Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.
With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.
The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.
From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.
The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.
Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.
Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”
Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.
The Council is set to enter into a landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes as part of plans to build 1,600 more homes.
GMPF has been selected, through a competitive process, as the investment partner for the next phase of development by This City, the Council’s housing company. The Council’s Executive is being asked to endorse the creation of a new joint venture with GMPF to deliver the second phase of This City development when it meets on 4 June.
This City’s first flagship project, No.1 Ancoats Green, is nearing completion – with 129 low carbon homes created next to the brilliant new green space and park at Ancoats Green. 30% of these will be available at the Manchester Living Rent, capped at the rent level which can be covered by housing benefit to make sure they are affordable to as many people as possible.
The initial pipeline for phase two consists of 1,583 homes on Council-owned brownfield sites across the city. At least 20% of these new homes will be affordable homes to rent. This City also has a strong emphasis on sustainability through low carbon homes, and on community.
Postal Street in the Northen Quarter, Piccadilly is the most advanced of the phase two sites with a planning application expected to be submitted in the coming weeks for 126 new homes – 20% of them affordable and to be let at the Manchester Living Rent.
Engagement with local communities in Monsall and Longsight started earlier this year, beginning a conversation with local people about proposals for sites in their areas. While formal consultation will be undertaken later this year with local people in the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester around proposals for new housing as part of the major estate regeneration that will deliver 100s of new affordable homes in this part of Beswick
Future This City sites include:
Postal Street, Piccadilly: 126 new homes
Hyde Road, Longsight: 85 homes
Monsall, Harpurhey: 750 homes
Grey Mare Lane, Ancoats and Beswick: 136 homes
Downing Street, Ardwick: 166 homes
Heyrod Street, Piccadilly: 256 homes
Kirkmanshulme Lane, Longsight: 64 homes
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:
“This City is about accelerating home building on Council-owned land so that we can build the homes that Manchester needs on our own terms. These homes will contribute to our housing strategy target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes up to 2032 – and at least 10,000 of these homes will be social, Council or genuinely affordable. “These are ambitious numbers and we are on track to meet them. For example, last year we built more council and social homes than any year for more than a decade, but we want to go even further. We plan to build new council and social housing in every part of the city and being creative, using our land and building the homes ourselves, we will do just that. And having the Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board gives us the financial boost to go further and build much needed low cost, low carbon homes for Manchester residents.”
Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said:
“Having Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board with This City as an institutional investor will help us deliver at scale the new housing, including significant amounts of affordable housing, which Manchester needs. “We’re seeing a step change and acceleration in the delivery of affordable housing, with more being built now than at any point in the last 12 years and with even more in the pipeline.”
Cllr Eleanor Wills, Chair of GMPF, said:
“We are acutely aware of the severe housing crisis both nationally and in the North-West region. This is why we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Manchester City Council investing in the “This City” vehicle that supports the Government’s plan to provide much-needed affordable homes for hardworking families while ensuring strong, low-risk returns to secure the pensions of our members.”
Since its launch, the programme has welcomed individuals from all walks of life, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Wolverhampton Arts and Culture service has 48 regular volunteers, who collectively contributed an impressive 12,936 hours of their time over the past 12 months.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, they help bring our exhibitions and events to life by creating a welcoming environment for visitors and sharing in the stories behind the art.
“We’re excited to welcome new faces and help them grow their skills while being part of something truly inspiring.”
Melaine Addis, Senior Operations Officer said: “Our volunteers bring warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to everything we do. Their stories are inspiring, and their impact is immeasurable.
“The oldest volunteer is 81 years old and our youngest 18. Volunteering offers a rewarding way to engage with the vibrant arts and culture community across Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bantock House Museum. There are many reasons people join us for volunteering; we have young people who want to gain experience in the creative sector, retired people who would like something new to do and some of our volunteers are looking for work based experience and training to help them into work.”
The gallery works closely with local organisations to ensure the programme is accessible to all, supporting over a third of the volunteer team with additional access needs. Volunteers are encouraged every step of the way, and many have gone on to further education, employment, or simply found a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement.
From welcoming visitors and supporting exhibitions to assisting with workshops and events, volunteers play a vital role in shaping the gallery’s cultural offering. Their contributions have not only enriched the visitor experience but also transformed their own lives.
Our volunteer stories highlight the programme’s impact:
John started working as a volunteer and now works casually as a visitor assistant as well as continuing as a volunteer – “Volunteering gets me out of the house and keeps me busy. I work with nice people and have made some new friends. I think it gives me more confidence and has helped show me I am more capable than I believed. I really enjoy helping in the shop.”
Maya started working as a volunteer in 2024 and has grown in confidence over the past 12 months, regularly helping with events in the gallery – “I like to focus on my job and keep myself busy. I help customers find where things are in the art gallery. It gives me more confidence, the people that I work with are nice and the staff I work with are kind and have respect, I can talk to them if I have any problems. I enjoyed it so much that I now go in 4 days a week instead of 2.”
Kieran first came to the gallery as a work placement for Walsall College’s SEND students and stayed on after it was completed – “I do enjoy just doing my job and helping people around the gallery, helping out with craft club and showing new volunteers around gives me the confidence to have a go at things and learn new skills that I never knew were there.”
As the gallery celebrates this milestone, it also looks ahead with excitement, continuing to build partnerships, support volunteers, and welcome new faces into its creative community.
Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week, with flexible scheduling available to suit individual availability, training will also be provided. If you’re interested in becoming a part of Wolverhampton’s cultural story, join the team on Saturday 7 June , from 11am to 3pm, and see where volunteering could take you.
The volunteer team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery are finalists in the BID Excellence Awards for Team of the Year. The winning team will be announced on Thursday 10 July.
A short film featuring our current volunteers is also available to view, offering insight into the experience and the rewarding opportunities available through the programme:
L to R: Colin McVeigh – GEDA GB Director, Paul Melia – Clerk of Works at Coventry City Council, Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu – Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, Sam Parker – Education Sufficiency Lead at Coventry City Council
The development of a new sports hall has got underway at Lyng Hall Secondary School.
Following discussions between Lyng Hall School and Coventry City Council, it was agreed that additional sports facilities are needed to accommodate the growing number of students. As a result, a new four-court sports hall will be built.
The new court will be a standalone sports area which will be home to four badminton sized courts, associated changing rooms, a weights room and a fitness suite.
The new facility will be an excellent addition to the school PE curriculum and able to serve the wider community better.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Every child in the city deserves to have the best education. That’s why we agreed to this new sports facility for pupils at Lyng Hall School. The new development will offer advanced facilities for students to learn and for staff to teach at the school.
“It’s going to be a huge asset for whole school community upon completion. I’m looking forward to seeing the development work progress.”
Contractor, GEDA, an award-winning, multifaceted Construction, Civil Engineering, and Development company will be completing the works.
Colm McVeigh, Build Director at GEDA said: “At GEDA, we recognise the significant impact that sports facilities have on schools and their communities. We are excited to continue collaborating with Coventry City Council to expand the sporting opportunities available to students, ensuring the school’s long-term needs are met by providing pupils with access to top-tier sports resources.”
The new sports hall is estimated to cost around £2.3m and is due to be completed by late 2025.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
South Sudan
Cyprus
Security Council
Haiti – Hurricane Season
International Days
Programming Note – Monday
Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for malnourished children.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025
At The Conversation, we are big believers in the health benefits of being near the sea. In fact, we have a whole series dedicated to how our health is intrinsically linked with that of the ocean, called Vitamin Sea. The idea of how the coast can heal is explored in the bestselling memoir The Saltpath, which has been adapted for the screen, and stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
Anderson plays Raynor Winn who documented the whirlwind period that began with her husband Moth being given a terminal diagnosis. In the same week, they also lost their home. In the face of this, the couple made a wild decision: to take a 630-mile year-long coastal walk from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall.
The South West Coast Path has over 115,000 feet of ascent and descent, which is equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times. In this piece, lecturer in the history of science and the environment, Lena Ferriday explores how this decision might not have been as mad as it might seem.
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The Winns’ decision to walk the path is part of a long history of people seeking wellness and recovery on England’s south-west coast. From taking in the clean air on long gentle walks to bathing in cold waters, it was common for the sickly to be prescribed a trip to the sea. And, as the Winns discover in this beautiful film, they find respite and connection in that history.
Reply to this email to let us know if you have any thoughts on the healing qualities of the coast. We would also love you to answer our poll letting us what you think is the best nature memoir of our of favourite five. If your favourite isn’t there, email us its name.
The first season of The Handmaid’s Tale aired in 2017 in the early months of the first Trump presidency. Now in its sixth season, the drama is ending in the early months of the second Trump presidency. In that time, the show and its iconography have become synonymous with feminist resistance.
When the Canadian writer Margaret Atwood first wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, Donald Trump was a mere real estate mogul. Some say it is eerie how she foresaw rising authoritarianism in the United States as well as the erosion of women’s rights. However, Atwood didn’t see the tale as science fiction, everything she wrote, she stressed, had already happened or was happening somewhere.
In this piece, Canadian literature expert Sharon Engbrecht writes about Atwood has made many similar educated predictions about where the roots laid in history will come up in the future. While the last series does deviate somewhat from Atwood’s follow-up The Testaments, it is very much in-line with her view of the world. Hopefully, this last season ends in a much more hopeful place.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low stakes and whimsical then can we recommend checking out the film The Phoenician Scheme. Wes Anderson is a director with a very distinct vision, you can spot a work by him a mile away. This is what makes a director an auteur.
Fans of his work have come to expect a few things from his films. The first is a star-studded ensemble. The second, a distinct colour palette. The third, boundless whimsy. The Phoenician Scheme has all of this, which as our expert in film Daniel O’Brien notes, will make some of you love it and others hate it.
I like Wes Anderson films. They are incredibly charming and visually delicious. The Phoenician Scheme has more solid narrative than some of his recent films, which I, for one, welcome. It follows wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) after he makes his only daughter (Mia Threapleton), a nun, the sole heir to his estate before embarking on a new money-making scheme. Andersonian hijinks and shenanigans ensue as the pair dodge danger in the form of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.
The Phoenician Scheme is in cinemas now
The Coin by Yasmin Zaher is a bold debut novel about a young Palestinian woman who is struggling to keep it together. On the surface of things she has it all: she is a teacher at a New York city middle school, she is rich, stylish and meticulously clean. However, buried within her sits history that won’t leave her alone. To be precise, inside her sits an Israeli shekel that she accidentally swallowed on a family road trip during which her parents were killed.
The knowledge of the coin and all it represents tears at the narrator, not letting her know peace. She is pushed to desperate acts in order to gain some sort of control over mind and body. But the coin does not relent. It won’t let her be. She is neither here nor there, in the US or Palestine. In this piece, literature expert Daniel G. Williams explains why he and his fellow judges awarded this debut the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize.
I love Pulp. One of my formative festival memories is watching a lanky Jarvis Cocker hump a giant neon Pulp sign while singing Disco 2000 at Reading festival. I was at a liberal arts uni at the time and the lyrics of Common People had never made more sense to me.
As expert in popular music Mark Higgins writes, it’s a common misconception that Pulp were Brit Pop. In fact, they were founded in 1978 and their sound and whole shtick were quite a part from the 60’s mania of Britpop boy bands. Listening to the first single of this album Higgins notes, however, that the nostalgia for a better time seems to have hit Pulp belatedly as they wax lyrical about 90s.
Next week, the band release their first album since 2001’s We Love Life. In the lead up to the release of their album More, I have been rediscovering their back catalogue and I would highly recommend you all do the same this sunny weekend.
The guest speakers expected to address MEPs are political activist Yulia Navalnaya, wife of murdered Sakharov Prize laureate Alexei Navalny, Russian-British political activist, journalist and former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza, and opposition politician Ilya Yashin. All the guests will attend the meeting in person.
Question for written answer E-002091/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Greece, as one of the most seismically active areas in the EU, faces intense and continuous seismic activity due to the presence of many fault lines inside the country as well as in the wider region.
The earthquake in Santorini did not cause damage but had an impact on tourism. Then, in Evia, serious damage was recorded in over 50 houses and structures, with some buildings deemed possibly unfit for habitation.
The morphology of the soil in Evia complicates inspections and interventions, making them slower and more expensive.
Despite the fact that the earthquakes are of moderate intensity (below five on the Richter scale), their frequency causes significant damage and hardship to citizens.
This state of affairs, in addition to causing uncertainty and anxiety among citizens, often has human victims.
It is noted that some 30 % of schools are not designed to be earthquake-proof, while a further 30 % comply with an obsolete regulation from 1959.
At the same time, there is a clear impact on the economic climate, especially in the tourism sector.
1.Greece can make use of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) whenever necessary to monitor the effects of and coordinate actions with regard to an earthquake. Are the corresponding national services aware of how they can benefit from the service, if necessary?
2.Have there been requests from Greece for monitoring land deformation or drawing up evacuation plans for a future incident?
3.Does the Commission consider that seismicity is sufficiently taken into account in the preparation of cohesion policies?
Source:Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)
Milk continues to prove the vital part it plays in the health of New Zealanders and of billions of people around the world, says the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
Today is World Milk Day, which is celebrated around the world to mark the contribution of dairy to the global food system.
DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther says milk’s contribution to health is well worth celebrating.
“As a nutrient-dense food it’s an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, not just for Kiwis of all ages, but also for people globally, including those in the more than 120 countries New Zealand exports dairy products to.”
Milk is a nutritional powerhouse with over 10 essential nutrients. Just one glass of milk delivers 35% of daily calcium, 40% of vitamin B2, and 37% of vitamin B12 requirements, along with high-quality protein.
Together, these nutrients support healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, skin, eyes, nervous system, and overall healthy growth and aging.
“That’s a massive amount of goodness in such a small – and tasty – serve.
“New Zealand’s most recent nutritional survey showed that in Kiwi diets, milk is the No 1 contributor of calcium, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12, and is the No 2 source of protein.
“Globally, milk contributes 49% of dietary calcium supply, 24% of vitamin B2, and 12% of protein, and is overall a top 5 source for 23 nutrients.
This nutrient density means milk and dairy products have an important role to play in the global fight against malnutrition.”
“Despite the impacts of strong global demand on dairy prices, at current prices, Kiwis can consume a serving of milk, cheese, and yoghurt for as little as $2 a day and in doing so receive more than a third of the recommended protein and more than three-quarters of recommended calcium needs.
“That works out at an impressive nutritional outcome for the investment of just 15% of the average weekly food bill of $475 for a family of 5, as reported in the latest [2023] Household Expenditure Statistics survey”
Also, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), dairy consumption reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, obesity, and osteoporosis in adults.
A 2018 study of children aged 1-12 years across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam also found the prevalence of stunting is significantly less in those who consume dairy every day compared to those who do not consume it at all.
Recognition of dairy’s nutritional goodness is fuelling demand growth globally and adding significantly to the industry’s economic contribution to New Zealand.
“The value of dairy exports increased by $3.5 billion in the year to April 2025, to $26.8 billion. That equalled one-in-every-three dollars New Zealand earnt from all goods trade, with the economic benefits flowing through the economy as farmers and dairy companies purchase goods and services from thousands of other companies.
“DCANZ thanks the thousands of people throughout New Zealand who support and contribute to this positive contribution.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan has congratulated four Fire and Emergency personnel from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā and Taihape who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
“These awards recognise the outstanding contributions that our people have made to Fire and Emergency, Search and Rescue and their local communities over many years,” Rebecca Keoghan says.
The recipients are:
Ronald (Ron) Ealam(Oxford) – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
Marius Bron(Fox Glacier) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
Gavin Dennis(Matatā) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Alan (Curly) Troon(Taihape) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
‘We are all incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement,” Rebecca Keoghan says.
“On behalf of Fire and Emergency, thank you for your ongoing dedication to our organisation and your communities.”
Additional information:
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Ronald Bruce (Ron) Ealam
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
Mr Ron Ealam has been contributing to Land Search and Rescue for more than 50 years.
Mr Ealam has been a member of the Oxford Fire Brigade since 1996. He has contributed 25 years of service to the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs, helping train dogs. He has been a qualified national trainer and assessor for Search Dogs for more than ten years, specialising in border collies, attending several annual dog training camps each year. He helped develop the official New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Search Dogs Training Pathway and Assessments in 2009, which forms the basis of the Search Dogs pathways today. He has been a member of the Oxford Land Search and Rescue, contributing to local search and rescue meetings and training nights, and training dogs, which takes at least two years before they become operational. During the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, he was part of the initial response in the first three days in the Redcliff area and helped with welfare and house checks. He has been the elected Group Chair for Oxford Land Search and Rescue for more than 10 years. Mr Ealam received the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence award in 2023 for his contributions.
King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Marius Jean Bron
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
Mr Marius Bron has served the Fox Glacier community in various volunteer emergency service roles since 1999.
On a voluntary basis Mr Bron leads the local branches of South Westland Land Search and Rescue Group, the Civil Defence service and the Community Committee. He also volunteers for the Department of Conservation, assisting in the management of alpine huts in the area. He works to ensure these huts are fit for use by both domestic and international visitors. He is also a local volunteer firefighter for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a St John Ambulance first responder. The skills he has gained from these various roles make him a central figure in the Fox Glacier community. He and his team have received national recognition for their search and rescue efforts, including the successful rescue of two climbers on Mt Rolleston and the successful overnight rescue of an injured person on a glacier. He was involved in the creation of important facilities for the Fox Glacier community, including the Emergency Services Centre and the Community Centre. His efforts included driving the concept stage, fundraising and project managing. In addition to his volunteer work, Mr Bron is Operations Manager at Fox Glacier Guiding, which brings tourist business to the community.
Gavin Lloyd Dennis, JP
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Gavin Dennis has served the Matatā community for close to 40 years.
Mr Dennis is currently Chief Fire Officer of the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade, having held various ranks since joining in 1987. While Deputy Chief Fire Officer, he played a key role in the response to major flood events in 2005, with the town cut off for several days. He instigated the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Cadet Programme in 2014, for young people aged 15 to 16 to join the brigade to gain experience and life skills. The programme has been successful in recruiting these young people as volunteer recruit firefighters when eligible, forming a large part of the brigade’s membership over the past 10 years. He was a member of the Rangitaiki Community Board from 2007 to 2019, serving four years as Deputy Chairperson, and helped oversee the town’s recovery efforts following the 2017 Edgecumbe flood event. He has served on the Boards of Trustees of Matatā Public School and Trident High School, including holding several offices across the period 1993 to 2010. He has chaired the Matatā Residents Association and the Matatā Community Resource Centre. Mr Dennis was elected to the Whakatāne District Council in 2019.
Alan Rex (Curly) Troon
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mr Alan “Curly” Troon is a Life Member of the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade and has helped to promoteTaihapethrough gumboot throwing.
Mr Troon joined the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1991 and has been Chief Fire Officer since 2009, being awarded Life Membership in 2022. He oversaw the rebuild of the new Taihape Fire Station which opened in 2022. He has worked for Rangitikei County Council and has held many volunteer roles within the community, including past President of the Taihape Tennis Association and Taihape Kindergarten Committee and is the current President of the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association (NZBTA). In the mid-1980s, he became a champion thrower in Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day and has since promoted the sport with his wife. They have taken Taihape to world competitions. In 2021 he won the Toyota Lifetime Legacy Award from NZBTA as part of the Norwood Rural Sports Award. He is a past member of the Taihape St John Area Committee and has driven the Taihape ambulance when the team is short staffed. Mr Troon has been coaching young people at the Taihape Badminton Club since 2023.
India’s green economy is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2030, and a staggering $15 trillion by 2070, a new report said on Monday.
With this massive growth, India is also set to create a huge number of green jobs – around 7.29 million by the financial year 2027-28 and 35 million by the year 2047, according to a NLB Services report.
NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug said: “In the past 4–5 years, we’ve seen green jobs evolve from niche roles to mainstream opportunities across renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable infrastructure. What’s changed pragmatically is the skillsets.”
“Today’s green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency, and the increased integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools are laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers,” Alug mentioned.
As the green sector expands, industries are not just investing in green technology and renewable energy, but also focusing on building a skilled workforce to meet the rising demand.
This shift is driving companies to change their hiring strategies. Rather than relying only on traditional degrees, employers are now giving more importance to practical green skills and hands-on experience.
Many companies are also working closely with colleges and universities to equip young people with sustainability-related skills, while also investing in inclusive hiring and re-skilling programmes, the report stated.
The new employment outlook is stronger than earlier predictions. In 2024, the green sector was expected to grow at a pace of 15–20 per cent annually in terms of job demand.
However, new estimates show an even faster increase, especially in fields like renewable energy, electric vehicles, green construction, waste management, and sustainable textiles.
Most green jobs are still based in big cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. But smaller cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad are also becoming key green job hubs.
Tier II and Tier III cities are expected to create 35-40 per cent of the projected 7.29 million jobs by FY28, helped by the growth in sustainable agriculture, logistics, and warehousing, as per the report.
Green job roles are also becoming more diverse. Demand for professionals in areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) analytics, climate data analysis, and green technology is growing fast, with a projected 20–30 per cent yearly rise.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may implement a 50-basis point rate cut in its June Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting to revive the credit cycle and mitigate economic uncertainty, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI) released on Monday.
The cumulative rate cut during the ongoing cycle could total 100 basis points, said Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser at SBI.
“Domestic liquidity and financial stability concerns have eased. Inflation is expected to remain within the tolerance band. Preserving domestic growth momentum should be the primary policy objective, justifying a jumbo rate cut,” he noted.
With liquidity in sustained surplus, banks are repricing liabilities more rapidly amid the rate-easing cycle. Savings account interest rates have already been reduced to a floor rate of 2.70 per cent.
Fixed deposit (FD) rates have also been cut by 30 to 70 basis points since February 2025. SBI anticipates a strong transmission to deposit rates in the coming quarters.
India’s economy expanded by 7.4 per cent in Q4 FY25, down from 8.4 per cent in the same quarter last year. This growth was largely driven by a sharp rise in capital formation, which registered a 9.4 per cent year-on-year increase.
An above-normal monsoon forecast by the IMD, robust crop arrivals, and declining crude oil prices have led SBI to revise its CPI inflation estimate downward to 3.5 per cent for FY26.
Based on the latest RBI Annual Report, SBI expects higher household savings, adequate to support economic growth without creating demand-driven inflationary pressures in FY26.
The report also highlighted the strong performance of Indian banks, particularly public sector banks (PSBs), which recorded a 26 per cent year-on-year rise in profits. In comparison, private banks saw a 5.8 per cent increase.
System liquidity turned positive, standing at ₹1.2 lakh crore as of March 31. Factoring in the recent ₹2.68 lakh crore RBI dividend to the government, SBI projects core liquidity to reach ₹5.3 lakh crore by the end of June. Durable liquidity is likely to remain in surplus throughout FY26.
Against this backdrop, the report suggests that the RBI will need to strike a balance between managing contained inflation and preventing a slowdown in domestic growth.
“We expect that the RBI will proceed with a 50 bps rate cut to support growth,” the report concluded.
These changes will have huge impacts on coastal ecosystems around the world, including coral reefs. To understand these future impacts, it can be useful to understand similar events from history.
Our new research, published today in Nature Communications, does just that. It reveals how the Great Barrier Reef in northern Australia responded to a dramatic rise in sea level some 13,000 to 10,000 years ago.
A hotly debated event
Several “meltwater pulse events” have been documented in the past. These occur when ice sheets disintegrate in a catastrophic fashion, resulting in a rapid surge in global sea levels.
One of these events, known as “meltwater pulse 1B”, remains hotly debated. It occurred roughly 11,500 years ago.
Early evidence from reef cores in Barbados suggested a sharp sea-level rise of approximately 14 metres between 11,450 and 11,100 years ago, with rates of roughly 40 millimetres per year.
Remarkably, this rate is about ten times faster than the current global rise.
However, this record conflicts with others, including from Tahiti and now from the Great Barrier Reef, which suggests a more gradual rise in sea levels.
Learning from geological archives
Somewhat paradoxically shallow-water reef systems can “drown” because corals, and other reef organisms, depend on light for photosynthesis. If the water gets too deep too fast, the reef will no longer keep up with the rise and it will drown.
But drowning can also occur due to other factors, such as increased temperature, sediment and nutrients, which can also add extra environmental stress to the reef – again making it more difficult to grow vertically and keep up with sea level rise.
Cores gathered from drowned fossil coral reefs preserved along the continental shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef contain crucial information about historic corals, coralline algae and microbial reef structures known as microbialites. They offer a unique geologic time machine to better understand how past periods of rapid global sea level rise affected reef growth.
These geological archives also provide important clues about how ice sheets behaved in response to rapid global warming.
In 2010, an expedition of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program used a geotechnical drill ship to sample below the seafloor and reconstruct the growth and demise of the Great Barrier Reef over the past roughly 30,000 years. Five distinct stages were identified in response to major global climatic and oceanographic disturbances.
In this new study, we focused on a key reef stage called Reef 4. It formed between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago, just prior to the start of the modern reef as we know it.
We refer to this reef as the “proto-Great Barrier Reef”. Once a shallow-water barrier reef system, it now exists in a fossilised form at roughly 50 metres water depth and is now the home to deeper reef communtites in the mesophotic zone 30 to 150 metres below the surface.
The RV Great Ship Maya was used to recover fossil reef samples from the Great Barrier Reef in 2010. G.Tulloch/European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling/Integrated Ocean Drilling Program
An impressive ability to keep pace
Our study shows the Great Barrier Reef didn’t drown during meltwater pulse 1B. In fact, it continued to thrive with clear evidence of healthy, shallow-water reef assemblages (living in waters less than ten metres deep) persisting right through the rise in sea levels.
The reef not only survived but continued to grow upwards at rates between 4–6 millimetres per year. This rate of growth is comparable to modern healthy reef growth rates, demonstrating an impressive ability to keep pace.
We also calculated that the maximum possible sea-level rise during meltwater pulse 1B was between 7.7 and 10.2 metres over roughly 350 years. This equates to between 23 and 30 millimetres per year, but was likely less.
This is less than the Barbados estimate, and more consistent with observations from Tahiti where no sharp sea-level jump was found.
Importantly, this indicates that even the upper sea level rise bounds are within the survival limits of resilient reef systems such as the Great Barrier Reef – especially when environmental stressors, such as ocean warming, ocean acidification and sedimentation are low.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressed utmost concern about the current state of the Great Barrier Reef. Darkydoors/Shutterstock
Limits to a reef’s resilience
Although the Great Barrier Reef survived sea level rise roughly 11,000 years ago, the world was very different back then.
Coral reefs faced less stress from human impacts. And ocean temperatures were rising more slowly.
But today’s reefs are already struggling, with UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressing “utmost concern” about the state of the Great Barrier Reef in particular.
This is due to warming, acidification and pollution. And these additional challenges decrease reefs’ ability to cope with rapid sea-level rise.
Our findings suggest abrupt sea-level jumps of more than 11 metres are unlikely to occur without major instabilities in ice sheets. The fact that such collapses likely didn’t happen during meltwater pulse 1B offers some reassurance. But we’re in uncharted territory now, particularly with the Antarctic ice sheet displaying early signs of instability.
Our study also shows the Great Barrier Reef has been remarkably resilient, adapting to changing sea levels and continuing to grow even as the ocean rose rapidly. This resilience, however, had limits. Ultimately, the reef we examined drowned roughly 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of environmental stressors, including increased sediment flux. At this time the shallow water reef ecosystem migrated landward to form the modern Great Barrier, leaving behind only deeper, mesophotic reef communities.
The lessons from the past are clear: reefs can adapt to environmental changes but there are limits.
Protecting modern reefs will require more than understanding their past. It means reducing emissions and limiting other environmental stresses such as sediment and nutrient runoff where possible.
Jody Webster receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.
Juan Carlos Braga receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Spanish Government.
Marc Humblet receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Stewart Fallon receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.
Yusuke Yokoyama receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applicationsIssued at HKT 16:00
The Main Programme under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) is inviting a new round of applications for project proposals starting today (June 1) from non-profit-distributing organisations such as professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.
PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong’s professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong’s professional services.
The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the total eligible project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants’ travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants of relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong which are funded by the Main Programme.
Up to early May 2025, more than 120 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong’s professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home.
Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong’s competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its list of activities are available at www.pass.gov.hk/psp. Hong Kong professionals from the eligible professional sectors under PASS may make use of the PSP subsidy to join the relevant activities.
The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is August 31, 2025. A briefing session will be held this month for organisations interested in applying for the PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or pass@cedb.gov.hk.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)
Washington, D.C.– Today, House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) focused on efforts to advance American national security and diplomacy to ensure a stronger future during remarks at a Fiscal Year 2026 hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart said, “I firmly believe there is no one better who could serve as our Secretary of State at this critical time. Your steadfast leadership, devotion to country and to freedom, and your focus on national security are exactly why you have my full confidence in advancing President Trump’s foreign policy… Now, it’s time to work together on the FY26 budget to determine the appropriate funding levels going forward for the people and programs needed to advance our national security.
“From ensuring our key allies and partners around the world have the military assistance required to defend themselves, to preventing deadly infectious diseases from reaching our shores, to investments that lay the groundwork for American businesses abroad, to supporting those suffering under tyranny by standing in solidarity against oppressive – and often dangerously anti-American – dictatorships. That is American leadership – something President Trump has shown and that has been sorely lacking for the last four years.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Chairman Cole said,“We are leading with sharpened purpose to ensure Americans are safer at home and abroad. The work of the State Department is core to this mission and the cause of freedom – and every action and investment we make should protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and values. Secretary Rubio, we know your commitment to that duty – and it’s an honor to have you with us this afternoon. From day one, you’ve acted as a force multiplier for the President, and we deeply appreciate your service to our country.
“As you know, Mr. Secretary, peace through strength isn’t a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive maximum impact. The America First agenda – which has been mandated by the people – advances that critical doctrine. It’s not about retreating from the world stage – but resetting our guiding principles.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Secretary of State Rubio said,“Today, America is back. Secure borders, safe communities and zero tolerance for criminal cartels are once again the guiding principles of our foreign policy… We are working with law enforcement to revoke the status of foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality, threaten our citizens, and express support for this nation’s enemies. The Department has taken President Trump’s policy message across Europe, securing the NATO Secretary General’s commitment to increased defense spending, recalibrating transatlantic political and economic relations to better serve American interests…
“As Secretary, I have the honor of leading the world’s most talented diplomatic workforce. They deserve better. They deserve clear responsibilities and chains of command. They deserve a State Department that unleashes their full potential from the ground up, harnessing the capacities of every embassy, consulate, and bureau to set a course for a new American century. One where the power and prestige of the United States are unequaled by any other force in the world.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Pearl is one of Domestic Animal Services’ dedicated volunteers.
In brief:
National Volunteer Week in the ACT runs from 19-25 May.
This article shares some of Canberra’s volunteer stories.
National Volunteer Week runs from 19-25 May. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers in Australia.
Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.
No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a way to help. This could be working with people or caring for animals or plants.
Meet some of Canberra’s volunteers.
Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer
Pearl has been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services for six years.
‘It’s the best way to start the day! I usually walk dogs around the gorgeous bush trail first thing in the morning. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by nature, wildlife and of course the gorgeous dogs in the morning sunshine,’ she said.
Since 2020, Pearl has spent countless hours at the shelter improving the wellbeing of dogs searching for their forever home.
‘Some dogs come in very timid and seeing them grow into happy and confident dogs makes me so grateful I get to be a part of the work Domestic Animal Services do for these animals,’ Pearl said.
Adrian Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer
Adrian had just turned 18 when he decided to volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service.
‘Volunteering for the ACT State Emergency Service was something completely different. Not only was I able to help my community, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, and that training has actually helped me in my paid roles in life,’ Adrian said.
‘It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the community. We sign up to help people, and whether it’s in Canberra or Queensland, it doesn’t really make a difference,’ he said.
Manar is the co-founder of HelpingACT. The charity aims to support Canberra’s most vulnerable through access to food and necessities.
He believes volunteering is a key to ensuring community services can be delivered efficiently.
‘If you’re nervous, start with volunteering that does not demand much from you and then go in deeper when you are more comfortable. My life is richer because of volunteering, and despite the hours I spend volunteering, I don’t see that as a cost. It has brought me in contact with wonderful people and made me stretch my capabilities,’ Manar said.
Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch
Casey started volunteering to make a difference. She had always had grand ideas of environmental and societal change, and decided she wanted to be at the forefront of this change.
‘Volunteering has taught me to take initiative, and it gives me hope. Time is a valuable resource. By volunteering, you can give your time and energy to something you view as important. Volunteering has many benefits. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world,’ Casey said.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of their GOP Tax Scam:
“The only winners following the Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are the billionaire donors who will get massive new tax breaks and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes. This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people,” said Espaillat. “Once again Donald Trump has proven where his loyalties lie – with the extremely wealthy like his buddy Elon Musk. Donald Trump has no problem taking from poor to give to the wealthy.
“These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, from lack of health care, and from lack of housing. This bill fails to uphold the values of our nation and is misaligned with the interests of working families — while making grocery bills and health care more expensive for tens of millions of Americans who rely on this assistance.”
Earlier this week, Rep. Espaillat denounced the GOP Tax Scam in remarks on the House floor, which may be watchedhere. House Democrats utilized every available tool to stop passage of the GOP Tax Scam and every single Democrat voted against its final passage. During yesterday’s Rules Committee hearing, Espaillat and more than 100 Democrats offered more than 500 amendments – to delay passage of the bill for more than 20 hours.
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online athttps://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to deliver scathing remarks denouncing the Trump administration’s budget bill and its devastating impact to working families in New York’s 13th congressional district and in communities around the nation.
Video of Rep. Espaillat’s remarks may be watchedhere.
The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat *as prepared for delivery*:
“More than half of the residents in New York’s 13th congressional district rely on Medicaid to receive primary and emergency health care. Almost four million residents in New York City rely on Medicaid. About three million of New York City residents are enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program, which allows coverage of prescription drugs and certain over the counter medications.
“After promising the American people that Medicaid would be safe from cuts, Republicans spent several hours marking up a bill that would devastate Medicaid enrollment rates. To pay for the tax cuts for the wealthy, the bill would require harsh work requirements for Medicaid recipients that would terminate coverage for millions of low-income Americans. Additionally, the bill would increase copays for Medicaid recipients which would significantly limit access to vital care services. It would also penalize states that have made the choice to use provide state-funded health care coverage to undocumented children and mixed status families.
“Not only does this hurt the undocumented families that have relied on this health care for years, but it also infringes on states to do what they believe is best with their own state funding. Republicans also introduced a $300 billion cut to food stamps, which would impact the 300,000 people in my district who rely on the benefit to eat. Thirty-five percent of these recipients are children.
“Though Social Security cuts were not explicitly included in reconciliation conversations, the Trump administration and DOGE have repeatedly attempted to limit this program by trying to close social security offices, staff reductions, and reduced phone line access. These changes would impact the nearly 120,000 constituents in my district, particularly seniors, who rely on approximately $164 million in monthly benefits.
“Republicans have gone back on their promise to the American people. These changes would devastate the lives of millions of Americans. We must stand up to these attacks. I yield back.”
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online athttps://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Recognition Marks Highest Civilian Award for Appreciation and Distinguished Service to the Nation
NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces resolution to posthumously award the esteemed Congressional Gold Medal to former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, his predecessor to represent New York’s 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
“Congressman Charles B. Rangel served our nation with distinction and honor, fighting for the American people and delivering for the constituencies of Harlem, El Barrio, Washington Heights/Inwood, and the Northwest Bronx, which he represented in Congress for nearly 50 years,” said Espaillat. “A renowned feat, impactful in his service and commitment to our nation and dedication to all whose lives he touched along the way.
“As a founder of the esteemed Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and lifelong public servant with an illustrious record, I am proud to soon introduce, with the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, legislation that would further recognize Congressman Rangel, the Lion of Lenox Avenue, with this unique honor in recognition of his indelible mark on American policy and our nation’s history.”
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online athttps://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel:
“It is with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of my dear friend, a beloved leader, and stalwart of our community, Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations.
Congressman Rangel was an iconic figure and a devoted patriot as a veteran of the Korean War; as a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); the Lion of Lenox Avenue for his love and loyalty to Harlem; an institution through his many endowments of service to erect namesake programs like the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, and the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service.
Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online athttps://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Maggie Hassan (NH) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02)at a Memorial Day event at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. Photos from today’s event can be found here.
“Today at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, we paused to honor and pay our respects to all the brave service members who lost their lives defending our country since its founding,” said Congressman Pappas. “Every fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine is forever part of our American family, and we must never waiver in honoring them and their families. It is a tremendous price paid by some so that our freedoms and way of life can be enjoyed by all. Thank you to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, NH DAV, and all of the partners who helped host this important event.”
“It was an honor to be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery today to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our security and freedom,” said Senator Shaheen.“Generations of Granite Staters have answered the call to serve, and I join with everyone across our state in remembering our fallen heroes.”
“I was honored to attend this morning’s Memorial Day ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery honoring the heroes who gave up everything so that others could live in freedom,” said Senator Hassan. “We owe service members – both those who are with us and those who we have lost – our freedom and our very way of life. We each must live our lives honoring what they died for, defending our Live Free or Die values and fighting for freedom at home and abroad.”
“America is the land of the free because of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of the American people — past, present, and future,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander.“Thank you to New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans for bringing together fellow citizens — veterans, military families, servicemembers — from across New Hampshire today on the hallowed ground of our State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to honor truly honorable Americans: our fallen heroes.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) this week announced the introduction of H.R. 3555, the Protect our Parks Act of 2025, to ensure the country’s 63 national parks and hundreds of other sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS) are adequately staffed.
“If there’s one thing Mainers know, it’s the value of the great outdoors. As we approach the busy summer season, Congress must act to ensure our treasured national parks have the resources they need to meet their mission,” Golden said. “Prior generations ensured the federal lands managed by the National Park Service were protected for us. Now it’s our turn to step up and guarantee their future for our grandchildren.”
Golden is an original co-sponsor of the bill, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the NPS for the overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural resource protection.
It orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Administration’s mass firings, beginning on January 20, 2025, providing staffing levels necessary to keep critical federal projects moving — including those funded by the Great American Outdoors Act; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; Inflation Reduction Act; and Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Golden is a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. In a May committee vote, he opposed the House GOP’s plan to slash $279 million from the NPS. He has a long track record of support for America’s parks system.
“Our national parks are invaluable treasures, preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia. “Ensuring national parks are fully staffed is crucial for conservation, the visitor experience, and the success of vital projects. The Protect Our Parks Actcalls for the reinstatement of dedicated personnel and safeguards key investments like the Great American Outdoors Act. Friends of Acadia applauds Congressman Jared Golden’s leadership in co-sponsoring this bill, ensuring these cherished places remain protected and accessible for future generations.”
“Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters thanks Congressman Golden for cosponsoring the Protect Our Parks Act,” said Brian Hinrichs, executive director of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “At this critical time, we value his leadership in voicing the need for the National Park Service to be fully staffed and funded. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument not only protects a treasured landscape, but serves as an economic driver in the community, especially when full hiring is permitted and critical projects can move forward.”
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is home to Acadia National Park — one of the ten most visited national parks in the United States — and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. With annual visitation numbers continuing to increase, these public lands need significant infrastructure investments. In the 118th Congress, Golden helped pass the Great American Outdoors Actto address maintenance backlogs at places such as Acadia and to establish permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) led 26 of their bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Administration to expand annual Renewable Volumes Obligations for biomass-based diesel in their upcoming rulemaking for 2026.
In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Members urged the Administration to support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by adopting timely, robust blending requirements in the upcoming “Set 2” rule establishing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and beyond.
“Even before you took office, the EPA was months behind meeting the statutory deadline to set RVOs, which only exacerbated market instability,” the Members wrote. “Domestic biofuel production facilities have already idled, and further delays in action could result in additional closures, putting Americans out of work and disrupting key markets for farmers.”
“Congress established the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to provide certainty and encourage investment in biofuels to the benefit of American families, the economy, and U.S. energy security,” the Members continued. “A strong Set 2 will benefit our constituents by lowering prices at the pump, creating and maintaining U.S. biomanufacturing jobs, and driving economic growth. A strong RVO will also support market growth for farmers at a time when global markets are experiencing uncertainty.”
The EPA’s Renewable Volume Obligations for 2023 – 2025 were significantly lower than industry production trends, leading to a collapse in the value producers can receive in the renewable fuels market. Those poor market conditions led several biodiesel plants across the country to shut downlast year. Higher RVOs will support market growth for farmers at a time when global markets are experiencing uncertainty.
In Congress, Rep. Craig has worked across the aisle for years to promote homegrown biofuels. Last month, following her push, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 nationwide this summer.
Earlier this year, she introduced her bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Actto make year-round access to E15 permanent nationwide – expanding market access for Minnesota farmers and lowering costs for drivers at the gas pump. And in February, she led a bipartisan letterto newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin,urging the Agencyto prioritize biofuels as part of the Administration’s energy agenda.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Mongolia and Turkmenistan have signed several cooperation documents to enhance bilateral ties, according to the Mongolian presidential office website on Monday.
The documents, which include a joint statement on further development of cooperation between Mongolia and Turkmenistan, as well as memorandums of understanding on cooperation in health, education, science, media, culture and light industry, were signed in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Ulan Bator on Sunday evening for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Muhammad Shahab has been living with his sister at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), a compassionate shelter made possible through the generous support of the Chinese people, and has found strength, comfort and courage to dream of a brighter future.
An orphan with no relatives, Shahab lost his mother, who bravely fought oral cancer. In her final days, she entrusted ICOSH with her children, a gesture that speaks volumes about the trust and love she felt for this place.
“This home means everything to us. The Pakistani staff treats us with kindness and care, and Chinese friends visit us every week to see how we are doing. They ensure we have access to quality education, nutritious meals, and a safe, loving environment. ICOSH is more than a home, it is our protection, our hope, and our family,” the 11-year-old, who has been living in the home for about a year, told Xinhua.
Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. Today, it has grown into a haven offering temporary shelter for disabled and seriously ill children, as well as full-time residence for 21 orphans, including Shahab.
Shahab’s late mother, who stayed at the compassionate home for several months, deeply appreciated the care she received and asked the center’s administration to look after her children after her passing, according to Sobia Adnan, the Pakistani director of ICOSH.
“She was a seriously ill patient who entrusted her children to us based on her own experience here,” Sobia said. “It reflects the deep trust that people have in ICOSH.”
She added that all orphans at the center have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, like Shahab and his sister, who witnessed their mother’s passing after a battle with cancer. Beyond meeting their basic needs, ICOSH places strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of the children.
To support this, volunteer teachers visit the children in their rooms, fostering a nurturing and understanding environment where they can heal and thrive, she added.
Since its establishment, ICOSH has provided care and assistance to 130 children who stayed temporarily while receiving treatment for various illnesses, before leaving once cured, Sobia said.
The resident orphans attend local schools, with their education fully funded by Chinese support. In the future, based on their interests and talents, these children may be sent to China for higher education after completing their college education in Pakistan.
“The center is a ray of hope for poor, underprivileged children who would have faced life’s hardships alone if the Chinese people had not extended their hand and offered them warmth,” she added.
Speaking to Xinhua, Ma Bin, the head of the CPYEC, said the center embodies the deep friendship between the Pakistani and Chinese peoples.
Since its inception, ICOSH has upheld the principle of “people-to-people communication,” offering shelter, medical care, and educational support to impoverished families and orphans.
“Every recovered child and every smiling face tell the heartfelt story of China-Pakistan friendship. Love knows no borders, and good deeds have no boundaries. To support these beloved Pakistani children, many Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, with the backing of the Chinese embassy, have joined forces in this public welfare initiative, creating a strong relay of charitable efforts,” he said.
“This collaboration not only empowers the development of vulnerable families but also helps the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of people-to-people connectivity take root. We believe that even more social forces will join this caring mission in the future,” Ma added.
As the partnership between Pakistan and China continues to strengthen, initiatives like this shelter stand as powerful symbols of solidarity and hope, Shiffa Butt, a volunteer at the home, told Xinhua.
“Through sustained support and shared commitment, countless vulnerable children are being given the chance to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and dream of a brighter tomorrow, demonstrating the enduring impact of friendship beyond borders,” she added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Eight people were injured Sunday in “a targeted terror attack” in Boulder, Colorado, authorities said.
The suspect was identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, said Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver office, on Sunday evening at a news conference.
Boulder police confirmed Sunday night that eight people, namely four women and four men, were injured in the attack. Officials initially told news outlets that six victims had been taken to hospitals.
The 45-year-old suspect was allegedly heard yelling “Free Palestine” while using a “makeshift flamethrower” during the attack. He was also reportedly heard yelling “They are killers” and “How many children you killed.”
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a news conference that Boulder dispatch received several calls reporting an incident at the county courthouse in downtown Boulder at approximately 1:26 p.m. local time (1926 GMT).
Police officers found several victims suffering from burns and other injuries upon arriving at the scene.
An organizer with Run For Their Lives, a group that holds weekly walks to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza — told local television station KUSA that a man was waiting with bottles when they arrived at the historic courthouse near 13th and Pearl Streets.
The suspect threw the bottles, burning multiple people, including a woman who was severely injured and had to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames, according to the report.
One of the victims is a Holocaust survivor, said the report.
In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.”
White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor Stephen Miller said in a social media post that the terror attack was committed by “an illegal alien.”
Fox News reported that Soliman is an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa after entering the United States, citing Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sources.
CNN reported authorities are working to determine whether the suspect may have suffered mental health issues.
“He’s shirtless, screaming, used rudimentary (explosive) devices, and stuck around to be arrested,” a source told CNN.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack as a “heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community” in a statement.
“Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Forgotten assets to help families and young people thrive
First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding
First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding for people and communities who need it most – redirecting money from long-unused accounts to important social causes
Money will get young people involved in music, drama and sport, plus give thousands of vulnerable households access to affordable loans, delivering opportunity through Plan for Change
Financial institutions including JP Morgan and AON welcomed to No11 today, as Chancellor and Culture Secretary encourage them to participate in the Scheme and support local communities
Families struggling with sudden costs and young people in deprived areas will get vital help, as £440 million from forgotten assets is put to work in communities across England through the first-ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy.
This includes £132.5 million to give young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods new chances to take part in music, sport and drama to build skills for the future, improve their employment opportunities and ensure access is no longer the preserve of a privileged few.
A further £132.5 million will benefit those in financially vulnerable circumstances, providing them with the affordable credit and support they need to manage their money well. This will mean that people facing money worries will have a safety net for when things go wrong – from a broken fridge to an unexpected car repair – instead of leaving them at the mercy of loan sharks.
Local charities and community groups will also get extra funding, so they can run projects like food banks, youth clubs, and community events. This support will help bring people together, tackle loneliness, and make neighbourhoods safer and friendlier for everyone.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed major financial institutions including JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group and other industry champions into No11 Downing Street today, highlighting the tangible difference this money can make to local communities and encouraging future participation to support these important causes.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:
“From supporting young people and enhancing financial inclusion to driving social investment, this transformational funding will reach some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country and have a real impact on people’s lives as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“Made possible thanks to the ongoing support of our industry partners, I’ve been delighted to speak to financial institutions today as we look to bring in new sectors to support growth and drive opportunity across England.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“We’re turning forgotten assets into fresh opportunities by unlocking £440 million that would otherwise be sitting idle to help young people realise their potential, and ensure vulnerable families aren’t excluded from the financial products they need. Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing communities and boosting opportunities to deliver growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”
Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association said:
“We look forward to the further expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme to the investment and wealth management sector. The Scheme has the potential to deliver real positive change to communities across the UK and our industry both warmly supports the initiative and is committed to exploring participating at the earliest opportunity.
“The Dormant Assets Scheme is an important opportunity for our industry to come together with government and deliver a positive, measurable social and environmental impact.”
The Dormant Assets Scheme has successfully released £1 billion to date to support thousands of frontline organisations and individuals in some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country. Funding has been channelled into a range of initiatives including tackling youth homelessness, supporting charities with the cost of living and breaking down barriers to financial inclusion to help vulnerable groups.
The £440 million package announced today represents a significant uplift with an estimated £90 million over previously announced figures set to become available through the Scheme in England by 2028.
Allocations set out in the Strategy will drive forward the growth and opportunity missions in the government’s Plan for Change, with full distributions to include:
£132.5 million for young people with funding going to services, facilities and opportunities to provide them with the skills and resources needed to succeed
£132.5 million for financial inclusion and education, equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to build financial security
£87.5 million for social investment to strengthen the financial resilience of the voluntary sector, including £12.5 million reaching organisations that support youth outcomes
£87.5 million for community wealth funds, which will empower local people to make decisions about their communities, creating stronger neighbourhoods.
Notes to editors:
The Dormant Assets scheme redirects money from long-unused financial accounts to social causes, while preserving the original owners’ right to reclaim their funds.
The Dormant Assets Strategy sets out this government’s bold vision for the pioneering Dormant Assets Scheme, unlocking funds to support the communities who need it most and is available to view here.
The Strategy for the Scheme is centered around three long-term objectives:
Achieving long-term systems change through innovative programmes.
Protecting the integrity of the Scheme and its funding.
Becoming the best practice standard mechanism to deal with dormancy.
The Strategy reaffirms the importance of the collaboration between government and the financial services sector to make a success of the Dormant Assets Scheme
Last year, the government committed between the four named causes of the Scheme – financial inclusion, youth, social investment and community wealth funds – to break down barriers and drive growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Participants in today’s roundtable included representatives from JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group, alongside industry champions from across banking, investment, wealth management, insurance and pensions sectors.
Preston City Council has partnered with LitterLotto to give residents the chance to win up to £1,000 every week while encouraging correct recycling at home and on-the-go.
The free LitterLotto app uses AI technology to identify the type of waste being disposed of and directs residents to the correct bin. Its ‘AtHome’ feature also offers bin collection reminders, recycling advice, and allows easy reporting of issues like fly-tipping and graffiti.
Residents simply need to download the app, register for an account, and use their phone’s camera to scan the item they wish to dispose of. Every correctly recycled item earns virtual coins to spend in the LitterLotto Coin Store and an entry into the national £1,000 prize draw.
Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety at Preston City Council, said:
“Preston City Council are always looking at new and innovative ways to improve recycling. LitterLotto is a brilliant opportunity to improve recycling habits in Preston while rewarding residents for doing the right thing. By using the LitterLotto app, we can all help reduce contamination in our recycling bins and keep our streets clean, and the chance to win a cash prize is a great added bonus.”
Even without downloading the app, residents and visitors to Preston can enter prize draws when recycling on-the-go using the new on-street recycling bins in the city centre. These bins are labelled with a QR code, and anyone can enter with just an email address. The bins are located at Market Street, Earl Street, Friargate and Ribblesdale Place.
This initiative comes in response to concerns about contaminated recycling across the city, where incorrect items such as cartons, coffee cups, and plastic bags are frequently placed in recycling bins. The Council hopes the app will help clarify what can and can’t be recycled.
As part of Volunteers’ Week celebrations, registered volunteer litter pickers will receive double entries and double virtual coins for their efforts in keeping Preston clean. This reward scheme will be trialled for 12 months until June 2026, with the potential to extend if successful.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Today, June 2, NSU hosted the grand opening of the InteRussia 2025 internship program for foreign specialists. This is the second internship of this kind that is taking place at Novosibirsk State University. This time, 17 students from 14 countries, such as Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Tanzania, came to NSU.
The internship is conducted by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.
For a month — from June 2 to June 29 — young researchers will be trained at the university in the promising areas of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The school participants will work in one of two groups in accordance with the chosen area. The event will result in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.
— We are organizing the internship for the second time, but we already see that our program is in great demand — this year, more than 160 applications were submitted, so the competition was almost 10 people per place. As a result, the best students who passed a tough and competitive selection came here. This year, we decided to make only two directions, and not three, as it was a year ago. We left the direction “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”, since the 2024 internship showed that this topic is very interesting and in demand. We also added a new promising direction related to quantum mechanics. Among other innovations, we increased the duration of the internship from three to four weeks, — said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.
Artur Pogosov, Professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics, Faculty of Physics, NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics Physics Department of NSU, in his welcoming speech to the participants, he spoke a little about the specifics of Akademgorodok and the special atmosphere that characterizes this unique place. He also spoke in more detail about the program of the direction that he supervises – “Modern quantum and information technologies in electronics and photonics”. It will include both lectures from scientists of the SB RAS Research Institute and NSU teachers, and practical computer sessions, during which, using special computational and modeling methods, listeners will be able to delve deeper into quantum mechanics, explore new crystals and new compounds, and model the processes occurring in them.
Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted that the students will have the opportunity not only to expand their knowledge, but also to present their projects, since one of the school’s goals is to ensure that the participants continue their research after completing their internship.
The audience of the program was greeted by the leading specialist of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund Ilya Demkin. He thanked the partners for their cooperation, spoke about the activities of the Fund and about the internship program for foreign specialists in various fields of InteRussia. In addition, he noted that for the audience, participation in this event is an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge in one of the best Russian universities, take thematic courses from leading experts, take part in innovative professional master classes in one of two areas, and exchange experience with colleagues from different countries.
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: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WARSAW, June 2 (Xinhua) — Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, has won the second round of Poland’s presidential election, the country’s National Electoral Commission said on Monday.
The final result, marked “elected in the second round,” was posted next to K. Navrotsky’s name on the official website of the State Electoral Commission on Monday.
Historian and head of the Institute of National Remembrance of Poland K. Nawrocki received 50.89% of the votes in the second round of the presidential elections, defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, representing the ruling Civic Coalition, who received 49.11%.
K. Nawrocki, born in 1983 in Gdansk, will replace the current president, Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on August 6. –0–
