NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Martin Kelly, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley 2025 US Financials Conference on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 7:30 am EDT.
A live webcast of the event will be available on Apollo’s Investor Relations website at ir.apollo.com. For those unable to join live, a replay will be available shortly after the event.
About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.
Contacts
Noah Gunn Global Head of Investor Relations Apollo Global Management, Inc. (212) 822-0540 IR@apollo.com
Joanna Rose Global Head of Corporate Communications Apollo Global Management, Inc. (212) 822-0491 Communications@apollo.com
Over the past eleven years, the Government of India has embarked on a wide-ranging cultural renaissance, blending tradition with progress and positioning India’s heritage at the heart of its national identity. From restoring ancient temples to honouring forgotten heroes, the country’s cultural revival is now seen as a pillar of both pride and progress.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has prioritised the preservation, redevelopment and celebration of India’s civilisational legacy. Key religious and cultural landmarks across the country have witnessed transformative redevelopment, with improved infrastructure and public facilities designed to enhance the experience of pilgrims and tourists alike.
Transforming Sacred Spaces
The redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi is among the most notable projects. The corridor has opened up previously congested lanes around the temple and connected it directly to the ghats of the Ganga, allowing lakhs of devotees to visit in a more streamlined and spiritually immersive environment.
In Ujjain, the Mahakaal Lok Project has brought world-class amenities to the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex. The newly developed corridor and facilities reflect both ancient architecture and modern planning, turning the site into a cultural hub for spiritual tourism.
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, inaugurated in January 2024, has emerged as a major symbol of faith and heritage. The grand temple is not only a place of worship but also a tribute to the civilisational ethos that has shaped India’s spiritual history.
Other key sites include Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, where integrated development work has restored access and beauty to the revered Himalayan shrine. The installation of the statue of Adi Shankaracharya, rebuilt after destruction in the 2013 floods, is a powerful reminder of India’s enduring spiritual continuity.
Redevelopment efforts are also underway at the Juna Somnath Temple, including the construction of a scenic promenade and the Parvati Mandir, further enhancing the sanctity and accessibility of the Somnath complex.
In the northeast, Ma Kamakhya Temple in Assam has received infrastructure upgrades and pilgrim-friendly facilities, marking the government’s commitment to cultural sites across regions.
Protecting Intangible Heritage
Beyond physical sites, the government has also turned its attention to India’s intangible cultural heritage. Traditional art forms such as classical music, dance, and folk traditions are being preserved using modern digital tools. Efforts are underway to ensure that these time-honoured practices are passed on to future generations through institutional support and innovation.
Remembering the Forgotten
In a move to correct historical oversight, the government has placed renewed focus on honouring unsung heroes of India’s past. Through national memorials, educational campaigns and cultural programming, these forgotten figures are being reintegrated into India’s national consciousness.
A Civilisational Mission
The press release notes that these efforts reflect a broader civilisational mission: to preserve the spirit of India’s heritage while ensuring that culture and tradition evolve in harmony with advancements in technology, health, and infrastructure.
With projects that blend spiritual heritage, technological innovation, and inclusive access, India’s approach to cultural revival is both ambitious and holistic. As the nation looks to the future, it is doing so with one foot firmly planted in its rich and diverse past.
More than 180 wildland fires burned across Canada on June 1, 2025, continuing what has been an active fire year so far. Some of the fires produced plumes so thick and widespread they were easily visible from a vantage point in space well beyond that of the Moon. NASA’s EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) on NOAA’s DSCOVR satellite acquired this image on May 31, 2025. The instrument is positioned 1.5 million kilometers (1 million miles) from Earth’s surface, which is about four times farther than the orbit of the Moon. For comparison, most polar orbiting satellites that observe Earth orbit at an altitude of less than 1,000 kilometers. From its distant position, EPIC captures a color image of the entire sunlit side of Earth at least once every two hours. The EPIC wide view shows smoke from fires burning primarily in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The plumes extend to the north-northeast across Nunavut toward the coast of Greenland and southward across the United States. Another patch of smoke is visible over the Atlantic Ocean near Europe. Note that the hazy air west of Africa is not smoke but dust that has blown westward from the Sahara Desert. The blazes forced tens of thousands of people across three provinces to evacuate. Around 5,000 evacuated from Flin Flon as a major blaze crossed from Saskatchewan into Manitoba, according to news reports. This fire, among many others, led officials to declare a state of emergency in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in late May.
Smoke from the fires burning in Canada has raised health concerns as airborne particles degraded air quality locally and in several U.S. states. In Michigan, officials issued an air quality advisory on May 30, noting that the air could become unhealthy for sensitive groups. On June 2, Minnesota issued an air quality alert, as particle pollution in the state’s northwest neared hazardous levels for all people. The jet stream pulled smoke even farther south. The detailed image above, acquired May 31 with the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite, shows smoke reaching northern Florida. Smoke-affected states farther from the fires saw mostly good to moderate air quality. Still, smoke high in the air can tint skies orange and contribute to some striking sunsets. Since the start of the year, 1,586 fires have burned more than 1 million hectares across Canada, according to a report issued June 1 by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. In 2024, the country saw 1,343 fires burn less than half a million hectares by the same date. Canada’s wildfire season has historically run from late April to August, but fires can happen any time of the year. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using DSCOVR EPIC and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Text by Kathryn Hansen.
strong>AUSTIN – After Texas residents apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary to verify damage from the March 26-28 severe storms and flooding. Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance for the March storms. Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact applicants to schedule an appointment. The call or text to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. Information gathered during the inspection is one of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are approved for federal assistance. If survivors have already made repairs or replaced damaged items, although not required, it may be helpful to have pictures of the damage and receipts for repair or replacement. Applicants should also have their insurance policy available. The housing inspector will consider:
The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside. Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order. Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.
All FEMA representatives carry photo identification. Inspectors will never ask for or accept money. Their service is free. A home inspection may take up to 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. For questions about the status of an application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4871. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
Posted on Jun 2, 2025 in Featured, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN WELCOMES NEW STATE FIRE MARSHAL The Position was Abolished Nearly 46 Years Ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawai‘i’s new State Fire Marshal, reviving a critical public safety position that has been vacant for nearly 46 years. The original Office of the State Fire Marshal was abolished by Act 241 of the 1978 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi, with its responsibilities devolved to the counties as of July 1, 1979.
This appointment marks a historic return to a centralized approach to statewide fire protection — one that was strongly recommended by independent wildfire investigation reports following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.
“Dori Booth steps into this role at a moment of incredible urgency — and with a mission that’s nothing short of transformative,” said Governor Green. “We are rebuilding an entire fire safety infrastructure at the state level, and Dori is at the center of it. She’ll need to navigate the complex division of responsibilities between the counties and the state, set up a new operational structure, and immediately implement top-priority reforms to protect our communities. It may sound like bureaucracy — but the goal is simple: save lives, protect property and keep Hawai‘i safe.”
Fire Marshal Booth has familiarized herself with the wildfires investigation reports by the Fire Safety Research Institute and will be leading the charge on executing the 10 priorities identified in the Phase II report.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for Hawaiʻi,” Booth said. “The lessons from the Maui wildfires are still fresh, and our responsibility is clear: We must do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies. That means stronger coordination, smarter planning, and a relentless focus on community safety. And when wildfires or other disasters cannot be prevented, we must be resilient — to protect Hawaiʻi’s most precious resources: its people, history, culture and places of deep significance. I’m committed to working with community members, county, state and federal partners — as well as our first responders — to build a fire protection system that reflects the strength and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s people.”
Booth brings more than two decades of leadership in fire safety and public service. Prior to her appointment, she served as Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Sedona Fire District, and previously rose to Deputy Fire Marshal with the Phoenix Fire Department. In these roles, she led major fire prevention programs, high-risk inspections, hazardous materials response, and public safety planning for large venues and airports. A U.S. Army veteran, Booth served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, where she specialized in civil-military operations and infrastructure stability. Her service earned her the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, both from Arizona State University. Booth also serves in a national leadership role with the International Code Council, chairing the Fire Sprinkler Exam Development Committee.
“The Fire Marshal will have a very important role in protecting our communities,” said Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert. “The Department of Law Enforcement looks forward to helping Dori be successful and we are honored that we have been entrusted to work with her side by side to keep Hawai‘i among the safest states in the nation.”
The fire marshal position was initially recreated by the 2024 Legislature in order to address the post-Maui wildfires third-party investigation reports initiated by the Department of the Attorney General, recommending a prioritized list of action items of changes to be made to improve Hawai‘i’s response to wildfires for the state and all counties. The 2024 legislation was amended in the most recent session to, among other changes, place the office of the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Law Enforcement.
A headshot of Dori Booth can be found here. Additional photos, courtesy the Office of the Governor, can be found here.
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Media Contacts: Erika Engle Press Secretary Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i Office: 808-586-0120 Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan Director of Communications Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi Cell: 808-265-0083 Email: [email protected]
President Van der Bellen, thank you for your leadership.
And my thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It is fitting that the world’s one and only Terminator is focussing our attention on terminating pollution – continuing his history of political leadership and action.
Unfortunately, our world looks less like an action hero movie and increasingly more like a horror show.
We face a triple-whammy of woe:
Pollution clogging rivers, contaminating land, and poisoning our ocean;
Biodiversity destroyed at record pace;
And record levels of greenhouse gases catastrophically disrupting our climate.
We salute the real-life heroes on the front-lines when these crises strike:
The firefighters taking-on infernos…
The rescuers saving lives as floods sweep communities…
And the United Nations staff providing food, shelter, and care when crops fail, hurricanes hit, or people are forced from their homes.
No country – whether rich or poor – can escape these crises.
And no country can solve them alone.
But together, we can reap the rewards of action – from cheap, secure power, to better health.
The science is on our side. The economics are behind us.
Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest source of new electricity.
The world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.
An energy revolution is underway across the globe.
We must unite for action to accelerate it, and drive down global emissions:
With new national climate plans from countries this year and new transition plans from business.
These must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – to avoid the worst of climate change.
We must unite in action to drive finance to developing countries so they can make the leap to renewables, adapt to our changing climate, and respond to disasters.
And we must unite in action to end biodiversity loss and pollution.
Particularly, countries must agree a new global treaty this year to end plastic pollution.
Friends,
United in action we can terminate pollution and protect people and planet.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Watch our special agents confiscate a knife from a violent Venezuelan alien resisting arrest.
This arrest was part of an operation that resulted in eight arrests — including one TdA member — with help from federal partners in San Diego May 29.
Our officers and agents often face extremely violent criminals carrying knives or firearms. Securing our nation can be exceptionally dangerous, but our officers and agents are honored to protect our communities.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Monday that it has expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
The move follows an order issued Sunday by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to expand the ground offensive to additional areas in both the north and south of the enclave.
The IDF said its troops killed militants and destroyed weapons depots and above-ground and underground infrastructure.
In addition, since Sunday, Israeli aircraft have struck dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip, “including terrorist cells, military installations belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, tunnels, weapons depots and additional terrorist infrastructure,” the statement said.
The escalation of fighting followed disagreements in proximity talks between Israel and Hamas over a US proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. –0–
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
In a major step to support Agniveers after their short-term military service, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 20 percent reservation for them in recruitment for various posts in the state police force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.
According to the official statement, the reservation will apply to recruitment in categories such as constable (civil police), constable PAC, mounted police, and fireman. The move is aimed at providing employment opportunities to Agniveers who will complete their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.
The Agnipath scheme, launched by the Centre in June 2022, allows youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years. While 25 percent of Agniveers are to be absorbed into regular military service, the remaining 75 percent are released from duty after their term. The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete its term in 2026.
To further aid their transition into civilian life, the UP government has also decided to grant age relaxation of up to three years for Agniveers applying for these police and PAC posts.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Police is expected to announce recruitment for nearly 28,000 posts soon, including positions such as sub-inspector, jail warden, computer operator, and more. With this new provision, Agniveers will be eligible to apply for a substantial number of these positions.
Uttar Pradesh joins Haryana in offering post-service support to Agniveers. Earlier, the Haryana government also approved 20 percent reservation for Agniveers in several government jobs.
The move is being seen as a crucial step in providing job security to youth who have served in the armed forces under the new military recruitment framework, while also strengthening the manpower in state police departments.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
SFO investigates alleged multi-million-pound council fraud
Serious Fraud Office announces investigation into Rockfire Investment Finance Plc
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information on its newly opened investigation into alleged fraud committed against Thurrock Council.
Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions into solar farms, via a bond scheme sold by the UK-based Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and other companies operating within the Rockfire Group.
Rockfire offered multiple investment opportunities in solar farm bonds, offering a return on investment between 3-6% as well as the return of the initial bond purchase cost. The group has since entered administration.
Thurrock Council was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022 impacting local residents through council tax rises and cuts to services.
Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Nick Ephgrave QPM, said:
Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality.
We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.
Covering period of Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 8th June – Another bout of windy and wet weather is due to run across New Zealand this week followed by a wintry feeling weekend with cold temperatures across the country and even some snowfall for the South Island.
MetService is forecasting a broad area of rain to move across the country from west to east during Wednesday, with the heaviest rain expected in Taranaki Maunga and Tasman District where Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued. The rain and strong winds are the result of a rapidly deepening area of low pressure forming off the eastern coast of Australia and crossing the country.
MetService Meteorologist John Law says, “This week we see another visitor arriving from the Tasman Sea and it’s set to bring some active weather with it, but it’s not just the wind and rain we have to watch out for, with cold air rushing in behind this system it’s going to be a much colder end to the week.”
Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne and inland Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Tongariro National Park, Taranaki Maunga, the Tararua Range, Tasman District west of Motueka and Marlborough Ranges. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Buller, Grey, Westland and Fiordland.
The rain on Wednesday is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms in the northern and western parts of the North Island, with localised downpours, strong and gusty winds forecast. Strong Wind Watches have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Taranaki, Wellington and Wairarapa.
Overnight Wednesday, the Canterbury High Country is likely to find rain turning to snow, especially across the higher parts of the region and impacting the higher roads and passes. A Heavy Snow Watch has been issued for the region, with heavy snow possible above 300 metres (or possibly lower).
“As we’ve turned into June the weather will be taking on a real wintry feel,” says Law. “On Wednesday, we’ll be expecting snow for some of the higher roads of the Canterbury region so take extra care and keep up with the latest forecasts as well as the latest road information from NZTA.”
Temperatures are set to tumble for the end of the week, with daytime highs struggling to get beyond the teens across the country.
“The second half of the week will be feeling very different to the first, as cold southwesterly winds sweep across New Zealand,” says Law. “The coldest spots will be found in Central Otago, where daytime temperatures for Wānaka and Alexandra are only likely to reach 3°C or 4°C this weekend.”
While snow is set to stay about the high country on Wednesday and Thursday, the colder air on Friday brings the potential of snow to lower areas of Canterbury. “Cold air and wintry showers will feature in the forecast for parts of the South Island on Friday, but the heaviest snow is expected over the highest parts of Canterbury overnight on Wednesday. Snow is likely to near sea level on Friday for Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Fiordland. While this snow is likely to be significant and may cause disruptions to travel, at this stage warning amounts are not expected,” Law concludes.
Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:
This warning is a red warning for a localised area. When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour. Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning. In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!
Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:
When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!
Orange Warnings are about taking action:
When severe weather is imminent or is occurring Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.
Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action
Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period. Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area. During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.
Watches are about being alert:
When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather. During a Watch: Stay alert
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings Issued routinely once or twice a day Recommendation: Plan.
Northlanders are being asked to follow the rules – and be courteous – or risk fines and other penalties as the pre-Winter burning season comes to an end.
Group Manager – Regulatory Services, Colin Dall, says in a typical year roughly a quarter of all calls to the Northland Regional Council’s 24/7 incident hotline (0800 504 639) involve complaints about burning and/or associated smoke nuisance.
He says while for a long time the council had typically preferred to educate rather than take enforcement action, its approach had toughened in recent years as backyard burning continued to generate large numbers of complaints.
The harder line also applies to those caught breaching the rules at industrial and trade premises.
“Open burning at industrial or trade premises is not permitted under our Proposed Regional Plan and businesses breaching this rule are now more likely to receive a $1000 instant fine, rather than the warning they may have got previously.”
Mr Dall says burning on trade and industrial premises must be done in an “incineration device”, which the Plan defines as:
A device made from non-combustible materials designed to burn waste that:
contains all embers and sparks
has a grate and lid or spark arrestor, and
is not used to generate energy.
He says an open 44-gallon (170 litre) drum is not deemed to be an incineration device.
“Those breaching the rules are liable for enforcement action which can range from instant fines of up to $1000, abatement notices and prosecution – the latter with the risk of much stiffer penalties – through the courts.
Mr Dall says last year the council had issued 38 infringement notices ranging from $300 to $1000, 56 abatement notices and there had been two court-ordered enforcement orders for burning-related incidents.
He says the council’s Proposed Regional Plan effectively bans backyard burning in the more densely populated Whangārei urban area.
“People living within the Whangārei city airshed – which is roughly bordered by Maunu, Onerahi, Tikipunga, Springs Flat and Hurupaki – can only burn some waste materials during the period from 01 September to 31 May the following year if the size of their property exceeds one hectare or they have a resource consent to burn.”
“Only waste that is paper, untreated wood, cardboard or vegetation can be burnt.”
Mr Dall says Northlanders outside the Whangārei urban area can still have outside fires, providing;
they don’t cause offensive or objectionable smoke or odour to neighbours
if the fire is going to last for more than 24 hours and is within 100 metres of a smoke sensitive area, the person lighting it needs to notify all neighbours within 100 metres of the fire
they don’t obscure vision along a public road
fires only contain waste that is paper, untreated wood, cardboard and vegetation (or animal remains where the burning is on agricultural land).
(This ability to have fires obviously does not apply when restricted fire season or fire bans are in place.)
Mr Dall says in general the regional council is keen to encourage alternatives to backyard burning (regardless of location) wherever possible.
“Waste vegetation can be composted or mulched, larger branches can be used as firewood and paper and other materials can usually be recycled.”
If waste vegetation is being burnt, a lot of problems can be easily avoided just by ensuring it has been given plenty of time to dry out, rather than burning it green.
However, Mr Dall says even if some burning is allowed, council rules and national regulations specifically ban the burning of some materials on health and environmental grounds. These include rubber tyres, coated metal wires, treated timber, plastic containers, motor vehicle parts and waste oil.
Mr Dall says general information on the rules around backyard burning – including a more detailed map of the existing Whangārei airshed – is also available at:www.nrc.govt.nz/backyardburning
“The resilience of nuclear installations can be viewed as the ability of the installation to quickly return to its original safety state after the occurrence of a potentially damaging event such as an earthquake, hurricane, or aircraft crash,” said Paolo Contri, Head of the IAEA Section of External Events Safety.
He added: “Resilience is coupled with the concept of robustness against external hazards, which encompasses the development of engineering solutions in siting, design and operation phases, that can support the response to extreme scenarios, but also to emerging challenges, or unknown threats, as well as planning, response and recovery strategies.”
Contributors interested in submitting papers for the conference can find the topics of interest here, which includes areas such as the identification and analysis of external hazards, the consideration of uncertainties in hazard analyses and events resulting from combined hazards; and the impact of external hazards on nuclear installations and radioactive waste disposal facilities as well as the safety features of innovative new reactor designs and their contribution to resilience.
May was drier than usual, with a monthly rainfall 81.6mm, which was only about 28% of the norm, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.
The accumulated rainfall recorded in the first five months of the year was 207.1mm, about 35% of the norm for the same period and the eighth lowest on record for the same period.
Moreover, the month was hotter than usual. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius, monthly mean maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and monthly mean temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius were above their corresponding norms and were respectively one of the eighth, the ninth and the 10th highest on record for May.
The spring of this year from March to May was also warmer than usual. The mean maximum temperature of 26.7 degrees Celsius and mean temperature of 23.7 degrees Celsius were one of the fifth and one of the eighth highest on record for the same period.
A cold front moved across the coast of Guangdong and the temperature in the city dropped to 21 degrees Celsius on May 11, the lowest of the month. Temperatures rose to a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius on May 22, the highest of the month, under the influence of an anticyclone.
There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in May, the observatory added.
At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, local health authorities said, in the third day of chaos and bloodshed to affect the aid operation.
The Israeli military said its forces had opened fire on a group of individuals who had left designated access routes near the distribution centre in Rafah.
It added it was still investigating what had happened.
The deaths came hours after Israel said three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, as its forces pushed ahead with a months-long offensive against Hamas militants that has laid waste to much of the enclave.
A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross told media that its field hospital in Rafah received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were declared dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.
More than 35 patients required immediate intervention, the spokesperson added.
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza’s war-battered population, most of whom have had to abandon their homes to flee fighting.
The Foundation’s aid plan, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has come under fierce criticism from the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.
The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and that the aid operation was “conducted safely and without incident within the site”.
However, there have been reports of repeated killings near Rafah as crowds gather to get desperately needed supplies.
On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three more Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.
The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians gathering for aid and called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution “fabrications” by Hamas.
On Tuesday, it said IDF forces had identified “a number of suspects” moving towards them while deviating from the access routes. “The forces fired evasive shots, and after they did not move away, additional shots were fired near the individual suspects who were advancing towards the forces,” it said.
MASS EVACUATIONS ORDERED
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday he was “appalled” by reports of Palestinians killed and wounded while seeking aid and called for an independent investigation.
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders to residents of several districts in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip late on Monday, warning that the army would act forcefully against militants operating in those areas.
The military told residents to head west towards the Mawasi humanitarian area. Palestinian and United Nations officials say there are no safe areas in the enclave, and that most of its 2.3 million population has become internally displaced.
The territory’s health ministry said on Tuesday that the new evacuation orders could halt work at the Nasser Hospital, the largest, still-functioning medical facility in the south, endangering the lives of those being treated there.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 assault in which Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.
In the subsequent fighting, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, local health authorities say.
The Met has appointed Laurence Taylor and Rachel Williams as Assistant Commissioners.
Assistant Commissioner Taylor, who has been temporarily occupying the post of Assistant Commissioner for Professionalism, has been permanently appointed as Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations.
Assistant Commissioner Williams has been serving temporarily as the Assistant Commissioner for Trust and Legitimacy. She has been permanently appointed as Assistant Commissioner for Professionalism.
Laurence and Rachel will move into their new roles in July.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “I am very pleased to welcome both Laurence and Rachel into their new permanent Assistant Commissioner positions.
“They bring a wealth of experience, having served at forces across the country before coming to the Met. Here, they have both been pivotal part of our senior leadership team, with Laurence driving forward changes in frontline policing and Rachel improving our culture so we can increase public trust in the Met.
“I wish them both the best of luck in their new roles and look forward to working closely with them as they help us deliver a New Met for London.”
Bios
AC Taylor joined policing in 1996 as a constable with Sussex Police.
Working hard to become an inspector in just eight years, his work at the beginning of his career spanned patrolling the neighbourhoods of East Sussex to leading on 24/7 response policing in central Brighton – one the UK’s busiest cities.
His final position at Sussex Police was Deputy Chief Constable, where he managed Local Policing, Operations and Specialist Crime Command.
From there, he joined the Met in 2018 as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Uniformed Operations. In this role AC Taylor was responsible for more than 8,000 officers and staff, delivering specialist policing and pan-London services, including firearms, roads policing and safer transport teams, and taskforce. He was critical in the Met’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some of the city’s most challenging political moments in modern history.
Before his most recent post, AC Taylor was Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Frontline Policing – Local Policing from March 2021 to February 2023. Under his leadership, the number of wanted offenders outstanding reduced by 20 per cent and several new initiatives were established, including community mental health projects and town centre teams.
AC Taylor then served as DAC Specialist Operations from February 2023 until April 2024 when he took over the role of Temporary Assistant Commissioner for Professionalism.
AC Williams joined policing in February 1998.
Rachel had an impressive career at Avon and Somerset Police and worked her way up the ranks to T/Assistant Chief Constable Crime and Operations where she led on several areas including crime and investigations, intelligence and covert work.
She then moved to the Met in 2020 and joined as Commander Intelligence and Covert Policing. Rachel oversaw 2,000 staff and officers leading on covert, sensitive and frontline intelligence work.
Following this role, Rachel moved on to become Commander Rebuilding Trust / Serious Violence where she focused on improving public confidence in the Met and driving down violence across the city.
In November 2022 she moved to Gwent Police as Deputy Chief Constable, where she was critical in the protection of some of the most diverse and vulnerable communities in Wales.
Rejoining the Met in 2024, Rachel returned to occupy the role of Temporary Assistant Commissioner for Trust and Legitimacy, helping deliver high standards and professionalism – a key pillar in the Met’s New Met for London strategy.
During this time AC Williams was also head of the Met’s Culture, Diversity and Inclusion directorate, chair of the CD&I group and led on the force’s culture programme.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q4 2024-25
The report covers the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025.
The Regulator of Social Housing has today (Tuesday 3 June 2025) published the results of its latest quarterly survey of private registered providers’ financial health.
Providers continued to build and acquire much-needed new social homes, spending £13.6bn in the 12 months to March 2025. This compares to £14.4 billion in the year to March 2024.
Over the next year, providers plan to spend a further £14.8bn on development, of which £10.7bn is committed.
This comes as housing associations continue to invest record amounts in existing stock. 12-month spend on repairs and maintenance totalled £9.0 billion, a 13% increase on the previous year, and the forecast spend for the next 12 months also increased to a record £9.9 billion.
Lending to the sector remains strong, with £4.3 billion of new finance arranged in the quarter, the second highest level in almost five years.
Available liquidity increased to the highest level in two years, as both undrawn facilities and cash balances increased in the quarter. The level of cash and undrawn facilities would be sufficient to cover the sector’s forecast expenditure on net interest costs (£4.6 billion), loan repayments (£3.5 billion) and net development for the next year (£12.6 billion), even if no new debt facilities were arranged and no sales income were to be received.
The investment in existing and new homes alongside increased debt levels means that the level of aggregate cash interest cover (excluding sales) stood at 82% for the 12 months to March 2025, consistent with the previous quarter, and is forecast to remain restricted at an estimated 65% for the next year.
75 providers (38%) anticipate reporting an impairment charge in their 2024/25 accounts. This compares to 66 (33%) in 2023/24 and 54 (27%) in 2022/23.
The total anticipated impairment charge is £407 million, of which £276 million relates to social housing assets.
Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:
Landlords are continuing to build new homes for the future, although spend was lower this quarter as landlords invest record amounts on existing homes. These major investments to improve fire safety, damp and mould as well as other issues are vital for keeping tenants safe in their homes.
Landlords continue to make trade-offs in response to financial pressures but investor confidence remains strong and we will continue to support this through our regulation, including these surveys, as well as our inspections and stability check programme.”
Notes to editors
The report is based on the financial regulatory returns from 200 private registered providers (housing associations and other private registered providers, including for-profits), who own or manage more than 1,000 homes.
Through its annual stability checks, RSH considers whether each provider’s current viability grade is consistent with the information contained in their regulatory returns. RSH focuses on indicators of financial robustness and evidence of any significant changes in risk profile.
RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim and Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla to assess the flood situation in the northeastern region. He assured them of all possible support from the Centre to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Heavy rainfall over the past several days has led to severe flooding across northeastern states including Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. The situation has disrupted daily life, submerged vast stretches of land, and severed crucial supply links to remote areas.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising water levels in major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Pachnoi, and Kushiyara, which are flowing above danger marks in several locations. Thousands have been displaced, with many forced to evacuate from low-lying areas.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X that the Prime Minister had called him to inquire about the situation. “I briefed the Prime Minister on how continuous rainfall in Assam and adjoining states has led to flooding and impacted many lives. I also apprised him of the relief operation undertaken by the state government,” he posted. Sarma added that PM Modi assured full support from the Centre and offered guidance in tackling the crisis.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for reaching out during the ongoing crisis. He stated that the state administration remains committed to managing the landslide and flood emergency and providing all necessary aid to those affected.
In Manipur, the situation remains grim, particularly in the Imphal Valley. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles are leading extensive rescue operations under “Operation Jalrahat-II.” Over the past three days, more than 1,000 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas in Imphal East and West districts.
According to a bulletin issued by the Manipur administration, over 56,000 people across 174 villages remain affected. Relief efforts include the distribution of 1,500 food packets and 4,000 bottles of clean drinking water. A dedicated medical camp was also set up on June 2 at Wangkhei Angom Leikai Rehabilitation Camp, where over 250 displaced individuals received medical aid.
Medical teams provided treatment for injuries, dehydration, infections, and chronic conditions, with special focus on children, the elderly, and vulnerable patients. Awareness sessions on hygiene and disease prevention were also conducted to help reduce the risk of secondary health issues.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Kyiv, June 3 /Xinhua/ — Ukraine has received an invitation to the NATO summit to be held in The Hague on June 24-25. This was announced on Monday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Bucharest Nine summit in Vilnius, the Interfax-Ukraine agency reported.
Separately, in his Telegram channel, V. Zelensky stated that during the past meeting he familiarized M. Rutte with the results of the second round of peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, which took place earlier on Monday in Istanbul.
In particular, the Ukrainian leader stated that the parties had reached agreements on the exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children from the Russian Federation. At the same time, he emphasized that Moscow had rejected Kyiv’s proposal to declare a ceasefire without preconditions.
Also at the meeting, V. Zelensky and M. Rutte discussed further diplomatic steps and defense support for Ukraine. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
At the headquarters of a fireworks company in Liuyang City, central China’s Hunan Province, Hu Yichuang guided clients through the dozens of fireworks on display in the showroom.
This photo taken on Dec. 28, 2024 shows people watching a fireworks show in Liuyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. (Xinhua)
From time to time, he scanned QR codes on the packaging with his smartphone, instantly bringing the dazzling spectacle of each firework to life on screen.
“These videos give clients a clearer visual understanding of how the products perform,” Hu said.
Born in the 1990s, Hu took over the family business after completing his studies abroad. He now serves as general manager of Happy Fireworks Export Trading Co., Ltd., which has exported more than 500 types of fireworks products to over 60 countries worldwide.
An experience abroad gave Hu a fresh perspective on the fireworks industry in his hometown of Liuyang.
“During my time in Britain, I witnessed how fireworks displays became the highlight of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with spectators reserving premium viewing spots up to six months in advance,” Hu recalled.
What truly astonished him was the discovery that the majority of these dazzling pyrotechnics originated from Liuyang, which filled him with both pride for his hometown and professional inspiration.
“This revelation showed me how highly sought-after our hometown’s fireworks are overseas,” Hu said. “Liuyang’s pyrotechnics have tremendous potential in the global market.”
The discovery steeled his resolve to return home, join the family business, and expand its international footprint in the fireworks industry.
Liuyang, acclaimed as China’s fireworks hub, is currently home to 431 fireworks production enterprises with annual output exceeding 50 billion yuan (about 6.96 billion U.S. dollars). The city’s fireworks account for approximately 70 percent of China’s total exports, reaching consumers across the world.
With traditional Western markets nearing saturation, Liuyang’s fireworks industry is increasingly focusing on emerging markets, including Africa, according to Wen Guanghui, chairman of a local fireworks industry association.
“Africa’s booming population, vibrant festival culture, and rising purchasing power are driving rapid growth in the fireworks market,” Hu said.
He added that his company has identified Africa as a strategic growth engine for its global operations and has established partnerships with enterprises in seven countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda. “Our fireworks exports to Africa are on track to hit 10 million yuan this year.”
Liuyang fireworks are gaining steady recognition across Africa. Sebunya Hussien, a Ugandan pyrotechnics distributor who has long been engaged in fireworks sales and displays, recalled how “China’s Liuyang” kept appearing during his online searches for premium suppliers when he was working on expanding his import channels.
After viewing a series of production process demonstration videos released by Hu’s company, along with vlogs documenting their staff’s participation in international trade exhibitions and market research trips across global markets, Hussien promptly reached out to the company. This initial contact ultimately led to his 40-hour cross-continental journey to conduct an on-site inspection in Liuyang.
Witnessing firsthand how simple paper tubes are transformed into breathtaking aerial displays — and learning about Liuyang’s advanced pyrotechnic manufacturing processes — left Hussien deeply impressed. He said this experience has cemented his commitment to forging long-term partnerships with Liuyang’s fireworks producers.
To better align with African market preferences, local fireworks manufacturers are continuously refining their product strategies.
“African clients favor fireworks with vibrant colors and high-intensity bursts,” Hu explained. “Building on China’s popular ‘viral fireworks’ trends, we’ve developed innovative products that deliver stunning visual impact alongside exceptional cost-performance.”
Hu noted that the company has also launched a new line of daytime fireworks specifically designed to meet the needs of African consumers for sporting events, weddings, and other daytime celebrations.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A relatively dry and hot May A fresh to strong easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on May 8. Locally, there were sunny intervals and one or two showers. Around 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Tai Po and Sha Tin Districts. Areas of intense thundery showers associated with a trough of low pressure moved across the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary the next day. It was mainly cloudy with a few showers. Showers were heavier over some areas during the day with squally thunderstorms. More than 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over the eastern part of Hong Kong. A cold front formed over the northern part of southern China on May 10 and moved across the coast of Guangdong the next morning. Locally, it was mainly cloudy on May 10 with a few showers overnight and the next morning. The temperature at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 21.0 degrees on May 11, the lowest of the month. The associated northeast monsoon brought very dry and generally fine weather that afternoon and the next day, with the relative humidity falling below 40 per cent over many places.
Under the influence of an easterly airstream over the coast of Guangdong, local weather was hot during the day with sunny periods from May 13 to 15. A southerly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong in the following six days. The weather was mainly cloudy with one or two showers on May 16 and turned sunnier and very hot in the following two days. An upper-air disturbance affected the coast of Guangdong on May 19 and 20, bringing a few showers to some areas in Hong Kong. With the departure of the disturbance, the weather became very hot with sunny intervals on May 21.
Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft over the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the South China Sea, it remained very hot with sunny periods on May 22 and 23. The temperature at the Observatory rose to a maximum of 33.0 degrees on May 22, the highest of the month. With a trough of low pressure moving across the coast of Guangdong overnight on May 23 and 24, its associated showers and thunderstorms affected the territory on the night of May 23 and the next day. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places on Hong Kong Island on May 24. With a broad band of clouds covering southern China, the weather was mainly cloudy on May 25 and 26. With the band of clouds thinning out, there were sunny periods during the day on May 27. An easterly airstream brought showers to the coast of Guangdong the next day. Locally, showers mainly affected the eastern part of the territory and brought more than 10 millimetres of rainfall to Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O and the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure edged closer to the coast of Guangdong that night, bringing showers and a few thunderstorms to Hong Kong on May 29. Showers were heavy in the afternoon with more than 30 millimetres of rainfall generally recorded over the territory. A strong easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on the last two days of the month. Locally, it was cloudy with rain on May 30. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon East, Sha Tin and Sai Kung districts. It was mainly cloudy on the last day of the month, with one or two rain patches in the morning and at night.
There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in May 2025.
Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for May are tabulated in Table 2. Issued at HKT 15:00
On the surface, Queensland’s new government is doing exactly what it pledged before winning office in October – repealing the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets and cancelling a huge pumped hydro project near Mackay.
But since the start of the year, the Crisafulli LNP government has gone further, and it’s less clear where it’s heading.
Last week, the government abruptly cancelled the A$1 billion Moonlight Ridge wind farm proposal, citing insufficient consultation and a lack of community support.
At the same time, the government announced it would open another 16,000 square kilometres of the state for gas exploration. The government is also planning to open new gas peaking plants and keep its coal plants open longer.
So, is the Queensland government backsliding on renewables and climate change?
The Crisafulli government is still committed to net zero by 2050. Because Queensland still owns its own transmission infrastructure and power plants, the state could shift to clean energy faster than other states. But at present, they don’t appear to be in a rush.
Previous Labor governments in Queensland announced plans for large pumped hydro installations as a way to store energy to be available when intermittent wind and solar are not. The largest of these pumped hydro projects was the Pioneer-Burdekin proposal near Mackay, which the government has now canned.
The Crisafulli government has also asked the Queensland Investment Corporation to examine the financial viability of two other major proposals, the Borumba pumped hydro scheme inland from the Sunshine Coast and the Copperstring transmission project linking Townsville and Mount Isa. This isn’t unusual – new governments often review projects announced by their predecessors.
Another recent announcement is drawing stronger criticism, however. In April, the Crisafulli government announced plans to make sure large solar and wind farms have the social licence to operate. This, the government announced, would bring the “same rigorous approval processes as other major developments” to bear on renewables.
If these plans become law, they are likely to make it substantially harder and slower to build large renewables projects.
The cancellation of the Moonlight Ridge wind farm proposal is instructive. Of the 508 individuals who wrote in response to the development, only 142 were local. In his decision, planning minister Jarrod Bleijie noted: “the representations that I received evidence that the project has not acquired overriding community acceptance”.
What’s being proposed looks messy. The peak body for renewables in Queensland is highly sceptical, while miners and farmers have also signalled concern.
But while the Moonlight Ridge cancellation drew headlines, two other wind farm proposals have been approved after being asked to show they had consulted adequately.
No is easy, yes is hard
It’s easy to take office and reject the work of predecessors. It’s far harder to outline what will replace it.
In contrast to other east coast states, Queensland has largely kept control of its sprawling electricity system. The government owns most large coal and gas power plants and all the transmission infrastructure.
While the new government has indicated renewed support for private sector energy investment, it has provided support for government-owned corporations to develop new gas peaker plants. By contrast, there are very few proposals for new gas plants further south.
In one sense, it’s no surprise Queensland’s new government has eased off on renewables. Its coal plants are relatively new, and largely owned by the government. This may reduce the urgency for developing a new energy plan, but only for a few years. Planning for a smooth energy transition is a major task, as demonstrated by southern states.
The state has also profited hugely from gas exported from Gladstone. The government now receives around $1 billion from oil and gas royalties a year.
Go-fast federally, go-slow at state?
The thumping Labor majority at this year’s federal election means, at a national level, work on the clean energy transition will accelerate. But this transition is only possible if state and federal governments coordinate well.
The responsibility for building and maintaining electricity systems in Australia largely falls to the states and territories. But managing large power grids on the east and west coasts requires national-level coordination.
What the federal government can do, by and large, is set a goal and stump up the cash. As former Labor prime minister Paul Keating once quipped, “never get between a state premier and a bucket of money”.
The federal government is running a funding program to support renewable generation and storage projects across the country. Three Queensland renewable projects have been approved under this program, including solar farms with battery storage.
It’s hard to see the state government moving to block these projects.
Where does this leave us?
Queensland is signalling it’s not enthused about having an open gate for new renewable projects. Adding time consuming and expensive new consultation hurdles may cause prospective renewable developers to pack up and head south or west.
Yet the policy’s strategic intent is unclear and is not necessarily against clean energy for the state. Many projects are already under way. The Crisafulli government has shown interest in smaller scale pumped hydro schemes as a way to store energy. And gas peaking plants will be a necessary evil in a high-renewables grid, acting like an emergency diesel generator for the rare periods without enough wind, sun or water.
The big test will come later this year in the form of the state government’s five year energy plan. Will it deliver the investment to meet the net zero objective while maintaining affordable and reliable power? Right now, many in the clean energy industry are taking a wait-and-see attitude.
Tony Wood may own shares through his superannuation in companies impacted by energy sector policies
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland
An enormous plume was seen stretching several kilometres into the sky from the mountain on the island of Sicily, which is the largest active volcano in Europe.
While the blast created an impressive sight, the eruption resulted in no reported injuries or damage and barely even disrupted flights on or off the island. Mount Etna eruptions are commonly described as “Strombolian eruptions” – though as we will see, that may not apply to this event.
What happened at Etna?
The eruption began with an increase of pressure in the hot gases inside the volcano. This led to the partial collapse of part of one of the craters atop Etna.
The collapse allowed what is called a pyroclastic flow: a fast-moving cloud of ash, hot gas and fragments of rock bursting out from inside the volcano.
Thermal camera images show the eruption and flows of lava down the side of Mount Etna. National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, CC BY
Next, lava began to flow in three different directions down the mountainside. These flows are now cooling down. On Monday evening, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology announced the volcanic activity had ended.
Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, so this eruption is reasonably normal.
What is a Strombolian eruption?
Volcanologists classify eruptions by how explosive they are. More explosive eruptions tend to be more dangerous, because they move faster and cover a larger area.
At the mildest end are Hawaiian eruptions. You have probably seen pictures of these: lava flowing sedately down the slope of the volcano. The lava damages whatever it runs into, but it’s a relatively local effect.
As eruptions grow more explosive, they send ash and rock fragments flying further afield.
At the more explosive end of the scale are Plinian eruptions. These include the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, described by the Roman writer Pliny the Younger, which buried the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum under metres of ash.
In a Plinian eruption, hot gas, ash, and rock can explode high enough to reach the stratosphere – and when the eruption column collapses, the debris falls to Earth and can wreak terrifying destruction over a huge area.
What about Strombolian eruptions? These relatively mild eruptions are named after Stromboli, another Italian volcano which belches out a minor eruption every 10 to 20 minutes.
In a Strombolian eruption, chunks of rock and cinders may travel tens or hundreds of metres through the air, but rarely further. The pyroclastic flow from yesterday’s eruption at Etna was rather more explosive than this – so it wasn’t strictly Strombolian.
Can we forecast volcano eruptions?
Volcanic eruptions are a bit like weather. They are very hard to predict in detail, but we are a lot better than we used to be at forecasting them.
To understand what a volcano will do in the future, we first need to know what is happening inside it right now. We can’t look inside directly, but we do have indirect measurements.
For example, before an eruption magma travels from deep inside the Earth up to the surface. On the way, it pushes rocks apart and can generate earthquakes. If we record the vibrations of these quakes, we can track the magma’s journey from the depths.
Rising magma can also make the ground near a volcano bulge upwards very slightly, by a few millimetres or centimetres. We can monitor this bulging, for example with satellites, to gather clues about an upcoming eruption.
Some volcanoes release gas even when they are not strictly erupting. We can measure the chemicals in this gas – and if they change, it can tell us that new magma is on its way to the surface.
When we have this information about what’s happening inside the volcano, we also need to understand its “personality” to know what the information means for future eruptions.
Are volcanic eruptions more common than in the past?
As a volcanologist, I often hear from people that it seems there are more volcanic eruptions now than in the past. This is not the case.
What is happening, I tell them, is that we have better monitoring systems now, and a very active global media system. So we know about more eruptions – and even see photos of them.
Monitoring is extremely important. We are fortunate that many volcanoes in places such as Italy, the United States, Indonesia and New Zealand have excellent monitoring in place.
This monitoring allows local authorities to issue warnings when an eruption is imminent. For a visitor or tourist out to see the spectacular natural wonder of a volcano, listening to these warnings is all-important.
Teresa Ubide 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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Projects would improve roads, public safety, water access, and education in Kansas Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced 15 community projects across Kansas’ Third District that she has submitted to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. These locally driven requests — totaling $42,207,012.13 — focus on rebuilding aging roads and bridges, strengthening public safety and law enforcement response, expanding water access during extreme weather, and addressing other urgent community needs.
“My job is to be a voice for Kansas’ Third District in Washington and make sure our community’s priorities are front and center,” said Davids. “My team worked closely with local leaders and thoroughly reviewed each proposal to ensure they’re responsible, effective, and deliver real value. I’ve always fought for smart, fiscally responsible investments — and these projects reflect that commitment while making a meaningful difference for Kansans.”
Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects were submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be foundhere.
Read more about how each project will improve lives in our community hereor below:
Road and Bridges
Kansas Avenue Bridge Project ($3,500,000): To reconnect the Kansas City region and connect the urban freight corridor crucial to the many local industrial and manufacturing businesses in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
Spring Hill Intersection Improvements ($2,391,641): To construct a safety upgrade and modernization for the intersection of of US Highway 169 and 191st street to provide safety improvements for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Public Safety
Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) Body Camera Replacement ($1,500,000): To purchase body cameras for all OPPD officers and improve video systems to increase safety, transparency, and trust.
New Century AirCenter Air Traffic Control Tower ($6,000,000): To build a new, safer air traffic control tower, replacing operationally obsolete tower, making flights safer and more efficient.
Overland Park Street Signal Replacement ($1,300,000): To replace the traffic signal and sidewalk at Metcalf Avenue and I-435 westbound, Metcalf Avenue and I-435 eastbound, and Metcalf Avenue and 110th street.
Water
Bonner Springs Sewage ($6,318,755): To build new sewer lines to prevent overflows, as the current system is already at capacity, and better serve the 3,500 residents and local businesses.
Garnett Flood Prevention ($1,000,000): To fix a damaged spillway in Garnett to prevent flooding, protect homes, and keep the local lake — a part of the town’s economy — open and safe for visitors.
Olathe Sewer Rehabilitation ($1,105,582): To replace old, worn-out sewer pipes and manholes in Olathe to prevent leaks and protect the health and safety of Kansas families.
Princeton Stormwater Improvements ($634,786.13): To improve Princeton’s storm drainage system to prevent flooding and support future business and job growth in the area.
Education
K-State Olathe Manufacturing Equipment ($5,004,250): To buy lab equipment so students can train for high-tech, good-paying supply chain research and advanced manufacturing jobs as domestic manufacturing grows in Kansas City.
Energy and Utilities
BPU Electric Grid System Improvements ($6,000,000): To construct three additional feeders from the new Rosedale Substation to the University of Kansas Medical Center campus.
Public Spaces
Johnson County Building Security Upgrades ($917,000): To modernize county building security panel access systems. By modernizing existing security technology, this project enhances security for all citizens, public employees, and elected officials throughout the system of county buildings.
Osawatomie John Brown Park Refurbishment ($1,560,000): To refurbish aged infrastructure and allow space for improved public engagement and historical education opportunities.
Prairie Village Municipal Complex Modernization ($3,900,000): To upgrade driveways, sidewalks and curbs, underground retention, drainage pipes, fencing, pavement markings, landscaping, retaining walls, covered car ports, and utilities.
UG Mount Marty Park Refurbishment ($1,075,000): To update park wayfinding signage, lighting, resurfacing of the roadway into Marty Park, trail work, structural repairs, sidewalk instillation, and landscaping.
What they are saying:
“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for championing the Lonestar Interceptor project through the Community Project Funding process,” said Tom Stephens, Mayor, City of Bonner Springs. “This critical infrastructure investment lays the foundation for future development, protects public health, and ensures our city is prepared for long-term growth. Her support brings us one step closer to a more resilient and sustainable Bonner Springs.”
“Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about protecting lives and supporting critical services like hospitals, emergency response, and local industry,” said Jeremy Ash, General Manager, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities. “This investment would strengthen our electric system, improve service resilience, and ensure we can meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. We’re grateful to Rep. Davids for championing this project, and we urge leaders to support funding that delivers real, long-term benefits to Kansans, especially the hardworking families and businesses of Wyandotte County.”
“The City of Osawatomie and its leadership sincerely appreciate Representative Davids’ steadfast support and commitment to preserving a vital chapter of our nation’s history,” said Bret Glendening, City Manager, Osawatomie. “The events that unfolded in Osawatomie were pivotal in shaping both Kansas and the United States, and their significance cannot be overstated. Securing Representative Davids’ endorsement is an important first step for the future of John Brown Park, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to help make this critical federal investment a reality.”
“We thank Representative Davids for her support in securing these important community project funds – a testament to the powerful impact of collaboration between the federal and local levels,” said Curt Skoog, Mayor, Overland Park. “The upgrades at the I-435 and Metcalf will improve safety for Overland Park drivers, and the body camera replacements will equip our Police Department with essential tools for transparency. We look forward to the positive impact of these investments on our community.”
“On behalf of the City of Princeton and Franklin County I would like to express our appreciation to Representative Sharice Davids support of our request for funding,” said Paul Bean, Executive Director, Franklin County Development Council. The funding to fix and improve infrastructure in the City of Princeton is vital to the future growth and development of the community. Without federal and state support, our small rural communities will not have the opportunity to thrive and grow.”
“We are very grateful for Representative Davids continued support for reopening the Kansas Avenue bridge and continuing to be a champion for improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Tyrone Garner, Mayor, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. “This funding request will help us with the design and environmental work that must be done to get this critical transportation artery operating again. The UG also appreciates Representative Davids support for restoration of the historic Mount Marty Park that is a treasured part of the Rosedale neighborhood.”
“New Century AirCenter contributes $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “Upgrading the Air Traffic Control Tower is essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and economic value the airport brings to Johnson County and the entire region. We appreciate Rep. Davids’ support for this vital infrastructure investment.”
“Enhancing building security helps protect our public facilities, employees, and the residents who rely on our services,” said Byron Roberson, Sheriff, Johnson County. “We’re grateful for Rep. Davids’ partnership in supporting the safe and effective delivery of these essential services.”
“We appreciate Representative Davids’ support for our municipal civic center improvement.,” said Eric Mikkelson, Mayor, Prairie Village. “This significant Prairie Village project addresses aging and failing infrastructure, provides improved working conditions for police and city staff, and creates adequate space for public meetings and future growth. By planning ahead, we will ensure that we have a functional, modern facility to benefit current residents and future generations.”
“This project would strengthen transportation safety not only for Spring Hill, but for everyone who uses the K-7 corridor,” said Joe Berkey, Mayor, Spring Hill. “We appreciate Rep. Davids’ continued support in advocating for federal investment in our community.”
“The City of Princeton would like to thank Sharice Davids for adding Princeton’s storm water improvements to her community project funding submissions,” said Chris Hutchinson, Mayor, Princeton. “This funding will be beneficial to our community in more ways than one. The community as a whole appreciates the support.”
“The State of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City region are becoming hubs for advanced manufacturing, with major developments like Panasonic’s new plant in DeSoto—bringing an estimated 4,000 jobs—Garmin’s expansion in Olathe, and Merck’s recent announcement to add 200 jobs through expanded vaccine production in DeSoto,” said Dr. Ben Wolfe, CEO and Dean, K-State Olathe. “To successfully onshore manufacturing and grow American jobs, we must invest in education and workforce training. K-State Olathe is proud to partner with Rep. Sharice Davids and others to launch a state-of-the-art lab that will support academic programs, professional development, and applied research to meet industry needs and drive innovation.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
SHAWNEE, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited the City of Shawnee Fire Station Headquarters to see the new solar panels installed with federal resources she secured. At Davids’ request, $126,750 was approved to support solar panel installation at both the Headquarters and Fire Station 73. Now that construction is complete, the panels are helping lower energy costs for the city. B-roll footage of today’s visit can be found here.
“Our first responders deserve the resources to do their jobs safely, efficiently, and sustainably. That’s why I worked with Shawnee leaders to secure this solar project — helping lower energy costs while supporting the critical work of our local fire department,” said Davids. “I’m proud to bring home investments that strengthen our communities, save taxpayer dollars, and help modernize public safety infrastructure for the long term.”
“Fire stations require a lot of ‘always-on’ power to make sure we’re ready to go whenever a 911 call comes in, so these solar panels will help keep our crews ready while also cutting costs to our taxpayers,” said Richard Potter, Fire Chief, Shawnee Fire Department. “They are a perfect fit for the City of Shawnee’s promise to innovate and find new ways to save money every single day. Along with the other extensive renovations to both Stations 71 and 73, our crews are reaping the benefits of all the improvements made over the course of the last four years.”
Each of the Davids-requested projects was submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here. More information on Davids’ most recent FY26 requests can be found here.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jun 3, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook
Updated: Tue Jun 3 05:43:07 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 030543
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1243 AM CDT Tue Jun 03 2025
Valid 041200Z – 051200Z
…THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE SOUTHWEST AND EASTERN MIDWEST…
…SUMMARY… Isolated severe hail and wind are possible from mid-afternoon Wednesday through early morning Thursday in parts of the Southwest. Isolated damaging winds and marginally severe hail may occur across the eastern Midwest from mid-afternoon to evening.
…NM to southern CO and west TX… A lower-amplitude, southern-stream shortwave trough will accelerate from the Lower CO Valley, shifting across the southern Rockies onto the south-central High Plains by 12Z Thursday. Widespread thunderstorm coverage is likely Wednesday afternoon ahead of this trough, centered on the Four Corners region. Despite weak buoyancy owing to a surface ridge at 12Z Wednesday across the southern High Plains, a belt of moderate mid-level southwesterlies to the east-southeast of the trough should yield a few weak supercells. These should be focused across northern NM into southern CO during the mid-afternoon to early evening. A lone supercell may also develop over the Trans-Pecos. Isolated severe hail/wind may occur.
Low-level moisture return and attendant MUCAPE will increase Wednesday night across west TX into far eastern NM. With strengthening large-scale ascent as the shortwave trough approaches, regenerative thunderstorm development is anticipated. Strong effective bulk shear may foster a corridor of early-morning supercells with a primary hazard of isolated large hail. South of this corridor, capping will probably inhibit sustained storm development. Confidence in reliably highlighting a mesoscale corridor is too low to warrant a categorical upgrade.
..IL to OH/lower MI… Enhanced mid-level southwesterlies initially present over the central Great Lakes at 12Z Wednesday will become confined to ON/QC as a low-amplitude shortwave trough dampens. Trailing to the south of this, a residual belt of at least moderate 700-500 mb winds will persist into Wednesday afternoon, along and ahead of a weakening/stalling cold front. While mid-level lapse rates will remain weak and limit buoyancy, sufficient boundary-layer heating will exist for scattered thunderstorms. Marginally severe hail will be possible with initial cells, but clusters should dominate given the nearly parallel orientation of the front/shear vector. Sporadic strong gusts capable of isolated damaging winds may persist into the early/mid-evening, before convection wanes after dusk.
..Grams.. 06/03/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z
Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 030536
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1236 AM CDT Tue Jun 03 2025
Valid 031200Z – 041200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS GREAT PLAINS TO THE MIDWEST…
…SUMMARY… Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible from the southern Great Plains to the Midwest. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary concern.
…Great Plains to the Midwest…
Large-scale pattern is not forecast to change appreciably during the day1 period with upper troughing forecast to persist across the northern Plains as a secondary upper low digs into the southwestern U.S. by 04/12z. Even so, the progression of a notable short-wave trough into the central Plains by afternoon will encourage a seasonally strong cold front to surge south across the Great Plains. By early evening, the frontal position should extend across central WI-central MO-central OK-TX South Plains. This boundary will serve as the primary focus for robust convection through the period, especially during the afternoon/evening.
Early this morning, a considerable amount of convection has evolved across the central Plains along the aforementioned cold front. Latest radar data supports 00z model guidance, and substantial thunderstorm clusters should be ongoing at the start of the period from eastern KS into IA, as the LLJ will be focused into this region of the Plains. While some of this activity may be locally severe, the primary concern for severe is later in the afternoon as the boundary layer warms/destabilizes.
Strongest boundary-layer heating is forecast across the southern High Plains from eastern NM into western OK; although, a narrow zone of modest heating is expected ahead of the front into central IL. This corridor is where the strongest destabilization will occur, with upwards of 3000 J/kg SBCAPE possible. Forecast soundings suggest convective temperatures will be breached fairly early, as 700mb temperatures are not that warm along the front. While mid-level temperatures/lapse rates are not particularly noteworthy, high PW air mass and a convergent surface front, coupled with large-scale support aloft, favor a convectively-active day. By late afternoon, widespread convection may be noted along/ahead of the front, and this zone should gradually sag south and east into the overnight hours. Wind and hail are the primary concerns with clusters and line segments that develop. While some supercell risk will be noted, especially early in the convective cycle, storm mergers and clustering should dominate.
..Darrow/Wendt.. 06/03/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z
Russia told Ukraine at peace talks on Monday that it would only agree to end the war if Kyiv gives up big new chunks of territory and accepts limits on the size of its army, according to a memorandum reported by Russian media.
The terms, formally presented at negotiations in Istanbul, highlighted Moscow’s refusal to compromise on its longstanding war goals despite calls by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the “bloodbath” in Ukraine.
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the Russian conditions as tantamount to surrender.
Delegations from the warring sides met for barely an hour, for only the second such round of negotiations since March 2022. They agreed to exchange more prisoners of war – focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded – and return the bodies of 12,000 dead soldiers.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described it as a great meeting and said he hoped to bring together Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy for a meeting in Turkey with Trump.
But there was no breakthrough on a proposed ceasefire that Ukraine, its European allies and Washington have all urged Russia to accept.
Moscow says it seeks a long-term settlement, not a pause in the war; Kyiv says Putin is not interested in peace. Trump has said the United States is ready to walk away from its mediation efforts unless the two sides demonstrate progress towards a deal.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who headed Kyiv’s delegation, said Kyiv – which has drawn up its own peace roadmap – would review the Russian document, on which he offered no immediate comment.
Ukraine has proposed holding more talks before the end of June, but believes only a meeting between Zelenskiy and Putin can resolve the many issues of contention, Umerov said.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine presented a list of 400 children it says have been abducted to Russia, but that the Russian delegation agreed to work on returning only 10 of them. Russia says the children were moved from war zones to protect them.
RUSSIAN DEMANDS
The Russian memorandum, which was published by the Interfax news agency, said a settlement of the war would require international recognition of Crimea – a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 – and four other regions of Ukraine that Moscow has claimed as its own territory. Ukraine would have to withdraw its forces from all of them.
It restated Moscow’s demands that Ukraine become a neutral country – ruling out membership of NATO – and that it protect the rights of Russian speakers, make Russian an official language and enact a legal ban on glorification of Nazism. Ukraine rejects the Nazi charge as absurd and denies discriminating against Russian speakers.
Russia also formalised its terms for any ceasefire en route to a peace settlement, presenting two options that both appeared to be non-starters for Ukraine.
Option one, according to the text, was for Ukraine to start a full military withdrawal from the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Of those, Russia fully controls the first but holds only about 70% of the rest.
Option two was a package that would require Ukraine to cease military redeployments and accept a halt to foreign provision of military aid, satellite communications and intelligence. Kyiv would also have to lift martial law and hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 100 days.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky said Moscow had also suggested a “specific ceasefire of two to three days in certain sections of the front” so that the bodies of dead soldiers could be collected.
According to a proposed roadmap drawn up by Ukraine, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, Kyiv wants no restrictions on its military strength after any peace deal, no international recognition of Russian sovereignty over parts of Ukraine taken by Moscow’s forces, and reparations.
UKRAINE TARGETS RUSSIAN BOMBER FLEET
The conflict has been heating up, with Russia launching its biggest drone attacks of the war and advancing on the battlefield in May at its fastest rate in six months.
On Sunday, Ukraine said it launched 117 drones in an operation codenamed “Spider’s Web” to attack Russian nuclear-capable long-range bomber planes at airfields in Siberia and the far north of the country.
Satellite imagery suggested the attacks had caused substantial damage, although the two sides gave conflicting accounts of the extent of it.
Western military analysts described the strikes, thousands of miles from the front lines, as one of the most audacious Ukrainian operations of the war.
Russia’s strategic bomber fleet forms part of the “triad” of forces – along with missiles launched from the ground or from submarines – that make up the country’s nuclear arsenal, the biggest in the world. Faced with repeated warnings from Putin of Russia’s nuclear might, the U.S. and its allies have been wary throughout the Ukraine conflict of the risk that it could spiral into World War Three.
A current U.S. administration official said Trump and the White House were not notified before the attack. A former administration official said Ukraine, for operational security reasons, regularly does not disclose to Washington its plans for such actions.
A UK government official said the British government also was not told ahead of time.
Zelenskiy said the operation, which involved drones concealed inside wooden sheds, had helped to restore partners’ confidence that Ukraine is able to continue waging the war.
“Ukraine says that we are not going to surrender and are not going to give in to any ultimatums,” he told an online news briefing.
“But we do not want to fight, we do not want to demonstrate our strength – we demonstrate it because the enemy does not want to stop.”
A seething Magnus Carlsen slammed his fist into a table after suffering his first defeat by world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in a classical game in Stavanger before the Norwegian wondered why he was still playing standard chess.
On Sunday, Carlsen had his opponent on the ropes for much of the match in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament but his composure cracked under the pressure of a ticking clock and he committed a blunder that handed India’s Gukesh a decisive advantage.
Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after the defeat before exchanging a quick handshake with Gukesh, apologising for his outburst and storming off.
Norway Chess 2025 marks Carlsen’s first appearance in a standard tournament since the Chess Olympiad last September as the 34-year-old has been turning his focus onto Freestyle Chess, having relinquished his world title citing a lack of motivation.
In Chess960/Freestyle chess, the starting position of the pieces on the back rank are reshuffled, meaning computer-backed preparations leading to sometimes dull openings are meaningless.
“Losses are painful no matter what but at least if you can lose doing something you really enjoy it’s easier,” Carlsen said on Monday after a quick draw with world number two Hikaru Nakamura.
“(In Freestyle chess) I don’t have situations like yesterday where I’m just wondering why am I doing this, what’s the point?
“I will do my best in the last three games (here) and then we’ll see I suppose.”
Carlsen’s outburst left Gukesh shell-shocked on Sunday, although the world champion said he also sometimes loses his temper over the board.
“I mean, (the win was) not the way I wanted it to be, but okay, I’ll take it,” Gukesh told Chess.com.
“… I’ve also banged a lot of tables in my career.”
