Source: The Conversation – USA – By Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Distinguished Professor, Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, & Interim Head, Department of Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology
President Donald Trump has long been preoccupied by the trade deficit — the gap between what the U.S. sells to the rest of the world and what it buys from it. He recently declared the issue a national emergency and used trade deficit data to calculate so-called “reciprocal tariffs” targeting nearly 100 countries. Although those specific tariffs are now on pause, Trump’s concern with the trade deficit persists.
As an economist, I know there are two basic ways for a country to reduce a trade deficit: import less or export more. While Trump has focused on the former strategy, a more productive path may lie in the latter – especially by looking at untapped opportunities in rural America.
New research is starting to fill that gap. Economists recently found that urban businesses export significantly more than rural ones – a difference with significant implications for national trade.
The urban-rural export gap
Looking at data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey as well as trade statistics from 2017 to 2020, researchers used econometric techniques to measure the urban-rural export gap. They also examined two categories of potential causes – “explained” and “unexplained.”
The first is due to differences in what economists call “endowments” – for example, a region’s digital infrastructure, its access to renewable energy and its opportunities for high-tech employment. These endowments can be observed and therefore explained.
The second is due to what economists call “structural advantage.” This refers to attributes of a region that matter for export performance but can’t be observed and, as a result, remain unexplained.
They found that most of the urban-rural export gap is due to explained differences. That means rural businesses could close the export gap if they were provided with similar endowments – meaning comparable access to renewable energy, similar digital infrastructure and analogous opportunities for high-tech employment – to their urban counterparts.
Even more strikingly, the unexplained component was negative – which means rural businesses outperform expectations given their characteristics. That suggests rural regions have significant untapped export potential.
Several factors collectively account for the urban export advantage. First, urban regions have a greater concentration of highly educated science and technology workers. Urban businesses also tend to be larger and more tech-savvy, and because they have better access to broadband, they use cloud technology more frequently. Urban areas also have more foreign-born business owners who may leverage their international networks.
However, many of these differences suggest possible policy solutions. For instance, since cloud adoption depends on broadband availability, it follows that investing in digital infrastructure could boost rural exports. Also, rural manufacturers, especially in sectors like metals manufacturing, show comparable or higher export intensity per worker than their urban counterparts. So encouraging rural manufacturing would be one way to reduce the urban-rural export gap.
Rethinking trade and rural development
I think this research has important policy implications.
First, it shifts some of the focus away from other countries as the root cause of the trade deficit. And second, it bolsters the case for what economists call “place-based policies” targeting specific geographic areas – as opposed to “people-based policies,” which provide support directly to individuals.
The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act had special significance to rural areas.
During the Biden administration, three major laws – the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – directed significant federal funds to rural areas. About 43% of funds from those laws – or US$440 billion – was designated as either “rural relevant” or as “rural stipulated,” meaning the funds were either geographically targeted or designed to address disproportionately rural challenges.
Such massive investments in rural regions have led researchers and policymakers to question whether rural export underperformance stems from differences in observable endowments – in other words, things like access to broadband – or from inherent disadvantages that are much harder to deal with.
In my view, this research provides compelling evidence that much of the urban-rural export gap is due to unequal distribution of productive assets, rather than inherent rural disadvantages. With appropriate investments in digital infrastructure, human capital and support for export-capable industries, America’s rural regions could play a much larger role in global trade. These findings also suggest the value of continued federal support for rural development efforts.
In other words, if the U.S. wants to shrink its trade deficit, one answer could be more innovation in rural manufacturing.
Amitrajeet A. Batabyal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ken G. Drouillard, Professor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and Director of the School of the Environment, University of Windsor
A country’s population is affected by, and in turn affects, environmental and economic issues.(Shutterstock)
These two facets of population crises — explosions and declines — are occurring in different parts of the world, and have a global impact on the environment and on economies. Discussions about achieving economic and environmental sustainability must consider population changes, technology and the environment, given these concepts are closely interwoven.
Population explosions and declines are related to both environmental and economic instability; some countries make reactionary choices that trade off short-term domestic economic progress over the environment.
Like Malthus, Ehrlich was criticized for a crisis “that never happened” because human ingenuity, a byproduct of population, overcomes the worst fears of environmentalists. This counter-argument relies on technological advances making more efficient use of resources while lowering the environmental impacts.
Technological progress positively contributes to national economies over the long term. However, early adoption of green technology often relies on finance and government incentives that may imply short-term economic burdens. Yet when green technology is implemented and coupled to slowing population growth, it leads to decreasing national environmental footprints that pave a way towards joint environmental and economic sustainability.
The crisis of population declines
Declining populations cause inverted age pyramids with larger numbers of elderly people. These shifting demographics cause economic instability. They also constrain technological progress and social security.
The global population is predicted to peak between the mid-2060s to 2100, stabilizing at 10.2 billion from its present 8.2 billion.
In their book, Empty Planet, political scientist Darrell Bricker and political commentator John Ibbitson warn that zero population growth will happen even faster. They argue once a country decreases its fertility to below replacement (2.1 children per woman), the social reinforcements of increasing urbanization, costs of raising children and increased empowerment over family planning make it almost impossible to increase the birth rate.
For highly affluent countries, the per capita GDP is decreasing as the proportion of elderly in the population increases. Although this pattern doesn’t hold when less affluent countries are added, the figure demonstrates tangible economic impacts for countries grappling with aging populations.
A graph showing the percentage of elderly people in a country’s population, correlated with GDP and adjusted for inflation. (K. Drouillard), CC BY
Simultaneous explosions and declines
Affluent nations facing decline can react to economic instability in ways that counter global economic and environmental sustainability.
In the past, affluent nations were the drivers of green technology. However, economic instability from population declines can cause reluctance to invest, adopt and share green technology crucial for mitigating environmental damage at the global scale.
The issue is compounded by the fact that many countries overlook how their own decline in population growth contributes to economic instability. They instead focus on short-term solutions to their economic situation that may include unsustainable resource use.
Left unaddressed, the real issue of population decline becomes unresolved, allowing social anxieties against immigration and global trade to grow. This can exacerbate the issue halting technology sharing, slowing economic growth and increasing economic inequality and environmental damage.
Our research indicates that Canada and other affluent nations need to establish longer-term solutions to economic instabilities that mitigate environmental damage while promoting sustainable national and global economies.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offer pathways for economic, social and environmental sustainability. However, realizing these goals requires society to fully acknowledge the intertwined relationships between population growth, economy, environment and international technology-sharing in ways that transcend short-term national interests and reactionary policies.
Ken G. Drouillard receives funding from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Water Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, St. Clair River Conservation Authority and North Shore of Lake Superior Remedial Action Plans.
Claudio N. Verani receives/has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF), and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Marcelo Arbex has received funding from University of Windsor UW-SSHRC Explore.
Craters in the lunar surface are visible in this photo taken during the Apollo 11 mission. NASA via AP
April 2025 was a busy month for space.
Pop icon Katy Perry joined five other civilian women on a quick jaunt to the edge of space, making headlines. Meanwhile, another group of people at the United Nations was contemplating a critical issue for the future of space exploration: the discovery, extraction and utilization of natural resources on the Moon.
As a space lawyer and co-founder of For All Moonkind, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting human heritage in outer space, I know that the Moon could be the proving ground for humanity’s evolution into a species that lives and thrives on more than one planet. However, this new frontier raises complex legal questions.
Space, legally
Outer space – including the Moon – from a legal perspective, is a unique domain without direct terrestrial equivalent. It is not, like the high seas, the “common heritage of humankind,” nor is it an area, like Antarctica, where commercial mining is prohibited.
Instead, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty – signed by more than 115 nations, including China, Russia and the United States – establishes that the exploration and use of space are the “province of all humankind.” That means no country may claim territory in outer space, and all have the right to access all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies freely.
The fact that, pursuant to Article II of the treaty, a country cannot claim territory in outer space, known as the nonappropriation principle, suggests to some that property ownership in space is forbidden.
Can this be true? If your grandchildren move to Mars, will they never own a home? How can a company protect its investment in a lunar mine if it must be freely accessible by all? What happens, as it inevitably will, when two rovers race to a particular area on the lunar surface known to host valuable water ice? Does the winner take all?
As it turns out, the Outer Space Treaty does offer some wiggle room. Article IX requires countries to show “due regard” for the corresponding interests of others. It is a legally vague standard, although the Permanent Court of Arbitration has suggested that due regard means simply paying attention to what’s reasonable under the circumstances.
First mover advantage – it’s a race
The treaty’s broad language encourages a race to the Moon. The first entity to any spot will have a unilateral opportunity to determine what’s legally “reasonable.” For example, creating an overly large buffer zone around equipment might be justified to mitigate potential damage from lunar dust.
On top of that, Article XII of the Outer Space Treaty assumes that there will be installations, like bases or mining operations, on the Moon. Contrary to the free access principle, the treaty suggests that access to these may be blocked unless the owner grants permission to enter.
Both of these paths within the treaty would allow the first person to make it to their desired spot on the Moon to keep others out. The U.N. principles in their current form don’t address these loopholes.
The draft U.N. principles released in April mirror, and are confined by, the language of the Outer Space Treaty. This tension between free access and the need to protect – most easily by forbidding access – remains unresolved. And the clock is ticking.
The Moon’s vulnerable legacy
The U.S. Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028, China has plans for human return by 2030, and in the intervening years, more than 100 robotic missions are planned by countries and private industry alike. For the most part, these missions are all headed to the same sweet spot: the lunar south pole. Here, peaks of eternal light and deep craters containing water ice promise the best mining, science and research opportunities.
Regions of the lunar south pole, left, and north pole, right, contain water in the form of ice (blue), which could be useful for space agencies hoping to set up lunar bases. NASA
In this excitement, it’s easy to forget that humans already have a deep history of lunar exploration. Scattered on the lunar surface are artifacts displaying humanity’s technological progress.
More recently, in 2019, China’s Chang’e 4 achieved the first soft landing on the Moon’s far side. And in 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 became the first to land successfully near the lunar south pole.
These sites memorialize humanity’s baby steps off our home planet and easily meet the United Nations definition of terrestrial heritage, as they are so “exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.”
The international community works to protect such sites on Earth, but those protection protocols do not extend to outer space.
Astronaut footprints are still intact on the lunar surface because the Moon doesn’t have weather. But nearby spacecraft or rovers could kick up dust and cover them. AP Photo
The more than 115 other sites on the Moon that bear evidence of human activity are frozen in time without degradation from weather, animal or human activity. But this could change. A single errant spacecraft or rover could kick up abrasive lunar dust, erasing bootprints or damaging artifacts.
Protection and the Outer Space Treaty
In 2011, NASA recommended establishing buffer, or safety zones, of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to protect certain sites with U.S. artifacts.
Because it understood that outright exclusion violates the Outer Space Treaty, NASA issued these recommendations as voluntary guidelines. Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites. They could act as a starting point to find a balance between protection and access.
Building on this agreement, the international community could require specific access protocols — such as a permitting process, activity restrictions, shared access rules, monitoring and other controls — for heritage sites on the Moon. If accepted, these protective measures for heritage sites could also work as a template for scientific and operational sites. This would create a consistent framework that avoids the perception of claiming territory.
At this time, the draft U.N. principles released in April 2025 do not directly address the opposing concepts of access and protection. Instead, they defer to Article I of the Outer Space Treaty and reaffirm that everyone has free access to all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
As more countries and companies compete to reach the Moon, a clear lunar legal framework can guide them to avoid conflicts and preserve historical sites. The draft U.N. principles show that the international community is ready to explore what this framework could look like.
Michelle L.D. Hanlon is affiliated with For All Moonkind, a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting human cultural heritage in outer space starting with the Apollo lunar landing sites.
This election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is an opportunity to stop Farage in Scotland.
His Reform party is gaining support down south, but we can take the wind out of his sails with a victory here.
The SNP is stepping in where Labour have let you down and, crucially, offering hope for a better future.
The SNP is committed to ensuring that people receive the support they need by saving you money:
Free Prescriptions:We continue to make sure that no one in Scotland has to pay for essential medications.
Free Bus Travel:Including under-22s, those aged 60 and over, to travel for free, reducing the cost of getting out and about.
Universal Free School Meals for primary school children:A vital step to ease the pressure on family budgets and ensure all children in primary 1 to 5, regardless of their financial circumstances, are getting the nutrition they need.
Free Childcare: Offering 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare to families for children aged 3- to 5-year-old, helping working parents save money.
In Katy Loudon, you have an SNP candidate that will always be on Scotland’s side, putting your community first.
Katy Loudon, the SNP’s candidate in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, has called on the Labour candidate to apologise to pensioners in the constituency after the Daily Record revealed that 36,057 pensioners in South Lanarkshire lost out last year because of Labour’s cut to the benefit.
When Labour entered government last July, one of the first decisions made by Keir Starmer was to cut the Winter Fuel Payment, withdrawing vital support from 900,000 Scottish pensioners.
This decision was endorsed by both Scottish Labour MPs in September 2024, and by leading Scottish Labour MSPs in October 2024 – despite pretending in this by-election they are against the cut!
Katy Loudon described Scottish Labour’s position as having some “brass neck” pretending it was not their decision that resulted in tens of thousands of pensioners losing this vital support.
In contrast the SNP government is reinstating this payment with support worth at least £100 going to all pensioners from this year.
Highlighting how a vote for the SNP would send a message to Labour about cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, Katy Loudon said:
“The sheer brass neck of Scottish Labour is astonishing.
“Again and again they have let Scotland down; treating the people of Scotland as nothing more than an afterthought and now indulging in a staggering level of political spin to escape responsibility for one of Labour’s first acts in office – cutting the Winter Fuel Payment.”
Councillor Loudon added that the Labour party had failed pensioners in South Lanarkshire and across Scotland; and it was the SNP government stepping in to reinstate universal support for pensioners.
She concluded by saying, “David Russell should be ashamed to stand on a platform built on broken promises and must apologise to the tens of thousands who had vital support taken away by this UK Labour government.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
An aerial drone photo taken on March 12, 2024 shows the BYD battery factory in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, Brazil. [Xinhua]
Invoked by the 18th-century English writer Samuel Johnson, the phrase “From China to Peru” once conjured images of distant lands bound only by imagination. Today, it sketches a far more concrete arc — marked by shipping lanes, megaports and logistics corridors — linking China and Latin America across the Pacific.
This transformation has gathered pace over the past decade, thanks in large part to the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, a cooperative mechanism launched under the aegis of Chinese President Xi Jinping. What Xi once described as “a young seedling” has since taken firm root.
Ten years on, this mechanism has matured into a key platform for South-South collaboration that has drawn China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) into a closer partnership across political, economic, cultural and other domains.
The forum’s fourth ministerial meeting is set to take place on Tuesday in Beijing. Xi will address its opening ceremony and unveil new initiatives and measures to promote closer ties.
Qiu Xiaoqi, the Chinese government’s special representative for Latin American affairs, said the upcoming meeting is expected to deliver a message of peace, development and cooperation amid global turbulence, charting a new chapter in China-LAC relations.
TOP-LEVEL DESIGN
China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are fellow developing nations that hold common political aspirations, face similar development tasks, and can benefit from complementary economic strengths.
Spanning one-fifth of the world’s land area and accounting for a quarter of the global population and economy, China and the LAC combined represent one of the most dynamic and promising regions on the planet.
“Our shared aspiration for independence, development and rejuvenation has brought us closer together,” Xi said.
Since the turn of the century, ties between the two sides have grown rapidly. Both sides realized they needed something more than the traditional one-on-one tango — a broader framework for cooperation.
During the CELAC summit in Cuba in early 2014, Latin American and Caribbean leaders expressed support for such a framework. Xi welcomed the move, saying that “the time is ripe.”
In July 2014, Xi flew half the globe for his second visit to the region as head of state. He was heading for a BRICS summit in Brazil, state visits to some countries in the region, and a historic moment — the first meeting between leaders of China and Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the Brazilian capital Brasilia, the leaders announced the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum, an institutional framework to advance the vision of building a China-LAC community with a shared future.
At the meeting, Xi laid out the guiding principles for this comprehensive cooperative partnership — equality, mutual benefit and common development. Backing his proposal was a roadmap driven by trade, investment and finance.
Six months later, the inaugural ministerial meeting of the forum was held in Beijing, turning the vision of an overall cooperation platform covering China and all 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean into reality.
Observers said this marked a new phase of China-LAC ties, where China’s cooperation with the region as a whole complements and strengthens its bilateral relations with individual regional countries.
Xi proposed principles for the forum’s growth — equal partnership, shared wins, flexibility and pragmatism, and openness and inclusivity.
Comparing it to a seedling just breaking through the soil, he said that “the forum needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger.”
In the decade that has followed, Xi has provided consistent support to nurture this forum. At each of the three previous ministerial meetings, he offered clear guidance that helped shape the forum’s development at key moments in its evolution.
Under the guidance of Xi and his Latin American and Caribbean counterparts, the forum now hosts a constellation of institutional interactions such as ministerial meetings, dialogues among foreign ministers, coordinators’ meetings, and a growing number of specialized sub-forums ranging from digital technology to poverty reduction.
Chai Yu, director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Xi has led by example in advancing the forum’s development, which is key to deepening political trust and building consensus on cooperation.
COMMON DEVELOPMENT
Chancay, a modest city on the Peruvian coast, has been transformed into a megaport equipped with towering cranes and unmanned trucks.
Last November, Xi and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte inaugurated the port via video link from the capital Lima, marking the launch of South America’s first smart port.
Built in just three years through Chinese-Peruvian collaboration, the port shortens the shipping time across the Pacific by nearly one-third, reduces logistics costs by 20 percent, and is expected to create over 8,000 direct jobs.
Boluarte lauded the project as a bold stride toward “deeper integration and shared prosperity with China” and “a gateway opening Latin America to the vibrant promise of the Asia-Pacific.”
Chancay’s story is the latest episode in the booming cooperation under the China-CELAC Forum. Across the region, more than 200 Chinese infrastructure projects have been launched — generating over 1 million jobs.
In Brazil, an ultra-high-voltage transmission project has overcome challenges in delivering clean hydropower over vast distances from the Amazon. In Jamaica, a Chinese-built highway has cut cross-island travel time by more than half, while in Bolivia, satellite collaboration has enabled free television access for half a million households.
Visitors learn about coffee beans at the booth of Honduras at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Xinhua]
Numbers tell a compelling story. Trade between China and the region reached 518.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, doubling the figure recorded a decade ago. By 2023, Chinese investment in the region had exceeded 600 billion dollars. These figures have exceeded the goals announced by Xi when he and Latin American and Caribbean leaders met in 2014 to plan for closer cooperation.
As the second-largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, China now has more free trade agreements in the region than anywhere outside Asia.
One such deal with Chile has turned premium cherries into a symbol of thriving cross-Pacific commerce. In 2024, Chile’s cherry exports surged 51.4 percent to 3.57 billion dollars — with over 90 percent going to China.
“The Chinese market has created a positive ripple effect in Chile, generating jobs across the supply chain, from harvesting to packaging,” said Hernan Garces Gazmuri, a Chilean cherry producer who moved his family to Shanghai for greater business opportunities.
As Pavel Aleman, a Cuban scholar from the University of Havana, pointed out, China-LAC cooperation is mutually beneficial in essence, with China’s economic vitality fueling Latin America’s development, while the region plays a vital role in supporting China’s continued growth.
“Deeper cooperation between the two sides can help offset the impact of tariff barriers and effectively counter global risks,” he said.
Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought China into closer partnership with countries across the vast Pacific. To date, more than 20 countries in the region have joined the Belt and Road cooperation framework, and 10 countries have signed cooperation plans with China under the initiative.
Xi once described Latin America as a natural extension of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road — an essential pillar of the BRI. He emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the region, aligning development strategies and promoting shared growth.
“As we roll out the blueprint for the BRI, we strive to forge a route of cooperation across the Pacific, in order to draw closer the two lands of abundance of China and Latin America and the Caribbean,” Xi said in his congratulatory message to the second ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.
Beyond trade and investment, collaboration between China and this region has also deepened in the fields of science, technology and environmental protection. China has supported joint Earth-resource satellite programs with Brazil, contributing to efforts aimed at curbing deforestation and preserving biodiversity in the Amazon.
Xi said China and Latin America and the Caribbean should promote joint development to contribute to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the global economy.
HEART-TO-HEART CONNECTIONS
Xi has long believed that strong state-to-state relations are built on people-to-people connections. Over his six trips to the region as head of state, he made a point of engaging with everyday people despite tight schedules.
In Costa Rica, Xi visited the home of a coffee grower who showed him around his house and plantation. Over a cup of coffee, Xi chatted with the family and shared that he, too, had rural beginnings — having spent years working the land in his youth.
A girl learns Chinese calligraphy at the 4th edition of the Chinese New Year cultural festival at the National Arts Center in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, Jan. 25, 2025. [Xinhua]
His engagement has ignited vibrant people-to-people exchanges, with cultural festivals, youth projects and journalist initiatives flourishing under the China-CELAC Forum.
To date, China has provided the region with 17,000 government scholarships and 13,000 training opportunities. It has signed 26 educational cooperation agreements or memoranda of understanding with 19 countries and established 68 Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms in the region.
Connections between China and the region have also been strengthened through practical measures — such as the launch of new direct air routes and the inclusion of more Latin American countries in China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program.
As many countries in the region now officially celebrate the Chinese New Year, a growing number of Chinese travelers have headed to Latin America in recent years — some for business, others as tourists drawn by the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural diversity.
These efforts have brought China and the region closer than ever, said Qiu, the Chinese government’s special representative for Latin American affairs.
Both China and Latin America are home to ancient histories and flourishing civilizations. For Xi, civilizations grow richer and more colorful through exchanges and mutual learning.
In 2013, at Mexico’s Chichen Itza, Xi explored ancient Maya ruins with archaeologist Jose Huchim Herrera. Amid stepped pyramids and temples, he inquired about the features of the ruins, such as the meaning of carved reliefs.
His questions revealed a deep curiosity about the host civilization, said Huchim Herrera.
In a signed article published last November ahead of his visit to Peru, Xi highlighted a cultural connection by pointing out the resemblance between the Incan gold masks unearthed in Peru and those discovered at the Sanxingdui archaeological site in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
That same month, a joint exhibition in the ancient city of Cusco showcased dazzling gold artifacts, bronze statues, jade treasures and wooden relics from Sichuan’s Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites, captivating nearly 10,000 Peruvian visitors.
Daniel Grimaldi, executive director of the think tank Chile 21, praised exchanges between Chinese and Latin American civilizations for opening new channels of communication. Such interactions, he said, strengthen ties through mutual respect and open dialogue, while supporting both sides on their shared journey toward modernization.
As Xi has said, in a globalization and information age, the Pacific is no barrier but rather a bond and a bridge.
Samsung Electronics is expanding the reach of world-class art by welcoming the Art Institute of Chicago to its catalog of exclusive collections on the Samsung Art Store.
The Art Institute of Chicago is the largest Samsung Art Store collection to launch yet, with an impressive total of 49 artworks, including iconic pieces by Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper and more. This collection also marks the first major art partnership to launch following the Samsung Art Store’s expansion to QLED TVs, bringing a vibrant quantum level premium visual experience to audiences.
Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s great art museums, with more than a million visitors each year experiencing the renowned collection. Now, through an exclusive partnership with the Samsung Art Store you can enjoy some of its extraordinary highlights from the comfort of your home. From celebrated Impressionist paintings to defining works of American and Modern art, each piece is meticulously rendered to bring the museum’s cultural richness directly into the home.
Highlights from the collection include Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” and Marc Chagall’s “America Windows” — both widely recognizable from the classic film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off — alongside Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” Vincent van Gogh’s “Fishing in Spring, the Pont de Clichy,” Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” and Claude Monet’s “Cliff Walk at Pourville.”
Image: Georges Seurat. A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884 (detail), 1884/86. Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection.
This collaboration also marks a major milestone for the Samsung Art Store, introducing first-ever pieces by Frank Lloyd Wright, along with works by Jules Breton, Vasily Kandinsky, and George Wesley Bellows. These additions arrive on the heels of the recent debut of Frida Kahlo’s artworks in The MoMA collection and reflect Samsung’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to more artists.
“At the Art Institute of Chicago, we are deeply intentional about how our collection is experienced by visitors and art enthusiasts from around the world,” said Michael Neault, associate vice president and executive creative director at the Art Institute of Chicago. “Samsung shares our dedication to both excellence and accessibility and this collaboration allows us to lean into today’s innovation and extend the reach of some of the world’s most significant art.”
The Samsung Art Store continues to meet the moment in this growing market, making exclusive partnerships for modern and contemporary artworks the focus of its acquisition strategy. Paired with The Frame’s award-winning display—designed to reduce glare and mimic canvas texture—and the recent expansion to 2025 Samsung Neo QLED 8K, 4K and QLED models, Samsung is providing an unparalleled digital art experience.
“The collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago exemplifies our commitment to expanding access to and discovery of fine art to a global audience at scale,” said Maya Harris, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Samsung. “The Art Institute of Chicago joins the seminal Art Basel and The Museum of Modern Art as exclusive collections only available on the Samsung Art Store. We are not only building a vast and unmatched library of incredible world-class art but also amplifying the world’s most important institutions and making them widely accessible through a medium we are proud to have pioneered.”
Craters in the lunar surface are visible in this photo taken during the Apollo 11 mission. NASA via AP
April 2025 was a busy month for space.
Pop icon Katy Perry joined five other civilian women on a quick jaunt to the edge of space, making headlines. Meanwhile, another group of people at the United Nations was contemplating a critical issue for the future of space exploration: the discovery, extraction and utilization of natural resources on the Moon.
As a space lawyer and co-founder of For All Moonkind, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting human heritage in outer space, I know that the Moon could be the proving ground for humanity’s evolution into a species that lives and thrives on more than one planet. However, this new frontier raises complex legal questions.
Space, legally
Outer space – including the Moon – from a legal perspective, is a unique domain without direct terrestrial equivalent. It is not, like the high seas, the “common heritage of humankind,” nor is it an area, like Antarctica, where commercial mining is prohibited.
Instead, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty – signed by more than 115 nations, including China, Russia and the United States – establishes that the exploration and use of space are the “province of all humankind.” That means no country may claim territory in outer space, and all have the right to access all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies freely.
The fact that, pursuant to Article II of the treaty, a country cannot claim territory in outer space, known as the nonappropriation principle, suggests to some that property ownership in space is forbidden.
Can this be true? If your grandchildren move to Mars, will they never own a home? How can a company protect its investment in a lunar mine if it must be freely accessible by all? What happens, as it inevitably will, when two rovers race to a particular area on the lunar surface known to host valuable water ice? Does the winner take all?
As it turns out, the Outer Space Treaty does offer some wiggle room. Article IX requires countries to show “due regard” for the corresponding interests of others. It is a legally vague standard, although the Permanent Court of Arbitration has suggested that due regard means simply paying attention to what’s reasonable under the circumstances.
First mover advantage – it’s a race
The treaty’s broad language encourages a race to the Moon. The first entity to any spot will have a unilateral opportunity to determine what’s legally “reasonable.” For example, creating an overly large buffer zone around equipment might be justified to mitigate potential damage from lunar dust.
On top of that, Article XII of the Outer Space Treaty assumes that there will be installations, like bases or mining operations, on the Moon. Contrary to the free access principle, the treaty suggests that access to these may be blocked unless the owner grants permission to enter.
Both of these paths within the treaty would allow the first person to make it to their desired spot on the Moon to keep others out. The U.N. principles in their current form don’t address these loopholes.
The draft U.N. principles released in April mirror, and are confined by, the language of the Outer Space Treaty. This tension between free access and the need to protect – most easily by forbidding access – remains unresolved. And the clock is ticking.
The Moon’s vulnerable legacy
The U.S. Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028, China has plans for human return by 2030, and in the intervening years, more than 100 robotic missions are planned by countries and private industry alike. For the most part, these missions are all headed to the same sweet spot: the lunar south pole. Here, peaks of eternal light and deep craters containing water ice promise the best mining, science and research opportunities.
Regions of the lunar south pole, left, and north pole, right, contain water in the form of ice (blue), which could be useful for space agencies hoping to set up lunar bases. NASA
In this excitement, it’s easy to forget that humans already have a deep history of lunar exploration. Scattered on the lunar surface are artifacts displaying humanity’s technological progress.
More recently, in 2019, China’s Chang’e 4 achieved the first soft landing on the Moon’s far side. And in 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 became the first to land successfully near the lunar south pole.
These sites memorialize humanity’s baby steps off our home planet and easily meet the United Nations definition of terrestrial heritage, as they are so “exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.”
The international community works to protect such sites on Earth, but those protection protocols do not extend to outer space.
Astronaut footprints are still intact on the lunar surface because the Moon doesn’t have weather. But nearby spacecraft or rovers could kick up dust and cover them. AP Photo
The more than 115 other sites on the Moon that bear evidence of human activity are frozen in time without degradation from weather, animal or human activity. But this could change. A single errant spacecraft or rover could kick up abrasive lunar dust, erasing bootprints or damaging artifacts.
Protection and the Outer Space Treaty
In 2011, NASA recommended establishing buffer, or safety zones, of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to protect certain sites with U.S. artifacts.
Because it understood that outright exclusion violates the Outer Space Treaty, NASA issued these recommendations as voluntary guidelines. Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites. They could act as a starting point to find a balance between protection and access.
Building on this agreement, the international community could require specific access protocols — such as a permitting process, activity restrictions, shared access rules, monitoring and other controls — for heritage sites on the Moon. If accepted, these protective measures for heritage sites could also work as a template for scientific and operational sites. This would create a consistent framework that avoids the perception of claiming territory.
At this time, the draft U.N. principles released in April 2025 do not directly address the opposing concepts of access and protection. Instead, they defer to Article I of the Outer Space Treaty and reaffirm that everyone has free access to all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
As more countries and companies compete to reach the Moon, a clear lunar legal framework can guide them to avoid conflicts and preserve historical sites. The draft U.N. principles show that the international community is ready to explore what this framework could look like.
Michelle L.D. Hanlon is affiliated with For All Moonkind, a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting human cultural heritage in outer space starting with the Apollo lunar landing sites.
The average electric monthly bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024, but average costs for customers in some states were much higher or lower. Customers in states such as Hawaii and Connecticut, where retail electricity prices are relatively high, paid more than $200 per month for electricity, or more than twice as much as customers in states such as New Mexico and Utah.
Monthly electricity bills are the product of two factors: retail electricity prices and the amount of grid-delivered electricity that customers consume. Although we do not directly survey retail electricity prices or bills in our monthly electricity surveys, we estimate bills by dividing the utilities’ revenue from residential customers by the number of residential customers. Similarly, we estimate retail prices by dividing utility revenue from residential customers by electric retail sales to residential customers.
Average U.S. electricity prices and consumption were both higher in 2024 compared with 2023. The average U.S. residential electricity price rose from 16.0 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) in 2023 to 16.5 cents/kWh in 2024. Monthly electricity consumption per residential customer averaged 865 kWh in 2024, or 2% more than the average value in 2023.
Customers in Hawaii had the highest average monthly bills in 2024, at $213 per month, despite consuming the least amount of grid-delivered electricity, on average. Although many homes in Hawaii have solar photovoltaic systems that reduce the need for grid-delivered electricity, most of that grid-delivered electricity generated in Hawaii comes from petroleum-fired generators. Electricity prices in Hawaii are high because petroleum-fired electricity generation is expensive compared with other energy sources.
Customers in Utah had the lowest average monthly bills at $89 per month. The six states with the lowest residential bills are all in the Rocky Mountain region: Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. These states tend to have lower-than-average residential electricity prices and consumption. Delivered costs for coal and natural gas, which are prevalent sources for electricity generation in Rocky Mountain states, were lower in 2024 than in 2023.
Louisiana had the highest average electricity consumption, as Louisiana’s residential customers used more than twice as much electricity from the grid as those in Hawaii or California. However, because electricity prices are so much lower in Louisiana, residents paid an average of $142 per month, or nearly equal to the national average. Southeastern states tend to consume more electricity than other states because customers use more air conditioning in the summer and use electric, rather than natural gas, space-heating equipment in the winter.
Principal contributors: Alex Gorski, Owen Comstock
Plymouth City Council balanced its 2024/25 budget while protecting local services and investing in ambitious regeneration plans for the city despite facing significant cost and demand pressures, a report to Cabinet says.
The provisional 2024/25 revenue and capital outturn report says that like other authorities the Council has faced significant challenges beyond its control, including inflationary increases in all services areas and growing cost and demand pressures in as children’s and adult social care, SEND provision and homelessness services, necessitating departments to deliver savings plans and maintain tight management of staffing costs.
The £241.6 million revenue budget supported the delivery of more than 300 Council services, while a £109.3 million capital programme – a £17.9 million increase on the previous year – has helped draw in millions of pounds of investment into the city’s infrastructure and regeneration by levering in Government grants, developer contributions and borrowing.
This invested in infrastructure schemes such as:
The Woolwell to the George improvement scheme, which will help ease congestion in the north of the city
The Derriford District Centre scheme, which has delivered a new retail centre providing popular stores and leisure facilities, while supporting local jobs.
The new Foulston Park, which is seeing the former Brickfields site being transformed into a centre for sporting excellence and community wellbeing
The city centre regeneration, including Old Town Street and New George Street improvements, Armada Way regeneration scheme and the Civic Square improvement scheme, helping inspire investor confidence in the city
Plymouth South National Marine Park, which is seeing the transformation of waterfront landmarks such as Tinside Lido with the support of lottery funding.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for Finance, said: “It’s no mean feat to balance the books at year end when you face the scale of challenges that we have over the last year. The amount of hard work behind these figures shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Despite these challenges we have remained committed to avoiding reductions to services and continuing to deliver the priorities and ambitions for Plymouth, with multiple schemes that result in tangible improvements for city residents.
“While we did use our ‘usable reserves’ to offset some of the pressures that arose during the financial year, this was a considered and sensible approach that helped avoid cuts to valued services and to protect the elderly and vulnerable in the city. We have already made a commitment in our medium-term financial plan to rebuild the level of reserves in future budgets.
“While this financial year promises to be no less challenging than the last, given the systemic issues with demand and cost pressures we are facing in social care services, I am confident that this Government understands the problems that councils are facing and will start to provide more support for addressing them than we have been used to in previous years.”
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local FBI partners have a long history of prioritizing these types of cases and working together to achieve justice for victims of these crimes. We were proud to contribute to this initiative.”
On April 29, 2025, Kody Dickes, 34, of Ashland, Nebraska, was arrested by criminal complaint for distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We tried plenty of online casinos—limited games, tiny bonuses, clunky layouts. Then we found JACKBIT, one of the best crypto casinos around. It greets you with a generous welcome bonus, pays out instantly in crypto, and offers hundreds of games. Voted the best crypto casino of 2025 by iGaming experts, JACKBIT delivers a smooth, secure experience for players.
“Our mission is to help players find a safe and rewarding platform,” said a panel expert. “JACKBIT stands out as the best crypto casino due to its seamless user experience, extensive game variety, and commitment to player privacy.”
A Deep Dive into JACKBIT’s Excellence
The selection of JACKBIT as the best crypto casinos was based on a thorough review of key player-focused criteria:
Licensing and Regulation
Game Variety and Quality
Bonuses and Promotions
Payment Flexibility and Speed
Security and Fair Play
Mobile Gaming Experience
Customer Support Quality
Sportsbook Features
Responsible Gambling Tools
No-KYC Benefits
This comprehensive evaluation confirmed JACKBIT as a trusted online casino that excels in every aspect, making it a top choice for crypto gamblers worldwide.
Why JACKBIT is the Best Crypto Casino
Licensing and Regulation
JACKBIT operates under a Curacao Gaming License, a respected credential in the crypto gambling industry. This license ensures adherence to fair play and security standards, with regular audits to maintain transparency. While some players may prefer stricter licenses like those from Malta or the UKGC, the Curacao framework allows JACKBIT to serve a global audience, solidifying its status as a safe online casino.
Game Variety and Quality
JACKBIT’s game library is a major reason it’s hailed as the best crypto casino. With over 7,000 titles from 85 top providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play, the platform caters to all preferences. The offerings include:
Slots: Over 5,000 slots, from classics to modern video slots like Gold Party, Chilli Heat, and Wolf Gold. Players can also enjoy 180+ Megaways titles and progressive jackpots with life-changing payouts.
Table Games: A wide range of options, including blackjack (Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack), roulette (European, Lightning), poker (Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud), baccarat, and craps.
Live Dealer Games: Powered by Evolution Gaming, the live section features Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Baccarat, and interactive game shows like Dream Catcher and Crazy Time.
Sportsbook: A comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, with 82,000+ live monthly events and 4,500+ betting types, including football, basketball, tennis, and e-sports.
Specialty Games: Casual options like bingo (Shamrock Bingo), scratch cards, and crypto-friendly mini-games such as Aviator and Plinko.
Virtual Sports: 24/7 betting on simulated events like virtual football, horse racing, and greyhound racing.
This extensive selection ensures JACKBIT remains the best bitcoin casino for players seeking variety and quality.
Bonuses and Promotions
JACKBIT’s promotional offers are a key factor in its ranking as the best instant withdrawal casino. New players are greeted with a 30% Rakeback and 100 free spins wager-free on their first deposit. Ongoing promotions include:
Weekly giveaways with $10,000 and 10,000 free spins.
VIP Rakeback up to 30%, scaling with loyalty tiers.
Pragmatic Drops & Wins with a €2,000,000 prize pool.
Social media bonuses for engaging on platforms like Twitter.
Regular slot and table game tournaments with cash prizes.
These bonuses are designed with fair terms, ensuring players get maximum value. JACKBIT’s creative promotions make it a standout in the crypto casino space.
Click “Sign Up” or “Register” in the top-right corner.
Provide minimal details (email, password, preferred currency).
Select a payment method (crypto or fiat) and make a deposit.
Claim your 30% Rakeback + 100 free spins welcome bonus.
Dive into 7,000+ games or explore the sportsbook.
Ensure you meet your jurisdiction’s legal gambling age (typically 18 or 19) before registering. JACKBIT’s streamlined process makes it the best crypto casino for accessibility.
Payment Flexibility and Speed
As an instant payout casino, JACKBIT supports over 17 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Ripple, and Dogecoin. Crypto transactions are instant and fee-free, providing unmatched convenience. Traditional banking options include:
Visa and MasterCard (instant deposits, 1-3 day withdrawals).
Google Pay and Apple Pay (instant mobile deposits).
Bank transfers (3-5 day withdrawals).
With high withdrawal limits (up to $10,000 weekly) and robust SSL encryption, JACKBIT ensures secure and flexible banking, reinforcing its position as the best crypto casino.
Security and Fair Play
Security is a top priority at JACKBIT, a trusted online casino. The platform employs SSL encryption and blockchain technology to safeguard player data and transactions. Provably fair games and Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure unbiased outcomes, making JACKBIT one of the safest online casinos. The no-KYC policy enhances privacy, offering instant withdrawal and no verification while maintaining trust.
Mobile Gaming Experience
JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform delivers a seamless experience on iOS and Android without requiring a dedicated app. Players can access the full game library, make instant deposits, and claim bonuses on the go. The responsive design ensures smooth navigation, making JACKBIT the new crypto casino a top choice for mobile gamblers seeking the best crypto casinos.
Customer Support Quality
JACKBIT, the new crypto casino, offers 24/7 live chat support in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish. The team is highly responsive, resolving queries within minutes. Email support and a comprehensive FAQ section provide additional resources. Player feedback highlights the support team’s professionalism, cementing JACKBIT’s reputation as a trusted online casino.
Sportsbook Features
JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a standout, offering 140+ sports, including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, and e-sports like Counter-Strike. With 82,000+ live monthly events, 75,000+ pre-match events, and 4,500+ betting types, it caters to sports betting enthusiasts. Live streaming and competitive odds make JACKBIT the best bitcoin casino for sports fans.
Responsible Gambling Tools
JACKBIT prioritizes player well-being with tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks, and links to organizations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy. These features ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, aligning with the standards of safe online casinos.
No-KYC Benefits
The no-KYC policy is a game-changer, allowing players to enjoy instant withdrawal and no verification while maintaining anonymity. This feature, combined with fast crypto payouts, makes JACKBIT the best instant withdrawal casino for privacy-conscious players.
What Sets JACKBIT Apart
JACKBIT distinguishes itself as the best crypto casino through several unique advantages:
Privacy First: The no-KYC policy ensures complete anonymity, which is ideal for discreet gambling.
Unrivaled Game Library: Over 7,000 games provide more variety than most competitors.
Lightning-Fast Payouts: Instant crypto withdrawals outpace other platforms.
Creative Promotions: From Rakeback to social media bonuses, JACKBIT offers unique value.
Global Reach: Multilingual support and mobile optimization make it accessible worldwide.
These strengths make JACKBIT a leader in the crypto gambling industry, delivering a player-focused experience that’s hard to match.
JACKBIT’s VIP program rewards dedicated players with tailored benefits:
Up to 30% Rakeback based on loyalty tier.
Exclusive bonuses, including free spins, deposit matches, and tournament entries.
Priority support with dedicated account managers.
Higher withdrawal limits for high rollers.
Players earn points through wagers, progressing through tiers for better perks. This program enhances the value of playing at the best crypto casinos, ensuring loyal players are well-rewarded.
Community Engagement and Social Features
JACKBIT fosters a vibrant community through:
Social Media Bonuses: Free spins and cash rewards for engaging on platforms like Twitter and Telegram.
Tournaments: Competitive slot and table game events with leaderboards and prize pools.
Player Feedback: Positive reviews on sites like AskGamblers and Trustpilot highlight community trust.
This engagement creates a dynamic and interactive experience, making JACKBIT a top choice for players seeking the best bitcoin casino.
Exploring JACKBIT’s Game Categories in Depth
Slots: A World of Spins
JACKBIT’s slot collection is a highlight, with over 5,000 titles ranging from classic fruit machines to modern video slots. Popular games like Gold Party offer high volatility for big wins, while Chilli Heat provides medium-variance fun with free spins. Progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah and Divine Fortune offer life-changing payouts. Regular tournaments and free spins promotions make slots a core part of the best crypto casino experience.
Table Games: Strategy and Skill
For players who enjoy strategy, JACKBIT offers a robust selection of table games. Blackjack variants like Power Blackjack and Infinite Blackjack provide low house edges, while roulette options like Lightning Roulette add excitement with multipliers. Poker fans can play Texas Hold’em or Caribbean Stud, and craps brings fast-paced dice action. These games cater to both casual and seasoned players, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as a trusted online casino.
Live Dealer Games: Real Casino Vibes
JACKBIT’s live dealer section, powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, delivers an authentic casino atmosphere. Live Blackjack and Live Roulette offer multiple tables for all budgets, while game shows like Dream Catcher and Mega Wheel add interactive fun. High-definition streaming and real-time chat create an immersive experience, making JACKBIT a leader among safe online casinos.
Sportsbook: Betting Beyond the Casino
JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a major draw, covering traditional sports like football and basketball, as well as niche options like cricket and e-sports. With 82,000+ live events and 4,500+ betting types, players can wager on everything from moneylines to prop bets. Live streaming for select events enhances the experience, making JACKBIT the best crypto casino for sports betting enthusiasts.
Specialty Games: Casual Fun
JACKBIT’s specialty games cater to players seeking low-stakes entertainment. Bingo titles like Shamrock Bingo and Burning Pearl Bingo offer quick play, while scratch cards provide instant-win thrills. Crypto-friendly mini-games like Aviator and Plinko are popular for their simplicity and high RTPs, adding diversity to the best instant withdrawal casino.
Virtual Sports: 24/7 Action
Virtual sports at JACKBIT include simulated events like virtual football and horse racing, powered by advanced algorithms for realistic graphics and quick results. Available 24/7, these games offer constant betting opportunities, making JACKBIT a versatile platform for all types of gamblers.
Since its launch in 2022, JACKBIT has rapidly become a frontrunner in the crypto gambling industry. Its focus on innovation, such as integrating 17+ cryptocurrencies and offering provably fair games, positions it as a trailblazer. The no-KYC policy and instant payouts cater to the growing demand for privacy and speed, ensuring JACKBIT remains the best crypto casino for years to come.
As the crypto gambling market evolves, JACKBIT is poised to stay ahead by expanding its game library, introducing new promotions, and enhancing its platform. The casino’s commitment to player satisfaction and responsible gambling makes it a reliable choice for both new and experienced players.
Comparing JACKBIT to Competitors
To understand why JACKBIT is the best crypto casino, it’s worth comparing it to other leading platforms:
Game Library: While competitors like BitStarz and Stake offer large game selections, JACKBIT’s 7,000+ titles and 85 providers provide unmatched variety.
No-KYC Policy: Unlike many casinos requiring identity verification, JACKBIT’s no-KYC approach ensures instant withdrawal and no verification, a rare feature.
Payout Speed: JACKBIT’s instant crypto payouts surpass platforms with slower processing times, making it the best instant withdrawal casino.
Bonuses: JACKBIT’s 30% Rakeback and weekly giveaways offer more value than standard deposit matches found elsewhere.
These advantages highlight why JACKBIT leads the pack as the best bitcoin casino.
Tips for Maximizing Your JACKBIT Experience
To get the most out of JACKBIT, consider these tips:
Claim All Bonuses: Start with the welcome offer and stay active to unlock weekly giveaways and VIP rewards.
Explore the Game Library: Try different categories, from slots to live dealer games, to find your favorites.
Use Cryptocurrencies: Crypto deposits and withdrawals are faster and fee-free, enhancing your experience at this instant payout casino.
Engage on Social Media: Follow JACKBIT on Twitter and Telegram for exclusive bonuses.
Set Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your spending and play safely.
These strategies will help you enjoy the full potential of the best crypto casino.
How JACKBIT Stands Out From Other Crypto Casinos
JACKBIT’s blend of no-KYC gaming, instant crypto payouts, and a vast game library makes it unmatched. Its player-centric features, from generous bonuses to robust security, ensure a rewarding and safe experience. The Curacao license, while not the strictest, is backed by transparency and responsible gambling tools, building trust among players.
As a relatively new platform, JACKBIT has quickly set the standard for innovation, offering a seamless experience for casual players and high rollers alike. Its global accessibility and vibrant community make it the best crypto casino for 2025 and beyond.
Can I play at JACKBIT without verifying my identity?
Yes, JACKBIT supports anonymous crypto gaming with no mandatory KYC for most withdrawals, letting you enjoy full privacy while playing and cashing out securely.
I want fast access to my winnings. Are JACKBIT’s crypto payouts quick?
JACKBIT is known for its rapid crypto transactions. BTC, ETH, and other coins are typically processed within minutes, especially for verified or frequent users.
Can I use Bitcoin bonuses right after signing up at JACKBIT?
Absolutely. New players at JACKBIT can instantly claim crypto welcome bonuses upon their first deposit—no delays or complicated conditions.
I play on mobile- does JACKBIT work smoothly on phones?
Yes, JACKBIT offers a seamless mobile experience. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, the site runs fast and securely, with full access to games and crypto payments.
Can I earn rewards or cashback the more I play at JACKBIT?
Definitely, JACKBIT features a rewarding VIP program where consistent play unlocks cashback, free spins, exclusive bonuses, and faster payout privileges.
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, with no warranties made as to its accuracy or completeness. Users must verify information before acting.
Online gambling involves risks and is not suitable for everyone. Confirm you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling; participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for losses or disputes.
This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content, but our reviews remain unbiased. Always conduct your own research before signing up.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
NEW YORK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBH) (“Brag House” or the “Company”), the premier Gen Z engagement platform that operates at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and social interaction, today announced the launch of the ‘Brag Gators Gauntlet’ Series – Baseball Edition, a high-impact, single-day tournament Featuring Fortnite hosted in collaboration with Florida Gators Athletics and Learfield’s Florida Gators Sports Properties.
This landmark activation is the first in a nationwide rollout stemming from Brag House’s strategic partnership roadmap that was announced on April 28, 2025, and reaffirmed in the Company’s recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The Brag Gators Gauntlet is designed to fuse the passion of college sports, starting with college baseball, and the cultural power of gaming, in a way that only Brag House can deliver – by bringing students, alumni, and brands together in real time through interactive and gamified experiences.
“This isn’t just a tournament – it’s a gamified digital tailgate, a new way for Gen Z to rally around their school,” said Lavell Juan Malloy II, CEO and Co-Founder of Brag House. “With Learfield and Florida Gators Athletics, we’re redefining what it means to be a fan – empowering students and alumni to play, brag, and win as an essential part of the college sports experience.”
Tournament Details
Name: Brag Gators Gauntlet – Baseball Edition
Date, Time and Place: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST | Online Format: Fortnite No-Build, Solos, Battle Royale (private lobbies) – 4 rounds (heats) leading to a final heat
Eligibility: Open to current students and alumni from both the University of Florida and the University of Alabama
Live Broadcast: Activation will be streamed live on the Brag House platform with casters, play-by-play in-game analysis, and other interactive elements
The tournament will serve as a lead-in to the highly anticipated Florida vs. Alabama college baseball game, further aligning digital and physical campus events into a cohesive fan experience.
Beyond the Game
The Brag Gators Gauntlet reflects Brag House’s larger mission: to build a new digital sports medium tailored to Gen Z by merging college athletics with competitive, casual gaming. It also continues the Company’s focus on NIL-integrated content, loyalty token rewards, and data-rich experiences that enable brands to engage authentically with hyper-targeted college communities.
“With every activation, we are not only creating entertainment – we’re generating insights, building brand equity, and delivering measurable ROI for our partners,” added Malloy.
What’s Next
Following this activation, Brag House and Learfield plan to replicate the Brag Gauntlet model across additional campuses in 2025 and beyond, with the goal of establishing an enduring layer of Gen Z engagement within the college sports ecosystem.
About Brag House Brag House is a leading media technology gaming platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By seamlessly merging gaming, social interaction, and cutting-edge technology, the Company provides an inclusive and engaging environment for casual gamers while enabling brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic. The platform offers live-streaming capabilities, gamification features, and custom tournament services, fostering meaningful engagement between users and brands. For more information, please visit www.braghouse.com.
About Learfield Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the execution and prospects of the Brag Gators Gauntlet and Brag House’s and Learfield’s plan to expand the Brag Gauntlet model. For a full discussion of these risks, please refer to Brag House’s SEC filings.
Media Contact: Fatema Bhabrawala Director of Media Relations fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com
As researchers and directors of regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey since 2011, we have seen firsthand the work these programs do to protect the nation’s natural resources and their successes in helping states and tribes build resilience to climate risks.
Here are a few examples of the ways federally funded climate adaptation science conducted by university and federal researchers helps the nation weather the effects of climate change.
Protecting communities against wildfire risk
Wildfires have increasingly threatened communities and ecosystems across the U.S., exacerbated by worsening heat waves and drought.
In the Southwest, researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers are developing forecasting models to identify locations at greatest risk of wildfire at different times of year.
Knowing where and when fire risks are highest allows communities to take steps to protect themselves, whether by carrying out controlled burns to remove dry vegetation, creating fire breaks to protect homes, managing invasive species that can leave forests more prone to devastating fires, or other measures.
The solutions are created with forest and wildland managers to ensure projects are viable, effective and tailored to each area. The research is then integrated into best practices for managing wildfires. The researchers also help city planners find the most effective methods to reduce fire risks in wildlands near homes.
Wildland firefighters and communities have limited resources. They need to know where the greatest risks exist to take preventive measures. Ethan Swope/Getty Images
In Hawaii and the other Pacific islands, adaptation researchers have similarly worked to identify how drought, invasive species and land-use changes contribute to fire risk there. They use these results to create maps of high-risk fire zones to help communities take steps to reduce dry and dead undergrowth that could fuel fires and also plan for recovery after fires.
Protecting shorelines and fisheries
In the Northeast, salt marshes line large parts of the coast, providing natural buffers against storms by damping powerful ocean waves that would otherwise erode the shoreline. Their shallow, grassy waters also serve as important breeding grounds for valuable fish.
However, these marshes are at risk of drowning as sea level rises faster than the sediment can build up.
As greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and from other human activities accumulate in the atmosphere, they trap extra heat near Earth’s surface and in the oceans, raising temperatures. The rising temperatures melt glaciers and also cause thermal expansion of the oceans. Together, those processes are raising global sea level by about 1.3 inches per decade.
Adaptation researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been developing local flood projections for the regions’ unique oceanographic and geophysical conditions to help protect them. Those projections are essential to help natural resource managers and municipalities plan effectively for the future.
In the Northwest and Alaska, salmon are struggling as temperatures rise in the streams they return to for spawning each year. Warm water can make them sluggish, putting them at greater risk from predators. When temperatures get too high, they can’t survive. Even in large rivers such as the Columbia, salmon are becoming heat stressed more often.
Adaptation researchers in both regions have been evaluating the effectiveness of fish rescues – temporarily moving salmon into captivity as seasonal streams overheat or dry up due to drought.
In Alaska, adaptation scientists have built broad partnerships with tribes, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to improve temperature measurements of remote streams, creating an early warning system for fisheries so managers can take steps to help salmon survive.
Researchers in the Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been working to identify and prioritize the risks from invasive species that are expanding their ranges. That helps state managers eradicate these emerging threats before they become a problem. These regional invasive species networks have become the go-to source of climate-related scientific information for thousands of invasive species managers.
The rise in the number of invasive species projected by 2050 is substantial in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Federally funded scientists develop these risk maps and work with local communities to head off invasive species damage. Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network
The Northeast is a hot spot for invasive species, particularly for plants that can outcompete native wetland and grassland species and host pathogens that can harm native species.
Without proactive assessments, invasive species management becomes more difficult. Once the damage has begun, managing invasive species becomes more expensive and less effective.
Losing the nation’s ability to adapt wisely
A key part of these projects is the strong working relationships built between scientists and the natural resource managers in state, community, tribal and government agencies who can put this knowledge into practice.
With climate extremes likely to increase in the coming years, losing adaptation science will leave the United States even more vulnerable to future climate hazards.
Bethany Bradley receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Jia Hu has receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Meade Krosby receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
BANGKOK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has mobilized relief efforts for vulnerable communities in Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Sagaing region on March 28. The disaster, which sent tremors as far as Bangkok, compounded existing hardships in an area already grappling with civil unrest and economic instability.
In coordination with local partners, Bitget delivered 150 Emergency Resilience Kits to high-risk families, including those who lost homes, were caring for infants or elderly relatives, or had received minimal aid. Each kit provided comprehensive support: hygiene essentials to prevent disease, sleeping mats and blankets for displaced families, cooking tools to restore daily routines, water filters for safe drinking water, and basic medicines to address urgent health needs.
The operation was not without its challenges. Navigating security risks, logistical hurdles, and the potential for aid diversion in a conflict zone required meticulous planning and deep community trust. Bitget’s partners on the ground leveraged their local expertise to ensure equitable distribution, reaching families whose needs might otherwise have been invisible in the chaos of crisis response.
“True humanitarian action isn’t just about meeting urgent needs—it’s about seeing the unseen,” said Bitget CEO Gracy Chen. “As the second-largest crypto exchange ecosystem, we believe that real growth in our industry must be matched by real responsibility. Crypto was built on the ideals of empowerment and global connection. In times of crisis, these ideals must be translated into action. Our support for Myanmar’s affected communities is a reminder that innovation must go hand-in-hand with human impact. As we help build the future of finance, we are equally committed to building a future where no one is left behind,” she added.
The impact extended beyond material relief. For displaced families living in overcrowded temporary shelters, the kits alleviated pressure on shared resources. For others, they represented the first semblance of stability since the disaster struck, a signal that they had not been forgotten.
As recovery efforts continue in Sagaing, Bitget’s initiative serves as a small reminder that effective crisis response begins with listening and learning. By combining swift action with deep local understanding, we were able to offer support where it was needed most—one family, one community at a time.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.
Risk Warning:Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to ourTerms of Use.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
FREMONT, Calif., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced the launch of the Enphase® IQ® Balcony Solar System in Belgium. Designed for plug-and-play installation, the new system empowers apartment dwellers and homeowners with limited roof space to generate their own clean energy from balconies, patios, and small outdoor areas. It’s also a simple and affordable solution for fully off-grid use cases, offering reliable daytime power for cabins, camping sites, mobile home setups, and more. The IQ Balcony Solar System includes Enphase IQ8HC™ Microinverters, IQ® Balcony Gateway, and other components. Enphase also recently launched the product in Germany.
Balcony solar systems – or “plug-in solar” systems – are rapidly expanding access to clean energy for residents without traditional rooftop space. Belgium legalized balcony solar systems for the first time in April 2025, as the country targets a 40% increase in solar capacity by the end of this year. The Enphase IQ Balcony Solar System will help more people participate in the energy transition, supporting greater energy independence across Europe.
The IQ Balcony Solar System offers the following key features:
Do-it-yourself installation: The system has an easy setup with plug-and-play connectors for self-installation and commissioning through the Enphase® App.
Off-grid operation: The system’s IQ Microinverters switch seamlessly between grid-tied and off-grid modes, so connected devices can stay powered during daytime grid outages, or function entirely off-grid when the sun is shining in rural or remote areas where grid power isn’t available.
Scalable solution: Homeowners can start with a small system and expand over time using an Enphase expansion kit as energy needs grow. Additional energy from the expansion kit can be harvested using the auxiliary socket.
Integrated connectivity: The system offers a simplified setup using Wi-Fi or cellular data, supported by a 5-year data plan for seamless monitoring and updates.
Highly reliable: The IQ8HC Microinverters come with an IP67 rating, while the IQ Balcony Gateway has an IP65 rating and a 5-year warranty.
“We’re seeing a surge in interest from Belgians looking for easy-to-install systems that can help deliver real energy savings,” said Brent Groven, head of renewables procurement at GROEP Alelek, a distributor of Enphase products in Belgium. “The IQ Balcony Solar System makes solar energy available to people in apartments and homes who couldn’t participate before.”
The standard Enphase IQ Balcony Solar Kit includes two IQ8HC Microinverters, one IQ Balcony Gateway, IQ® Cables, and one AC Power Cable. Retailers can bundle it with solar panels and racking before it is sold. The scalable system can accommodate up to seven IQ8HC Microinverters and panels, enabling the system to evolve with energy needs. System owners can easily install the system on their own and commission it using the Enphase App, which also allows users to monitor and view their energy production.
“The IQ Balcony Solar System is a simple, powerful, and user-friendly solar balcony solution,” said Wiet Vande Velde, CEO of EnergyKing, an installer of Enphase products in Belgium. “We are excited about its scalability, reliability, and high performance, which we believe will enable more Belgians to achieve energy independence and resilience while reducing their utility costs.”
“With the launch of the IQ Balcony Solar System in Belgium, we’re continuing to expand how and where people can access clean energy,” said Sabbas Daniel, senior vice president of sales at Enphase Energy. “This is a meaningful step in our broader European growth strategy, and we’re excited to bring more innovative, space-efficient solar solutions to customers across the region.”
The Enphase IQ Balcony Solar System is available for purchase today on the Enphase website or with select partners. Solar panels, shelves, and mounting hardware are not included in this kit and must be purchased separately. To learn more about Enphase’s IQ Balcony Solar System in Belgium, visit the websites for homeowners (French and Dutch) and installers (French and Dutch).
About Enphase Energy, Inc.
Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power – and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 81.5 million microinverters, and approximately 4.8 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in over 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality, and reliability; the ability of more people to participate in the energy transition; Enphase Energy’s ability to support greater energy independence across Europe; and statements regarding the timing and availability Enphase Energy’s products in Belgium. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.
GREENWICH, Conn., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) (NasdaqGS: OXLCO) (NasdaqGS: OXLCZ) (NasdaqGS: OXLCN) (NasdaqGS: OXLCI) (NasdaqGS: OXLCG) announced today that it will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth fiscal quarter earnings on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET. The toll-free dial-in number is 1-833-470-1428, access code number 818188. There will be a recorded replay of the call available for 30 days after the call. If you are interested in hearing the recording, please dial 1-866-813-9403. The replay pass-code number is 138532.
About Oxford Lane Capital Corp.
Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Vital support for victims in £20 million funding boost
Thousands more victims to access life-saving support through a £19.9 million investment in specialist services.
Minister Jess Phillips on a visit to Refuge, a charity supporting victims of domestic abuse
Thousands more victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse and stalking will have access to specialist support services thanks to a boost of nearly £20 million announced by the Safeguarding Minister today.
Part of this funding will go towards backing helplines which can offer potentially life-saving support for survivors of abuse. Victims can find these experiences incredibly hard to talk about and contacting helplines for advice is often the first critical step in their journey to escape abuse, access vital support and eventually seek justice.
To help more victims access support at the most vulnerable moments in their lives, a range of helplines supporting victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse and stalking will benefit from £6 million in investment this year – an increase of around a fifth compared to the previous year.
This investment is designed to reach as many different communities as possible and will bolster a range of vital specialist services in England and Wales supporting victims and survivors who face unique and challenging circumstances.
Nine helplines across 8 charities, including: Refuge who run the National Domestic Abuse helpline; Hourglass, a charity supporting older victims; SignHealth who support victims who are Deaf; Galop; The Suzy Lamplugh Trust; Karma Nirvana; and Respect will receive funding to continue providing vital helpline services to victims, recruit more staff and support more victims escaping abuse.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:
No victim should ever feel abandoned when trying to escape abuse. But the harsh reality is that too many do – especially those from marginalised communities who face significant additional hurdles.
Last week, I met survivors who felt the system wasn’t built for people like them. I hope this funding will change that. It’s about smashing down barriers and making sure every single person facing abuse has somewhere to turn when they make the brave decision to seek help.
The funding package announced today also includes £5.3 million for services supporting children affected by domestic abuse, who are often the hidden victims of this devastating crime, to support them through one-to-one and group counselling, classroom-based assistance and help for their non-abusive parents across 8 specialist services nationwide.
Charity Southall Black Sisters will receive £2.4 million to support migrant victims of abuse who are not able to access public funds.
And to give victims direct access to financial support to escape abusive relationships, a wide range of specialist domestic abuse services will receive around £2 million through the Women’s Aid Flexible Fund. Through the fund, organisations across England and Wales, including Welsh Women’s Aid, will give payments of up to £500 to help victims secure safety and one-off payments of up to £2,500 for deposits for rental accommodation to help secure sustainable and independent futures.
This is underscored by £2.5 million for projects to help prevent and improve the response to violence and abuse against women and girls, raise awareness of these issues and protect victims who are at risk.
The government was elected on a mission to make our streets safer for everyone as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
Today’s announcement marks a vital step in our pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, ensuring victims of these appalling crimes have somewhere to turn and the support they need to recover from abuse.
Whether fearing for their lives or growing up in a home filled with stress and anxiety, victims should feel confident that support will be there to help them recover, but sadly too often this isn’t the case.
This funding for struggling specialist domestic abuse services, especially those supporting children, will bring much needed relief to survivors and services, who have been doing all they can to ensure help is there for people during one of their most vulnerable moments in life.
Tackling domestic abuse requires drive, ambition and political will. I look forward to seeing how the government’s forthcoming violence against women and girls’ strategy builds on this investment by ensuring every victim and survivor gets what they need – exactly when they need it – so they can recover from abuse.
Last week, the Minister for Safeguarding visited Refuge’s headquarters to meet with charity leaders and victims and discuss the unique challenges facing vulnerable individuals and harder to reach communities when they seek help. She also saw the National Domestic Abuse helpline in action and spoke to call handlers about the vital work they do.
CEO of Refuge, Gemma Sherrington said:
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, operated by Refuge, offers a lifeline for thousands of survivors every year. Open 7 days a week and 365 days a year, the support given by the helpline often represents the first step towards a life free from abuse and fear.
We are incredibly grateful for this much-needed funding boost, which will sustain this vital service for the coming year. Rather than covering the running costs of the helpline, our fundraised resources can now be directed towards supporting survivors, while bringing us one step closer to a world where domestic abuse is not tolerated.
The funding will also allow us to extend our live chat hours and make accessibility improvements to the helpline website, meaning we can reach more survivors than ever before.
Esther*, a survivor of domestic abuse supported by Refuge, said:
Funding for domestic abuse services is not only vital but absolutely necessary. Domestic abuse, in all its shapes, is still very much a problem and I’m hearing more and more tragic stories than ever before. Funding is needed for not only the aftercare for victims/survivors but also for the services that provide advice and support for people that are fleeing abuse.
The transition from deciding to leave and actually leaving is one of the scariest experiences and it’s important that support and guidance is on hand. I know for certain that without help from these services, my story would have ended very differently, and I would not be here to talk at all. They gave me the courage and opportunity to live and smile again. I will always be forever grateful.
Alongside Raneem’s Law, with domestic abuse specialists embedded in the first 999 control rooms across the country, this £19.9 million investment will help ensure that wherever victims of these crimes reach out for help – whether to police or charities – they will receive a specialist response tailored to their needs.
This announcement follows a £13.1 million investment in a new policing centre to tackle violence against women and girls and enable police to better target these crimes, an uplift of nearly £2 million.
Nikita Kanda, broadcaster and Refuge ambassador, said:
I welcome today’s announcement of almost £20 million in funding for a range of vital and specialist services including Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse helpline. With this investment we will be able to strengthen our commitment to support all communities and empower those enduring domestic violence.
A new national recruitment campaign to help find more foster carers has been launched by First Minister John Swinney.
The Scottish Government campaign, which was announced at John Lewis in Edinburgh to mark the start of Foster Care Fortnight, aims to support the recruitment of more Local Authority foster carers. The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 additional foster carers, and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of fostering and encourage people across the country to consider if they could support a child or young person in the care system.
John Lewis – a key campaign partner – are a foster friendly employer providing extra support to employees who are foster carers, something the Scottish Government has recently introduced to its own staff. The company also run a Care Experienced internship which supports hundreds of young people with care experience to get work experience.
The campaign will be running in May and June, with a new website and an advice line for anyone interested in finding out more.
As he met foster carers at the new campaign launch, the First Minister said:
“Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030.
“Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive.
“Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday ‘ordinary’ can be extraordinary for a child in foster care. Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures.”
Anne Currie, Assistant Director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, said:
“We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government’s national campaign to recruit foster carers, and we’re proud to back this initiative by providing additional support to our Fosterline service to specifically manage enquiries.
“We hope this leads to more people stepping forward to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays. The need has never been more urgent – as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it’s critical that we take action now.”
Ceira Thom, Head of Learning, Inclusion and Belonging at the John Lewis Partnership, said:
“At the John Lewis Partnership, we believe that every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can grow and flourish.
“As the UK’s largest Fostering Friendly employer, we’re proud to support this vital campaign and to help raise awareness of the life-changing role foster carers play in young people’s lives.”
Background
Fostering is open to people of all ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and family structures. Foster carers do not need any specific qualifications, and don’t need to have children of their own.
The ‘Ordinary can be extraordinary for a child in foster care’ campaign runs for four weeks across TV, video on demand, radio and press, and for seven weeks across digital channels.
When does a kid become an adult? – Avery, age 8, Los Angeles
Not everyone grows up at the same pace, even though U.S. law holds that you reach adulthood when you turn 18. This is the age where you are treated like an adult in terms of criminal responsibility. However, states differ on the “civil age of majority,” which means that you don’t necessarily get all the rights and privileges reserved for grown-ups at that point.
Even physical signs of maturity don’t provide an easy answer to this question. Puberty brings about physical changes associated with adulthood like facial hair or breast development. It also marks the onset of sexual maturity – being able to have children.
Those changes don’t happen at the same time for everyone.
For example, girls typically start going through puberty and beginning to look like adults at an earlier age than boys. Some people don’t look like grown-ups until they’re well into their 20s.
In my view, as a professor of developmental psychology, what really matters in terms of becoming an adult is how people feel and behave, and the responsibilities they handle.
Even if you’ve developed a sophisticated palate by the time you turn 18, you still aren’t necessarily a full-fledged adult. nedomacki/Getty Images
Age at milestones may vary
Because everybody is unique, there’s no standard timeline for growing up. Some people learn how to control their emotions, develop the judgment to make good decisions and manage to earn enough to support themselves by the age of 18.
Others take longer.
Coming of age also varies due to cultural differences. In some families, it’s expected that you’ll remain financially dependent on your parents until your mid-20s as you get a college education or job training.
Even within one family, your personality, experiences, career path and specific circumstances can influence how soon you’d be expected to shoulder adult responsibilities.
Drew Barrymore attends a movie premiere at the age of 15 – one year after a judge declared her to be an adult in the eyes of the law through emancipation. Ron Galella, Ltd. via GettyImages
Some young people technically enter adulthood before they turn 18 through a process called “emancipation” – a legal status indicating that a young person is responsible for their own financial affairs and medical obligations.
Economic independence is hard to attain for young teens, however, because child labor is restricted and regulated in the U.S. by federal law, with states setting some of these rules. States also determine how old you have to be to get married. In most states, that’s 18 years old. But some states allow marriage at any age.
Differentiating between kids and adults
Understanding the differences between how children and adults think can help explain when a kid becomes an adult.
What’s more, children, especially little ones, tend to have more trouble controlling their emotions. They’re more prone to crying or screaming when they are frustrated or upset than adults.
One reason why being fully grown up by the time you turn 18 or even 21 might not be possible is because of our brains. The prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in planning and weighing risks, doesn’t fully develop in most people before their 25th birthday.
Making choices that have lifelong consequences
The delay in the brain’s maturity can make it hard for young adults to fully consider the real-world consequences of their actions and choices. This mismatch may explain why adolescents and people in their early 20s often engage in risky or even reckless behavior – such as driving too fast, not wearing a seatbelt, using dangerous drugs, binge drinking or stealing things.
These still-developing parts of the brain also help explain why children are more susceptible to peer pressure. For instance, adolescents are more prone to confess to crimes they didn’t commit under police interrogation, partly because they can’t properly weigh the long-term consequences of their decisions.
In North America, some young people who by many standards are adults – in that they are over 20 years old, own a car and have a job – may not feel like they’re grown-ups regardless of what the law has to say about it. The psychologist Jeffrey Arnett coined the term “emerging adults” to describe Americans who are 21-25 years old but don’t yet feel like they’re grown-ups.
When someone becomes an adult, regardless of what the law says, really depends on the person.
There are 25-year-olds with full-time jobs and their own children who may still not feel like adults and still rely on their parents for a lot of things grown-ups typically handle. There are 17-year-olds who make all of their own doctor’s appointments, take care of their younger siblings or grandparents, and do all the grocery shopping, meal planning and laundry for their household. They probably see themselves as adults.
Growing up is about gaining experiences, making mistakes and learning from them, while also taking responsibility for your own actions. As there’s no single definition of adulthood, everyone has to decide for themselves whether or not they’ve turned into a grown-up yet.
Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.
And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.
Jonathan B. Santo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Highlands High School Senior Carrah Scardina’s “American Beauty” to be Displayed in U.S. Capitol for a Year
CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio announced the winner of his third annual Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, the House of Representatives sponsors avisual art competition for high school students. Young people from across the nation are invited to showcase their art and highlight their home congressional districts. This year, Congressman Deluzio isserving as the Democratic co-chairof the Congressional Art Competition.
Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office received many submissions from talented high school students across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. This year, the first-place prize goes to Carrah Scardina of Natrona Heights, a Senior at Highlands High School. Ms. Scardina’s artwork is titledAmerican Beauty. It is a hand-painted fuchsia rose and rose bud on a 100% silk canvas.
“The creative energy of these students is inspiring” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m grateful to everyone who submitted their work and put their imagination on display for all of us to see. Congratulations to Carrah Scardina and the other 2025 winners of the Congressional Art Competition across the country. I look forward to seeing their art displayed in the Capitol when I’m down in Washington for votes this year!”
“For my painting, I chose the American Beauty Rose, the official flower of our nation’s capital. This classic fuchsia rose captures the essence of America, and my passion all in one. This unique medium of silk painting helped me discover more techniques I love in art,” said Carrah Scardina. Thank you to Congressman Deluzio for the honor of picking my art to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol—it inspires me to keep creating and exploring my passion for art.”
A photo of Ms. Scardina is availableherefor use by the press.
This summer, Carrah will be honored at an event in Washington, D.C. alongside the other art competition winners from congressional districts across the country. The student art will be featured in a gallery in the United States Capitol for a full year. This gallery decorates one of the busiest corridors in the U.S. Capitol Complex, giving Members of Congress and visitors from across the nation the chance to enjoy Ms. Scardina’s work.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Distinguished Professor, Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, & Interim Head, Department of Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology
President Donald Trump has long been preoccupied by the trade deficit — the gap between what the U.S. sells to the rest of the world and what it buys from it. He recently declared the issue a national emergency and used trade deficit data to calculate so-called “reciprocal tariffs” targeting nearly 100 countries. Although those specific tariffs are now on pause, Trump’s concern with the trade deficit persists.
As an economist, I know there are two basic ways for a country to reduce a trade deficit: import less or export more. While Trump has focused on the former strategy, a more productive path may lie in the latter – especially by looking at untapped opportunities in rural America.
New research is starting to fill that gap. Economists recently found that urban businesses export significantly more than rural ones – a difference with significant implications for national trade.
The urban-rural export gap
Looking at data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey as well as trade statistics from 2017 to 2020, researchers used econometric techniques to measure the urban-rural export gap. They also examined two categories of potential causes – “explained” and “unexplained.”
The first is due to differences in what economists call “endowments” – for example, a region’s digital infrastructure, its access to renewable energy and its opportunities for high-tech employment. These endowments can be observed and therefore explained.
The second is due to what economists call “structural advantage.” This refers to attributes of a region that matter for export performance but can’t be observed and, as a result, remain unexplained.
They found that most of the urban-rural export gap is due to explained differences. That means rural businesses could close the export gap if they were provided with similar endowments – meaning comparable access to renewable energy, similar digital infrastructure and analogous opportunities for high-tech employment – to their urban counterparts.
Even more strikingly, the unexplained component was negative – which means rural businesses outperform expectations given their characteristics. That suggests rural regions have significant untapped export potential.
Several factors collectively account for the urban export advantage. First, urban regions have a greater concentration of highly educated science and technology workers. Urban businesses also tend to be larger and more tech-savvy, and because they have better access to broadband, they use cloud technology more frequently. Urban areas also have more foreign-born business owners who may leverage their international networks.
However, many of these differences suggest possible policy solutions. For instance, since cloud adoption depends on broadband availability, it follows that investing in digital infrastructure could boost rural exports. Also, rural manufacturers, especially in sectors like metals manufacturing, show comparable or higher export intensity per worker than their urban counterparts. So encouraging rural manufacturing would be one way to reduce the urban-rural export gap.
Rethinking trade and rural development
I think this research has important policy implications.
First, it shifts some of the focus away from other countries as the root cause of the trade deficit. And second, it bolsters the case for what economists call “place-based policies” targeting specific geographic areas – as opposed to “people-based policies,” which provide support directly to individuals.
The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act had special significance to rural areas.
During the Biden administration, three major laws – the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – directed significant federal funds to rural areas. About 43% of funds from those laws – or US$440 billion – was designated as either “rural relevant” or as “rural stipulated,” meaning the funds were either geographically targeted or designed to address disproportionately rural challenges.
Such massive investments in rural regions have led researchers and policymakers to question whether rural export underperformance stems from differences in observable endowments – in other words, things like access to broadband – or from inherent disadvantages that are much harder to deal with.
In my view, this research provides compelling evidence that much of the urban-rural export gap is due to unequal distribution of productive assets, rather than inherent rural disadvantages. With appropriate investments in digital infrastructure, human capital and support for export-capable industries, America’s rural regions could play a much larger role in global trade. These findings also suggest the value of continued federal support for rural development efforts.
In other words, if the U.S. wants to shrink its trade deficit, one answer could be more innovation in rural manufacturing.
Amitrajeet A. Batabyal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In households where entertainment needs are as varied as those living in them, one thing remains constant; the demand for superior picture quality and versatility. That’s where Samsung’s QLED, powered by 100% Colour Volume real and safe Quantum Dot technology, comes in – delivering a next-level viewing experience that meets every lifestyle head-on.
Samsung’s Neo QLED and QLED TVs, are not just about flexibility – they’re about real innovation at the core. At the heart of this technology lies Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology, the foundation of the real QLED experience that Samsung pioneered. This is not your average TV – it’s the result of years of refinement and leadership in Quantum Dot display technology.
The Real QLED Advantage: 100% Colour Volume with Quantum Dot
Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology transforms how you see colour on a screen. Unlike traditional displays, Quantum Dots produce consistently bright, vivid, and accurate colours regardless of brightness levels. That means whether you’re watching an intense action movie, a lush nature documentary, or a fast-paced football match, you’ll see every detail in stunning clarity and realism. Real QLED means 100% Colour Volume, powered by Quantum Dot, delivering billions of shades for unmatched picture depth. Combined with Neo QLED’s ultra-precise Mini LED backlighting and the Neo Quantum Processor, your TV becomes a true visual powerhouse, adapting dynamically to your content and surroundings.
Experience the Real QLED Difference
Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs, built on true Quantum Dot technology, are the gold standard in home entertainment. For families with diverse viewing habits, these TVs offer not just flexibility – but an uncompromising, vibrant experience that only Real QLED powered by Real Quantum Dots can provide.
Enjoy safe cadmium-free quantum dot Samsung TVs with your family
Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements and sustainable efforts.
Built for Every Lifestyle
From gaming marathons to family movie nights, Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs shine in any scenario. Thanks to their superior brightness, deep blacks, and ultra-sharp contrast, these TVs ensure that everyone in the family has a perfect view, no matter the room’s lighting or their seating position. Gamers will love the low-latency response and motion handling, while movie lovers will be drawn into cinematic visuals with lifelike colours. And sports fans? They’ll appreciate the clarity and smoothness of every goal, ace, dunk, or lap.
Multi-View and Multi-Persona: Tailored for Real Life
Samsung’s TVs aren’t just visually stunning – they’re also smart and adaptable. The Multi-View feature, for example, allows multiple content sources to be displayed at once, so one person can follow a live match while another watches YouTube or scrolls through social media – all on the same screen. It’s versatility made simple, and another example of how Samsung is designing for real families with real needs.
Real Innovation Meets AI Intelligence
The Quantum Dot experience is taken even further with Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor. This AI-powered engine uses deep learning to optimise both picture and sound in real-time, making the most of the Quantum Dot technology’s full potential. The result? Crystal-clear scenes, perfectly tuned audio, and smooth transitions – tailored automatically to your content and environment.
From a sun-lit daytime cartoon marathon to a late-night thriller binge, Samsung’s AI enhancements ensure that Quantum Dot brilliance always looks its best.
Sustainability Without Compromise
Samsung’s Real QLED technology doesn’t just perform – it also respects the planet. With energy-efficient design, eco-friendly materials, and certifications like Product Carbon Footprint Reduction, No-Cadmium SGS, and EyeCare Circadian Certification, Samsung is committed to sustainability while delivering industry-leading performance.
Besides being one of the global leaders in technology, Samsung is a brand that enhances our lifestyles and the way we live. From the home to the office, Samsung’s commitment to innovation in design allows consumers to have products that elevate their environment and reflect their personal style. By merging art, personalisation, and technology, Samsung continues to transform everyday living, offering products that transcend traditional design to create functional, beautiful, and inspiring spaces.
From turning a TV into a work of art to offering bespoke, customisable home appliances, Samsung’s design philosophy is rooted in the idea that technology should enhance, not disrupt, the aesthetic of our homes and workplaces. By merging sleek, modern design with advanced functionality, Samsung is leading the way in a new era where form, function, and style coexist in harmony.
Here’s how four key products embody this commitment to design innovation and personalisation:
The Frame TV: Art Meets Technology
Samsung’s The Frame TV is a breakthrough in the way we view entertainment and aesthetics. Designed to blend seamlessly with any décor, this sleek, minimalistic TV transforms into a beautiful work of art when not in use. With its Art Mode display, 4K QLED picture quality, and smart connectivity, The Frame doesn’t just deliver exceptional viewing experiences, it enhances the room’s overall ambiance. Samsung has taken care to ensure that the TV is anything but intrusive, creating a television that fits effortlessly into any living space and elevates it with its clean and sophisticated design.
Samsung’s vision for The Frame TV is to integrate entertainment into a home’s aesthetic, pushing beyond the traditional bulky, black box TV. It’s not just a screen – it’s a centrepiece that can be personalised to reflect the user’s artistic tastes, transforming the space into an elegant gallery allowing people to have access to over 2000 Art pieces from around the world, all available on the Samsung Art Store.
Music Frame: The Art of Sound
The Music Frame is another stellar example of Samsung’s commitment to blending art with technology. This product fuses high-definition digital art displays with an integrated speaker system, delivering a rich, immersive sound experience that elevates the atmosphere of any room. Whether you’re listening to music or enjoying visual art, the Music Frame transforms the space into a sensory experience, where both sight and sound are harmoniously blended. With seamless connectivity to music streaming platforms, the Music Frame is as functional as it is beautiful.
Samsung designed the Music Frame with a focus on artistic expression. It’s not just about playing music – it’s about elevating the entire environment with sound and design. This product brings together art, music, and high-quality audio to create a statement piece that enhances the aesthetics of any space.
Bespoke Fridges: Smart Luxury Redefined
At the centre of the modern home, the kitchen deserves appliances that are as intelligent as they are elegant. Samsung’s Bespoke Fridges blend contemporary design with cutting-edge technology to deliver a truly refined experience. With a minimalist, modular aesthetic, the Bespoke range integrates seamlessly into any kitchen while offering innovative features like AI-powered cooling, smart connectivity, and energy-efficient performance. These fridges adapt to your lifestyle, learning usage patterns to optimise temperature control and reduce energy consumption. Samsung has reimagined the role of the refrigerator—not just as a storage solution, but as a sophisticated, high-performance appliance that enhances both form and function in everyday living.
Samsung Mobile Devices: Redefining Mobile Technology
Besides home products and appliances, Samsung’s mobile devices, including the Galaxy A Series and Galaxy S Series, continue to push the boundaries of mobile design and technology. The Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G all mark a significant step toward opening up new possibilities for even more users through advanced mobile AI technology. As the first Galaxy A series to feature Awesome Intelligence, it offers a comprehensive and intuitive mobile AI experience that offers powerful and fun AI-powered tools for easy search and amazing visual experiences. The Galaxy S25 Series offers unmatched performance, with elegant, premium designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. These Samsung devices are a fusion of advanced technology powered by AI and stylish design, reimagining the possibilities of what a smartphone can be.
Nabilah Kariem is a content creator who specialises in décor design and lifestyle content, and has had experience with Samsung products as a brand partner – she had this to say: “As someone who’s deeply passionate about both design and intentional living, Samsung’s approach truly resonates with me. Their products don’t just serve a function – they elevate everyday spaces with beauty and thoughtfulness. From the unique charm of the Bespoke Airdresser in my laundry, to the artful presence of The Frame TV in my lounge, each piece feels like a seamless part of my home. The Music Frame adds a luxury touch to any room, while my Samsung mobile devices keep me creative and connected with effortless style. I love how Samsung merges form and function so naturally – it’s design that makes life feel considered and elevated.”
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicola Tempest, Senior Lecturer, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Consultant Gynaecologist, University of Liverpool
Linzagolix, which is sold under the brand name Yselty, can help manage the pain caused by endometriosis.Prostock-studio/ Shutterstock
A daily pill to treat endometriosis has just been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Once available on the NHS, linzagolix will provide a new treatment option for those who have been unable to manage the condition using other standard treatments.
Endometriosis affects one in ten women of reproductive age. The condition causes the lining of the womb (the endometrium) to grow outside the uterus – most commonly in the pelvis, bladder and bowel. This causes wide and varied symptoms, including heavy, painful periods, pelvic pain between periods, pain when using the toilet, painful sex, tiredness and difficulty getting pregnant. Up to half of women diagnosed with endometriosis experience infertility as a consequence of the condition.
Endometriosis currently has no cure. Available treatments include the use of painkillers, hormonal contraceptives and surgery to remove lesions. However, these treatment options are often inadequate and, in many cases, aren’t suitable for patients for many reasons – including existing medical conditions, pregnancy or because of the risk of side-effects or complications.
Endometrium growth (both inside and outside of the womb) is driven by the reproductive hormone oestrogen. As such, blocking oestrogen can help prevent or slow the growth of the abnormal endometrial tissue and help relieve symptoms in people with endometriosis.
This is what linzagolix aims to do. Linzagolix is a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, which works by suppressing oestrogen – inducing a “medical menopause”. Medical menopause refers to the cessation of periods as a result of a prescribed medical treatment. Menopausal symptoms are typically reversed as soon as the drug is no longer being used.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is vital in women. It regulates the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle (including the release of oestrogen). GnRH is produced by a brain region called the hypothalamus. Usually, GnRH would bind to receptors in the pituitary gland (a small, pea-sized gland found at the base of the brain in line with the top of the nose) leading to the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). FSH and LH then stimulate the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone.
But linzagolix works by attaching to the pituitary gland GnRH receptors and preventing the GnRH from attaching. With no GnRH, FSH and LH are rapidly suppressed. This in turn leads to a decrease in oestrogen production from the ovary.
Linzagolix has been shown to cause a statistically significant reduction in painful periods and general pelvic pain in multiple trials. Patients saw the greatest benefits when taking a dose of 75mg or more. Significant relief from pelvic pain was noted by week 12 and maintained or even enhanced by weeks 24 and 52.
The side-effect from linzagolix that is most worrying is loss of bone mineral density due to the suppression of oestrogen. However, this was only really a concern when patients were taking doses of 200mg. In this instance, patients would need to be prescribed add-back hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – low doses of oestrogen and progesterone that help prevent the loss of bone mineral density while on a treatment that induces medical menopause. Add-back HRT can also help treat the crippling menopausal symptoms that women of reproductive age suffer with while in a medical menopause.
Unfortunately, add-back HRT is not suitable for all patients – especially those who have other medical conditions.
Take-at-home treatment
Linzagolix will be prescribed to those that have failed usual hormonal treatments (such as the combined pill, progesterone-only pill or hormonal coil) or surgery.
Linzagolix will be the second take-at-home pill to become available on the NHS for treating endometriosis in those that have failed other treatments.
In March, Nice also approved relugolix. This drug works similar to linzagolix, but has add-back HRT included in the prescription. Since add-back HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, linzagolix has the advantage of being a more tailored treatment option for women with endometriosis.
Linzagolix also offers multiple advantages over GnRH agonists, which are also used to manage endometriosis. GnRH agonists fully suppress the release of oestrogen. This can lead to many side-effects, including hot flushes, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and bone mineral density loss. But because linzagolix is a GnRH antagonist, this means it can be tailored to only partially suppress oestrogen, leading to fewer side effects.
Linzagolix is taken orally, whereas GnRH agonists need an injection every month or three months to work.
Linzagolix is also rapidly reversible, whereas GnRH agonists have unpredictable reversibility, it can take months for ovarian function to return to normal when using GnRH agonists. This is clearly a problem for those wishing to conceive or stop the treatment due to side-effects. Linzagolix has a short half life which means it does not stay in a person’s system for very long.
The most commonly reported side-effect of linzagolix are hot flushes – though this usually only occurs when a patient is taking a higher dose of the drug. Bone mineral density loss can also occur at higher doses, which is why add-back HRT will be needed in these instances.
Endometriosis affects millions of women. Current treatment options are limited – and with no cure in sight, any additional treatments offer new hope for those affected. Linzagolix may soon offer a lifeline to those with endometriosis who haven’t been able to find relief using other treatments.
Nicola Tempest receives funding from the Wellbeing of Women.
It was May 4 1975. The Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition team had been living at a high altitude for six weeks, and were less than a week away from their scheduled bid for the summit of Mount Everest. Exhausted, having established camp five at just below 8,000m on the south side of the mountain, Junko Tabei and the team descended to camp two at 6,300m to rest.
Then – avalanche!
In the early hours, tons of ice and snow engulfed the camp, burying several of the teammates. Crushed by the snow and ice, Tabei was unable to move. It took the strength of four Sherpas, the elite Nepali climbing guides assisting the expedition, to pull her out. Suffering severe bruising, Tabei argued that she did not need to be returned to base camp to recover, and would remain at camp two.
“There was no way I was leaving the mountain,” she later recalled in her memoir.
It had taken five years for this group – the first all-women team – to get to Everest. The pressure on them to succeed was immense, given the limited number of annual international permits to climb Mount Everest issued by the Nepalese government. If they gave up, they might have to wait several years to make another attempt.
Meanwhile, on the Tibetan side of the mountain, Tabei’s team had competition. A 200-strong Chinese team was also working to place a woman on the summit at the same time.
From the late 1950s, Tibetan women were recruited to participate in state-sponsored Chinese mountaineering expeditions. In 1958, Pan Duo had been selected to participate in the successful Chinese 1960 Everest expedition – but was ordered to remain below 6,400 metres because above that height was “a man’s world”. Nonetheless, Pan Duo – referred to as “Mrs Phanthog” in some older accounts – was celebrated in her country and elected deputy captain of the 1975 Chinese Everest Expedition.
Unfortunately, the Chinese team suffered a climbing accident resulting in the death of a team member. They retreated to recover – only to be ordered by the Chinese government to “climb ahead of the Japanese women”.
They were too late. On May 16 1975, the all-women Japanese expedition worked together to place Tabei on the summit of Everest. Two team members – Tabei and Yuriko Watanabe – had been nominated to make the summit attempt. However, other teammates were suffering from altitude sickness, so Watanabe was assigned to help return them to camp two.
The ascent Tabei was making was arduous. Given her injuries, it took great tenacity to muster the strength to continue. But finally, she took her last steps to the summit, becoming the first woman and 40th person, according to the latest official record, to summit the peak. She was part of only the tenth successful Everest expedition, later recalling:
I felt pure joy as my thoughts registered: ‘Here is the summit. I don’t have to climb any more.’
Eleven days later, the Chinese team returned to the high slopes to make another attempt. Using minimal oxygen, Pan Duo was also successful, becoming the second woman to summit Everest – and the first to climb the harder northern side of the mountain.
Prior to these two successful expeditions, only 38 people had summited Everest – all of them men. News of Tabei’s feat travelled fast across Asia, leading to national celebrations in Japan, Nepal and India. But it made little impact in the west.
In my own career as both a mountaineer and researcher of adventure tourism, I had been struck by how few women I encountered on the mountainside. I wanted to understand why this might be, and what women had achieved. It was through this research that I discovered Tabei’s story.
I was astonished both by her achievements – she is also the first woman to complete the “Seven Summits”, climbing the highest peaks on every continent – and by how few prominent mountaineering organisations and mountaineers appeared to know about her.
Tabei’s bravery helped her lead record-setting all-women expeditions and overcome the mountain of sexism in this male-dominated space. Yet very few organisations, even in Japan, have thought to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest by a woman.
Breaking the mould
Historically, men have dominated the public record in mountaineering. In the last few years, the 70th anniversary of the first summit of Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay has been marked, along with the centenary of the unsuccessful and fatal attempt by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine in 1924.
During that period, women were excluded from many mountaineering clubs. When they did join, they often faced prejudice, were discouraged and sometimes not permitted to publish records of their adventures. In 1975, women were finally admitted to the Alpine Club, the first and one of the most prestigious climbing institutions.
At a time when Japanese women were expected to remain at home, many members of the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition, including Tabei, were working, with two of them also raising children. Tabei’s daughter, Noriko, was three at the time of her Everest summit. Tabei later revealed that the expedition encountered significant resistance:
Most of the men in the alpine community opposed our plan, claiming it would be impossible for a women-only expedition to reach Everest.
As a married woman and the assistant expedition leader, Tabei felt torn between motherhood and mountaineering, explaining: “Although I would never forfeit Everest, I felt pulled in the two directions of mountains and motherhood.”
Facing unsympathetic attitudes from team members when childcare conflicts arose, Tabei realised she needed to put in extra effort to prove herself as a leader.
The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.
Years before the Everest expedition, Tabei and other Japanese women were already logging major climbing achievements across the globe. These included the first ascent of the north face of the Matterhorn by an all-women’s team in 1967, and the first all-women’s Japanese expedition to the Himalayas in 1970 to climb Annapurna III. Tabei was both the first woman and Japanese person to ascend the peak.
This set the scene for the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition. To locate and train suitable candidates for the expedition, Tabei helped establish the Joshi-Tohan Japanese Ladies Climbing Club, founded on the slogan: “Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves.”
Tabei’s contribution to women’s high-altitude mountaineering was astounding. To reach Everest, she defied mid-20th-century social norms that tied Japanese women to domestic roles, later musing: “I tried to picture myself as a traditional Japanese wife who followed her husband. The idea never sat well with me.”
Throughout her career, Tabei contributed significantly to the emerging culture of women’s climbing and mountaineering expeditions. She felt strongly that climbing with other women was more rewarding because there was greater physical equality.
In 1992, she became the first woman to ascend the highest peaks on all seven continents. Using her celebrity, Tabei was also an activist for environmental change in high-altitude regions, having grown appalled by the degradation of fragile mountain glaciers that was being caused by the mountaineering industry.
Film by 4GTV Nepal.
With her friend and Everest teammate Setsuko Kitamura, Tabei established the first Mount Everest conference in 1995, inviting all 32 women who had by then successfully climbed Everest (not all attended). Under her leadership, this transnational exchange created a space to celebrate women’s mountaineering achievements.
Soon after her Everest achievement, Tabei had been a symbol of social progress and women’s emancipation at the UN International Women’s Year world conference. Yet her status as one of the greatest high-altitude mountaineers has since faded from the public eye. This has much to do with the stories we tell about man – and it’s almost always a man – vs. nature.
Telling her own story
Hillary’s much-lauded autobiography, High Adventure (1955), was published two years after his first successful ascent of Everest. In contrast, it was 42 years after her ascent before Tabei’s memoir, Honouring High Places, was published and translated.
The way Japanese women’s experiences were represented in the media did not, in Tabei’s view, represent the reality of women’s experiences. She was particularly perplexed by the inability of the press to see beyond her gender. She was repeatedly asked how it felt “as a woman” to climb at high altitudes.
Portrayals of Tabei focused on her stature as a small Japanese woman. This only reinforced the perception that women like her did not fit the norm of the heroic white, male mountaineer. She reflected:
When people meet me for the first time, they are surprised by my size. They expect me to be bigger than I am, more strapping, robust, like a wrestler … I was always puzzled by this, by people’s obsession with the physical appearance of a mountaineer.
To counter this narrative, Tabei brought a new approach to writing about Japanese women mountaineers’ achievements – challenging the tendency of traditional Japanese expedition publications to gloss over the harsh realities of expedition life.
Critical of the flowery and vain writing style of these reports, Tabei’s frank accounts reported on the “unkinder side of human behaviour”. Making tough choices was particularly difficult for women, she wrote, because of their social conditioning to be a “good person”:
It was unusual enough to be a female climber in that era of yesteryear, let alone to make a stand in front of your friends that would possibly upset them.
Transcending these social norms had a personal impact. Tabei lamented that, although “I remained strong-willed about Everest, tears of doubt fell down my cheeks at night”.
Her honesty was criticised by some in the established mountaineering community in Japan, particularly in her published account, Annapurna: Women’s Battle, which expressed the raw emotions and feelings experienced on their 1970 expedition. Tabei shared “the feelings of the team members when things failed to go in the direction they had envisioned … We put our honest experiences on paper”.
Reflecting on how she had to overcome social norms to lead the expedition – “In my day, we were strictly advised that being different was abnormal” – Tabei concluded that: “A person must be able to voice her opinion without worrying about criticism.”
A problem of representation
Ever since the late 1850s, women have made a significant yet often-hidden contribution to mountaineering. It retains a powerful legacy of male-dominated clubs and governing institutions founded on masculine norms such as risk-taking. This has often cast mountaineering achievements in a way that privileges men.
Clubs established traditions based on the first ascents of mountains – very few of which were made by women. Their absence from leading mountaineering clubs and lack of representation in published club journals meant their achievements were often attributed to male companions.
In 1872, the American climber Meta Brevoort felt it best, due to social prejudice, to publish her extraordinary first ascents in the European Alps under the name of her nephew, William A.B. Coolidge. Mountaineer and author David Mazel notes that Brevoort’s account was “carefully written to conceal the author’s sex”.
Mountain exploration and climbing have traditionally been framed as heroic endeavours dominated by men. Figures such as Hillary, Mallory and Reinhold Messner are celebrated for their bravery, strength and leadership — traits associated with masculinity.
Early mountaineering narratives often emphasised physical endurance, dominance over nature, and the ability to withstand extreme conditions – reinforcing ideas of masculine heroism. Mountains as towering, imposing and seemingly unconquerable landscapes have been metaphorically linked to power and challenge.
Traditions that have been passed down through generations – from ascent styles to route names – have also been synonymous with masculinity. In the words of mountaineering historian Walt Unsworth, climbing Everest “is the story of Man’s attempts to climb a very special mountain”.
This has had real-world consequences for mountaineering. Today, only 6% of British mountain guides are women, while globally, less than 2% of those registered to the International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) are women. If you don’t see your face reflected, it becomes a daunting prospect to imagine yourself in mountaineering – whether as a mountain guide, or an amateur mountaineer like me.
By 2024, women represented 13% of all Everest summiteers since 1953, yet their stories are seldom told. White, male, able-bodied and middle-class voices dominate representations in published records and popular portrayals of adventure on the world’s highest mountain.
As anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner attests, this is not surprising given mountaineering’s history as a western imperialist and colonising project that aimed to conquer nations and nature, built upon all-male institutions. Yet men and women have the same statistical odds of making a successful summit or dying on Everest.
Julie Rak, in her book False Summit, shows how some accounts can treat women’s achievements with ambivalence, and at worst question their authenticity. It has even been suggested that Tabei was effectively dragged up the mountain by her friend, the male Sherpa Ang Tsering.
Having suffered significant trauma following the avalanche that nearly wiped out their 1975 expedition, Tabei showed enormous courage and resilience to summit Everest just a few days later. She describes the ascent as difficult – and yes, accepted help from Ang Tsering – but this was her achievement, not a “stunt” to be denied by those who were not even present.
Diversity on the mountain
Since Tabei’s Everest summit, mountaineering has undergone changes as a sport, shifting from an elite, exploratory pursuit to a commercialised industry where wealthy clients can hire companies to reach summits with professional support.
From the late 1980s, high-altitude mountaineering became a valuable tourism commodity. Seizing the opportunity to boost tourism, the Nepalese government began to issue more permits, fuelling the growth of commercial companies offering clients the opportunity to be guided up 8,000-metre summits. In 2023, Nepal welcomed over 150,000 high-altitude trekking and mountaineering visitors, with 47 teams attempting to climb Everest.
Yet despite the popularity and commercialisation of the sport, mountaineering remains stubbornly resistant to diversity.
Scholar Jennifer Hargreaves argues that women have been excluded from being represented as the “sporting hero”. What constitutes our cultural identity, meaning and values almost exclusively solidifies heroic masculinity in most forms of sport, including mountaineering.
And much of this is due to the stories that are – not – told.
Delphine Moraldo’s research found that of the mountaineering autobiographies published in Britain and Europe from the late 1830s to 2013, only 6% were written by women.
Historically, literary representations of women mountaineers have often been met with ambivalence, their achievements portrayed as lesser. Women are stereotyped as weaker, bound to domesticity and lacking the hardiness required to be a “good mountaineer”.
These perceptions, coupled with a lack of representation, have reduced women’s opportunities to secure funding for expeditions, or to access female-specific clothing and equipment. Tabei and her team had to make their own expedition clothing because women’s sizes did not exist, a problem that remains today. When raising sponsorship for Everest, she was told: “Raise your children and keep your family tight, rather than do something like this.”
But while there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to attaining equality in adventure sports, there is a growing body of research and media celebrating women’s achievements – from campaigns such as Sport England’s This Girl Can to films charting the lives of some women mountaineers.
A hidden sisterhood
Junko Tabei and Pan Duo’s names may never be as well known as Edmund Hillary’s. But they are just two of many women whose achievements reach far beyond the peaks. I’ve written about many of them in my research.
Polish mountaineer Wanda Rutkiewicz was the third woman and first from Europe to summit Everest. When asked in 1979 by high-altitude record holder Maurice Herzog why she had climbed Everest, Rutkiewicz responded that she did it for “women’s liberation”. By the late 1980s, such activism was harnessed by large sponsors such as Tata Steel, who recruited Indian mountaineer Bachendri Pal, the fifth woman to summit Everest, to lead a women’s adventure programme.
Corporate sponsorship has, however, eluded many leading women mountaineers. Despite all her outstanding achievements – including holding a world-record ten Everest summits by a woman – Lhakpa Sherpa struggled for years to achieve recognition and the status of her male contemporaries. In 2019, writer Megan Mayhew Bergman asked why she didn’t have sponsors.
More recently, however, Lhakpa Sherpa’s mountaineering career was documented in the 2023 Netflix documentary Mountain Queen, which raised her profile and has led to new sponsorship opportunities.
Film by Netflix.
There is also work being done to change the exclusion of women from mountaineering. In Nepal and around the world, charitable organisations have been initiated by women mountaineers to help their fellow women climbers, including Empowering Women Nepal and 3Sisters Adventure Trekking.
My research has shown how women and mountaineers from other marginalised backgrounds can use their successes to become role models for and drivers of social change.
Tabei, for example, was appalled at the degradation mountaineering had caused to Mount Everest, and spoke out about the need for responsible mountaineering and conservation. She led cleanup expeditions and researched the environmental impact of tourism and climate change on both mountain ecosystems and local communities.
Tabei’s efforts helped bring global attention to the need for conservation in high-altitude environments, inspiring climbers to take a more responsible approach to their expeditions.
In research about Asian women’s contribution to climbing Everest, I examined how the struggle for women’s emancipation, empowerment and recognition is a phenomenon that is shared globally. A new generation of Asian women mountaineers such as Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first woman to achieve IFMGA status, and Shailee Basnet are defying gender norms and achieving status as internationally recognised mountaineers and mountaineering guides.
Basnet became one of ten women to scale Everest in 2008 as part of Sagarmatha Expedition, which was established to draw attention to climate change and gender equality, and to reclaim the Nepali name for the mountain: Sagarmatha. The expedition brought together ten women from six different religious, caste and ethnic backgrounds. All ten reached the summit, making it the most successful women’s expedition to date.
Following this, in 2014 Basnet led the formation of the first all-women Seven Summits project to climb the highest peak on every continent. Importantly, she harnessed the team’s newfound profile to undertake a large-scale social justice programme, visiting hundreds of schools, leading hikes and giving talks across the Kathmandu Valley. Their mission was to improve educational awareness concerning opportunities for women and girls, and also to protect the environment.
Since the mid-1950s, a hidden sisterhood has forged a route for women to access high-altitude mountaineering. Their impact has reached far beyond the expeditions they led.
Women have used their status as mountaineers to empower and support other women to achieve social, political and environmental justice, and raise awareness about poverty, sex trafficking, religious and ethnic marginalisation, environmental degradation and the impact of mass tourism.
Junko Tabei was a pioneer whose tenacity helped a whole generation of women in mountaineering. By not recognising their achievements, we deny an important part of our cultural heritage – and miss the opportunity to learn and share the inspirational work that women continue to undertake.
Tabei’s memoir is not simply a remarkable mountaineering account, it is, in the words of Julie Rak, a feminist text that challenges what society has always thought it means to be heroic, brave and adventurous.
Tabei died in 2016 at the age of 77. On the 50th anniversary of one of her many achievements, it’s fitting to end with these words from her memoir:
My approach was one of not worrying about the loss of a job or missing out on a promotion. I felt it was important to live a life we would never regret.
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Jenny Hall does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yes, move-in weekend is huge; and yes, the last three years have featured Final Four weekends exciting enough to keep the entire population of Connecticut glued to their screens.
But this is why we – the staff, the faculty, and above all, the students – are here in the first place.
From Saturday, May 10 through the evening of Monday, May 12, nearly 8,000 Huskies will hear their names called and walk across the stage at Gampel Pavilion, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, or the Student Union Theatre, and walk off the stage as graduates and alumni. The celebration wraps up on May 18, as the UConn School of Law confers its degrees in Hartford.
It’s a long weekend of big smiles, happy tears, and striking a pose near the statue of Jonathan or the giant U-C-O-N-N on Rte. 195, all combining to make lifelong memories of the final minutes before “student” turns into “graduate.”
University photographers Sean Flynn, Sydney Herdle, and Peter Morenus will be at all 17 ceremonies this month. Here are just a few of the unforgettable moments they captured on Saturday and Sunday.
The College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Degree candidates prepare for the College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Greer Fieldhouse on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the School of Social Work sit during the school’s Commencement ceremony in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Benjamin Rosen ’25 (ENG) gives the studen remarks during the College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
President Radenka Maric speaks during the College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
The College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Bachelor of General Studies program sit during the program’s Commencement ceremony in the Student Union Theater on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates toss their caps during the College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Jonathan XIV poses with a student during the College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources commencement ceremony on May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
The School of Business Commencement ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the UConn School of Nursing stand in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts after having their degrees conferred to them during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Faculty and staff of the School of Nursing award degrees to graduate in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the School of Nursing sit in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Bachelor of General Studies program walk down the aisle of the Student Union Theater during the program’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Jonathan XV leads the Commencement procession to Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Jonathan XV greets graduates at the UConn School of Business’ Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Jonathan XV greets graduates at the UConn School of Business’ Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Jonathan XV greets graduates at the UConn School of Business’ Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the School of Business walk into Gampel Pavilion on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Degree candidates prepare for the College of Engineering Commencement ceremony at Greer Fieldhouse on May 10, 2025. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Bachelor of General Studies program sit during the program’s Commencement ceremony in the Student Union Theater on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
UConn School of Nursing Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson speaks during the school’s Commencement ceremony in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the UConn School of Nursing have orange ribbons put on their regalia as the walk across the stage of the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the UConn School of Nursing sit in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Neag School of Education greet their friends and family outside of the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts following the school’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Neag School of Education accept their diplomas in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Neag School of Education sit in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Graduates of the Neag School of Education accept their diplomas in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts during the school’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Dorothea Anagnostopoulos, associate dean for academic affairs of the Neag School of Education, speaks during the school’s Commencement ceremony in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 11, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 11, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 11, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 11, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony in Gampel Pavilion on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo) on May 10, 2025. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions, today released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting its continued progress and organization-wide commitment to environmental stewardship, social progress and strong governance.
“Our 2024 report is more than an annual milestone, it is a reflection of Bread Financial’s deep and ongoing commitment to advancing our reputation, mitigating risk, improving efficiency and driving sustainable, profitable growth,” said Ralph Andretta, president and chief executive officer, Bread Financial. “With a focus on transparency and accountability, we are proud to share our progress and highlight the ways we are delivering value for our stakeholders.”
The 12th annual report details the company’s performance related to its five key sustainability tenets, such as:
Managing the business responsibly — In 2024, Bread Financial made significant progress on operational excellence efforts aimed at improving processes and driving efficiency and value-creation across the enterprise. The company also began to mature its Enterprise Risk Management Framework and established an AI Council.
Empowering customers — For the 19th consecutive year, Bread Financial was certified as a Center of Excellence by BenchmarkPortal for its customer service. It continued to drive a customer-oriented culture to create best-in-class experiences and award-winning products, including the expansion of its mobile app.
Engaging associates — Bread Financial demonstrated its commitment to delivering a competitive, personalized and fulfilling associate experience through improved career development tools, expanded options for virtual health care and an annual “free money” deposit into each associate’s 401(k), regardless of their individual contribution. For its culture, the company was recognized with a Great Place to Work Certification in both the U.S. and India.
Protecting the planet — In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the company established greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets that it plans to meet by 2030. Additionally, it developed a new sustainable IT framework, issued nearly 1.5 million cards made from sustainable plastic and prioritized digitalization to enhance efficiency and reduce paper.
Creating possibilities for our communities — Bread Financial increased associate donations and participation in its annual Giving Campaign, with donations totaling $3 million after the company’s match. Associates also recorded more than 10,000 volunteer hours, and the company improved its measurement process to more accurately capture the impact of its charitable donations, which exceeded $9 million in 2024.
“At the core of this year’s Sustainability Report is our notable and measurable progress, reflecting decades of continuous improvement and reporting on critical components of our business,” said Dana Beckman, vice president and chief sustainability officer, Bread Financial. “The successes highlighted are the result of enterprise-wide collaboration and an intentional approach to embed sustainability throughout all aspects of our operations.”
For more information on Bread Financial’s 2024 Sustainability report, visit here.
About Bread Financial® Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.
To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contacts Rachel Stultz – Media Rachel.Stultz@BreadFinancial.com
The Housing Bureau organised the “Construction Robots for Housing – RoboPaint Master Competition x Arena of Construction Robots” today to promote the adoption of industry technologies and advance public housing developments into a new era of smart construction.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said that the application of construction robots not only boosts productivity and quality but also creates a safer and healthier working environment for frontline workers.
“This advancement elevates the technological standards and professional image of the industry, making it more appealing to young professionals.”
Ms Ho cited a recent case of a public housing project which demonstrates that collaborative painting robot systems can enhance the efficiency of indoor painting works by over 50% and improve works quality.
In a public housing project with a standard floor comprising 24 units, traditional methods require eight skilled workers for wall finishing, while only two operators are needed when using a robotics system, she added.
A jury panel comprising Ms Ho and representatives from the Institution of Engineers, the Institute of Architects, the Construction Industry Council and industry experts evaluated the entries in the RoboPaint Master Competition.
The results of the competition revealed that Bright Dream (HK) Construction Technology and Weibuild Technology HK won the Grand Award. While Fangshi Technology Company and Fulltime Robotics Company earned First Runner-up, HONGKONG DAFANG AI CO. secured Second Runner-up.
The judging criteria encompassed technical performance, efficiency and productivity, quality of painting and safety.
In addition to displaying an autonomous small unmanned aircraft for scanning, the event also showcased six types of robots with potential applications in public housing construction. They included a rebar-tying robot, a floor-tiling robot, a steel frame-cutting robot, a six-metre tall three-in-one wall-painting robot, and a concrete internal wall-grinding robot.
The bureau explained that it plans to host a series of events as part of its Housing•I&T initiative. While today’s event is the first highlight of the initiative, the other events will include a housing construction robot design competition for secondary school students in September and an international summit in November, aimed at fostering the development of a construction technology market.
Bukavu (Agenzia Fides) – “I entered the city yesterday morning (May 10, ed.) with a feeling of joy and hope in light of the election of Pope Leo XIV. I seemed to sense this feeling in the people I met, even though the reality remained the same,” reports a missionary from Bukavu (who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons), the capital of South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which was taken over by the M23 militia on February 16 (see Fides, 17/2/2025). Since then, the city has been in a state of limbo, suspended between the lack of services guaranteed by state institutions that are no longer present and insecurity reigns.”An eight-year-old boy in a school uniform sat on a pipe by the side of the road with a notebook on his lap. “How come you are on the street at this time and not at school?” I asked him. “They sent me away because I did not pay for the school year. My brother stayed, my parents paid for him yesterday, but they could not pay for me. I will wait for him until he finishes and then we will go home together.” His sadness infected me: “It is not your fault or your parents’ fault. Children have the right to learn for free. It is the country that is not working…” He nodded, and I continued on my way,” the report continues. “In this time of ongoing bank and cooperative closures, even humanitarian aid is becoming difficult, and how many will be helped? Poverty is spreading day by day: so many have lost their jobs because their deposits were plundered, because there is no money, in the case of civil servants, because they were replaced by someone hired by their new rulers, and sometimes because they refused to submit to their ideology…” the missionary says. “For three months now, there have been no police officers, no police stations, no central prison, no courts, no judges, and no lawyers in the city. The law is being hastily enforced by the military branch of the M23. A few days ago, a poor man walking through the narrow streets of his neighborhood at 7 a.m. on his way to work encountered some armed men who accused him of being a thief and immediately shot him”. Sometimes, bodies, tied together with stones, surface from Lake Kivu and have been dumped in the water. There are no investigations, and it is often unknown who killed during the night: an M23 fighter? A thief taking advantage of weapons abandoned by fleeing Congolese soldiers? A former convict among the more than 2,000 released shortly before the M23’s arrival on February 16? Revenge and settling of scores? To eliminate someone, it is enough to accuse them of being a thief, a soldier, or one of the Wazalendo…,” the missionary laments. “Or was it a group of people plagued by insecurity and hunger?” “Cases of ‘popular justice,’ executions carried out by popular outcry, are indeed numerous. In their desperation, they seize one or more suspected thieves and kill them immediately. This does not discourage the repetition of the facts. There is no investigation: Bukavu is abandoned to hunger and neglect, left only to the conscience of its inhabitants. Many private and public vehicles have been taken by the residents, used, or taken to neighboring Rwanda. Unjustified taxes are levied on every bundle that arrives from the countryside to the city on a motorcycle or bus; unjustified fines are imposed for non-existent violations. And there is no fruit to be seen in the city,” the missionary says of the current situation. “In these last weeks of the year, the children who suffer most are those who are expelled from school, as if the trauma they have been suffering for weeks from constant shelling were not enough. They, too, are often witnesses to violence: What is being sown in their hearts when they should be dreaming of beautiful things?” she asks herself. “People fill the churches, clinging with all their might to the God they believe in, who knows how to listen to the oppressed, but from a human perspective, they see no way out. Distant authorities who do not even offer a word of compassion, great powers pursuing their own interests… People go so far as to say: Let them take away all our minerals, but let us live…” reports the missionary. “Life in eastern Congo is like experiencing a prolonged agony. And the tenacity of the people to smile, the courage to show solidarity, to marry. “Giving birth and thanking God every day that he is still there is like a caress that seeks to revive hope,” the missionary concludes. “Today a mother from one of the vibrant congregations, called “Shrika,” who take turns bringing food to the General Hospital, testifies to this: “Yesterday it was our Shrika’s turn to do the apostolate at the hospital. There was enough food for the sick and their caregivers; the night nurses, the maintenance and security staff also benefited. The war wounded, the combatants… are cared for by the ICRC and Doctors Without Borders. Many do not know how to pay for treatment, so that even though they are cured, they cannot leave the hospital. The group has helped some of them pay the medical bills and some who have no means to pay for medication. … The number of patients is declining, and with it the income. How can you stock the pharmacy, pay the staff, and buy medical equipment in such a crisis? It is a vicious circle. More and more malnourished children are being cared for… It is the multiplication of loaves.” (Agenzia Fides, 12/5/2025)
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