Source: United States Navy
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Sailors from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms showcased Navy Medicine career opportunities to local high school students during a recent Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Exposition held on May 1, 2025 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms.
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
15 May 2025
Individuals, organisations and businesses can register now to take part in this fun challenge to improve their health and the environment by walking, cycling or using public transport to commute to work, school, or for social and leisure activities.
To support healthier, greener travel choices, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr was joined by challenge partners to launch the 2025 Active Travel Challenge for participants in the Northwest.
Throughout June, the initiative encourages people across Northern Ireland to leave the car at home in favour of walking, cycling, public transport or other active travel options.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “This challenge is a brilliant way to give people the impetus to consider their active travel options to work. Our Council area’s ever expanding greenway network and Translink’s frequent services around the City and District means there has never been a better time to switch to active travel.
“Active travel is a great way to introduce physical activity to your daily routine and reap the health and fitness benefits of regular exercise. You’ll be playing your role in protecting the planet and you’ll be surprised how much money it saves over a month so sign up today and start reaping the rewards.”
Funded by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency (PHA), and delivered in partnership with Sustrans, Western Health and Social Care Trust and Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Active Travel Challenge has also been backed by the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, highlighting the growing momentum around sustainable travel.
Minister Kimmins commented: “Investing in cleaner and greener transport is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future.
“Signing up to the Active Travel Challenge this June is a great way to start making little changes in how we travel. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle for shorter everyday journeys, and combining this with public transport for longer trips, is good for the environment and helps us build a healthier body and mind.
“I would like to build on the success of the 2024 challenge which had over 1,400 participants and over 21,000 active journeys logged and would encourage employers and individuals to register and start making a difference today.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “It is great to see this initiative growing year on year encouraging more people to give sustainable and active travel a go. Last year’s challenge saw an impressive collective saving of around 13 tonnes (13,000kg) of CO₂ emissions helping reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Research shows that people who take public transport are more active, clocking up more steps, helping support physical and mental wellbeing. We look forward to playing our part in this annual challenge, working together to create a healthier society and more sustainable future for everyone.”
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “The Active Travel Challenge gives everyone the opportunity to look at ways we can incorporate physical activity into our daily routines. Getting more active can help us maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep quality and help reduce anxiety and the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
“As well as all that, it can also boost your mental health and wellbeing. The PHA would encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to take part in the Active Travel Challenge to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing and help our planet by reducing your carbon footprint.”
Claire Pollock, Head of Sustrans Northern Ireland, added: ”The Active Travel Challenge is a great opportunity for people to leave the car behind and choose walking, cycling and public transport options instead. We encourage everyone to make the change to a healthier lifestyle that will also benefit the environment.”
The initiative is open to everyone of all ages across Northern Ireland. It also presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, community organisations, universities, and local authorities to engage staff, students and members, encouraging friendly competition and supporting long-term modal shift.
Registration is free and is open now online. Participants can register as individuals or teams and simply log their active journeys online, for a chance to win a range of rewards including retail vouchers, travel passes, gym memberships and much more.
To find out more and get involved in this year’s Active Travel Challenge go to atc.getmeactive.org.uk or email [email protected]. Keep up to date with all the latest ATC action on social media using #GetMeActiveNI
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marshia Akbar, Researcher, Labour Migration at the CERC Migration and Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University
Canada’s recent federal election suggests a growing gender divide in political preferences.
Polling indicated women voters leaned strongly toward the Liberals, while an increasing number of men — particularly younger men — gravitated toward the Conservatives.
This polarization was not simply a matter of partisan preference, but reflected deeper social, cultural and economic realignments rooted in identity politics and diverging values.
The gender gap also mirrors patterns across western democracies, where far-right populist parties increasingly draw male support through nationalist, anti-immigration and anti-feminist narratives, while women — especially racialized and university-educated — opt for progressive parties promoting equality and social protection.
Read more:
Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women
While official voting records by gender are not available, several public opinion polls heading into the election indicated gender was a key predictor of party support.
Abacus Data found that women’s early preferences were nearly evenly split — 31 per cent for the Liberals and 32 per cent for the Conservatives. But as the campaign progressed, Liberal support among women rose steadily by two to three points per week, reaching 35 per cent by April 8, while support for the Conservatives fell to 30 per cent.
This pattern was echoed by an EKOS Politics analysis, which described the 2025 election as defined by a “massive gender divide” — women supported the Liberal Party by a 25-point margin, while the Conservatives held a slight lead among men, especially those under 50.
Findings from Angus Reid further underscored this divide. Among men, support was closely split, with the Conservatives holding a slight lead over the Liberals (44 per cent to 42 per cent). Among women, however, the Liberals enjoyed a commanding lead, with 51 per cent support compared to 32 per cent for the Conservatives.
Together, these three polls suggest a growing gender gap in Canadian politics — one that shaped party support throughout the election campaign.
The New Democratic Party, meanwhile — once positioned as a progressive bridge between working-class voters and social justice movements — struggled to attract voters as it had in previous elections.
The NDP’s waning influence in the 2025 election highlights the erosion of class-based solidarity, which has seemingly been supplanted by identity politics.
This gender gap was not just about party preference — it reflected deeper ideological divides shaped by cultural values, policy priorities and gender identities.
Research into voting patterns in Canada over the past two decades found that Canadian women are more likely to support social welfare, state intervention and wealth redistribution — driven not by self-interest, but by values of equity and collective responsibility.
These preferences are shaped not only by gender, but also by age, race, class, religion and gender identities. The research highlighted a growing feminist consciousness and suggested that evolving understandings of identity, especially among younger women, have strengthened support for progressive platforms.
Voting preferences in the 2025 Canadian election reflected these patterns. Rising geopolitical tensions — fuelled by punitive American tariffs on Canadian goods and United States President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada — stirred national anxiety and shaped voter priorities.
At the same time, the American rollback of reproductive rights and attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies raised alarm among women worldwide, reinforcing concerns about gender equity and human rights.
That meant that how the Conservative and Liberal party leaders articulated their stances on these issues played a crucial role in shaping voter preferences.
The Conservative Party emphasized economic policies such as tax cuts and reducing government spending. The party also tapped into cultural frustrations by opposing “woke” ideologies and promoting traditional values.
This dual approach sought to resonate with voters alienated by progressive norms, particularly younger men who have felt marginalized by the housing crisis, insecure job markets and shifting cultural expectations around gender roles.
Read more:
The ‘freedom convoy’ protesters are a textbook case of ‘aggrieved entitlement’
In contrast, the Liberal platform emphasized defending Canadian sovereignty, promoting national unity, expanding housing affordability, addressing climate change and advancing economic measures for the middle class — policies that seemingly resonated more with women voters, particularly those prioritizing social programs and long-term social stability.
Although reproductive rights were not a central issue in Canada’s 2025 campaign, the erosion of those rights in the U.S. cast a shadow north of the border.
The Liberal Party pledged to make its Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund permanent and to introduce a new IVF program offering up to $20,000 per cycle — measures aimed at improving access, especially for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians.
The Conservative platform emphasized support for universal health care but made no mention of reproductive health. As a result, many women may have viewed the Liberals as stronger defenders of both reproductive rights and Canadian sovereignty.
The 2025 election did more than reveal a partisan split; it exposed fundamentally different visions of Canada’s future between men and women.
Gender divides in politics often mirror divisions in online discourse. Social media platforms tend to reinforce gendered political identities, with men more likely to be drawn into algorithm-driven spaces that amplify anti-establishment and masculinist narratives.
Following the U.S. presidential election in 2024, The Guardian noted how social media algorithms feed their users content that’s aligned with the preferences of similar users, deepening ideological silos.
American podcaster Joe Rogan exemplifies this dynamic — his show consistently tops charts in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Canada, but with an audience that’s more than 80 per cent male.
These digital bubbles not only reflect polarization — they entrench it, merging political and online identities in ways that make cross-cutting dialogue harder to achieve.
This divide affects more than politics. It’s reshaping personal relationships. As political identity becomes central to personal values, dating and marriage across ideological lines have become more difficult.
According to the American Survey Center, these political divisions are even preventing young people from building meaningful relationships.
Similarly, the Atlantic reports that nearly two-thirds of liberal and conservative singles are likely to reject a potential partner who does not share their political beliefs. In this climate, political compatibility is becoming a prerequisite for long-term commitment, rather than a negotiable difference.
Addressing this fragmentation requires building narratives that transcend identity silos and foster common ground, both online and offline. It’s essential for democratic resilience and for sustaining meaningful human connection.
Marshia Akbar receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
– ref. What the voter gender divide means for Canada’s political future – https://theconversation.com/what-the-voter-gender-divide-means-for-canadas-political-future-255857
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
For over one year, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in partnership with Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK, ran a general healthcare mobile clinic outside the main gates of the former Royal Air Forces base at Wethersfield, in the United Kingdom (UK). Between November 2023 and December 2024, we documented how the isolated site, which accommodates up to 800 men aged between 18 and 65, causes immense harm.
A new report based on medical data and interviews with the men held at Wethersfield in 2024 highlights mental health distress amongst our patients and protection concerns at the site.
“When I first saw the military camp, it was a reminder of the military camps in my home country. Very isolated atmosphere. You can’t socialise and you can’t learn,” says a resident at Wethersfield in 2024.
The top five countries of nationality of patients attending our mobile clinic were Iran, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. As such, many have fled violence, persecution and conflict and will go on to be recognised as refugees by the UK government.
“Most of the consultations were for psychological problems. Many people felt anxious and stressed and said Wethersfield reminds them of previous difficult experiences such as imprisonment, torture or living in areas of conflict,” says Emma Withycombe, MSF’s medical activities manager. “It seems very cruel that people who have experienced so much hardship are now living here. The government has chosen to accommodate people in a place that causes harm.”
In the absence of safe alternatives, many people seeking safety are forced to risk their lives and take dangerous journeys to reach the UK.
A lack of safe routes to the UK
Everyone who accessed our services had crossed the Channel by small boat. In interviews, participants described dangerous journeys to get to the UK. Three quarters of patients disclosed previous experiences of violence or abuse in their countries of origin and on their journeys to the UK.
Mental health impacted by the site
The men we interviewed spoke about the major impact the site was having on their mental health, as well as on the mental health of those around them. 62 per cent of those accessing our service presented with severe mental distress and 30 per cent reported suicidal ideation.
Serious failures to protect and safeguard
Our medical team observed that many individuals were accommodated onsite despite being ‘unsuitable’ according to the Home Office’s own guidance. We made a total of 226 safeguarding referrals due to concerns about individual patient safety and wellbeing.
“People are dying at the UK borders, dying in camps and hotels. Our patients in Wethersfield have survived conflict, persecution, and harrowing journeys to the UK with no safe route to asylum. The government should not be putting refugees into camps once they arrive here,” says Simon Tyler, Executive Director of DOTW.
Despite evidence that mass containment causes immense psychological harm and suffering, and the government’s own promises to end its use, Wethersfield remains open. In April 2025, Prime Minister Starmer refused to set a date for when the site would close.
“It is beyond comprehension that Wethersfield remains open, a site which has been the source of intense suffering for people who came to the UK in search of safety. From MSF’s work at the site, we know many of the individuals accommodated here have experienced violence and trauma and will have complex psychological needs,” says Jacob Burns, project manager for MSF. “We had hoped this Labour government would establish a dignified and compassionate asylum system. Instead, we are witnessing a continuation of the same inhumane and restrictive policies, that are fundamentally failing those who are most in need of care and protection.”
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Todd Herrenkohl, Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan
President Donald Trump and Republicans in the House of Representatives have put forward budget proposals that would slash spending by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade on several programs that support low-income U.S. families with children.
If those cuts are in the version of the 2026 budget that clears Congress, and Trump signs it into law, funding for early childhood education, support for grocery purchases and an array of programs that help keep children fed, housed and cared for would decline sharply.
As professors who conduct research about child welfare, we are alarmed by these proposed cuts and concerned about their potential impact on children and families. We are particularly concerned that steps taken to reduce costs will make children less safe and more susceptible to the consequences of abuse and neglect.
Our research has shown that increasing access to programs that support low-income families decreases child abuse and neglect while improving parents’ well-being. Examples of these programs include subsidies for child care and the earned-income tax credit, which supplements the earnings of many low- and moderate-income Americans.
Other researchers have found further evidence that policies that help low-income families put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads and obtain health care also provide for children’s basic needs, such as food and education, and keep children safe.
The proposed budget cuts could cost all taxpayers down the line because child abuse and neglect is costly for not only the people who are mistreated as kids but also for society.
What’s more, a series of cost-benefit studies have found that providing a safety net for families not only helps the families who receive assistance but also society as a whole.
In 2023, child protection agencies received 4.4 million reports for suspected abuse and neglect, and 546,159 cases were confirmed. As high as these numbers are, they drastically underestimate the number of abused and neglected children in the U.S. because many acts of abuse and neglect are never reported.
Research documenting the consequences and costs of child abuse and neglect has led many experts, including us, to recommend programs and policies that can reduce risks.
Without attempts to reduce these risks, more children would suffer or die. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services found that 2,000 children died from abuse and neglect in 2023. Nearly half of these fatalities were among children under the age of 1.
Some of the most helpful programs to prevent child abuse and neglect focus on reducing poverty.
Poverty can place children at risk of abuse and neglect. When families can’t afford the bare necessities, it can add to the stress that makes parenting more difficult.
Poverty isn’t the only cause of child abuse and neglect, but it is high on the list of risk factors. And its harms can be hard to reverse.
A recent campaign by Prevent Child Abuse America, a nonprofit, posits that child abuse and neglect are not a “bad parent problem” but rather “a lack of resource problem.” Researchers have found that child abuse and neglect often come from the social and economic issues that lead families into crises.
For example, parenting stress rises and children’s basic needs can go unmet when parents don’t have jobs, lack high-quality child care and generally struggle to make ends meet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that improving public health requires government programs that can reduce harm to children and promote childhood development and well-being.
These programs include efforts to improve parenting skills, expand access to high-quality child care and early education, and strengthen the financial resilience of families.
And yet the Trump administration initially sought to eliminate Head Start, a successful federally funded preschool program for low-income children, and dismantle many essential services. Evidence indicates that children who participate in Head Start are more likely to finish high school and college, which is important for employment and financial security.
The CDC and our own review of the research point to big improvements in children’s health and fewer cases of child abuse and neglect with economic policies such as the earned-income tax credit, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
We believe these programs are worth investing in because children’s lives are at stake. Especially when the economy appears to be in trouble, the consequences of weakening the safety net are dire.
Todd I. Herrenkohl has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Justice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is affiliated with the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and serves as an editor for Child Abuse & Neglect and the Journal for the Society for Social Work and Research.
Kathryn Maguire-Jack receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Triple P America, and Wisconsin Children’s Hospital.
Rebeccah Sokol receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
– ref. US safety net helps protect children from abuse and neglect, and some of those programs are threatened by proposed budget cuts – https://theconversation.com/us-safety-net-helps-protect-children-from-abuse-and-neglect-and-some-of-those-programs-are-threatened-by-proposed-budget-cuts-255763
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota
When I lived in Florida, I had a neighbor named Ms. Carmen. She was in her late 70s, fiercely independent and lived alone with her two dogs and one cat, which were her closest companions.
Each hurricane season, she would anxiously ask if I would check on her when the winds began to pick up. She once told me: I’m more afraid of being forgotten than of the storm itself. Her fear wasn’t just about the weather; it was about facing it alone.
When hurricanes hit, we often measure the damage in downed power lines, flooded roads and wind-torn homes. But some of the most serious consequences are harder to see, especially for older adults who may struggle with mobility, chronic health problems and cognitive decline.
Emergency preparedness plans too often overlook the specific needs of elders in America’s aging population, many of whom live alone. For people like Ms. Carmen, resilience needs to start long before the storm.
I study disaster preparations and response. To prepare for hurricane season, and any other disaster, I encourage families to work with their older adults now to create an emergency plan. Preparing can help ensure that older adults will be safe, able to contact relatives or others for help, and will have the medications, documents and supplies they need, as well as the peace of mind of knowing what steps to take.
In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put a spotlight on the risks to older adults.
The storms forced thousands of people to evacuate, often to shelters with little more than food supplies and mattresses on the floor and ill-equipped for medical needs.
Flooding isolated many rural homes, stranding older adults. Power was out for weeks in some areas. Emergency systems were overwhelmed.
A tornado tore into a senior community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, during Milton, killing six people. Some long-term care facilities lost power and water during Helene.
At the same time, some older adults chose to stay in homes in harm’s way for fear that they would be separated from their pets or that their homes would be vandalized.
These events are not just tragic, they are predictable. Many older adults cannot evacuate without assistance, and many evacuation centers aren’t prepared to handle their needs.
Helping older adults prepare for emergencies should involve the entire family so everyone knows what to expect. The best plans are personal, practical and proactive, but they will contain some common elements.
Here are five important steps:
1. Prepare an emergency folder with important documents.
Disasters can leave older adults without essential information and supplies that they need, such as prescription lists, financial records, medical devices and – importantly – contact information to reach family, friends and neighbors who could help them.
Many older adults rely on preprogrammed phone numbers. If their phone is lost or the battery dies, they may not know how to reach friends or loved ones, so it’s useful to have a hard copy of phone numbers.
Consider encouraging the use of medical ID bracelets or cards for those with memory loss.
Critical documents like wills, home deeds, powers of attorney and insurance records are frequently kept in physical form and may be forgotten or lost in a sudden evacuation. Use waterproof storage that’s easy to carry, and share copies with trusted caregivers and family members in case those documents are lost.
2. Have backup medications and equipment.
Think about that person’s assistive devices and health needs. Having extra batteries on hand is important, as is remembering to bring chargers and personal mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Do not forget that service animals support mobility, so having supplies of their food will be important during a hurricane or evacuation.
Ask doctors to provide an emergency set of medications in case supplies run low in a disaster.
If the person is staying in their home, prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in case the power goes out. That means having enough bottled water, extra pet food and human food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking.
3. Map evacuation routes and shelter options.
Identify nearby shelters that will likely be able to support older adults’ mobility and cognitive challenges. If the person has pets, make a plan for them, too – many areas will have at least one pet-friendly shelter, but not all shelters will take pets.
Figure out how the person will get to a shelter, and have a backup plan in case their usual transportation isn’t an option. And decide where they will go and how they will get there if they can’t return home after a storm.
If your loved one lives in a care facility, ask to see that facility’s hurricane plan.
4. Create a multiperson check-in system.
Don’t rely on just one caregiver or family member to check on older adults. Involve neighbors, faith communities or local services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, support groups and senior centers. Redundancy is crucial when systems break down.
5. Practice the plan.
Go through evacuation steps in advance so everyone knows what to do. Executing the plan should be second nature, not a scramble during a disaster or crisis.
Emergency planning isn’t something done for older adults – it’s something done with them.
Elders bring not only vulnerability but also wisdom. Their preferences and autonomy will have to guide decisions for the plan to be successful in a crisis.
That means listening to their needs, honoring their independence and making sure caregivers have realistic plans in place. It’s an important shift from just reacting to a storm to preparing with purpose.
Lee Ann Rawlins Williams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Hurricane disaster planning with aging parents should start now, before the storm: 5 tips – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-disaster-planning-with-aging-parents-should-start-now-before-the-storm-5-tips-254917
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Bierman, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont
Look closely at your mobile phone or tablet. Touch-screen technology, speech recognition, digital sound recording and the internet were all developed using funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
No matter where you live, NSF-supported research has also made your life safer. Engineering studies have reduced earthquake damage and fatalities through better building design. Improved hurricane and tornado forecasts reflect NSF investment in environmental monitoring and computer modeling of weather. NSF-supported resilience studies reduce risks and losses from wildfires.
Using NSF funding, scientists have done research that amazes, entertains and enthralls. They have drilled through mile-thick ice sheets to understand the past, visited the wreck of the Titanic and captured images of deep space.
NSF investments have made America and American science great. At least 268 Nobel laureates received NSF grants during their careers. The foundation has partnered with agencies across the government since it was created, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. The Federal Reserve estimates that government-supported research from the NSF and other agencies has had a return on investment of 150% to 300% since 1950, meaning for every dollar U.S. taxpayers invested, they got back between $1.50 and $3.
However, that funding is now at risk.
Since January, layoffs, leadership resignations and a massive proposed reorganization have threatened the integrity and mission of the National Science Foundation. Hundreds of research grants have been terminated. The administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut NSF’s funding by 55%, an unprecedented reduction that would end federal support for science research across a wide range of discipines.
At my own geology lab, I have seen NSF grants catalyze research and the work of dozens of students who have collected data that’s now used to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion, sea-level rise and melting glaciers.
I have also served on advisory committees and review panels for the NSF over the past 30 years and have seen the value the foundation produces for the American people.
In the 1940s, with the advent of nuclear weapons, the space race and the intensification of the Cold War, American science and engineering expertise became increasingly critical for national defense. At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.
Vannevar Bush, an electrical engineer who oversaw military research efforts during World War II, including development of the atomic bomb, had a different idea.
He articulated an expansive scientific vision for the United States in Science: The Endless Frontier. The report was a blueprint for an American research juggernaut grounded in the expertise of university faculty, staff and graduate students.
On May 10, 1950, after five years of debate and compromise, President Harry Truman signed legislation creating the National Science Foundation and putting Bush’s vision to work. Since then, the foundation has become the leading funder of basic research in the United States.
NSF’s mandate, then as now, was to support basic research and spread funding for science across all 50 states. Expanding America’s scientific workforce was and remains integral to American prosperity. By 1952, the foundation was awarding merit fellowships to graduate and postdoctoral scientists from every state.
There were compromises. Control of NSF rested with presidential appointees, disappointing Bush. He wanted scientists in charge to avoid political interference with the foundation’s research agenda.
Today, American tax dollars supporting science go to every state in the union.
The states with the most NSF grants awarded between 2011 and 2024 include several that voted Republican in the 2024 election – Texas, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – and several that voted Democratic, including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Colorado.
More than 1,800 public and private institutions, scattered across all 50 states, receive NSF funding. The grants pay the salaries of staff, faculty and students, boosting local employment and supporting college towns and cities. For states with major research universities, those grants add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Even states with few universities each see tens of millions of dollars for research.
As NSF grant recipients purchase lab supplies and services, those dollars support regional and national economies.
When NSF budgets are cut and grants are terminated or never awarded, the harm trickles down and communities suffer. Initial NSF funding cuts are already rippling across the country, affecting both national and local economies in red, blue and purple states alike.
An analysis of a February 2025 proposal that would cut about US$5.5 billion from National Institutes of Health grants estimated the ripple effect through college towns and supply chains would cost $6.1 billion in GDP, or total national productivity, and over 46,000 jobs.
America’s scientific research and training enterprise has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Yet, as NSF celebrates its 75th birthday, the future of American science is in doubt. Funding is increasingly uncertain, and politics is driving decisions, as Bush feared 80 years ago.
A list of grants terminated by the Trump administration, collected both from government websites and scientists themselves, shows that by early May 2025, NSF had stopped funding more than 1,400 existing grants, totaling over a billion dollars of support for research, research training and education.
Most terminated grants focused on education – the core of science, technology and engineering workforce development critical for supplying highly skilled workers to American companies. For example, NSF provided 1,000 fewer graduate student fellowships in 2025 than in the decade before − a 50% drop in support for America’s best science students.
American scientists are responding to NSF’s downsizing in diverse ways. Some are pushing back by challenging grant terminations. Others are preparing to leave science or academia. Some are likely to move abroad, taking offers from other nations to recruit American experts. Science organizations and six prior heads of the NSF are calling on Congress to step up and maintain funding for science research and workforce development.
If these losses continue, the next generation of American scientists will be fewer in number and less well prepared to address the needs of a population facing the threat of more extreme weather, future pandemics and the limits to growth imposed by finite natural resources and other planetary limits.
Investing in science and engineering is an investment in America. Diminishing NSF and the science it supports will hurt the American economy and the lives of all Americans.
Paul Bierman receives funding from the National Science Foundation.
– ref. Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-cuts-to-the-national-science-foundation-endanger-research-that-improves-economic-growth-national-security-and-your-life-256556
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Medical Laboratory Technologists Board responds to requests for clinical practice/attachment hours
The MLT Board is aware of a statement made by individual groups and training institutions regarding the hours required for clinical practice/attachment for medical laboratory technologists and responds today (May 15) as follows:
The MLT Board, established under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359), is a statutory body that reviews the training arrangements of MLT from time to time to enhance their professional development. The MLT Board has started to discuss and review the requirement for clinical practice/attachment in the curriculum since 2023. It has agreed to strengthen the training of students in different medical laboratory-related areas under the principle that the overall number of training hours should remain unchanged. The objective is to ensure that the curriculum keeps abreast of the times and aligns with the latest developments in the medical field.
Since 2023, the Registration Committee of MLT Board has been discussing and reviewing the hours required for clinical practice/attachment, which were formulated in 2013. Subsequently, at the MLT Board meeting of February 5, 2024, the MLT Board endorsed revising the required hours for clinical practice/attachment from 400 hours, covering only four basic areas, namely “Clinical Microbiology & Infection”, “Anatomical Pathology”, “Chemical Pathology” and “Haematology”, to 200 hours. This change will enable the institutions to allocate the released 200 hours to elective study modules according to the characteristics of their respective curricula without affecting the total number of hours. Under this arrangement, institutions can optimise the released training time to strengthen students’ learning in the basic areas or arrange for the students to explore other medical laboratory-related subjects beyond the basic areas, such as clinical immunology, molecular techniques and genetic testing etc. This encourages the diversified development of different institutions while maintaining their professional standards. Contrary to the allegation made in the statement, it is not a hasty reduction of clinical practice/attachment hours from 400 to 200 before graduation.
Before making the decision, the MLT Board has been in close liaison with the industry through its Registration Committee (which comprises institutions, members of the associations and practitioners from different work backgrounds) and has held in-depth discussions on various accreditation requirements. Meetings were held to discuss the above issues and a Working Group on Review of Accreditation Criteria and Checklist was set up to invite experts to provide views in optimising the accreditation criteria and to continuously review both the local and international situations. The allegation that “academic institutions and industry stakeholders were not adequately consulted” is off the mark. The MLT Board stands ready to further explain to the MLT industry and training institutions the rationale of revising the required hours for clinical practice/attachment , and will work closely with stakeholders on the implementation details to facilitate the smooth execution of the resolution.
The MLT Board is a statutory body established under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) to promote adequate standards of professional practice and of professional conduct in the MLT professions. The MLT Board members (see Annex) comprises a wide representation of stakeholders, who are from the medical laboratory testing and medical professions, professional education, the Government, the Hospital Authority, and private sector.
Issued at HKT 20:54
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Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amani Karisa, Associate Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
Kenya has long recognised the rights of persons with disabilities in law. The 2010 constitution guarantees access, dignity and inclusion for people living with disabilities.
Two years earlier in 2008, Kenya ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. And Kenya’s 2003 Persons with Disabilities Act formed the legal foundation for promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
But these legal promises remain largely aspirational. Their provisions are rarely translated into everyday realities. Many Kenyans with disabilities still face stigma, inaccessible environments, unequal education opportunities and limited access to employment.
Many schools remain exclusionary due to inaccessible physical infrastructure. This includes classrooms and latrines that lack ramps or hinder mobility for children with disabilities.
Public transport is often unusable for wheelchair users.
Employers continue to overlook applicants with disabilities. Between 2019 and 2023, for instance, persons with disabilities faced higher unemployment rates at around 10.4% against a national average of 5.2%.
The fact that there are disputes over the number of Kenyans with disabilities is also telling. The 2019 census recorded 2.2% of the population – fewer than 1 million people – as having disabilities. This is far below the World Report on Disability’s estimates of an average of around 15%. This undercount reflects both cultural stigma and systemic gaps in how disability is understood and reported.
As someone who has spent more than a decade researching disability in Kenya, I have seen how the promise of rights is often undercut by structural and social barriers. This has come through in my own research and that of others.
The persistent failure to translate rights into tangible outcomes for persons with disabilities created urgency for change.
The Kenyan government has finally acted. In May 2025, the country’s parliament passed the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025.
The new law expands the definition of disability to encompass a broader range of impairments. This ensures more individuals are recognised and protected under the law. The law also mandates accessibility across sectors such as education, employment, healthcare and public services, requiring reasonable accommodations and prohibiting discrimination.
In my view, the new law reflects a broader move from symbolic recognition to legal obligation. But passing a law is just the beginning. Implementation will be the real test.
In my research, and that of others, the question of why the 2003 law did little to shift everyday exclusion has been addressed. A few things were apparent.
First, employment quotas were suggested but never enforced. Discrimination in hiring and promotions was prohibited in theory, but was common in practice.
Second, there has been little support for caregivers.
Third, there was minimal access to assistive technologies (which are tools designed to help persons with disabilities perform tasks and improve their quality of life, such as mobility aids, communication devices and adaptive software).
Fourth, children with disabilities in Kenya have faced significant barriers to education. Their enrolment and completion rates are consistently lower than those of their non-disabled peers.
Rather than disability being the problem, it is the lack of accommodation, inclusive policies and public understanding that creates exclusion. This is a core insight of the social model of disability, which views disability as arising from the interaction between individuals and an unaccommodating society. This perspective explains that people are disabled not by their bodies but by barriers in society – like stairs without ramps or employers who won’t adapt.
Some key changes in the new law stand out:
Workplace inclusion: public bodies must now ensure that at least 5% of jobs are held by persons with disabilities. This provision, although previously suggested, now comes with clearer oversight requirements. Private employers are both mandated and incentivised to create inclusive workplaces. Reasonable accommodations, such as accessible workstations or flexible hours, can be counted as deductible expenses.
Access to public services and spaces: the law requires that buildings, roads and services be made accessible. Hospitals must have trained sign language interpreters. Schools must adapt their admission criteria, curricula and facilities to include learners with disabilities. These requirements signal a move away from treating accessibility as optional or charitable.
Tax relief and registration reforms: caregivers can now qualify for tax exemptions. Additionally, persons with long-term disabilities now receive permanent registration, ending the need for repeated reassessments – a process many found tedious, involving hospital visits, missing forms, long delays and limited assessment centres.
Stronger institutional framework: the National Council for Persons with Disabilities has been given more robust powers, including enforcement, monitoring and management of disability-related funding. The law also recommends the use of affirming and respectful language in public communication – a subtle but essential step in reducing stigma.
The law incorporates disability considerations into sector-specific practices. For example, the law requires justice sector actors to consider disability when arresting, detaining or trying someone.
The government must act swiftly to implement supporting regulations. Funding is needed to retrofit public buildings, hire staff to support individuals with disabilities, and subsidise assistive devices. Without proper budgeting, the law risks becoming another unfulfilled promise.
Employers and institutions must do more than comply: they must transform their attitudes. Disability inclusion should be built into human resources practices, school policies and service design. Training will be key.
Public awareness must improve. Many Kenyans still see disability through a medical or charitable lens. There need to be national campaigns on radio, TV and social media that shift public understanding toward inclusion and equality.
Finally, persons with disabilities must be central to the law’s implementation. Inclusion must be driven by those who live the reality of exclusion. Their insights are essential to making services responsive and respectful.
The 2025 Act is an important step. But if it is not backed by funding, political will and public education, its potential will remain unrealised.
The real question is not whether the law is good enough, but whether Kenya’s institutions, communities and leaders are prepared to make it work for those it was designed to serve.
Amani Karisa works for the African Population and Health Research Center. He receives funding from Gates Foundation and Echidna Giving.
– ref. Kenya has a bold new disability law: now to make it work – https://theconversation.com/kenya-has-a-bold-new-disability-law-now-to-make-it-work-256646
Source: US State of Connecticut
On May 10, 2025, more than 600 students from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) reached a major academic milestone as they officially became UConn graduates. Students were celebrated in true CAHNR fashion, with a horse processional, performance by student acapella singers, and a visit from both Jonathan XIV and XV. With cheers from family, friends, faculty, and staff, the graduates commemorated years of commitment and growth at the 146th Commencement.
The festivities began with a celebratory reception at the Student Union, offering graduates and their guests a chance to reconnect and reflect on their time at UConn. Soon after, the group gathered at the Field House to prepare for the traditional procession to the main event.
In a much-loved revival of a pre-pandemic tradition, horses from CAHNR’s equine program led graduates along Hillside Road to Gampel Pavilion, setting the tone for the special ceremony ahead.
Inside Gampel Pavilion, CAHNR faculty and staff joined the graduates for a ceremony filled with encouragement, reflection, and celebration. The event featured remarks from student speaker Eliza Demiri ’25 (Allied Health Sciences) and keynote speaker Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS), Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
Butler expressed the value students can find in being open to where life takes them, whether it is anticipated or not:
“It’s important to understand in live how much your paths can and will change, regardless of what you plan for. Life rarely follows a straight path, and often the directions we didn’t plan for lead to the most meaningful destinations.”
The program was hosted by Kristen Govoni, associate dean for academic programs, and included additional remarks from Dean Chaubey, Prvosot D’Alleva, and other CAHNR leadership.
As the ceremony concluded, the celebration continued outside Gampel Pavilion, where graduates gathered with family and friends to capture the moment with photos and plenty of smiles.
The Class of 2025 leaves UConn with a wealth of knowledge, a foundation of real-world experiences, and lasting memories from their time in CAHNR. Wherever their journeys take them next, their future is bright and their UConn roots remain strong.
Learn more about some of our featured graduates and this year’s Commencement speaker, Rodney Butler ’99.
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent
The city council is working with partners and dementia support services across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire to support this year’s Dementia Action Week 2025.
The campaign, which runs from 19th to 25th May – and is led by the Alzheimer’s Society – aims to raise awareness of dementia and of the importance of a timely and accurate diagnosis for people affected by it.
Diagnosis is vital in providing people access to the care, treatment and support they need. Yet only one in three people living with dementia have a diagnosis.
However, more than nine in 10 people affected by dementia say that there are benefits to getting a diagnosis.
How dementia differs from the normal ageing process
People often forget things more and notice some changes in mental abilities as they get older. Though these changes can be frustrating, they are a natural part of ageing. However, Dementia is not a normal part of getting older.
Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. For a health professional to diagnose dementia, a person’s symptoms must be significantly impacting on their daily life. This means having difficulties with completing daily tasks about the house, in the community or at work.
In February 2025, 3,081 people were recorded as being diagnosed with dementia in Stoke-on-Trent. Women have a higher risk of developing dementia during their lifetime.
Recognising the signs of dementia and getting a diagnosis is really important to enable those people living with dementia, their families and carers to access the vital support they need.
The Alzheimer’s Society has an online checklist for possible dementia symptoms here; Checklist for Dementia Symptoms
Anyone worried that they, or a loved one, may be experiencing signs of dementia can use this checklist to help describe the symptoms to a GP or other health professionals.
To help anyone wanting to find out more, a free dementia services showcase drop-in event is taking place during the week.
It is taking place on Wednesday 21st May, between 10am and 3pm, at Affinity Staffordshire Shopping Centre (previously known as Freeport) Talke Retail Park, Pit Lane, Talke Pits. ST7 1XD.
Local dementia support services will be available at Affinity Staffordshire Shopping Centre to showcase some of the advice and support available to people living with dementia, their families and carers. This event is one of the local initiatives, coordinated on behalf of the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Dementia Steering Group, to support Dementia Action Week 2025
Exhibitors on the day with include:
Councillor Duncan Walker – cabinet member for adult services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council – said: “We are very keen to support this vital campaign and raise awareness of the need for a timely and accurate Dementia diagnosis.
“The dementia showcase on Wednesday, 21st May is an excellent way to find out more if you have concerns or want to access a wide-range of services that can support you – I would encourage anyone looking for that kind of advice to go along.”
In addition, The Stoke-on-Trent Council City Council and Integrated Care Board Joint Dementia Strategy 2025–2029 is scheduled to be presented to cabinet for approval in June, ahead of its official launch, which will be accessible here: Stoke on Trent Dementia Strategy.
More information on activities and services available to people with dementia and their families and carers in Stoke on Trent can be found at, What support can I get for Dementia? and https://stokecommunitydirectory.co.uk/ search for ‘dementia’.
More information about Dementia Action Week can be found at
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
Source: World Health Organisation
On 15 April 2025, the ninth round of the Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS) began, for completion by June 2025. TrACSS is a key component of the global AMR monitoring and evaluation framework. Since its first iteration in 2017, TrACSS has enabled countries to assess their progress in implementing multisectoral AMR national action plans (NAPs) annually.
The Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – jointly develop, launch, manage and analyze the results and WHO systems are used to administer the survey. The survey is available in all six official UN languages, and it continues to evolve in scope and depth each year.
Being multisectoral, TrACSS covers human health, animal health, food, agriculture and environment sectors in countries. Relevant national authorities and technical focal points from the different sectors complete it online. Throughout the survey process, the Quadripartite organizations provide support at the national, regional and global levels — ensuring that countries and focal points can accurately complete the survey and act on its findings.
Eight rounds of the survey have been completed since 2017, and the results are available at TrACSS Global Database, an interactive platform that visualizes progress and trends over time, compares performance across countries, regions and income levels, and generates country profiles and maps.
In 2024, a record 186 countries (96%) responded to the survey. Member States reiterated their support to TrACSS in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and set a target of at least 95% submission rate to the survey by 2030.
National AMR multisectoral coordination mechanisms can use data from TrACSS to identify gaps and priorities for follow-up actions, supporting decision-making to strengthen the implementation of AMR NAPs. The data is also used to assess progress of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, adopted in 2015 and that will be revised by 2026.
Countries have been invited to participate through a dedicated platform. Data from the 2025 cycle of TRACSS will be published later this year. For any questions, please contact tracss@who.int. The continued commitment of countries to participate in and use the findings from TrACSS remains critical for monitoring and advancing both national and global responses to AMR.
About the Quadripartite organizations:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. www.fao.org
UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact: UN Environment Programme www.unep.org
World Health Organization (WHO)
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int
World Organisation for Animal Health:
WOAH is a global organisation, working to ensure the health of animals across the world. Since 1924, we have focused on the complexities of animal health. We disseminate information on animal diseases and use science-based strategies to limit their potentially negative impact on society. www.woah.org
Source: World Health Organisation
Key points:
The WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to closely monitor the genetic and antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and the performance of COVID-19 vaccines against circulating variants. Based on these evaluations, WHO advises vaccine manufacturers and regulatory authorities on the implications for future updates to COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition. In April 2024, the TAG-CO-VAC recommended the use of a monovalent JN.1 lineage vaccine antigen as one approach to induce enhanced neutralizing antibody responses to JN.1 and its descendent lineages. In December 2024, the TAG-CO-VAC advised retaining the use of a monovalent JN.1 lineage vaccine antigen. Multiple manufacturers (using mRNA, recombinant protein-based, and adenovirus-vectored platforms) have updated COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition to monovalent JN.1 lineage formulations (JN.1 or KP.2). Several of these vaccines have been approved for use by regulatory authorities and introduced into vaccination programmes in some countries during the second half of 2024. Previous statements from the TAG-CO-VAC can be found on the WHO website.
The TAG-CO-VAC reconvened on 6-7 May 2025 to review the genetic and antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2; immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination; the performance of currently approved vaccines against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants; and the implications for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition.
Evidence reviewed
The published and unpublished evidence reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC included: (1) SARS-CoV-2 genetic evolution with additional support from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE); (2) Antigenic characterization of previous and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants using virus neutralization tests with animal antisera and further analysis of antigenic relationships using antigenic cartography; (3) Immunogenicity data on the breadth of neutralizing antibody responses elicited by currently approved vaccine antigens against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants using animal and human sera; (4) Preliminary immunogenicity data on immune responses following infection with circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants; (5) Available vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates of currently approved vaccines during periods of JN.1 lineage circulation; and (6) Preliminary non-clinical and clinical immunogenicity data on the performance of candidate vaccines with updated antigens shared confidentially by vaccine manufacturers with TAG-CO-VAC. Further details on the data reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC can be found in the accompanying data annex. Confidential data reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC are not shown.
Summary of available evidence
Overall, the currently approved monovalent JN.1 or KP.2 vaccines continue to elicit broadly cross-reactive immune responses to circulating JN.1-derived variants. LP.8.1 as a vaccine antigen offers similar or modestly increased cross-reactive antibody responses to circulating JN.1-derived variants, as compared to monovalent JN.1 or KP.2 vaccines. Mathematical modeling indicates that an increase in neutralizing antibody titers may translate into an improvement in vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection.
The TAG-CO-VAC acknowledges several limitations of available data:
Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition
Monovalent JN.1 (NextStrain: 24A, GenBank: PP298019, GISAID: EPI_ISL_18872762) or KP.2 vaccines remain appropriate for ongoing use; monovalent LP.8.1 (NextStrain: 25A; GenBank: PV074550.1; GISAID: EPI_ISL_19467828) is a suitable alternative vaccine antigen.
Other approaches that demonstrate broad and robust neutralizing antibody responses or efficacy against currently circulating JN.1 descendent lineage variants could also be considered.
As per the WHO Director General’s standing recommendations for COVID-19, Member States are recommended to continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination based on the recommendations of the WHO SAGE. Vaccination should not be delayed in anticipation of access to vaccines with an updated composition.
Further data requested
Given the limitations of the evidence upon which the recommendations above are derived and the anticipated continued evolution of the virus, the TAG-CO-VAC strongly encourages generation of the following data (in addition to the types of data outlined in March 2025):
As previously stated, the TAG-CO-VAC continues to encourage the further development of vaccines that may improve protection against infection and reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
The TAG-CO-VAC will continue to closely monitor the genetic and antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and the performance of COVID-19 vaccines against circulating variants. The TAG-CO-VAC will also continue to reconvene every six months, or as needed, to evaluate the implications for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition. At each meeting, recommendations to either maintain current vaccine composition or to consider updates will be issued. Prior to each meeting, the TAG-CO-VAC will publish an update to the statement on the types of data requested to inform COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition deliberations.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
39 minutes ago
EIT staff and students embraced the cold, plunging into an ice bath at the Hawke’s Bay campus as part of an initiative to raise awareness for mental health.
Held on Tuesday, the challenge saw Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers, Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm, and Ira White from Human Resources take turns submerging themselves in freezing water alongside three student volunteers.
The initiative was part of a global resurgence of cold-water challenges, revived in the United States nearly a decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, using the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND to raise mental health awareness.
Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Ira White from Human Resources, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm and Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers took turns submerging themselves in freezing water to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
A crowd of supporters gathered with cheers, laughter, and plenty of encouragement as each “dipper” stepped up to the tub. The event combined light-hearted fun with a serious message, promoting open conversations around mental health and showing solidarity with those facing mental health challenges. Funds raised went to the Jolly Good Chaps Charitable Trust.
Ira showed particular resilience, taking a full bucket of ice-cold water over the head with a smile.
All four staff members embraced the challenge with good humour and were met with enthusiastic applause.
“Hopping into a bucket of ice is never easy,” Todd said.
Chris said mental health was an important focus. “One of the key things was resilience, so we wanted to test the resilience of some of these people hopping in the ice.”
Leanne Harkness, who helped coordinate the event, said the turnout and energy on the day reflected strong support for student mental health. “It’s been quite a warm day, so it was lucky for our dippers.”
Watch the video of the challenge here.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
2 days ago
Dr Sally Rye (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) has been appointed as Head of Research at EIT, marking a return to the institution where her academic journey began.
She brings more than a decade of experience across education, health, and social development, with a strong focus on kaupapa Māori and community-led research.
Sally returns to Hawke’s Bay after holding national roles in the tertiary and public sectors, most recently at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Dr Sally Rye (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou) has been appointed Head of Research at EIT.
Her interdisciplinary background includes business development, social work, youth development, mental health, addictions, and teaching.
She is widely recognised for her innovative approach to research centred on wellbeing, equity, and mātauranga Māori.
She says the decision to take on the role was grounded in a desire to contribute to her own community and invest in the future of her mokopuna.
“EIT is deeply embedded in this region. For me, this role is about returning home — not just geographically, but to a place that shaped who I am. I’m here to support a research culture that reflects our people, our priorities and our potential,” she says.
Her vision includes strengthening communities of practice, where staff and external partners can collaborate on shared kaupapa, and making research more visible, vibrant, and relevant to everyday life.
“I want to shift the perception of research from something isolated or academic to something aspirational, creative and community driven. Whether it’s improving local health outcomes, celebrating cultural knowledge, or informing how we teach, research should be part of everything we do.”
Sally also brings a deeply personal connection to her research practice. Her doctoral work explored the relationship between gut health, brain function and wellbeing — a journey inspired by her own health challenges. This work evolved into a holistic, kaupapa Māori programme that helped hundreds of wāhine Māori reclaim their hauora through nutrition, spirituality, connection, and movement.
She remains active in both national and international research spaces and recently presented at the Eru Pōmare Centre at Otago University in Wellington.
Sally was formally welcomed onto the Taradale campus at a pōwhiri in February and officially began her role in March. She is currently connecting with staff across all EIT campuses and welcomes interest from those keen to collaborate or join a community of research practice.
Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sally to EIT”.
“Her experience across various disciplines combined with her passion for research and rangahau provide a perfect fit for our institution. Sally’s vision aligns with EIT’s goals and values, and her leadership will drive our research and innovation space forward.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 27-year-old man is in a critical condition after a serious assault in Alice Springs this afternoon.
Around 5:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an altercation between up to 20 people on Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs.
During the altercation, an unknown man has allegedly stabbed the 27-year-old multiple times to his chest before fleeing the scene.
Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene and provided initial first aid before the man was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a critical condition.
A crime scene was declared on Gregory Terrace between Todd Street and Hartley Street.
Acting Commissioner Martin Dole said “This was a senseless, violent attack, that has no place in our community. Detectives are canvassing the area, and the crime scene is expected to remain open into the night.
“Anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25132773. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Communities who campaigned to turn their favourite spots into official bathing waters asked to help the Environment Agency make them cleaner to swim in.
The first sample of the season being taken from the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton
3 rivers in Somerset and Hampshire were officially chosen as ‘designated bathing waters’ last year. Meaning they ticked the boxes of being easy to get to with parking and toilets nearby. But contrary to public opinion, being ‘designated’ doesn’t automatically mean the water met set standards of public hygiene.
Environment Agency monitoring of the 451 beaches and rivers on England’s list of designated bathing waters this summer has begun. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points in seas and rivers and sent for testing in the lab.
The results of these samples show how clean the water is and will be available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to swim or paddle. These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in.
The classifications for all 3 river bathing waters at Taunton, Farleigh Hungerford near Bath and Fordingbridge in Hampshire came back as ‘Poor’ – meaning swimming was not advisable.
In response, groups including campaigners, swimmers, councillors, MPs, water companies and the Environment Agency have formed to turn around water quality at these sites.
This includes the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton. The group has come together to create an action plan which will drive improvements to reduce pollution affecting the bathing water quality where swimming takes place.
Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said:
We routinely monitor rivers to check that the water quality for wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers is protected.
But the standards needed to protect human health are different to those needed to safeguard the ecology and wildlife in our rivers and a lot of teamwork is needed to clear that bar. This will be a marathon not a sprint.
Environment Agency officers will patrol the surrounding area looking for obvious sources of pollution entering the watercourse. As well as inspecting water company pipes and other types of equipment that discharges water into the river.
Public interest also saw a Dorset beach return to the Environment Agency’s list of 450 monitored bathing waters last year. Water sampling began again at Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis after an absence of 9 years. The site lost its designated status due to the low number of people going into the sea.
The beach was given a classification of ‘Poor’ after its first bathing water season. Nevertheless, public support from the River Lim Action Group, Blue Tit Swimmers and local officials is strong and committed to improving water quality.
Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.
Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.
Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.
Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.
The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.
Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.
The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.
Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.
Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh
Charities losing funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) are to receive urgent support from the City of Edinburgh Council.
One-off funding of £2.037m will be provided to 46 organisations and projects across Edinburgh which are working to prevent poverty and support vulnerable residents.
An additional £1m will help six third sector advice providers to support residents to maximise their income through accessing welfare benefits, reducing everyday living costs including debt management and improving access to work. A grant has also been provided to support the continued development of the Edinburgh Advice Network.
The decision by the Policy and Sustainability Committee this week (Monday 12 May) will allow funds to be released to prevent the closure of a number of organisations and avert the redundancies of many employees.
Decisions on how to allocate an outstanding £423,400 will be made when Councillors meet again later this month (Tuesday 27 May).
The emergency package of support is provided ahead of a long-term review of the relationship between the Edinburgh Partnership, public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, with the aim of improving funding certainty in future years.
As part of this review, the Edinburgh Partnership is asking voluntary organisations, social enterprises and charities to participate in an online consultation. Workshops will also take place in the coming weeks.
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said:
“The third sector provides vital support to our local communities, and we need to provide stability to projects which have been put at risk of closure. Our funding will quickly and directly prevent many charities from redundancies and from reducing the very important services they provide.
“While I’m pleased that we’ve reached a decision to prioritise this work – and to make sure we protect more people from entering poverty – we cannot become complacent. We need longer-term change so that organisations like these, and the many residents who rely on them, are at less risk and have greater stability.
“We want to hear about how we can make helping vulnerable people simpler. Please take part in the consultation we’ve recently launched, as the Edinburgh Partnership seeks views on strengthening our city’s third sector.”
In a deputation to Policy and Sustainability Committee, Bruce Crawford, CEO of EVOC and speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group said:
“The decisions made by Councillors to support these third sector organisations shows a real understanding of the role that the third sector play in communities across Edinburgh.
“The impact that these Resilience Fund payments will make cannot be underestimated in the way that they will support some of the most vulnerable people in our city. These grants will provide stability to the organisations in receipt of them and allow them to continue to serve their local communities. Longer term solutions need to be developed, and we are prepared to work with the council in planning for the future, beyond the current financial year.”
Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Support Review, the one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund and to access cost-of-living support.
Full list of organisations and projects confirmed to receive urgent funding from the Third Sector Transitional Fund:
1. ACE IT Scotland
2. Art in Healthcare
3. B Healthy Together
4. Bridgend Farmhouse
5. Calton Welfare Services
6. Care for Carers
7. Caring in Craigmillar
8. Community Renewal Trust
9. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
10. Drake Music Scotland
11. Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
12. Edinburgh Community Food
13. Edinburgh Community Health Forum
14. Edinburgh Headway Group
15. Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
16. Eric Liddell Community
17. Feniks
18. Fresh Start
19. Health All Round
20. Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West (HSEW)
21. LGBT Health and Wellbeing
22. Libertus Services
23. MECOPP
24. Murrayfield Dementia Project
25. Pilmeny Development Project
26. Pilton Equalities Project – Mental Health
27. Pilton Equalities Project – Day Care
28. Portobello Monday Centre
29. Portobello Older People’s Project
30. Positive Help
31. Queensferry Churches Care in the Community
32. Rowan Alba Limited
33. Scottish Huntington’s Association
34. Sikh Sanjog
35. South Edinburgh Amenities Group (SEAG)
36. The Broomhouse Centre (The Beacon Club)
37. Vintage Vibes Consortium
38. The Dove Centre
39. The Health Agency
40. The Living Memory Association
41. The Open Door
42. The Ripple Project
43. The Welcoming Association
44. Venture Scotland
45. VOCAL
46. Waverley Care.
Source: European Parliament
The exchange of views will be on the ‘Impacts of cuts in development aid on sexual and reproductive health programmes, as well as on other health programmes for vulnerable groups, including children and persons with disabilities’, from 14:30 to 15:30. This discussion will take place against the backdrop of a global trend of declining official development assistance (ODA), further aggravated by the recent US decision to terminate 83% of USAID programmes, creating a funding gap of USD 60 billion.
The health sector has been severely affected, putting the lives and rights of millions of people at serious risk. These cuts disproportionately impact those already on the margins in developing countries, particularly women and girls, children, and persons with disabilities.
Birgit Van Hout, Director of the UNFPA Office to the EU; Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF Representative to EU Institutions; and Alessandra Aresu, Director of the Health and Protection Division at Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International Federation, representing the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), will participate in this exchange of views. It will provide an opportunity to take stock of the current situation, assess the impacts of the aid cuts on beneficiaries and major actors in their respective fields of competence, and discuss how the EU can help to address this situation.
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
We need your feedback.
Highland Council is seeking feedback from the hundreds of families who attended a highly successful fun day at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on Monday 3 March 2025.
Parents and carers who attended the Brighter Beginnings Family Fun Day are invited to answer 6 short and simple questions in an online form at: https://forms.office.com/e/wx9APAHaFR.
Cllr David Fraser, Chair of Highland Council’s Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee explains: “Following a very high turnout of families at the Early Year Fun Day event, the Integrated Children’s Service Planning Board would like to build on this success by welcoming children under 12 to Eden Court on the of 11th August this year as part of Vision 26.
“To help shape the format of this year’s Vision 26, we need to hear what families thought of the Brighter Beginnings Event and what they would like to see in future events.”
If you attended the Brighter Beginnings Family Fun Day at Eden Court on 3rd March 2025 and you were one of the many families who turned out to take part in the free activities including messy play, scavenger hunt, outdoor play and puppet shows; or you enjoyed the police car and play bus, we want to hear from you what that experience was like.
The Council would like to hear your viewpoint by completing the online form at: https://forms.office.com/e/wx9APAHaFR. All Feedback will be anonymous and will help planning for future events based on the responses.
15 May 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Environment Agency sampling of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored beaches has started and will run through until the end of September.
An Environment Agency officer with a fresh sample taken, ready to be sent to the lab for testing
A beach or river on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is routinely tested. Water samples will be taken at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bad bacteria found in sewage and other waste.
The results of these samples will inform a dedicated group of scientists and officers who are on standby 24/7 to respond to any reports of problems found at beaches and other bathing waters. The results will also be catalogued on the Swimfo website which also contains a lot more information about each bathing water – its history, a description of the surrounding area as well as several years of results.
The results, taken over four years, give the Environment Agency great confidence when deciding upon what classification a beach will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is safe to swim in. Out of 155 monitored bathing waters, there are only 2 beaches in Devon and Cornwall – Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary and Porthluney – with results tipping them into the ‘Poor’ classification. This doesn’t mean they are dirty. A ‘Poor’ classification means that very high standards are not consistently met, and the Environment Agency is actively investigating why.
Bruce Newport of the Environment Agency said:
Over a third of England’s bathing waters can be found in Devon and Cornwall and over 98 per cent of them meet the very high levels of water quality expected for safe swimming.
We also publish a daily water quality forecast on many of our beaches which can be found on our Swimfo website. This service is a great asset, especially after heavy rainfall which can temporarily cause a dip in water quality.
Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.
Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.
Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.
Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.
The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.
Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.
The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.
Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Researchers from the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine of Novosibirsk State University, together with specialists from the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology (NIIKEL, a branch of the ICG SB RAS), the Novosibirsk branch of the S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center for Scientific and Technical Complex “Microsurgery of the Eye” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS (NIOC SB RAS), and the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP SB RAS) conducted a series of experiments to study the effects of various protocols for irradiating rabbit eyes with terahertz radiation. The results of the study were published in the article “Assessment of the general clinical condition and functional properties of the eyes of rabbits after THz irradiation” published in the journal Biomedical Optics Express.
The studies were conducted on a unique source of terahertz radiation of the biological user station of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser (NFEL) of the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS with a frequency of 2.3 THz and an intensity of 0.012–0.024 mW/cm2. Irradiation durations of 15 and 30 minutes with different intensities were used.
The scientists specified that all observed changes in the cornea of the laboratory animals were subclinical, i.e. asymptomatic, and did not lead to significant pathological changes. These scientific studies are aimed at developing future instructions and recommendations for working with THz radiation and have been approved by the Ethics Committee.
— In the process of preparing and conducting the experiment, it was necessary to generate a lot of know-how and life hacks related to both purely practical issues, for example, with the delivery of rabbits to the INP for irradiation in winter, and with the organization of their ophthalmological examination. Some of the diagnostic studies were carried out on equipment provided to us by the Interra veterinary network and its director Elena Drobot, which greatly simplified our logistics. And in general, this is a very large-scale experiment in terms of the number of participants, which was conceived by NSU and which was completely impossible to implement without the INP, namely without the unique FEL installation and this user station. The task that we set for ourselves — to see how terahertz radiation affects the tissues of a healthy organism of a large model animal — we accomplished. And it is rabbits as an object of research that are good because the data obtained on them are most extrapolated to humans, — said the head of the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine Physics Department of NSU Vladimir Kanygin.
The collaboration of scientists approached the preparation and setting up of the experiment very carefully, performing each stage as thoroughly as possible. This was necessary to cut off any external factors affecting living organisms, such as a change in the usual temperature regime, stress from transportation, etc. Before the experiment, the laboratory animals underwent a 14-day quarantine in the vivarium of the NIOC SB RAS. Before the start of the experiments, the veterinarians participating in the work conducted a full examination of the animals to exclude possible eye diseases, such as cataracts.
Diagnostic examinations of rabbits were conducted on day zero, i.e. on the day of irradiation, the next day, a week later and a month later by specialists of the Scientific and Technical Complex “Microsurgery of the Eye”. Veterinarians monitored the condition of the rabbits at each stage of irradiation and after it.
— Ophthalmologists conducted diagnostic studies of the rabbits’ eyes using optical computed tomography and endothelial microscopy. Our study confirms the fact of the dose-dependent effect of terahertz radiation at high frequencies on the structures of the anterior segment of the eye, in particular, on the endothelial layer of the cornea, which is a unique “pump” for maintaining optimal hydration and homeostasis of the cornea, — explained Kristina Krasner, assistant of the Department of Surgical Diseases of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU, ophthalmologist of the Novosibirsk branch of the Scientific and Technical Complex “Microsurgery of the Eye”, junior researcher of the laboratory of cell technologies of the Research Institute of Cellular and Electron Microsurgery.
On the day of irradiation, the animals’ blood was tested, which showed that a systemic inflammatory process was occurring in the body. However, scientists came to the conclusion that this was the body’s reaction to stress, since living organisms have no mechanisms of protection against terahertz radiation.
Further studies have shown that terahertz radiation with parameters of 2.3 THz and intensity of 0.012–0.024 mW/cm2 for 30 minutes is conditionally safe for the structures of the rabbit eye. However, the detected changes in the cornea require further study to determine safe exposure limits. It was noted that irradiation of the rabbit cornea led to a decrease in the density of endothelial cells. The detected changes were reversible and did not lead to pathological changes in the cornea.
— Terahertz radiation and terahertz spectroscopy based on it can really enter clinical practice as an effective method for diagnosing oncological diseases or for possible diagnostics of diseases of the organ of vision. Despite the fact that this type of diagnostics is currently experimental and is at the development stage, it is already necessary to start thinking about safety recommendations when working with sources of terahertz radiation. In the course of this study, we studied the effect of various terahertz radiation protocols in time and intensity on the cornea of the eyes of eight laboratory animals – rabbits. We assessed only changes in the anterior segment of the eyeball. Based on the data we obtained, it is premature to draw final conclusions, but the study is a good foundation for drawing up such recommendations in the future, — commented Ekaterina Butikova, Junior Researcher at the Laboratory of Cell Technologies, Research Institute of Cellular and Electron Chemistry, Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Scientists involved in the experiments emphasize that the generation of terahertz radiation with the parameters required to conduct the study is only possible at the biological user station of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser (NFEL) of the INP SB RAS.
— In terms of average power, NLSE exceeds any existing sources in the world by many orders of magnitude, which allows us to conduct absolutely unique experiments in a very wide range of wavelengths with various biological objects. If we affect living systems with terahertz radiation, we can quite strongly influence the work of their cells, the processes occurring inside them. Such experiments are of interest from the point of view that no living organism has developed any protective mechanisms against intense THz radiation, since it is completely absorbed by the atmosphere, which means that by affecting biological objects, we can study how they adapt, what protective mechanisms they activate. For such biological experiments, a special user station was created at NLSE, which implemented the technology for regulating the average and peak radiation power, as well as the intensity of exposure. For the purity of the experiments, the station was equipped with a shutter and a thermal imager — these devices maintain and control the desired temperature. Thanks to this, we understand that we are receiving the system’s reaction specifically to the effect of radiation, and not to an increase or decrease in temperature, explained Vasily Popik, a senior researcher at the INP SB RAS and a candidate of physical and mathematical sciences.
Experiments on laboratory animals are widely used all over the world to obtain fundamental knowledge, as well as to identify the root causes of various diseases in humans and animals, to study treatment options. All such experiments are conducted in accordance with ethical standards for the treatment of laboratory animals and are approved by the ethics committee before they begin. The Bioethics Committee of the ICG SB RAS approved the experimental work with animals on the topic: “Clinical changes in the rabbit cornea after exposure to THz radiation.”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Environment Agency monitoring of the 56 designated bathing waters between Highcliffe and Hastings Pelham have started ahead of summer.
Lee-on-Solent is one of the 56 bathing waters being regularly monitored by the Environment Agency this summer
A beach, river or estuary location on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is thoroughly tested. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bacteria found in sewage and bird and wildlife poo – and the results made available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to paddle.
These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in. If it’s ‘Poor’ then swimming is not advisable.
Kate Donlon of the Environment Agency said:
Public confidence in the water quality at beaches and new river swimming spots has taken some knocks over the last few years. This is a shame as it’s a fact that 95% of the sites within Hampshire, Sussex and Isle of Wight hit acceptable standards for having a dip or a swim.
Don’t be put off going into the water during this lovely weather at one of the sites on the designated bathing water list. Go to our Swimfo website, choose a location and inform your own mind if you fancy going into the water.
The chief cause for any drop in water quality between Highcliffe to Hastings Pelham is pollution entering beaches from surface water drains connecting to the sea, not sewage discharges. Rain water washes bacteria from sources like bird, dog and wildlife poo into the drains along with any other pollutants from the urban environment.
Improving sites at Bognor Regis Aldwick, Worthing Beach House and Southsea will be a marathon effort and only possible with dedicated partnership groups. Public support is also key. Eliminating routine nuisances like litter and dog poo from investigations and promoting awareness that only rain should go down the drain will free up investigative time. Meaning we are able to focus on other serious causes.
Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.
Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.
Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.
Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.
The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.
Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.
The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.
Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Landmark bill passes in Parliament as Great British Energy takes another major step forward.
Working people will benefit from cleaner, homegrown power, as Great British Energy takes another major step forward today. Legislation for Britain’s new publicly-owned energy company has passed through Parliament and Great British Energy is set to deliver for working people.
Great British Energy will invest in clean power projects across the UK as part of the government’s Plan for Change to become a clean energy superpower – helping to get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices and protect families’ finances.
Backed by £8.3 billion over the course of this parliament, the company will speed up the delivery of strategic energy projects and invest alongside the private sector to get new technologies like floating offshore wind up and running as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.
The Energy Secretary is today visiting a hospital in Hull where solar power is saving the hospital hundreds of thousands of pounds each month, allowing money to be reinvested in frontline services.
That’s why Great British Energy is investing £200 million in funding for new rooftop solar power and renewable energy schemes for schools, hospitals and communities – saving hundreds of millions on their energy bills. In April NHS Humber Health Partnership was awarded nearly £8.5 million from this fund, which will deliver up to £14.2 million in lifetime bills savings.
As part of this, yesterday Scotland’s community energy fund opened for applications, backed by £4 million from Great British Energy for local clean energy projects – from community-led onshore wind, to solar on rooftops and hydropower in rivers – generating profits which could be reinvested into community projects or take money off people’s bills.
Meanwhile people in Wales will benefit from nearly £3 million of Great British Energy funding for local renewable projects.
“Great British Energy comes from a simple idea: British people should own and benefit from our own natural resources.
“We are giving people a stake in clean energy and delivering profits for the British people.
“As part of our Plan for Change, this will make us a clean energy superpower and help bring down energy bills for good.”
“Great British Energy was created to ensure British people reap the benefits of clean, secure, homegrown energy.
“We now have full backing to scale up the company, crowd in investment, and back clean energy projects across the country.”
Today Great British Energy will host a roundtable in Edinburgh alongside the Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, focussed on the supply chain opportunities in Scotland. It follows Great British Energy’s initial £300 million funding for offshore wind supply chains. This will support Britain’s engineers, technicians, and welders and invest in offshore wind manufacturing components such as floating offshore platforms and cables in the UK’s industrial heartlands.
As part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in the UK’s key sectors including clean energy, this investment is part of the Prime Minister’s drive to ensure that the clean energy future is ‘built in Britain’.
The Energy Secretary will soon outline Great British Energy’s strategic priorities – including which technologies the government expects the company to focus on and how it should consider the public benefits from investment decisions.
The Great British Energy Bill received legislative consent from all three devolved governments, the first Bill to under this parliament. This will allow Great British Energy to operate more effectively in every devolved nation and benefit people across the UK.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
AURORA — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) held a roundtable with providers at Aurora Mental Health to discuss how congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid would hurt those seeking mental health services in our community.
“We should not be balancing the federal budget on the backs of working Americans. That’s why today I met with local health care providers to discuss how Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid would hurt our community,” said Congressman Crow. “They shared just how drastically this would impact folks seeking mental health services. I will continue to fight against these harmful and reckless cuts.”
The Republican House budget resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion in costs over the next decade. To make those types of steep cuts, Republicans are weighing billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, which would threaten health care coverage for 80 million Americans. Republicans are considering these cuts to Medicaid to offer “lucrative tax cuts to corporations and wealthier Americans,” according to the Associated Press.
One in four Coloradans—1.69 million people—get their health care through Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, elderly, and the disabled. In Colorado’s Sixth Congressional District, 115,000 residents get their health care through Medicaid, according to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.
Congressman Crow has been strongly opposed to cuts that would impact Colorado’s working families, including cuts to Medicaid.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
AURORA — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) toured the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and held a roundtable with administrators and faculty to discuss issues impacting the University, including the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to life-saving medical research and federal funding for the National Institutes of Health.
“The Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to medical research are threatening our ability to find cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why today I met with CU Anschutz faculty and administrators to learn more about their research and how I can best fight to protect this life-saving work in Washington.”
Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Crow toured the University’s BIOElectrics Lab, which explores the intersection between technology and the brain as well as the CellSight Program, which is working to develop therapeutics to save and restore sight in patients with blinding diseases.
Congressman Crow has opposed cuts to medical research grants and the NIH, and recently led a letter highlighting how these cuts would hurt Colorado’s economy and stall efforts to find cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. He also strongly opposes the Republican budget proposal that would limit Coloradans’ access to health care.
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Source: City of Wolverhampton
Councillor Craig Collingswood has been officially appointed Wolverhampton’s 166th Mayor.
He took over the chains of office from outgoing Mayor Councillor Linda Leach at the inauguration, which took place during last night’s Annual Council Meeting. His daughter Abby, a cardiothoracic nurse at New Cross Hospital’s Heart and Lung Centre, is Mayoress.
Councillor Paul Singh was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025 to 2026, with his wife Ranjit Dhillon becoming the new Deputy Mayoress.
Councillor Collingswood, who has served the Park Ward since 2012 and was Deputy Mayor for the 2024 to 2025 municipal year, said: “I am immensely proud and deeply grateful to become the First Citizen of our great city.
“As a born and bred Wulfrunian, it is an incredible honour and I pledge to dedicate my time, energy and commitment to serving this amazing place to the best of my ability.
“Wolverhampton has a rich and proud history. It has witnessed remarkable changes and transformations and has long been a place where innovation and industry have thrived – and today it continues to be a city which embraces diversity, progress and opportunity.
“Our city’s motto, out of darkness cometh light, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that, even in the face of adversity, we have the power to advance, innovate and shine brightly, and this resonates today more than ever as we continue to work together to bring light to every corner of our city.
“My theme for the year is ‘City and Wulfrunians ascend together’. This symbolises the collective ambition towards growth and progress. It represents the city’s regeneration, whether through urban development or cultural revival, and highlights the resilience and aspiration of our residents.
“This ascension points towards collaboration, a shared sense of pride, community and empowerment as Wulfrunians rise together to shape the city’s destiny on a local, national and even global stage.”
He added: “Abby will be a wonderful Mayoress and, together, we promise to act with integrity and put the interests of our city and Wulfrunians first and foremost. Let us work together to make Wolverhampton an even better place for future generations, guided by the light that our motto so brilliantly embodies.”
Councillor Collingswood has chosen 4 charities to support during his Mayoral year. These include:
This year’s inauguration was sponsored by 2 local firms, Burke Brothers and Gills Mix Concrete, and Councillor Collingswood added: “I would like to thank Burke Brothers and Gills Mix Concrete for their generosity.”
Councillor Collingswood, who attended Manor Primary and Parkfields Secondary schools, worked in occupational health in local government for many years before becoming a lecturer. His father was a Bilston councillor for 17 years and, following in his footsteps, Councillor Collingswood has served as the council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services and the Environment and as chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
Councillor Collingswood is also Chair of the Wolverhampton Armed Forces Covenant Board – his son, Jack, is a Trooper serving with the British Army in The Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment and is currently in Germany.
For more information please visit The Mayor of Wolverhampton. The website includes details of how to invite the Mayor to events.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Avona
Manama (Agenzia Fides) – “Theology of the Body (TOB): A Transformative Journey of Hope, Healing & Human Dignity” represents a further step forward made by the Women Program (WP) of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) which offered a series of meetings in the parishes of Manama and Awali, aimed to deepen the understanding of human dignity, femininity and the sacredness of the body, addressing topics often overlooked in traditional settings.The initiative, held under the patronage of the Apostolic Vicar of Avona, Msgr. Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., offered a profound reflection on the human person in God’s plan for love and life.Drawing heavily from the profound teachings of Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Adeline Khouri’s sessions were designed to be both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. Her approach fostered an environment where participants felt comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to sexuality, relationships, and personal identity within a faith-based framework. The core messageemphasized how the human body, far from being merely a biological entity, serves as a “roadmap to God,” revealing divine truths about love, communion, and our ultimate purpose.One of the most significant moments of the initiative, which involved the entire Catholic community in Bahrain, was the launch of the Training of Trainers Initiative, a significant step for the future of TOB formation in the region. This gathering, held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, marked the beginning of a long-term “Training of Trainers” program that aims to equip and empower local leaders to continue disseminating TOB teachings within their ministries. A session was dedicated to the Arabic-speaking community, in Arabic. “By offering TOB teachings in the native language of a significant portion of the community, the mission successfully broke barriers of language and culture, ensuring that the message of human dignity and God’s plan for love,” reads the note released by Avona.Another event of great impact was the women’s conference on the Theology of the Body and the spiritual insights found in the Song of Songs.Beyond the scheduled sessions, Adeline Khouri engaged in crucial discussions with clergy and pastoral leaders. These meetings focused on practical ways to integrate Theology of the Body into existing church programs, specifically mentioning marriage preparation courses and school curricula. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 14/5/2025)
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) today announced the appointment of Luke Ware as Head of Asia, in addition to his current position as Head of Corporate Risk & Broking, Asia, effective immediately.
In his new dual capacity, Luke will work closely with all WTW business leaders across Risk & Broking and Health, Wealth & Career to drive innovation, advance and deliver WTW solutions, and serve the people, risk and capital needs of the company’s clients in Asia. Luke brings over 20 years of broking and risk management experience and has worked extensively in the insurance sector across markets in Australia, London and Asia.
Pamela Thomson-Hall, Head of International at WTW, said: “Luke has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our Asia region. He has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, strong leadership and a client-first mindset. Luke’s ability to drive performance, while fostering collaboration across teams, makes him ideally suited to accelerate WTW’s growth and enhance the value we bring to our clients and colleagues in Asia.”
Commenting on his appointment, Luke said, “I’m honoured to take on this expanded role and excited about the opportunity to work even more closely with our talented colleagues across all our businesses in Asia. We are focused on accelerating our presence in the region to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. In today’s complex and volatile environment, this requires a thorough understanding of our clients’ needs. With the breadth of our solutions, I believe we can help our clients transform their tomorrows into actionable opportunities and business success.”
Based in Singapore, Luke will continue to report to Pamela Thomson-Hall.
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.
Media contact
Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
clara.goh@wtwco.com
A soft consumer and global uncertainty have led to a downgrade to GDP expectations, with additional interest rate cuts needed to improve spending momentum.
The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.2 per cent in April, a very modest lift following a soft first quarter of spending in 2025. (ref. https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NDo000000wOzu )
Seven of the twelve HSI categories recorded spending growth for the month, led by Insurance (+1.6 per cent), Hospitality (+1.4 per cent) and Communications & Digital (+0.7 per cent). The increase seen in hospitality spending was likely driven by the Easter-Anzac Day ‘super holiday’ period. April also featured the lead-up to the Federal election, recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and newly announced tariffs by the Trump administration.
Spending on Utilities fell 2.0 per cent in the month, the largest decline across all categories, with decreases seen in electricity, gas, water and council services. Transport (-0.8 per cent), Education (-0.7 per cent) and Household Services (-0.7 per cent) also declined.
“Another soft month for household spending reinforces our view that a slower than expected consumer recovery is unfolding. This trend, along with global economic uncertainty, led us to recently downgrade our Australian GDP forecast for 2025,” said CBA Senior Economist, Belinda Allen.
“While moderating inflation, February’s RBA rate cut and lower utility and petrol bills are improving purchasing power, households clearly remain deliberate with their spending choices. The recent pause of additional tariffs between the U.S. and China could improve sentiment going forward, however we expect it will take additional interest rates cuts to improve momentum in consumer spending.
“We maintain our call for the RBA to cut rates by 25 basis points next week , with a forecast end of year cash rate of 3.35 per cent.”
The annual rate of spending across home ownership status saw a surprising shift in April – renters have typically recorded the weakest spending over the past two years however this has now switched with renters leading annual growth in spending (+2.4 per cent), followed by those with a mortgage (2.2 per cent) and outright homeowners most sluggish (+0.7 per cent).
“Renters in particular have increased discretionary spending which suggests that while consumers are making cutbacks in some areas, many are still making trade-offs and allocating a share of their wallet to areas like hospitality and recreation and more so in April given the additional public holidays,” commented Ms Allen.
Queensland recorded the strongest household spending growth in April of the states and territories, rising 0.8 per cent following a rebound from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred in March, when the state posted the softest growth of all states at just 0.2 per cent.
