alignment with the stars to compensate for currents and wind that may push the canoe sideways. This movement is called leeway. Therefore, celestial navigation requires knowledge of the currents’ presence, speed, strength and direction, as well as being able to judge winds’ strength, direction and effect on the canoe.
During daylight, when stars are invisible, the Sun may serve a similar purpose. In early morning and late afternoon, when the Sun is low in the sky, sailors use it to calculate their heading. Clouds, however, sometimes obscure both Sun and stars, in which case voyagers rely on other cues.
Navigating requires deep understanding of waves, in the form of both swells and seas. AP Photo/Esteban Felix
Waves, wind and other indicators
A critical indicator is swells. These are waves produced by winds that blow steadily across thousands of miles of open sea. They maintain their direction regardless of temporary or local winds, which produce differently shaped waves called “seas.”
The helmsman, feeling swells beneath the vessel, gleans the proper heading, even in the dark. In some locations, as many as three or four distinct swell patterns may exist; voyagers distinguish them by size, shape, strength and direction in relation to prevailing winds.
Once sailors near their target island, but before it is visible, they must determine its precise location. A common indicator is reflected waves: swells that hit the island and bounce back to sea. The navigator feels reflected waves and sails toward them. Pacific navigators who have spent their lives at sea appear quite confident in their reliance on reflected waves. I, by contrast, find them difficult to differentiate from waves produced directly by the wind.
Certain birds that nest on land and fish at sea are also helpful. In early morning, one assumes they’re flying from the island; in late afternoon, they’re likely returning to their nesting spots.
Navigators sometimes recognize a greenish tint to the sky above a not-yet-visible island. Clouds may gather over a volcanic peak.
And sailors in the Solomon Islands’ Vaeakau-Taumako region report underwater streaks of light known as te lapa, which they say point toward distant islands. One well-known researcher has expressed confidence in te lapa’s existence and utility. Some scholars have suggested that it could be a bioluminescent or electromagnetic phenomenon. On the other hand, despite a year of concerted effort, I was unable to confirm its presence.
Estimating one’s position at sea is another challenge. Stars move along a given parallel and indicate one’s latitude. To gauge longitude, by contrast, requires dead reckoning. Navigators calculate their position by keeping track of their starting point, direction, speed and time at sea.
Some Micronesian navigators estimate their progress through a system known as etak. They visualize the angle between their canoe, pictured as stationary, and a reference island that is off to one side and represented as moving. Western researchers have speculated on how etak works, but there is no consensus yet.
For millennia, Pacific voyagers have relied on techniques such as these to reach thousands of islands, strewn throughout our planet’s largest ocean. They did so without Western instruments. Instead, they held sophisticated knowledge and shared understandings, passed by word of mouth, through countless generations.
Richard (Rick) Feinberg has, in the past, received research funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute for Mental Health, and Kent State University. He is a member of the American Anthropological Association, the Association of Senior Anthropologists, and the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania. He has maintained connections with people of the islands on which he has conducted research.
I thank the Government of Germany for hosting impeccably this important meeting in Berlin.
Germany is a pillar of the multilateral system…
A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…
And an essential partner in our peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts — with almost 200 German peacekeepers now serving in our ranks.
I am especially pleased to be here so soon after the new Government took office, and I look forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.
The commitment of the German government — and the German people themselves — is strongly reflected in this Ministerial meeting on the future of peacekeeping.
As I said in my remarks, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
And nothing symbolizes our organization’s commitment to peace more clearly than our Blue Helmets.
UN Peacekeeping operations are a cornerstone of the United Nations.
Each and every day, peacekeepers are hard at work in trouble spots around the world.
Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire.
Maintaining ceasefires.
Keeping lifesaving humanitarian aid flowing.
And building the foundations of peace in countries shattered by conflict.
Many have paid the ultimate price over the years — 4,400 in all.
Their memories, and their service in the cause of peace, will never be forgotten.
Which is why the commitments being made here today and tomorrow are so important.
I am heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners.
Now more than ever we need the political support of UN Member States.
The goal is not just to keep a lid on conflicts — but to build political support for lasting solutions that can build peace.
Over these two days, we welcome Member States’ statements of support for peacekeeping — as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support.
This meeting is also about something more fundamental:
The future of peacekeeping itself.
Let me be clear.
Peacekeeping operations today are facing massive challenges, increasing the dangers that our brave peacekeepers already face.
A record number of conflicts.
Deepening division and mistrust.
Terrorism and transnational crime.
And the direct targeting of peacekeepers through drones, improvised explosive devices and even social media.
We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations, and what the outcomes and solutions should look like.
Every context is different.
From our operations in Lebanon, the Central African Republic and South Sudan…
To our partnerships with the African Union, made stronger with the Security Council’s resolution to support peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the UN, including through assessed contributions…
We are working to adapt, to tailor and to support our missions to the needs and requirements of each context.
Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.
It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
At the same time, we’re moving forward on an ambitious Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping — but also the peace enforcing missions that are becoming more and more neccessary has called for by Member States in September’s Pact for the Future.
We’re examining how to make peace operations more efficient, cost-effective, flexible and resilient — including in contexts where there is no peace to keep.
Today’s Ministerial is an important part of this work as we share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen this important function for the future.
Peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — deserve nothing less.
In their names, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Germany and all the countries in attendance, for helping us ensure that peacekeeping is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) – “A person who was kidnapped along with Father Mbaibarem was released this evening,” Archbishop Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo of Garoua confirmed to Fides. In the Archdiocese of Garoua, in northern Cameroon, Father Valentin Mbaibarem, parish priest of the parish of St. John the Baptist in Madingring, was kidnapped along with other people on the road between Guidjiba and Tcholliré on May 7 (see Fides, 13/5/2025). “We do not know if the family of the released hostage paid a ransom. Unfortunately, another person captured under the same circumstances has died. Apparently, this person was in poor health and could not withstand the conditions of hostage confinement,” Archbishop Ndjodo said. At present, Father Mbaibarem is still in the hands of his kidnappers. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 14/5/2025)
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U.S. Army Master Sgt. Preston Lewis, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a picture during African Lion 2025 (AL25) at Agadir, Morocco on May 8, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25), the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
AGADIR, Morocco – On the surface, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Preston Lewis’s role in African Lion 2025 (AL25) might seem procedural—coordinating accountability, awards and human resource (HR) operations across four countries, including 50 multinational partner nations. But behind the spreadsheets, manifests and morning reports is a leader nearing the end of a 20-year journey through some of the most defining environments in the modern U.S. Army.
For Lewis, currently serving as the Plans, Operations and Personnel Accountability (G1) noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), AL25 has been both a capstone assignment and a full-circle reflection of what service means.
“I was assigned to assist in human resource operations, particularly personnel accountability for the entire area of responsibility,” Lewis said. “This is my first time supporting African Lion, and it’s been a great experience—setting the HR conditions and procedures across all spokes of the exercise.”
A global career, rooted in purpose
Lewis enlisted from Akron, Ohio, in 2005, beginning a career that would span the globe and multiple operational domains. From fueling helicopters in Korea, to serving as a gunner in Iraq, an inspector general at Fort Knox, and now a senior HR planner in Italy—his breadth of assignments reflects a generation of service shaped by war, reform and transformation.
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Preston Lewis, assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a photo during African Lion 2025 (AL25) at Agadir, Morocco, May 8, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25), the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) VIEW ORIGINAL
“I’ve been fortunate to serve all over the world,” Lewis said. “I’ve deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, and Atlantic Resolve-Poland. I’ve served as a fueler, a drill sergeant and now as an HR professional. It’s been a journey.”
He joined SETAF-AF in April 2023 after serving as an inspector general with U.S. Army Cadet Command, then quickly integrated into one of the most operationally agile staff directorates in the theater. At AL25, his work enabled the personnel functions that make a 10,000-troop, 50-nation exercise succeed: accountability, essential personnel services and award recognition planning.
“Success for the G1 team during AL25 is 100% accountability, timely and accurate HR support and appropriate awards recognition,” he said. “And that’s a team effort—from my leadership to our junior NCOs [noncommissioned officers].”
Interoperability through friction
In a joint and multinational environment, personnel accountability is not just a checklist; it is a dynamic, evolving challenge. Working alongside units like the 646th Regional Support Group, U.S. Army Reserve unit under the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and coordinating across language and procedural barriers, Lewis and his team had to balance doctrinal processes with real-world adaptability.
“Interoperability is a daily goal, but the friction it creates is also where the most meaningful growth happens,” he said. “It forces you to communicate better, plan tighter and adjust faster.”
He credited U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bridgette Bell, G1 division chief, SETAF-AF, and Staff Sgt. Alessandra Johnson, an HR operations NCO with the same unit, for creating an environment where clarity and initiative are standard.
Leadership, legacy and the long view
For Lewis, who will soon transition to serve as the brigade human resources NCOIC for the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, the pace has not slowed. But he is increasingly aware of his next chapter, especially as he watches his son, a newly minted geospatial engineer, begin his own Army career.
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Preston Lewis, right, stands proudly beside his son, Pfc.Tristin D. Griffin, following Griffin’s Advanced Individual Training graduation at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, April 16, 2025. The moment marked a generational milestone as one Soldier nears the end of a 20-year career, and another begins his own journey in uniform. The image accompanies Lewis’ African Lion 2025 (AL25) feature story on leadership, legacy and service. African Lion 25 (AL25), the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Courtesy photo) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL
“My son just graduated AIT [advanced individual training] and wants to become a warrant officer,” he shared proudly. “At the same time, my daughter was inducted into the National Honor Society at Vicenza High School. Seeing them grow reminds me that I’m at the point where legacy matters.”
That legacy is shared closely with his wife, Teresha, who also serves in the SETAF-AF community as a human resources specialist, Civilian Personnel Division. Together, they have raised a family and built a life anchored in purpose, service and resilience.
“Preston is the kind of leader who shows up for his people, even when no one’s watching.” said Teresha. “He’s devoted to his team, to our family, and to building something that lasts beyond the uniform.”
To those who wear a military uniform, including his children, he gives the following advice.
“Embrace the process. We live in a world of instant gratification, but the journey is the gift,” he said. “The most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come through struggle, reflection and the grind.”
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
First illegal fishing case in Southern District of Texas with potential prison time
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A Brownsville grand jury has indicted a crew of four men from Matamoros, Mexico, for unlawfully transporting fish taken from the Gulf of America, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Previously arrested upon the filing of a criminal complaint, Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal, 32, Jesus David Luna-Marquez, 20, Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador, 27, and Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza, 22, are expected appear for their arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt May 22 at 1:45 p.m.
On April 17, the crew of four allegedly attempted to transport and export roughly 315 kilograms of red snapper illegally taken from U.S. waters. The charges allege they intended to sell the fish in Mexico.
The criminal complaint alleges authorities observed the crew’s panga-style fishing vessel in the Gulf of America, seven miles north of the U.S.-Mexico maritime boundary line and 21 miles east of South Padre Island (SPI).
The crew was allegedly fishing with approximately four kilometers of heavy nylon fishing line and 1,200 fishing hooks. The complaint further alleges they were in an unmarked and unregistered vessel which was not flying the flag of any nation and operating without running lights. The charges allege none of the crew had a permit to fish in U.S. waters nor had a quota for red snapper in violation of federal law.
If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Coast Guard Station SPI, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife and South Padre Island Police Department conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hagen is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Kodiak fisherman was sentenced today to one year in prison and will serve two years on supervised release for leading a plan to illegally transport crab from Alaska to Washington on two crab catcher vessels, in violation of the Lacey Act.
In February and March 2024, Corey Potter, 64, owned and operated two crab catcher vessels and harvested Tanner and golden king crab in the waters of Southeast Alaska on those vessels. The vessels were captained and operated by co-defendants, Kyle Potter, 30, and Justin Welch, 34. Corey Potter directed Kyle Potter and Welch to transport their harvest of live crab to Seattle, where they intended to sell it for a higher price than they would receive in Alaska. Before leaving Alaska, neither vessel landed their harvest at a port nor reported the harvest on a fish ticket, which all three defendants knew was a requirement under state law.
At the time, one vessel had over 4,200 pounds of live Tanner crab aboard, while the other had over 2,900 pounds of live golden king crab aboard. A portion of the Tanner crab was infected with Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS), a parasitic disease that is fatal to crustaceans. Several crab fishermen reached out to Corey and Kyle Potter expressing concern for the impact transporting crab out of state could have on the industry because of BCS. Despite the concerns, Corey Potter moved forward with his plan to transport the catch knowing some of the crabs were infected with BCS.
Following the multi-day trip from Alaska, roughly 42% of the king crab died and was unmarketable. Since the other vessel had BCS contaminated crabs, the entire catch of Tanner crab was transferred to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to dispose of in a landfill.
In March 2024, law enforcement served a search warrant on Welch and one of the fishing vessels. Welch informed Corey and Kyle Potter of the search and both defendants deleted text messages detailing the plans to sell the crab for better prices and the risk of BCS before their phones were seized by law enforcement.
On Feb. 7, 2025, Corey Potter pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the Lacey Act, which are felony convictions. During sentencing, the Court also ordered Corey Potter to a worldwide commercial fishing ban throughout the duration of his supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the defendant’s leadership role in the offense and the harm he caused by failing to make accurate and timely reports to regulators.
“Crabbing is a vital component of Alaska’s fishing industry. Mr. Potter blatantly disregarded state and federal fishing laws and ignored the concerns of other fisherman when he directed his two captains to execute the illegal transport, resulting in the reckless loss of over 5,000 pounds of crab,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The laws protecting this industry help ensure Alaska’s fisheries are sustainable for years to come. My office will continue to work with state and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute federal criminal violations that jeopardize Alaska’s fisheries.”
“Alaska’s fisheries are a global model of sustainable, data-driven management, made possible by the dedication of honest fishermen, strong regulatory oversight, and a commitment to upholding fairness across the industry,” said Benjamin Cheeseman, Assistant Director, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, North Pacific Division. “This sentencing serves as a clear reminder that there are serious consequences for those who break the rules. We remain committed to holding violators accountable and safeguarding Alaska’s fisheries for future generations.”
The co-defendants in this case received the following sentences:
Kyle Potter pleaded guilty and was sentenced on July 10, 2024, to five years’ probation, which includes a five-year worldwide commercial fishing ban during the term of supervised release, and a $20,000 fine.
Welch pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 25, 2024, to three years’ probation and a $10,000 fine.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey prosecuted the case.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who is in Beijing to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.
During the meeting, the Chinese head of state noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It is important for China and Chile to constantly fill the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries with the content of a new era, create a model for the joint development of China and Latin American countries, set an example of South-South cooperation, and jointly promote the cause of peace and progress of mankind, Xi Jinping said.
China, Xi Jinping continued, is ready to work with Chile to strengthen political mutual trust, intensify exchanges of experience in public administration, firmly support each other on issues affecting the core interests and major concerns of the two countries, and protect their sovereignty, security and development interests.
Xi Jinping called on the two countries to effectively implement the Belt and Road cooperation plan, deepen cooperation in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, industrial investment, infrastructure and green mining, and create new growth points in areas such as astronomy, polar exploration, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the digital economy.
He said China supports more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Chile and welcomes more high-quality Chilean products to enter the Chinese market.
Xi Jinping noted the importance for both sides to intensify civilizational mutual learning, effectively organize exchanges in the fields of education, culture, media and youth, and facilitate mutual travel of citizens of the two countries.
As firm supporters of multilateralism and free trade, China and Chile should step up multilateral cooperation to safeguard the common interests of countries in the Global South, Xi added.
Calling China Chile’s most important trading partner, Mr. Boric said bilateral cooperation has benefited the peoples of the two countries.
Chile will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, and AI, jointly promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he said.
All countries should adhere to the principles of free trade, mutual benefit and win-win results. Trade should not serve only the interests of one country, he said, adding that waging a trade war only leads to a dead end.
The Republic of Chile is willing to work with China to firmly uphold multilateralism and the authority of the United Nations, insist on resolving differences through dialogue, and jointly uphold international justice, he said.
During G. Borich’s visit to China, the parties signed a number of documents on cooperation in such areas as economics, publishing, inspection and quarantine, mass media and think tanks. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2
On the afternoon of May 8th, 2025, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), answered recent media queries concerning the military.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on May 8th, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)
Zhang Xiaogang: I have two pieces of information to announce on the top.
Firstly, in mid-to-late May, the Chinese and Cambodian militaries will hold the “Golden Dragon-2025” joint exercise in Cambodia. Focusing on joint counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, the exercise will be conducted both on land and at sea, as well as in relevant air spaces. Cultural and sports exchanges, and vessel open day activities will also be conducted. This exercise will be the 7th of its kind between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries. It will facilitate practical cooperation between the two sides and contribute to the building of a China-Cambodia all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.
Secondly, from May 13th to 14th, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense will host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Military Medicine Seminar in Xi’an. Under the theme of “Building an SCO Community with a Shared Future: Contributions from Military Medicine”, leaders of military health departments and medical experts from countries including Russia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka will attend the event. As the rotating presidency of the SCO this year, China will host multiple events including the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting and the Military Medicine Seminar, and actively contribute to building a closer SCO Community with a Shared Future.
Journalist: It is reported that the “Eagles of Civilization-2025” joint air force training between China and Egypt has recently concluded. Could you please review this joint training and brief us on its features?
Zhang Xiaogang: From April 17th to May 4th, the air forces of China and Egypt held the first “Eagles of Civilization-2025” joint training at an Egyptian air force base. The Chinese Air Force dispatched J-10C, KJ-500 and YY-20 aircraft to participate. This was the first time that China sent force packages to Africa for joint training, during which the two sides conducted drills on such subjects as air superiority operations, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), battlefield search and rescue, and mixed grouping. Discussions and exchanges on training models, air combat tactics and aerial refueling were also held. This joint training marks a new starting point for the cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries. It enhanced the technical and tactical competence of the participating troops, and deepened friendship, mutual trust, and practical cooperation between the two militaries. It is also an effective test of the Chinese Air Force’s capabilities in long-range force projection, agile deployment and systemic operations.
(Video by Yu Hongchun, Jia Chong and Li Kangxi)
Journalist: NATO recently released its annual report, labeling China as a “systemic challenge” and claiming that the country is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and that its policies pose a threat to the interests, security, and values of NATO member states. What’s your comment on that?
Zhang Xiaogang: The relevant report by NATO reflects nothing but the Cold War mentality. The hype-up of the so-called “China threat” is in blatant disregard of the facts and simply barking up the wrong tree. China never seeks to challenge or threaten anyone. China’s nuclear policy is highly stable, consistent, and predictable. China unswervingly follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense, with its nuclear forces always kept at the minimum level required for national security.
In contrast, NATO has been overreaching in recent years, expanding its remit, and interfering in the Asia-Pacific. These actions seriously undermine regional peace and stability. NATO possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal through its nuclear-sharing arrangements. Some member states are investing heavily in upgrading their strategic forces and there are plans to pursue nuclear submarine cooperation that would involve the large-scale transfer of weapon-grade nuclear material to non-nuclear-weapon states. Relevant practices constitute a grave violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), severely undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and deal a huge blow to global strategic security and stability. We urge NATO to take a hard look at its own actions instead of making groundless accusations and shifting blame onto others.
Journalist: It is reported that during the Philippine-U.S. “Balikatan” exercise, the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong appeared in the waters north of the Philippines. Some analysts believe this might be a response to the Philippine-U.S. military exercise, or to the Philippine patrol vessel’s entering into the waters near Huangyan Dao. Furthermore, the Philippine Navy spokesperson claimed that the Philippine military and Taiwan troops are only one step away from holding joint exercises. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Shandong aircraft carrier task group was conducting its annual training mission in relevant waters to further test and enhance the integrated combat capabilities of the carrier task group. This is in accordance with international law and common practice, and is not directed at any specific country or target.
Certain individuals in the Philippines are colluding with external forces such as the U.S., to “stir up the sea” for selfish gains, undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea region. They even attempt to play with fire on the Taiwan question. We sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations, and stop offending China’s core interest in any form. China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on May 8th, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
Journalist: According to reports, the US Secretary of Defense has directed the development of the 2025 National Defense Strategy (NDS), with a particular focus on strengthening deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides, the US military also plans to establish a large storage facility in Subic Bay, the Philippines before 2026, to store weapons, equipment, and logistical supplies. What’s your comment?
Zhang Xiaogang: To maintain its hegemony and selfish gains, the US has repeatedly made an issue out of China in a vain attempt to turn the Asia-Pacific into a powder keg and reduce certain countries to pawns on the front line. Such actions seriously undermine the security and well-being of peoples across the region. Facts have repeatedly proved that being America’s enemy is dangerous, but being America’s friend can be fatal. We urge the countries concerned not to invite the wolf into the house or willingly become its pawns, and not to undermine the hard-won peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.
A Border Security Force (BSF) constable who had been in Pakistani custody since April 23 was returned to India on Wednesday. Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently crossed the International Border while on duty in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector and was subsequently detained by Pakistan Rangers.
According to a BSF statement, Shaw was handed over to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border at 10:30 am. “Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw had inadvertently entered Pakistani territory around 11:50 am on April 23 while on operational duty in the Ferozepur sector. He was detained by the Pakistan Rangers. Due to continuous efforts by BSF, including regular flag meetings and communication through established channels, his repatriation was made possible,” the statement said.
The development follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, days after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Earlier, on May 5, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed concern over the incident. “This is an extremely unfortunate situation. His name is Shaw. Our party’s Kalyan Banerjee is in touch with the family. We want him to be brought back at the earliest. We have clearly stated that our party stands with the government on matters of internal and external security. This is not an issue for political division,” she had said.
Following Shaw’s detention, the BSF issued a strict advisory to its personnel, calling for heightened vigilance during patrols along the sensitive border.
The BSF is tasked with guarding the 3,323-kilometre-long India-Pakistan border, which spans Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the Line of Control), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The main theme of the Eastern Economic Forum 2025, which will take place on September 3–6 in Vladivostok, will be “The Far East – Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.” The organizer of the EEF is the Roscongress Foundation.
“The Eastern Economic Forum is an opportunity to discuss economic, political and social issues not only in Russia but also throughout the world. This is the most important platform for developing cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The main theme of the forum this year is “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity”. Without cooperation, without mutually beneficial partnership, development is impossible. Unfortunately, we see what is happening in the modern world: unfounded political ambitions of some neighboring countries harm business interaction, humanitarian and scientific areas. But Russia is still open to cooperation. Preferential regimes are in effect in the Far East. Foreign investors have become residents of the territories of advanced development, the free port of Vladivostok. Now we are creating a new shell – an international territory of advanced development, which will give domestic and foreign partners mutually beneficial opportunities to strengthen the economies of our countries. Another area of interaction is the Northern Sea Route, the shortest transport corridor between Europe and the Far East. We will discuss these and other topics at the forum,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.
The main theme reflects the fundamental principles on which the Eastern Economic Forum is based, noted Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the EEF.
“The anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum will be held in 2025. Over the years, the EEF has established itself as an authoritative platform for the formation of models of mutually beneficial partnership in the Asia-Pacific region. The main theme of the upcoming forum reflects the value of equal international dialogue and peaceful coexistence as the foundations of sustainable development. At the same time, the special role of the EEF is to harmonize global economic trends with the tasks of socio-economic growth of the Russian Far East. I am confident that the forum will once again become an effective platform for developing solutions in key strategic areas that will become the basis for the prosperity of the macro-region,” Anton Kobyakov emphasized.
The Eastern Economic Forum 2025 will be held on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of national and international congress, exhibition, business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events, created in accordance with the decision of the President of Russia.
The Foundation was established in 2007 to promote the development of economic potential, advance national interests and strengthen Russia’s image. The Foundation comprehensively studies, analyses, formulates and covers issues on the Russian and global economic agenda. Provides administration and facilitates the promotion of business projects and the attraction of investments, promotes the development of social entrepreneurship and charitable projects.
The Foundation’s events bring together participants from 209 countries and territories, more than 15,000 media representatives work annually at Roscongress venues, and more than 5,000 experts in Russia and abroad are involved in analytical and expert work.
The Foundation interacts with UN structures and other international organizations. It develops multi-format cooperation with 212 foreign economic partners, associations of industrialists and entrepreneurs, financial, trade and business associations in 86 countries of the world, with 293 Russian public organizations, federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation.
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.
The Chief Statistician has released figures for all Scotland showing that total salmon catch by all methods in 2024 was the sixth lowest, and total sea trout catch the second lowest, since records began in 1952.
Salmon
Reported rod catch of salmon (46,978) is the eighth lowest since records began, and 114% of the previous five-year average. Catches have decreased from a high of 111,405 in 2010 and the 2024 reports are consistent with a general pattern of decline in numbers of wild salmon returning to Scotland. Reported rod days effort for salmon for 2024 (201,498) decreased by 0.7% when compared to 2023 (202,874).
In 2024, release rates of salmon captured by rod were the highest on record. Of spring salmon captured by rod, 99% were released; 98% of all rod-caught salmon were released.
The net and coble fishery reported the second lowest retained catch, and the fixed engine fishery the fourth lowest since records began.
Fish reported as being of farmed origin represented 0.03% of the total catch.
Sea Trout
Total reported rod catch of sea trout (13,876) is the fourth lowest since records began. Sea trout catches have fluctuated around a general trend of decline since the 1960s.
In 2024, release rates of sea trout were 94%. This is the highest percentage since records began.
The net and coble fishery reported the lowest retained catch, and the fixed engine fishery the second lowest, since records began.
Background
The Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Statistics publication for 2024 is based on data collected and collated by Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate. The time series began in 1952. Catch and release data were first recorded in 1994. In 2021, information on released net-caught fish was collected for the first time. Salmon rod days effort information is published from the 2023 season onwards. Data was first recorded in 2019 but sufficient returns were not received until 2023.
The publication provides a summary of rod and net catch and effort, for the 2024 fishing season. It is based on returns from proprietors, occupiers or agents of salmon and sea trout fisheries throughout Scotland.
The statistics for the 2024 season are a summary of the data from 1,987 forms returned from 2,152 forms issued (92% return rate). Catches for the previous 10 years have been based on return rates of forms between 93% and 95%. Salmon rod fishing effort was reported on 97% of returned rod forms.
Collected data for the 2020 and 2021 seasons is impacted by the restrictions in place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and this will have a bearing on the five-year averages.
England Athletics, the development body for running and athletics in the England, as well as its official charity partner, the Personal Best Foundation has announced a new partnership with Citroën.
The partnership comes on the back of research by Citroën to parents that found on average, British children spend 4.75 hours a week exercising, while the Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 60 minutes every day.
The partnership was announced at Sowe Valley Primary school, Coventry with Team GB Paralympian and Personal Best Foundation Ambassador, Hannah Cockroft CBE, where pupils took part in a morning of sports and activities with the organisations.
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This event was a wonderful example of what happens when education and sport come together to inspire young people. Giving every child, regardless of background or ability, the opportunity to be active, confident and included is at the heart of what we aim for in Coventry’s schools. It’s especially meaningful to see inclusive sport embedded in learning and I’m proud that our city is leading the way with programmes like this.”
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “It was fantastic to see the energy and excitement at Sowe Valley Primary School as children took part in inclusive athletics led by Hannah Cockroft. Initiatives like this are exactly what we need to tackle inactivity and the health inequalities that affect so many of our communities. Encouraging active lifestyles from an early age is key to improving long-term physical and mental health across Coventry and this partnership is a powerful step in the right direction.”
England Athletics’ purpose is to inspire individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take up running and athletics, fulfil their potential and develop a lifelong love of the sport.
According to Sport England’s annual Active Lives survey 2023/24, only 47% of children are meeting the UK’s Chief Medical Officer’s recommended daily activity levels**, with children from low-income families and underserved communities the least likely to be active.
According to Citroen’s own research, it found that a lack of time and interest were cited by over a third of parents as the main barriers to getting their children to exercise. Around one in eight toddlers and primary school-aged children in England are categorised as obese.
In year 6, the prevalence of obesity alone in children is 22.7% and for those living in the most deprived areas this increases to 30.2%.
The UK has some of the poorest child mental health outcomes globally, with the cost of living crisis further limiting opportunities for physical activity. Inequality and poverty put the opportunity for organised exercise and activity beyond the reach of around 4 million children and young people across the UK.
The partnership between Citroën, England Athletics and Personal Best Foundation will help to change this, as initially 15 primary schools – prioritising those with the greatest need and children most at risk of inactivity – in Coventry, Warwickshire and Ellesmere Port, close to Citroen Headquarters, will benefit from free weekly after-school athletics programmes. In addition, free training for the teachers in the schools will allow the programme to be continued and ensure that running, jumping and throwing have a place in the curriculum.
The partnership will also support young, up and coming athletes in England through England Athletics’ National and Age group championships and its Talent Pathway Programme, which aims to help gifted young athletes progress to be the international athletics stars of the future.
England Athletics, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Jones, said: “We are proud to welcome Citroën into the England Athletics family. This partnership supports our shared commitment to sustainability and making athletics more accessible for young people. Through our Personal Best Foundation, Citroën’s support will help young people in schools across England experience athletics and will open the doors of opportunity for some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in England.
“Citroën’s backing of our national events and talent programmes – supported by Citroën’s electric vehicles – aligns with our drive for a more sustainable future and our approach to encourage our network of athletes and clubs to adopt more sustainable practices.”
Chris Theobold, Sales and Operations Director, Citroën UK, added: “We’re proud that our partnership with England Athletics will give young people access to sport and exercise, help improve young people’s lives and offer support to the next generation of talent.
“The statistics on childhood inactivity and health is very concerning and we are very happy to be able to make running, jumping and throwing more accessible, just as we are making electric vehicles accessible to all. In partnering with England Athletics and its official charity, we believe we can help make a difference and give school children in some of the country’s less fortunate areas the chance to enjoy the benefits of athletics, be active and have fun. Whilst also supporting elite talent on the pathway to success.”
Hannah Cockroft CBE, Personal Best Foundation Ambassador and England Athletics Sustainability Ambassador, said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this exciting new partnership between England Athletics, the Personal Best Foundation, and Citroën. It’s a privilege to meet the school children today and see first-hand how powerful sport can be in changing lives and helping young people discover what they are truly capable of.
“I passionately believe that every young person should have the access and the opportunities to experience the physical and mental benefits of sport irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. It’s also great to see a partnership with a real commitment to sustainability, promoting a healthier, more active, and more responsible future.”
You can find out more about the partnership and England Athletics at englandalthetics.org.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Moscow is a city with a rich architectural heritage. Among buildings of different eras and styles, one can notice a recurring motif — images of birds. Eagles, owls, seagulls, as well as the mythical sirens and gamayuns decorate mansions, train stations, and apartment buildings. Sculptures, bas-reliefs, mosaics, and stucco decorations with birds can be found on the facades of buildings throughout the capital. We tell you which Moscow buildings are home to birds.
Soaring Falcon and Console Owls
Animalistic motifs were often used by representatives of Moscow Art Nouveau in the early 20th century. Artists and architects working in this style were inspired by the beauty of nature, so they decorated buildings with sculptural and mosaic images of birds, plants and animals.
On Kuznetsky Most rises the apartment building of M.V. Sokol (house 3, building 2). The five-story building is decorated with a curving attic with a majolica panel. On it, the famous Russian artist Nikolai Sapunov depicted a falcon soaring over snow-capped mountain peaks, a river and fields with blooming edelweiss. The bird seems to be frozen in flight, tracking down its prey.
The M.V. Sokol apartment building is considered one of the best projects by the architect Ivan Mashkov, born Sokolov. The Art Nouveau monument was built at the beginning of the 20th century by order of Moscow homeowner Maria Sokol. Thus, the image of the bird encodes two names at once – the owner of the mansion and the architect himself. The facade of the building is highlighted by three rectangular bay windows with balconies and display windows, faced with sandstone, majolica slabs and relief tiles based on drawings by the famous artist Mikhail Vrubel. Before the October Revolution, there were apartments, shops, a hairdresser, a furniture salon and a restaurant here. During the Soviet era, the building was occupied by various institutions, and since 1961, it has housed the Mosproekt-3 urban development institute.
Another Art Nouveau monument decorated with birds is located at 21 Gogolevsky Boulevard, Building 1. The Bocharovs’ apartment building was built in 1903 by architect Lev Kekushev. The four-story building is popularly called the House of Owls: sculptures of these birds support the bay window ledges, replacing traditional consoles. The mansion is decorated with rich stucco decor: in addition to owls, Egyptian male masks are carved into the frieze and window panels.
The apartments in the Bocharovs’ tenement house were intended for wealthy residents: businessmen, lawyers, professors, engineers, doctors, and artists. Today, the building houses the Rostec corporation.
The clock tower of the Kievsky Railway Station (Kievsky Railway Station Square, Building 1) is decorated with four sculptures of eagles. The massive cast-iron birds with outstretched wings symbolize the power of the Russian Empire and the victory over Napoleon’s army. The connection with the Patriotic War of 1812 can also be seen in the architectural design of the station, which combines neoclassical style with elements of the Empire style.
The building of the Kievsky railway station (until 1934 it was called Bryansky) was built according to the design of the architects Ivan Rerberg and Vyacheslav Oltarzhevsky. Due to the First World War and the revolution that followed, work on the main volume of the building dragged on for several years and was completed in 1918, and in 1940-1945 an additional volume was added to the station. The design of the landing stage and the hall ceilings was completed by the legendary engineer Vladimir Shukhov, the author of the sculptures was Sergei Aleshin, and the interior paintings were created by the artists Ignatiy Nivinsky and Fyodor Rerberg.
In 2016, the Kyiv railway station, recognized as a cultural heritage site of federal significance, was restored. Using archival documents and original samples, specialists restored the historical appearance of the building and elements of its interiors, including ceiling and wall paintings, architectural stucco decor, marble panels and stained glass. The renovated station became a laureate of several nominations of the Moscow Restoration competition.
And on the facade of the Yaroslavsky railway station (Komsomolskaya Square, Building 5) — a famous masterpiece of the neo-Russian style — you can see three-dimensional images of seagulls with fish in their beaks. The most interesting thing is that the bird bas-reliefs appeared only several decades after the construction of the station — during a large-scale reconstruction that was completed in 1947. At the same time, a swan, a black grouse, a wood pigeon, a white partridge and a wild goose “settled” on the columns inside the building.
Due to the expansion of the railway, the Yaroslavsky railway station was rebuilt several times. In 1902, the project for the main building in the style of fairy-tale chambers with semicircular arches and pointed towers was proposed by the outstanding architect Fyodor Shekhtel. Inspired by the northern nature, the artists of Savva Mamontov’s Abramtsevo circle decorated the station in the neo-Russian style with reliefs, openwork metal lace and majolica panels.
In 1947, the interiors of the Yaroslavsky railway station were completely changed according to the design of the Soviet architect Alexey Dushkin, and the sculptor Ivan Efimov decorated the façade, vestibule, interior columns and walls at the entrance to the building with reliefs of the fauna of the Russian North, motifs of fishing, moose and bear hunting. After that, the station, recognized as a cultural heritage site of federal significance, was reconstructed two more times, the last time in 2005.
Images of birds decorate the Zoological Museum of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, Building 2) — one of the largest natural science museums in the capital. It consists of two buildings built at right angles along Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street and Nikitsky Lane. Under the roof, a stucco frieze of plant garlands, birds, and animals stretches along the entire façade of the building. The sculptor depicted bats, squirrels, snakes, lizards, hares, wolves, bears, mountain goats, and other animals. The semicircular windows on the second floor are decorated with herons hunting snakes, waxwings and cockatoos hide under the cornice, and owls are in the capitals of the pilasters.
This architectural monument in the eclectic and neoclassical style was built in 1902. According to the idea of the architect Konstantin Bykovsky, the two-story building seems three-story due to the additional row of windows on the second level. The zoological museum exhibits almost 10 thousand exhibits – from single-celled animals to crocodiles, tigers and anthropoid apes.
Walking along Sretensky Boulevard, it is difficult to pass by one of the most remarkable local buildings, which is called Sretensky Castle. The house of the insurance company “Russia” (Sretensky Boulevard, house 6/1, buildings 1 and 2) is a monument of the Art Nouveau era. A real bird market is molded on its facades. There is a sea pelican, an exotic parrot, owls, and on the corner from Turgenevskaya Square, flocks of cast-iron bats are hiding under two semicircular bay windows.
Two buildings connected by openwork lattices form a whole block with inner courtyards. Their construction was completed in 1902. The architects were prominent representatives of Moscow Art Nouveau Nikolai Proskurnin and Viktor Velichkin. The rusticated ground floor is emphasized by patterned platbands, pointed arches and turrets. The house is decorated with balconies, bay windows, allegorical sculptures and friezes with complex ornamentation, and its main feature is a stylized Gothic tower with a clock and a bell.
At the corner of Soymonovsky Proezd and Prechistenskaya Embankment, in Kursovoy Lane, a red brick tower rises — the house of Z.A. Pertsova. The artist Sergei Malyutin designed the mansion in the Russian Empire style and decorated the facades with majolica panels. Fabulous animals look at passers-by: a roguish fox, toothy pikes, hares and snakes, on the ridge of the roof there is a lattice with golden lions, the drainpipes are made in the form of forest eagle owls, and the balconies are supported by dragon brackets. The house is decorated with mythical birds from Slavic folklore: the panels depict the heavenly sirens and gamayun, and an alkonost is embossed above the entrance door. Sculptures-weather vanes sit on the turrets and a brick ledge in the middle of the facade.
Architect Nikolai Zhukov and engineer Boris Shnaubert built the fairy-tale tower in just 11 months. The customer was the wealthy engineer and philanthropist Pyotr Pertsov, who bought a fabulously expensive plot of land on the bank of the Moscow River in the name of his wife. The project was selected on a competitive basis, the jury included Viktor Vasnetsov, Vasily Surikov, Fyodor Shekhtel and Vasily Polenov. The first prize went to Apollinary Vasnetsov, but Pertsov himself chose Malyutin’s project, which took second place. The majolica panels were created by the Murava artel of artists from the Stroganov School.
The building currently houses the Main Directorate for Servicing the Diplomatic Corps of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
On the left bank of the Yauza River at 56 Zemlyanoy Val Street, Building 3, a two-story mansion with a peach-colored façade, richly decorated with plaster moldings, attracts attention. At first, it belonged to the richest Moscow merchant Gerasim Khlodov, and in 1892 it became the property of a wealthy peasant from the Vladimir province, Filipp Panteleev. The name – the Khlodov-Panteleev house – retains the surnames of both owners.
Filipp Panteleev owned stucco workshops and turned the mansion into an advertising showcase. He commissioned the major renovation to architect Konstantin Duvanov. The central part of the main façade was highlighted with a risalit and richly decorated with sculptural decor. The building is decorated with female figures, cupids, lion masks, plant ornaments, pilasters, Corinthian capitals, rustication, architraves, a profiled cornice and a triangular pediment. The windows on the second floor are decorated with cornices-sandriks, under the three central ones plaster eagles spread their wings.
In 2023, the Khlodov-Panteleev house restored. The painstaking work of the specialists was recognized with a prize from the Moscow Government competition “Moscow Restoration”. Today, the building houses a boutique hotel.
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