The average electric monthly bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024, but average costs for customers in some states were much higher or lower. Customers in states such as Hawaii and Connecticut, where retail electricity prices are relatively high, paid more than $200 per month for electricity, or more than twice as much as customers in states such as New Mexico and Utah.
Monthly electricity bills are the product of two factors: retail electricity prices and the amount of grid-delivered electricity that customers consume. Although we do not directly survey retail electricity prices or bills in our monthly electricity surveys, we estimate bills by dividing the utilities’ revenue from residential customers by the number of residential customers. Similarly, we estimate retail prices by dividing utility revenue from residential customers by electric retail sales to residential customers.
Average U.S. electricity prices and consumption were both higher in 2024 compared with 2023. The average U.S. residential electricity price rose from 16.0 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) in 2023 to 16.5 cents/kWh in 2024. Monthly electricity consumption per residential customer averaged 865 kWh in 2024, or 2% more than the average value in 2023.
Customers in Hawaii had the highest average monthly bills in 2024, at $213 per month, despite consuming the least amount of grid-delivered electricity, on average. Although many homes in Hawaii have solar photovoltaic systems that reduce the need for grid-delivered electricity, most of that grid-delivered electricity generated in Hawaii comes from petroleum-fired generators. Electricity prices in Hawaii are high because petroleum-fired electricity generation is expensive compared with other energy sources.
Customers in Utah had the lowest average monthly bills at $89 per month. The six states with the lowest residential bills are all in the Rocky Mountain region: Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. These states tend to have lower-than-average residential electricity prices and consumption. Delivered costs for coal and natural gas, which are prevalent sources for electricity generation in Rocky Mountain states, were lower in 2024 than in 2023.
Louisiana had the highest average electricity consumption, as Louisiana’s residential customers used more than twice as much electricity from the grid as those in Hawaii or California. However, because electricity prices are so much lower in Louisiana, residents paid an average of $142 per month, or nearly equal to the national average. Southeastern states tend to consume more electricity than other states because customers use more air conditioning in the summer and use electric, rather than natural gas, space-heating equipment in the winter.
Principal contributors: Alex Gorski, Owen Comstock
As researchers and directors of regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey since 2011, we have seen firsthand the work these programs do to protect the nation’s natural resources and their successes in helping states and tribes build resilience to climate risks.
Here are a few examples of the ways federally funded climate adaptation science conducted by university and federal researchers helps the nation weather the effects of climate change.
Protecting communities against wildfire risk
Wildfires have increasingly threatened communities and ecosystems across the U.S., exacerbated by worsening heat waves and drought.
In the Southwest, researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers are developing forecasting models to identify locations at greatest risk of wildfire at different times of year.
Knowing where and when fire risks are highest allows communities to take steps to protect themselves, whether by carrying out controlled burns to remove dry vegetation, creating fire breaks to protect homes, managing invasive species that can leave forests more prone to devastating fires, or other measures.
The solutions are created with forest and wildland managers to ensure projects are viable, effective and tailored to each area. The research is then integrated into best practices for managing wildfires. The researchers also help city planners find the most effective methods to reduce fire risks in wildlands near homes.
Wildland firefighters and communities have limited resources. They need to know where the greatest risks exist to take preventive measures. Ethan Swope/Getty Images
In Hawaii and the other Pacific islands, adaptation researchers have similarly worked to identify how drought, invasive species and land-use changes contribute to fire risk there. They use these results to create maps of high-risk fire zones to help communities take steps to reduce dry and dead undergrowth that could fuel fires and also plan for recovery after fires.
Protecting shorelines and fisheries
In the Northeast, salt marshes line large parts of the coast, providing natural buffers against storms by damping powerful ocean waves that would otherwise erode the shoreline. Their shallow, grassy waters also serve as important breeding grounds for valuable fish.
However, these marshes are at risk of drowning as sea level rises faster than the sediment can build up.
As greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and from other human activities accumulate in the atmosphere, they trap extra heat near Earth’s surface and in the oceans, raising temperatures. The rising temperatures melt glaciers and also cause thermal expansion of the oceans. Together, those processes are raising global sea level by about 1.3 inches per decade.
Adaptation researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been developing local flood projections for the regions’ unique oceanographic and geophysical conditions to help protect them. Those projections are essential to help natural resource managers and municipalities plan effectively for the future.
In the Northwest and Alaska, salmon are struggling as temperatures rise in the streams they return to for spawning each year. Warm water can make them sluggish, putting them at greater risk from predators. When temperatures get too high, they can’t survive. Even in large rivers such as the Columbia, salmon are becoming heat stressed more often.
Adaptation researchers in both regions have been evaluating the effectiveness of fish rescues – temporarily moving salmon into captivity as seasonal streams overheat or dry up due to drought.
In Alaska, adaptation scientists have built broad partnerships with tribes, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to improve temperature measurements of remote streams, creating an early warning system for fisheries so managers can take steps to help salmon survive.
Researchers in the Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been working to identify and prioritize the risks from invasive species that are expanding their ranges. That helps state managers eradicate these emerging threats before they become a problem. These regional invasive species networks have become the go-to source of climate-related scientific information for thousands of invasive species managers.
The rise in the number of invasive species projected by 2050 is substantial in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Federally funded scientists develop these risk maps and work with local communities to head off invasive species damage. Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network
The Northeast is a hot spot for invasive species, particularly for plants that can outcompete native wetland and grassland species and host pathogens that can harm native species.
Without proactive assessments, invasive species management becomes more difficult. Once the damage has begun, managing invasive species becomes more expensive and less effective.
Losing the nation’s ability to adapt wisely
A key part of these projects is the strong working relationships built between scientists and the natural resource managers in state, community, tribal and government agencies who can put this knowledge into practice.
With climate extremes likely to increase in the coming years, losing adaptation science will leave the United States even more vulnerable to future climate hazards.
Bethany Bradley receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Jia Hu has receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Meade Krosby receives funding from the US Geological Survey as the University Director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julie M. Norman, Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East at RUSI; Associate Professor in Politics & International Relations, UCL
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared on May 5 that his government intends to intensify military operations and indefinitely reoccupy Gaza. The announcement has dashed hopes for a permanent ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The plan, which was unanimously approved by Israel’s security cabinet, includes displacing Gaza’s 2.1 million inhabitants to a single “humanitarian area” on less than a quarter of Gaza’s territory. This will result in Palestinians leaving “in great numbers to third countries”, said Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich.
It is tempting to view the plan as another move by Netanyahu to placate the hard-right members of his coalition. It can also be viewed as a pressure tactic on Hamas – a threat to force the militant group to agree to a short-term ceasefire ahead of the visit of the US president, Donald Trump, to the Middle East from May 13.
However, Netanyahu’s announcement is much more than rhetorical sabre-rattling. Israel’s recent operations in Gaza indicate that the plan should be taken literally and seriously. Since March, when the war in Gaza resumed following a temporary ceasefire, Israel has declared about 70% of the enclave either a military “red zone” or under evacuation.
The new plan affirms what many have long feared: that expanding territorial control is not merely a short-term military tactic but a long-term occupation. In my view, this will only bring more suffering for Palestinians, less security for Israel, and more instability to the region.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated. Many observers have described the current situation as the worst of any time during the past 18 months.
The flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza has been politicised and widely criticised throughout the war, often slowing to a trickle. However, at least some aid trucks were allowed to pass into the Strip from late October 2023, shortly after the war began. This was followed by a surge of aid during the ceasefire in January and February 2025.
But no food, fuel or medicines have entered Gaza since early March. This has led to near-famine conditions and the breakdown of the few remaining healthcare services.
Israel’s proposed plan would forcibly move Gazans, nearly all of whom have already been displaced multiple times, into militarised “sterile zones” in the south. Humanitarian aid would be managed there by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and private US companies.
Deteriorating humanitarian conditions, combined with further displacement, will only create more security challenges for Israel. Entrenched occupation fuels armed resistance and further mobilises insurgency.
The US saw this following its 2003 invasion of Iraq, which resulted in over 8,000 US military personnel and contractors being killed. Israel has repeatedly faced the rise of armed militant groups in response to prolonged military occupations in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank.
Hamas has already dismissed further ceasefire talks in the wake of the new plan, and the group is seemingly having no trouble recruiting new members to its military wing. This has ensured a costly deployment for IDF ground troops.
It goes without saying that Hamas should release all of the remaining hostages – and should have done so long ago. But Hamas now sees little incentive to do so when Israeli ministers are calling for what appears to be the complete destruction of Gaza, with or without a hostage release.
A renewed occupation of Gaza will also further complicate regional dynamics. Arab states that have promised billions of dollars for Gaza’s reconstruction, alongside a credible plan for a two-state solution, will balk at subsidising Israeli military control.
The stalled US-backed normalisation deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which has long been sought both by the Trump and Biden administrations, will probably be pushed even further back. It may even be abandoned entirely if Israel retrenches in Gaza.
And any US involvement in Israel’s new Gaza plan could complicate negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has already accused Netanyahu of dragging the US into a “disaster” in the Middle East by “attempting to brazenly dictate” what Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran.
But perhaps most importantly, the reoccupation of Gaza – coupled with incursions, annexations and settlement expansion in the West Bank – communicates in no uncertain terms that the Israeli government is torpedoing any pathway to a two-state solution.
This has long been clear to Palestinians and many onlookers. Most realists accepted that any moves towards Palestinian self-determination would be non-starters in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
However, Israel’s friends in the international community, especially in Europe, have been holding on to the hope that Israel would eventually come back to the two-state framework. This latest plan calls their bluff.
France and the UK are already in discussion about possibly recognising Palestine as a state at a conference in June. The UK has long preferred recognition as part of a peace process towards two states, rather than a symbolic gesture.
But a retrenched “capture” of Gaza, combined with another massive civilian displacement, may speed up serious consideration of this recognition – while there is still Palestinian territory left to recognise.
Julie M. Norman 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: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
On May 7, a traditional celebration dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War was held on the square in front of the main building of NSU. The event brought together not only NSU students and staff, but also residents of Akademgorodok.
Many were united by the concert of front-line songs by student creative groups of NSU, who performed famous compositions from the back of a military vehicle.
During the concert, several interactive platforms were operating in parallel: “Search Movement”, “Frontline Letters”, “Scientists to the Front”, “Military Hospital” and, of course, a field kitchen!
— Colleagues, friends, I congratulate you on this wonderful, sacred holiday for our country — the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. This is, of course, a holiday that has gone down in history forever. Our people, our army crushed the greatest evil of the 20th century — fascism. On the other hand, this day for us is a day of sorrow, because we paid an immeasurably high price for this Great Victory. The Soviet Union lost 27 million of its fellow citizens. We should more often remember those people who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our Motherland, the countries of Europe and the world. Our main task is to preserve in the memory of the people, in the memory of the younger generation this heroic feat of the Soviet people and the soldiers-liberators. I congratulate you on this wonderful holiday and wish you well, a peaceful sky above your heads! — the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk addressed the participants and guests of the festive program.
A special part of the event was a retro fashion show in costumes from the pre-war and war years, a dance program and master classes. The concert “At the Soldier’s Campfire” in the park behind the NSU laboratory building added intimacy to the event.
— I decided to take part in the retro fashion show because I wanted to be a part of this great holiday, to serve as a link in the transfer of memory between generations, and I am very grateful to the organizers for this opportunity. This year’s holiday left unforgettable impressions, and for me this day was the best of the entire academic year — it brought me the brightest emotions and a feeling of complete happiness! I was very happy to perform in public, and the master class on 1940s dances made me truly happy! I was also very impressed by the songs with a guitar in the courtyard of the old building of NSU — it was nice to listen to a wonderful performance of beautiful, eternal songs — songs with great meaning and memories of those distant days for us, — Polina Ryabova, a second-year master’s student, shared her emotions and impressions. Faculty of Economics, NSU.
The creative groups that took part in the festive program were the NSU vocal studio “Million Voices”, the NSU Music Club, the historical dance studio “Medival”, the student association “Evening of Songs with a Guitar” and the NSU Academic Choir.
The event partner was the Academburo (ANO KIC “Integral 2.0”).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – “We know that the Lord hears the prayers of the children who are in his heart. And the ceasefire between India and Pakistan has a very special meaning for us because we consider it a truce,” says to Fides Fr. Qaisar Feroz, Capuchin friar and parish priest at the parish of Our Lady Queen of Angels, Bhai Pheru, on the outskirts of Lahore, in Pakistani Punjab. “On Saturday, May 10, a group of children and families gathered in front of the grotto and shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in our parish of Bhai Pheru,” he reports. “I, Brother Father Robinson OFM Cap, and the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary celebrated a Rosary of Peace with the parish community. Children and young people were present, while the girls from the ‘Ibne Mariam’ boarding school recited songs of peace and devotional prayers. At the end of the prayer, we released some doves as a symbol of peace and the children’s fervent desire, holding signs reading ‘Yes to Peace, No to War.’ At the end of the rosary, we received the wonderful news of the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Now we hope that it will hold and that we can create a just and lasting peace between the peoples.”The people in the parish were very concerned, among other things, because, as Father Feroz explains, in the days before the military clashes in the disputed region of Kashmir, a bullet struck the industrial area on the territory of the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Angels in Bhai Pheru. “It was a bit like we felt the war coming home. There was great concern, and that is why we intensified our prayers for peace,” Father Feroz reported. Meanwhile, the entire Church in Pakistan welcomes the ceasefire. In an official statement, the President of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Hyderabad, Samson Shukardin (OFM), emphasized: “This significant step toward peace is a source of great relief and hope for millions of people throughout the region following the recent tensions and military clashes. The Pakistani bishops express their appreciation to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing the path of dialogue and moderation, and are deeply grateful to international mediators, especially the United States and other global partners, for their role in facilitating this peaceful breakthrough.” “The peoples of South Asia have long yearned for peace, stability, and cooperation,” said the Pakistani bishops. “We pray that this ceasefire marks not only the end of hostilities, but also the beginning of a new chapter of mutual understanding, reconciliation, and regional harmony,” assuring them that they pray “for lasting peace and for the common good of all.” Chairman of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) and Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Joseph Arshad, added: “This ceasefire is also a reminder that diplomacy has the power to overcome conflict. It is vital that both nations continue dialogue to address long-standing issues and find lasting solutions that prioritize the well-being and security of their peoples. A peaceful future for the South Asian region begins with cooperation, dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace.” The Catholic Church on both sides of the border hopes that India and Pakistan can “build stronger, more reliable, and peaceful relations to ensure a better future for all” and that “the spirit of justice, peace, solidarity, and fraternity prevails in this region to build bridges of hope, love, and peace between nations.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/5/2025)
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
SOUTH BEND – Demetrius Clark, 41 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Clark was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in February 2024, Clark delivered 5 pounds of methamphetamine to another distributor. A search warrant was executed at Clark’s home in South Bend resulting in the recovery of an additional 5 pounds of high-purity methamphetamine along with packaging materials, a firearm, and over $8,000 cash.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
England’s peatlands mapped for first time in major step towards their recovery
England’s most in-depth peatland map shows the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands
Scientific first made possible due to satellite imagery, AI and in-depth data analysis showing the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands
Data reveals that around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, but targeted mapping will now help aid their recovery
Restoring 55% of peatland would have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions alongside benefits for water storage and purification
Scientists have mapped England’s peatlands to a level of extraordinary detail never achieved before – revealing their worrying, degraded state and need for recovery.
The England Peat Map launched today (Saturday 10th May) is the most complete map of England’s peatlands and peaty soils to date and one’s of the world’s most comprehensive peat maps in existence. Our peatlands are a critical natural resource providing essential public goods such as carbon sequestration , water purification and storage – helping protect communities from flooding.
The map models the extent, depth, and important aspects of the condition of our peat, including vegetation, and even shows gullies and man-made and natural drainage channels and has been produced using cutting edge techniques.
Researchers used AI, satellite data from the European Space Agency, individual data sets from field surveys and modelled to identify the likelihood of peaty soils, and marks a step change in our ability to make decisions about land use and target conservation activities where they’re most needed.
The map, published alongside key research, shows:
Peaty soil covers roughly 8.5% of England’s surface
Around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, making this an area in need of urgent action
Around three quarters of our peat is covered by plants and land use types associated with dryer conditions such as heather, while only 1% is covered by important peat forming plants such as sphagnum moss
The most extensive peatland habitat is to be found across the Pennines, North York Moors, parts of the Lake District, and in the uplands of the South West.
The findings present a worrying picture of widely degraded peat from the blanket bog most associated with our northern uplands to the lowland deep peat found most commonly in the fens of the East England.
Degraded peat also emits carbon, meaning that our peatlands are releasing carbon into the atmosphere and helping drive global heating. Understanding how much peat we have is the first step to calculating how much carbon it holds and how much it’s releasing – vital information as we work together to combat climate change.
The open source map available today on gov.uk will empower land managers and key decision makers to better understand and restore the nation’s peatland– for example, blocking drainage channels to re-wet the land and support better informed decisions on how to effectively balance biodiversity and carbon storage with food security in some of England’s most fertile farmland.
Restoring peatland will bring benefits for nature, communities, and the wider economy. Estimates suggest restoring 55% of peatland to near-natural condition will have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions, while their value as a source of drinking water and recreation space is worth many hundreds of millions of pounds.
Natural England’s Chief Scientist Dr Sallie Bailey said:
Trying to map something that’s largely underground, changes in volume depending whether it’s rained recently, and tries to swallow you up every time you set foot in it comes with its challenges, which makes this map extraordinary in its accomplishment and something of a global first.
Mapping peat to this level of detail will help us maximise the benefits of peat and massively advances our understanding the role our peatlands are playing in a changing climate.
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:
The benefits of healthy peatlands are well documented – they are our biggest natural carbon stores, essential to the water cycle, and refuge to some of our rarest plants and wildlife, such as the carnivorous sundew plant, marsh violet, and charismatic birds like golden plover and curlew.
The England Peat Map will allow us to make far better and more informed decisions when it comes to managing peatlands – targeting restoration efforts to the most degraded peat and identifying the best opportunities for nature recovery.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:
Our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest and in desperate need of restoration and protection, as this mapping and research work starkly demonstrates.
That is why we have announced up to £400m for nature restoration, including of our peatlands, and are consulting on new plans to extend the ban on burning deep peat. This government, as part of our Plan for Change, are committed to expanding nature-rich habitats and turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig led 89 of her Congressional colleagues in blasting the Administration’s decision to eliminate critical Head Start programs that promote early childhood development and ease the burden of child care on working families.
In a letter to President Donald Trump and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the lawmakers demanded answers from the Administration about how they intend to fill the gap left by the potential elimination of Head Start and support students, teachers and parents who benefit from these programs.
“A shutdown of Head Start programming would have devastating, far-reaching impacts for nearly half a million children, families and local communities,” the Members wrote. “Over 800,000 children benefit from attending 17,000 Head Start Centers across the country, strengthening their early education and providing developmental screenings.”
“Additionally, the National Head Start Association estimates that more than one million parents who use Head Start and Early Start centers would lose necessary child care, impacting their ability to attend in-person work, causing further workforce disruptions,” the Members continued. “The impacts of these cuts would be generational and long-lasting.”
The Members concluded, “While we share the Administration’s goal of rooting out waste and abuse in government, attempting to defund early education programming and indiscriminately attacking our nation’s most vulnerable families is not the appropriate way to increase government efficiency.”
Rep. Craig has long fought to protect education in Minnesota and across the country. She has been a fierce criticof the Administration’s efforts to defund the Department of Education.
This Congress, she co-sponsored theDepartment of Education Protection Act, which would prohibit Congressional funds from being used to fire agency workers or drastically alter the Department of Education. She also led a joint resolution opposing cuts to the Department of Education and condemning any Congressional or Executive action that attempts to dismantle the Department.
In a show of support for Minnesota’s educators and in opposition to the Administration’s proposed cuts to education funding, Rep. Craig invited Education Minnesota President Denise Specht as her guest to this year’s State of the Union.
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enwave Energy Corporation (Enwave) has announced today the commitment to build a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, beginning this fall. The facility will be in operation by 2028 and will replace the existing end-of-life system. Enwave, in partnership with the Province of Prince Edward Island, has proudly undertaken this expansion to address the growing need to identify sustainable waste solutions in the province.
The existing district energy plant converts municipal solid waste and biomass — scrap wood from forest harvesting operations — to energy and provides that energy to its customers through the interconnected district energy network. After nearly thirty years of operation, the plant is approaching end-of-life and will be replaced with the new, expanded facility. Since 2017, the Province of Prince Edward Island and Enwave have collaborated on this project with a united goal to reduce waste and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at a time when sustainable waste solutions are needed more than ever.
This new, state-of-the-art facility is capable of processing 90% of the province’s total black cart residential waste, significantly reducing landfill waste. The expansion of this critical facility will significantly replace the use of fuel oil for heating while providing further reliability and redundancy to more than 145 connected buildings in Charlottetown, the province’s capital city, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Prince Edward Island, schools and residences. Enwave’s district energy system has a proven track record as a reliable and critical source of energy in the province, having maintained uninterrupted operations to critical customers during recent natural phenomena such as hurricanes Juan, Dorian and Fiona, as well as during the hurricane-strength blizzard, White Juan, in 2004.
Rendering of Enwave’s new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, anticipated to be in operation by 2028 to replace the existing end-of-life system.
Enwave brings more than thirty years of experience in advanced Waste-to-Energy systems to the project, a proven path to avoiding landfill waste and reducing GHG emissions. Through this expansion, the annual impact of avoiding landfill by using up to 49,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste for heating will amount to GHG savings of up to 908,000 tonnes of CO2e by 2052, equivalent to taking 278,000 cars off the road.
Leveraging Waste-to-Energy technology provides a real solution and tangible option for communities around the country to reduce the need for additional landfills and help to meet carbon emission reduction targets. With global waste forecasted to increase 70% by 2050, this project is a testament to scalable and sustainable pathways that directly address concerns of rising waste.
“We are very grateful for the support and confidence of the government of PEI and the people of this province, enabling us to make this long-term commitment as a critical energy partner,” says Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation. “The eight-year journey to get to this point has seen many hurdles, however both Enwave and the province have remained committed to making this expansion a reality. This project is an example of how governments and private companies can work together to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions at scale through a shared purpose, creating a better world for today and generations to come.”
“Waste to Energy technology is a great example of a sustainable, innovative solution to meeting PEI’s energy needs,” says PEI Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault. “This expansion helps us continue to minimize energy costs for important provincial buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As an added benefit, using this waste for energy helps us extend the life of our existing landfill.”
Enwave’s expansion of the waste processing facility and operations will nearly double existing waste processing capacity while directly aligning with Charlottetown’s Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future by transitioning to renewable clean energy and incorporating sustainable innovation and technology.
“The CIB is proud to be a part of this project given the important role it will play in modernizing the city’s district energy system, ensuring affordable and clean energy supply to more than 145 connected buildings in the Charlottetown core,” says Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The new waste processing facility expansion is supported financially by the Canadian Infrastructure Bank through an aggregate facility of $600M supporting innovative energy projects across Enwave’s portfolio, including Lakeview Village in Mississauga, Ontario (Wastewater Heat Recovery technology), Etobicoke Civic Centre in Toronto (Geo-exchange technology), and this project in PEI (Waste-to-Energy technology).
Enwave has worked closely alongside key partners that are critical to the success of the PEI expansion project, including Maple Reindeers Constructors Ltd., Marco Group, Ramboll Group A/S, Coles Associates Ltd., Stantec, Martin GmbH, ANDRITZ TEP, LAB SA and Kone Cranes Canada Inc.
A ceremony announcing the official groundbreaking of the new waste processing facility will take place in the fall of 2025.
About Enwave
Enwave is one of the largest commercial owner and operators of community-based district energy systems in North America. They develop reliable, commercial and sustainable energy solutions at scale, tailored to the unique needs of municipalities, commercial developments, universities, hospitals, data centres and residential communities. Enwave provides thermal energy services to over 100 million square feet of mixed-use space across Canada using a variety of technologies including Deep Lake Water Cooling, thermal storage, geoexchange, biomass and energy-from-waste. Enwave was acquired by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan & IFM Investors in 2021. Since its founding over 20 years ago, Enwave has invested over $1 billion in Canadian infrastructure.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the preparatory faculty of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a series of events dedicated to the history and culture of our country were held for foreign students.
20 best students from Angola, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Yemen, China, Myanmar, Palestine, Turkmenistan and Turkey went to a three-day cultural and educational intensive course “Polytechnic in History and Culture” at the Kholomki estate. The guys immersed themselves in the atmosphere of Russian estate life in a historical complex associated with the name of the first director of the Polytechnic – Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin.
The participants not only learned about the life of the prince and the fate of his estate, but also visited Gagarin’s grave in the village of Belskoye Ustye, paying tribute to the memory of the university’s founder.
This brought us even closer together! Thank you for the opportunity to relax, find friends and celebrate the faculty anniversary, – shared Mustafa Rozyev from Turkmenistan.
The educational program was prepared by teachers of the Higher School of International Educational Programs (HSIEEP). There were team-building trainings, quizzes on Russian history and modern culture, and a volleyball match, where international student teams competed with teachers. Indian student Gupta Purvi remembered volleyball the most: It was fun and adventurous, and the teachers were as passionate as we were.
Jonathan Abel from Indonesia admitted that he especially enjoyed the night songs around the campfire under the starry sky: The teachers sang so beautifully that even those who did not know the words joined in with the melodies.
Yemeni student Al-Falah Naif expressed his delight poetically: Nature whispered its secrets to us… These days will become a page in my future novel.
Before returning to St. Petersburg, the group honored the memory of the victims of Nazism at the Dulag 100 memorial near Porkhov, where a transit camp was located during the war. The children were reminded that this year Russia solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Another group of students from Mexico, China, Turkmenistan, France, Thailand and Slovakia visited the State Museum of the History of Religion. They began their journey with the halls of Christian symbols, where guides gave detailed information about ancient icons, church utensils and the history of Orthodoxy in Russia. Rare exhibits, such as a reconstruction of a 17th-century altar with preserved frescoes, attracted special attention. In the Catholicism department, the participants learned about the connection between European religious traditions and Russian culture.
Students from Turkmenistan particularly noted the halls dedicated to Islam.
It’s unexpected to see familiar religious symbols in Russia, it brings us even closer together,” shared Matyakub Yusupov.
The events not only strengthened intercultural ties, but also became a bridge between the past and present of the Polytechnic University, reminding us of its rich heritage, and helped to form a sense of belonging to the cultural heritage. The organizers are confident that such projects help foreign students to understand Russia more deeply and feel part of a large university family.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
A 2.8-metre estuarine crocodile has been captured in a floating trap on the Ross River near Aplins Weir on 8 May 2025.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation targeted the animal for removal after receiving multiple sighting reports recently from concerned members of the public.
Wildlife rangers conducted a land-based spotlight assessment to locate the crocodile and due to its size and location – in a high recreational use area – it was targeted for removal.
Principal Wildlife Ranger Dinouk Perera said that when wildlife rangers were removing the trapped animal, they observed a second crocodile about two metres in length, nearby.
“We have re-installed the trap to target the second crocodile for removal,” Mr Perera said.
“The department would like to thank those community members who reported the crocodile.
“Crocodile sighting reports give us important information about a crocodile’s location and behaviour that allows us to assess whether it needs to be removed from the wild.
“The captured crocodile is currently in a holding pond at our facility and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.
“People in Townsville are reminded that the area is crocodile habitat, and they need to make sensible choices when they are around the water.
“Crocodiles could be present in any waterway in areas of crocodile habitat. They can swim long distances and may turn up in places they haven’t been seen before, particularly after flooding.
“That’s why it is important to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible, for investigation by wildlife rangers.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Leo entrusts his prayer for peace to Mary, the “Queen of Peace,” “so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.” With this, Pope Leo XIV concluded his brief address, delivered from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after the first Regina Coeli following his election as Successor of Peter. A brief speech in which the Bishop of Rome addressed the conflicts in the world and reiterated the words spoken by Paul VI in his famous speech to the UN: “Never again war!” “Eighty years ago, on May 8,” the Pope began his address after the blessing, “the immense tragedy of the Second World War ended, which claimed sixty million victims. In today’s dramatic scenario of a piecemeal third world war, as Pope Francis stated many times, I too address the world’s leaders, repeating the ever-timely appeal: “Never again war!”.”I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” Pope Leo continued. “May everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, as soon as possible. Let all the prisoners be freed and the children return to their own families.”The Bishop of Rome then said he was “deeply saddened” by “what is happening in the Gaza Strip: may there be an immediate ceasefire! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed!”Pope Leo welcomed with satisfaction the “announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan” hoping “that through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting accord may be reached soon. But how many other conflicts there are in the world! I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.””Today in Italy and in other countries we celebrate Mother’s Day,” the Pope concluded. “I send a fond greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, and for those who are already in Heaven.” (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/5/2025)
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Eglinton’s Heath Park is officially complete and set to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.
The new pavilion features changerooms, first aid rooms, activity rooms, an umpire’s room, universal access toilets and showers, kitchens, kiosks and storage.
Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said this development marks a significant investment for our northern corridor.
“We are thrilled to see the completion of this fantastic new sports amenities building. Heath Park is already proving to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members in our growing suburb of Eglinton,” he said.
“This facility ensures local sporting activities can run smoothly, supporting players, club personnel, volunteers and spectators.
In addition to high-quality sporting infrastructure, the pavilion is an ideal venue for community groups to host meetings, workshops and celebrations. It’s more than just a place to play sport – it’s a space that brings people together.
“This investment reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the social and physical wellbeing of the community. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space for many years to come.”
The City is grateful to have received funding contributions of $1.97 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $930,701 from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, including $710,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, as well as $220,701 under the Club Night Lights Program to support important floodlighting upgrades, which are currently underway.
State Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said sporting precincts form such an important part of our communities, particularly in our suburbs.
“Not only do they support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity, but they also bring people together and create a sense of community,” she said.
“This new precinct will help ensure more people in our northern suburbs are able to participate and engage in community sport, as well as use the space for gatherings, workshops and celebrations.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (May 12) that, as advised by the postal administration of Italy, due to a cyber incident, in addition to the provinces of Florence, Lucca, Grosseto, Livorno, Pistoia and Prato that were previously impacted by flooding, all mail delivery services to the country are subject to delay.
An interview with Paula and Bridgette Powers – identical twins who witnessed their mother’s carjacking – recently went viral. The way they spoke and gestured in unison has captivatedglobal audiences.
Bridgette and Paula Powers have gained global attention for the way they speak.
Genetically, identical twins are clones. They result from the splitting of an early embryo, meaning they share the same genes.
In contrast, fraternal twins are the result of two eggs being fertilised by two different sperm. On average they share 50% of their genes – the same as any siblings who share both their biological mother and father.
So, when identical twins talk and gesture in unison (known as synchrony), is it down to genes? The answer can be complicated.
Genes aren’t the only influence on looks, language and like-minded thinking. Let’s break down the factors that might lead some twins to speak – and apparently think – in unison.
A close bond in a shared environment
Almost all twins, even “identical” ones, show some differences in physical, mental and emotional traits. They also regard themselves as distinct individuals and typically don’t like being referred to as “the twins”.
Yet we know most people naturally mimic the way those close to them speak and move, even without realising it. This phenomenon is called automatic mimicry and may be part of healthy social development, helping people synchronise behaviours and share emotions.
For identical twins who grow up in the same home, school and community, the effect of a shared environment and close bond may be particularly intense.
Paula and Bridgette Powers, for example, have shared an environment: not only the same parents, home and upbringing, but also the same job, running a bird rescue charity.
Twins may know each other so well they can intuitively sense what the other twin is about to say — and may feel like their brains are in sync. The Powers sisters have explained:
our brains must think alike at the same time.
In contrast, twins who grow up apart share many personality traits, but without years of shared interaction they are less likely to develop synchronised speech or mirrored behaviours. However, they do display many of the same unusual habits and idiosyncrasies.
What about genetics?
Studying identical and fraternal twins separated at birth can help us unravel how much of our behaviours – intelligence, personality and temperament – are influenced by genes and environment.
Even when identical twins grow up apart, they tend to closely resemble one another – not only physically, but in their personality, interests and behaviours. Fraternal twins, in general, are much less alike. This tells us genes matter.
One of us (Nancy) was a researcher with the Minnesota Study of Twins Raised Apart, which lasted from 1979 to 1999 and looked at more than 100 sets of twins (and triplets) separated at birth and raised apart. Twins were separated for various reasons, such as the stigma of single motherhood, inadequate family resources and maternal death.
The study comprehensively examined factors affecting a wide range of psychological, physical and medical traits. Researchers wanted to understand the impact of differences in their life histories on both identical and fraternal twins, reared apart and how they affected the current similarities and differences between them.
A striking finding was identical twins raised apart are as similar in personality as identical twins raised together. For example, the Minnesota researchers found little difference in traits such as wellbeing and aggression, whether identical twins were raised together or apart.
This shows genes play an important role in shaping our personality. Genes also affect the way we process speech and language.
Sharing identical genes may mean identical twins also respond to situations in similar ways. This is because their brains lead them to behave in comparable ways. This genetic closeness, which underlies their behavioural resemblance, explains why they may independently say or do the same thing, without any need for a mystical explanation.
The Minnesota study also found when identical twins were reunited they formed closer relationships with each other than reunited fraternal twins did. This suggests perceptions of similarity in behaviour might draw people together and help keep them connected.
We now know genes and environment each account for half the person-to-person differences in personality. However, the life events we individually experience remain the most important factor shaping how our unique traits are expressed and who we ultimately become.
What about a secret ‘twin language’?
Parents of identical twins may be left baffled as their children, even as toddlers, seem to communicate through babbles and gestures that no one else can understand.
Parents may observe young twins communicating without words.
Each twin pair has their own way of communicating. Twins’ private speech, also called idioglossia, cryptophasia or a “secret language”, refers to verbal and nonverbal exchanges most other people don’t understand. This is different to synchronised speech.
Private speech is displayed by about 40% of twins. However, estimates vary wildly – ranging from as low as 2% to as high as 47%. That’s mainly because researchers define and measure it differently.
Private speech usually fades as children age, at about three years of age. But some twins continue to use it into early childhood.
Why are we so fascinated by twins?
Twins continue to fascinate us. That is clear in the wealth of media attention they receive, their popularity in scientific studies, and their presence in myths and legends across all continents.
Perhaps it is because when we see identical twins who look and act so much alike, it challenges our belief that we are all unique.
But even identical twins are not exact replicas of one another. Genetic changes, events in the womb, and/or life experiences can conspire to create differences between them.
Nevertheless, most identical twins are more alike and socially closer than any other pair of people on the planet.
Bridgette and Paula Powers appear in an episode of Australian Story airing on Monday on ABCTV and ABC iview.
Jeffrey Craig has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He is the Patron of the Australian Multiple Birth Organisation, and a Member of the International Society of Twin Studies.
Nancy Segal 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 – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), along with Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Jeff Hurd (R-CO), introduced H.R. 3300, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, to ensure aerial fire retardant remains available for wildfire suppression efforts without being tied up in Clean Water Act permitting delays. The bill clarifies that federal, state, local, and tribal firefighting agencies do not need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to use fire retardant from aircraft when responding to wildfires.
Congressman LaMalfa was joined by eight bipartisan members of Congress in co-sponsoring this legislation: Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Jim Costa (D-CA). Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) also introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
“Fire retardant is one of the most effective tools we have to stop wildfires from turning into disasters—especially in the West,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Trying to ban its use during fire season isn’t just ridiculous, it’s dangerous. These extremist environmental groups are more worried about trace amounts of retardant than the real damage caused by out-of-control fires. Entire forests, homes, wildlife, and human lives are at stake. The smoke alone from one major wildfire can choke the air for hundreds of miles. We should be focused on stopping fires early, not tying firefighters’ hands with red tape.”
“In Wyoming and across the west, we understand all too well the devastating toll wildfires take on our communities,” said Senator Lummis (R-WY). “Without timely access to fire retardant, lives and homes are at risk. In an emergency, we cannot afford to let bureaucracy slow down our response, and this legislation ensures firefighters have the tools they need to protect lives, property, and public lands.”
“With nearly 9 million acres burned nationwide in 2024, the threat of wildfire is only growing,” said Rep. Panetta (CA-19). “This bipartisan legislation would make clear that fire retardant must remain a critical part of our wildfire response strategy. Protecting our homes, our forests, and those on the front lines keeping us safe remains our top priority.”
“Catastrophic wildfires have swept across the West over the past decade, devastating communities, public lands, and wildlife habitats,” said Rep. Hurd (CO-03). “This bipartisan legislation ensures the Forest Service has the critical tools and resources it needs, free from bureaucratic red tape, to protect lives, and I’m proud to stand with my Western colleagues to deliver real support to those on the front lines.”
“We know that regulatory ‘green tape’ blocks our firefighters from battling deadly blazes once they start, as well as preventing the wildfires we know will occur. Even though my home state of California faces the devastating threat of wildfires every year, bureaucrats in Washington and Sacramento continue to handcuff our heroes. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, which will streamline the essential aerial suppression efforts of our wildland firefighters as they take on and take down our nation’s wildfires,” said Rep. Issa (CA-48).
“California suffers from thousands of wildfires each year, and taking fire retardant away from the U.S. Forest Service is reckless,” said Rep. Valadao (CA-22). “This bipartisan bill ensures the heroes fighting wildfires have every tool at their disposal to minimize damage to our forests, homes, and businesses. I’m proud to join my Western colleagues to prioritize safety and common sense over extreme environmental policies.”
“We need all hands on deck and all the tools in our arsenal during a wildfire,” said Rep. Kim (CA-40). “Fire retardant has proven to be safe and effective for containing and mitigating wildfires, and I’m proud to join Reps. LaMalfa and Panetta to ensure its continued use. As the representative of many wildfire-prone areas, including in the canyon communities of Orange County, I will keep fighting to support commonsense policies to protect our communities.”
“The bipartisan Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act will ensure our most critical wildfire suppression tool, fire retardant, is available to protect our communities when we need it most,” said Rep. Calvert (CA-41). “I thank Rep. LaMalfa for introducing this important bill.”
“Communities across California have been devastated by increasingly destructive wildfires,” said Rep. Gray (CA-13). “In order to protect Californians, firefighters must be able to use every tool available to them. This bipartisan, commonsense bill that will empower them to do just that.”
“As climate change fuels more intense and frequent wildfires across California, we must act to protect our communities and those who risk their lives on the frontlines. This legislation strengthens our wildfire response, invests in prevention, and gives firefighters the support they need to do their jobs safely. This is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the land we all depend on,” said Rep. Costa (CA-21).
“This bill will improve wildfire response by streamlining fire suppression efforts and will eliminate the bureaucratic red tape that hinders firefighters on the front lines,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20). “As catastrophic megafires become increasingly common in California, firefighters must have timely access to every available tool without being delayed by cumbersome environmental waiver processes.”
“With California wildfires on the rise, it’s commonsense to allow firefighters expedient access to critical resources” said Rep. McClintock (CA-05). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act to cut bureaucratic red tape and fight fires more efficiently.”
Background
In 2022, an environmental group sued the Forest Service over its use of aerial fire retardant, arguing it should be regulated under the Clean Water Act. A federal court ruled in 2023 that the Forest Service must obtain a NPDES permit from the EPA, but declined to issue an injunction that would have halted the use of retardant during fire season. The permitting process is expected to take years, and if future litigation results in a successful injunction, firefighters could be forced to ground aircraft or fly them with only water—putting lives, forests, and property at serious risk.
The Forest Service has made clear in testimony that aerial retardant is a critical part of its integrated wildfire strategy and that current operations already prohibit discharge into waterways or buffer zones. Over the past decade, less than 1% of fire retardant drops have affected waterways.
The bill builds on existing exemptions in the Clean Water Act for fire control activities and ensures continued use of fire retardants that are approved and listed on the Forest Service’s Qualified Products List.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California
Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) introduced H.R. 3300,the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, to ensure aerial fire retardant remains available for wildfire suppression efforts without being tied up in Clean Water Act permitting delays. The bipartisan bill clarifies that federal, state, local, and tribal firefighting agencies do not need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to use fire retardant from aircraft when responding to wildfires. The bill, introduced alongside Reps. Panetta (D-CA) and Hurd (R-CO), has already earned strong support from local leaders, here’s what they’re saying:
Travis Joseph, President/CEO, American Forest Resource Council: “The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act gives wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect lives, communities, and forests from catastrophic wildfire. It will prevent unnecessary litigation that could block the aerial use of fire retardants—one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of fast-moving fires. This commonsense bill, paired with proactive, science-based forest management, is essential to confronting our nation’s growing wildfire and smoke crisis. With another dangerous fire season approaching, Congress must act swiftly to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act. We cannot afford to let our forests burn while proven suppression and management tools are tied up in red tape.”
Matt Dias, President and CEO, Calforests: “Maintaining healthy forests supports the economy in Northern California and beyond and safeguards communities at risk from catastrophic wildfire, but prevention is not enough. Fire retardants have played an integral role in stopping some of the most devastating wildfires in recent history, and the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act will ensure our wildland firefighters continue to have access to this critical firefighting tool. I urge Congress to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act to safeguard aerial fire retardants, which is ultimately a decision to prioritize lives, land, businesses, and forested environments.”
Tod Kimmelshue, Chair Butte County Board of Supervisors: “Butte County knows first-hand the destruction that wildfire can bring to our communities. It’s essential that fire fighters have the ability to use fire retardant to protect lives and communities.”
Chris Edwards, President, Oregon Forest Industries Council: “Oregon is home to some of the most productive forests in the world, but the severe wildfire seasons in recent years have made it clear that many of these landscapes are increasingly vulnerable and at risk. In order to maintain this treasured resource for recreation, for key species habitat, and for the production of renewable building materials, the agencies that are responsible for keeping our communities and forests safe during wildfire season must have every tool in the toolbelt available for use. The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act is a perfect example of commonsense legislation that will facilitate the timely and effective use of one of the most essential suppression tools available to us. We urge Congress to take quick and decisive action in passing this Act.”
Doug Teeter, Butte County Supervisor: “The health, welfare, and economic prosperity of the residents of Butte County, along with many other rural communities, are uniquely reliant on—and impacted by—the Forest Service’s wildfire suppression efforts, which is why I am urging Congress to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act to allow the Forest Service to continue deploying aerial fire retardants.”
Paul Petersen, Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA): “UAFA is deeply troubled by efforts to restrict the use of aerially applied fire retardant through legal challenges. At a time when wildfires are expanding rapidly into the Wildland-Urban Interface where communities are at greater risk, fire retardant is a proven, essential tool in assisting wildland firefighters in their fight to contain, control and defeat wildfire. The tools that slow or stop the spread of wildfire are critical to protecting lives and property. As this lawsuit threatens to continue into its third year, UAFA strongly supports Congressman LaMalfa and Senator Lummis’ legislation, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, which allows the federal, states, and tribal governments to continue the use of aerially applied fire retardants.”
Bill Connelly, Rural County Representatives of California, Butte County Representative: “Aerial fire retardant is one of the most effective wildfire suppression tools in our firefighting arsenal. Its swift application can stop a wildfire from becoming catastrophic — saving lives, property, and landscapes. The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act will safeguard this critical tool for firefighting agencies, ultimately protecting our families, businesses, and communities.”
Greg Bolin, Town of Paradise, California: “No one knows the damage that wildfires can cause more so than communities like mine. We lost our town to one of the biggest fires in California history, so securing access to aerial fire retardants for wildfire suppression is a very personal issue for us. Our brave firefighters need every tool in the toolbox to protect human lives and property against wildfires, and the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act would significantly move the needle in that effort.”
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
Fresh, stringent security measures have been imposed in New Caledonia following aborted political talks last week and ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly riots that broke out on 13 May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion) in damages.
On Sunday, the French High Commission in Nouméa announced that from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 15, all public marches and demonstrations will be banned in the Greater Nouméa Area.
Restrictions have also been imposed on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and takeaway alcoholic drinks.
The measures aim to “ensure public security”.
In the wake of the May 2024 civil unrest, a state of emergency and a curfew had been imposed and had since been gradually lifted.
The decision also comes as “confrontations” between law enforcement agencies and violent groups took place mid-last week, especially in the township of Dumbéa — on the outskirts of Nouméa — where there were attempts to erect fresh roadblocks, High Commissioner Jacques Billant said.
The clashes, including incidents of arson, stone-throwing and vehicles being set on fire, are reported to have involved a group of about 50 individuals and occurred near Médipôle, New Caledonia’s main hospital, and a shopping mall.
Clashes also occurred in other parts of New Caledonia, including outside the capital Nouméa.
It adds another reason for the measures is the “anniversary date of the beginning of the 2024 riots”.
Wrecked and burnt-out cars gathered after the May 2024 riots and dumped at Koutio-Koueta on Ducos island in Nouméa. Image: NC 1ère TV
Law and order stepped up French authorities have also announced that in view of the first anniversary of the start of the riots tomorrow, law and order reinforcements have been significantly increased in New Caledonia until further notice.
This includes a total of 2600 officers from the Gendarmerie, police, as well as reinforcements from special elite SWAT squads and units equipped with 16 Centaur armoured vehicles.
Drones are also included.
The aim is to enforce a “zero tolerance” policy against “urban violence” through a permanent deployment “night and day”, with a priority to stop any attempt to blockade roads, especially in Greater Nouméa, to preserve freedom of movement.
One particularly sensitive focus would be placed on the township of Saint-Louis in Mont-Dore often described as a pro-independence stronghold which was a hot spot and the scene of violent and deadly clashes at the height of the 2024 riots.
“We’ll be present wherever and whenever required. We are much stronger than we were in 2024,” High Commissioner Billant told local media during a joint inspection with French gendarmes commander General Nicolas Matthéos and Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas.
Dupas said that over the past few months the bulk of criminal acts was regarded as “delinquency” — nothing that could be likened to a coordinated preparation for fresh public unrest similar to last year’s.
Billant said that, depending on how the situation evolves in the next few days, he could also rely on additional “potential reinforcements” from mainland France if needed.
French High Commissioner Jacques Billant, Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas and the Gendarmerie commander, General Nicolas Matthéos, confer last Wednesday . . . “We are much stronger than we were in 2024.” Image: Haut-Commissariat de la République en Nouvelle-Calédonie
New Zealand ANZAC war memorial set alight A New Zealand ANZAC war memorial in the small rural town of Boulouparis (west coast of the main island of Grande Terre) was found vandalised last Friday evening.
The monument, inaugurated just one year ago at last year’s ANZAC Day to commemorate the sacrifice of New Zealand soldiers during world wars in the 20th century, was set alight by unidentified people, police said.
Tyres were used to keep the fire burning.
An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway, the Nouméa Public Prosecutor’s office said, invoking charges of wilful damage.
Australia, New Zealand travel warnings In the neighbouring Pacific, two of New Caledonia’s main tourism source markets, Australia and New Zealand, are maintaining a high level or increased caution advisory.
The main identified cause is an “ongoing risk of civil unrest”.
In its latest travel advisory, the Australian brief says “demonstrations and protests may increase in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance, including the anniversary of the start of civil unrest on May 13.
“Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice.”
Pro-France political leaders at a post-conclave media conference in Nouméa last Thursday . . . objected to the proposed “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France. Image: RRB/RNZ Pacific
Inconclusive talks Last Thursday, May 8, French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, who had managed to gather all political parties around the same table for negotiations on New Caledonia’s political future, finally left the French Pacific territory. He admitted no agreement could be found at this stage.
In the final stage of the talks, the “conclave” on May 5-7, he had put on the table a project for New Caledonia’s accession to a “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France.
This option was not opposed by pro-independence groups, including the FLNKS (Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front).
French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls . . . returned to Paris last week without a deal on New Caledonia’s political future. Image: Caledonia TV screenshot APR
But the pro-France movement, in support of New Caledonia remaining a part of France, said it could not approve this.
The main pillar of their argument remained that after three self-determination referendums held between 2018 and 2021, a majority of voters had rejected independence (even though the last referendum, in December 2021, was massively boycotted by the pro-independence camp because of the covid-19 pandemic).
The anti-independence block had repeatedly stated that they would not accept any suggestion that New Caledonia could endorse a status bringing it closer to independence.
New Caledonia’s pro-France MP at the French National Assembly, Nicolas Metzdorf, told local media at this stage, his camp was de facto in opposition to Valls, “but not with the pro-independence camp”.
Metzdorf said a number of issues could very well be settled by talking to the pro-independence camp.
Electoral roll issue sensitive This included the very sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll, and conditions of eligibility at the next provincial elections.
🔴 Mesures administratives 🔴
À l’approche de la date d’anniversaire du début des émeutes de 2024, le Haut-commissaire, en lien avec les élus et responsables du monde économique, annonce les mesures suivante du 12 au 15 mai 2025 :
— Haut-commissariat en Nouvelle-Calédonie 🇫🇷 (@HC98800) May 10, 2025
Direct contacts with Macron Both Metzdorf and Backès also said during interviews with local media that in the midst of their “conclave” negotiations, they had had contacts as high as French President Emmanuel Macron, asking him whether he was aware of the “sovereignty with France” plan and if he endorsed it.
Another pro-France leader, Virginie Ruffenach (Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains), also confirmed she had similar exchanges, through her party Les Républicains, with French Minister of Home Affairs Bruno Retailleau, from the same right-wing party.
As Minister of Home Affairs, Retailleau would have to be involved later in the New Caledonian issue.
Divided reactions Since minister Valls’s departure, reactions were still flowing at the weekend from across New Caledonia’s political chessboard.
“We have to admit frankly that no agreement was struck”, Valls said last week during a media conference.
“Maybe the minds were not mature yet.”
But he said France would now appoint a “follow up committee” to keep working on the “positive points” already identified between all parties.
During numerous press conferences and interviews, anti-independence leaders have consistently maintained that the draft compromise put to them by Minister Valls during the latest round of negotiations last week, was not acceptable.
They said this was because it contained several elements of “independence-association”, including the transfer of key powers from Paris to Nouméa, a project of “dual citizenship” and possibly a seat at the United Nations.
“In proposing this solution, minister [Valls] was biased and blocked the negotiations. So he has prevented the advent of an agreement”, pro-France Les Loyalistes and Southern Province President leader Sonia Backès told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on Sunday.
“For us, an independence association was out of the question because the majority of [New] Caledonians voted three time against independence,” she said.
More provincial power plan Instead, the Le Rassemblement-LR and Les Loyalistes bloc were advocating a project that would provide more powers to each of the three provinces, including in terms of tax revenue collection.
The project, often described as a de facto partition, however, was not retained in the latest phases of the negotiations, because it contravened France’s constitutional principle of a united and indivisible nation.
“But no agreement does not mean chaos”, Backès said.
On the contrary, she believes that by not agreeing to the French minister’s deal plan, her camp had “averted disaster for New Caledonia”.
“Tomorrow, there will be another minister . . . and another project”, she said, implicitly betting on Valls’s departure.
On the pro-independence front, a moderate “UNI” (National Union For Independence) said a in a statement even though negotiations did not eventuate into a comprehensive agreement, the French State’s commitment and method had allowed to offer “clear and transparent terms of negotiations on New Caledonia’s institutional and political future”.
The main FLNKS group, mainly consisting of pro-independence Union Calédonienne (UC) party, also said that even though no agreement could be found as a result of the latest round of talks, the whole project could be regarded as “advances” and “one more step . . . not a failure” in New Caledonia’s decolonisation, as specified in the 1998 Nouméa Accord, FLNKS chief negotiator and UC party president Emmanuel Tjibaou said.
Deplored the empty outcome Other parties involved in the talks, including Eveil Océanien and Calédonie Ensemble, have deplored the empty outcome of talks last week.
They called it a “collective failure” and stressed that above all, reaching a consensual solution was the only way forward, and that the forthcoming elections and the preceding campaign could bear the risk of further radicalisation and potential violence.
In the economic and business sector, the conclave’s inconclusive outcome has brought more anxiety and uncertainty.
“What businesses need, now, is political stability, confidence. But without a political agreement that many of us were hoping for, the confidence and visibility is not there, there’s no investment”, New Caledonia’s MEDEF-NC (Business Leaders Union) vice-president Bertrand Courte told NC La Première.
As a result of the May 2024 riots, more than 600 businesses, mainly in Nouméa, were destroyed, causing the loss of more than 10,000 jobs.
Over the past 12 months, New Caledonia GDP (gross domestic product) has shrunk by an estimated 10 to 15 percent, according to the latest figures produced by New Caledonia statistical institute ISEE.
What next? Crucial provincial elections As no agreement was found, the next course of action for New Caledonia was to hold provincial elections no later than 30 November 2025, under the existing system, which still restricts the list of persons eligible to vote at those local elections.
The makeup of the electoral roll for local polls was the very issue that triggered the May 2024 riots, as the French Parliament, at the time, had endorsed a Constitutional amendment to push through opening the list.
At the time, the pro-independence camp argued the changes to eligibility conditions would eventually “dilute” their votes and make indigenous Kanaks a minority in their own country.
The Constitutional bill was abandoned after the May 2024 rots.
The sensitive issue remains part of the comprehensive pact that Valls had been working on for the past four months.
The provincial elections are crucial in that they also determine the proportional makeup of New Caledonia’s Congress and its government and president.
The provincial elections, initially scheduled to take place in May 2024, and later in December 2024, and finally no later than 30 November 2025, were already postponed twice.
Even if the provincial elections are held later this year (under the current “frozen” rules), the anti-independence camp has already announced it would contest its result.
According to the anti-independence camp, the current restrictions on New Caledonia’s electoral roll contradict democratic principles and have to be “unfrozen” and opened up to any citizen residing for more than 10 uninterrupted years.
The present electoral roll is “frozen”, which means it only allows citizens who have have been livingin New Caledonia before November 1998 to cast their vote at local elections.
The case could be brought to the French Constitutional Council, or even higher, to a European or international level, said pro-France politicians.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This announcement contains information on transactions of the acquisition of own shares of AB Artea bankas (the Bank) carried during the period specified below under the Bank’s own share buy-back programmeannounced on 30 April 2025.
The period during which the acquisition of the Bank’s own shares under the programme was carried out – 05.05.2025 – 09.05.2025.
Period covered by this periodic report – 05.05.2025 – 09.05.2025.
Other information:
Transaction overview
Date
Total number of shares purchased on the day ( units)
Weighted average price (EUR)
Total value of transactions (EUR)
2025.05.05
100,000
0.891
89,100.00
2025.05.06
100,000
0.889
88,900.00
2025.05.07
100,000
0.884
88,400.00
2025.05.08
100,000
0.884
88,400.00
2025.05.09
100,000
0.882
88,200.00
Total acquired during the current week
500,000
0.886
443,000.00
Total acquired during the programme period
500,000
0.886
443,000.00
The Bank’s own bought-back shares:10,597,749 units.
Following the above transactions, the Bank will own a total of11,097,749units of own shares representing 1.67 % of the Bank’s issued shares.
Further detailed information on the transactions is attached.
This information is also available at:www.artea.lt
Additionalinformation: Tomas Varenbergas Head of Investment Management Division tomas.varenbergas@artea.lt, +370 610 44447
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division have seized multiple stolen weapons from a location in Virginia.
Early on the morning of Sunday 11 May 2025, investigators attended an unoccupied address in Virginia and seized a large cache of firearms.
A large steel toolbox was located on the property, which contained:
1 x .22 calibre pistol
1 x Sawn off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
1 x .458 Interarms Mark X rifle
1 x AR15 Colt rifle
1 x 30.30 Winchester rifle
1 x .338 Tikka rifle
1 x 17 HMR CZ 455 rifle
1 x Replica grenade containing a quantity of ammunition
The Colt AR15 is inoperable and is believed to have been stolen from the Darwin Military Museum in May 2024.
Forensics is currently being conducted on the weapons and investigations remain ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan said “ The seizure of these these illicit firearms will have a significant impact on community safety. Illegal firearms have no place in our communities. Every weapon removed from circulation reduces the risk of serious harm or death. We will continue to work towards removing illicit firearms from the community.
“We urge the public that if they have any information in relation to unregistered or stolen firearms to make contact on 131 444. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via Crime Stoppers NT.”
More than 100 people have died after flooding in a village near the shores of Lake Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a local official said.
The flooding, which affected the village of Kasaba, comes at a vulnerable moment for the Central African nation. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified an offensive in the eastern region since the start of the year, with thousands killed in fighting in the first two months of the year.
Samy Kalodji, administrator of Fizi territory in South Kivu province where the village is located, said late on Saturday that reports from the area “indicated more than 100 deaths.”
The affected area is still under the administration of Kinshasa and is not among the zones taken by M23.
Didier Luganywa, spokesperson for the South Kivu government, said in a statement the flooding incident occurred between Thursday night and Friday when torrential rains and strong winds caused the Kasaba river to overflow its banks.
The statement gave a toll of 62 confirmed deaths with 30 injured.
Local officials said the Kasaba area was only accessible via Lake Tanganyika and was not covered by the mobile phone network, which could delay humanitarian relief efforts.
Monsoon rains are expected to hit India’s southern coast on May 27, five days earlier than usual, marking the earliest arrival in at least five years, the weather office said, raising hopes for bumper harvests of crops such as rice, corn, and soybean.
The monsoon, the lifeblood of the country’s $4 trillion economy, delivers nearly 70% of the rain that India needs to water farms and recharge aquifers and reservoirs. Nearly half of India’s farmland, without any irrigation cover, depends on the annual June-September rains to grow a number of crops.
Forecasts of early and abundant monsoon rains are expected to alleviate concerns about potential risks to food supplies amid the current military conflict between India, the world’s most populous nation, and its neighbour Pakistan.
Summer rains usually begin to lash the southernmost coasts of Kerala state around June 1 and spread across the whole country by mid-July, triggering the planting of crops such as rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane.
The monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to be on May 27, with a model error of plus/minus four days, the India Meteorological Department said on Saturday.
Last year, the monsoon reached the coast of Kerala on May 30, and overall summer rains were the highest since 2020, helping the country recover from a drought of 2023.
The India Meteorological Department last month forecast above-average monsoon rains for the second straight year in 2025.
The department defines average or normal rainfall as ranging between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the four-month season.
Early monsoon rains will encourage farmers in India, the world’s largest rice exporter, to start planting earlier.
Widespread unseasonal showers lashed Gujarat over the past 24 hours, bringing cloudy skies and intermittent rain to several parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that this spell of unseasonal rainfall and thunderstorms will persist across the state until May 9.
According to data from the State Emergency Centre in Gandhinagar, Kapadvanj in Kheda district recorded the highest rainfall at 40 mm (1.57 inches). Close behind were Mansa (Gandhinagar) and Sihor (Bhavnagar), each registering 37 mm (1.46 inches), followed by Jotana (Mehsana) at 31 mm (1.22 inches).
Vadodara city received 30 mm (1.18 inches), while Mehsana and Kadi talukas recorded 28 mm and 27 mm, respectively, matching the total recorded in Bhavnagar city.
Other talukas reporting notable rainfall included Dolvan (26 mm), Nadiad and Khanpur (25 mm each), and Dasada (24 mm). All these areas received around or over an inch of rain, an unusual occurrence for May, typically one of the hottest and driest months in Gujarat.
The showers followed dust storms that swept across parts of the state around 6 p.m. on Monday, ushering in cooler temperatures after a prolonged heatwave, where mercury levels had crossed 42°C. Many described the sudden weather change as reminiscent of the early monsoon.
While Ahmedabad did not feature among the top rain-hit regions, it experienced its first widespread thunderstorm and rain event of the year on Monday.
However, the unseasonal rain has severely impacted agriculture, particularly the mango crop, with Kesar and Alphonso varieties at their crucial fruiting stage. The downpour and accompanying hail have caused fruit drop, skin blemishes, and increased the risk of fungal infections, jeopardizing both the quality and market value of the produce.
Other summer crops like sorghum (jowar) and millet (bajra), sensitive to excess moisture during flowering and grain formation, are also at risk of yield loss and disease.
Sesame (til), another key summer crop, is particularly vulnerable to hail damage and waterlogging, which can result in discoloration, fungal infections, and in severe cases, total crop failure.
(With IANS inputs)
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About DDI
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
Rep. Joyce Beatty Announces the Winners of the 2025 OH-03 Congressional Art Competition; Lauds the Creative Advocacy of All Student Participants
COLUMBUS, OH — Yesterday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted an evening celebrating student participants in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Held at The King Arts Complex, the event featured an exhibition of artwork submitted by high school students from Ohio’s Third Congressional District and the announcement of this year’s winners. Special guest Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, joined the celebration.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Salma Mahamud has been selected as the first-place winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District. Salma’s masterpiece will be displayed proudly in the United States Capitol, alongside a stunning array of other national talent—and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Congresswoman Beatty.
“A huge congratulations to all our winners this year. I commend every artist who participated, as well as the teachers, parents, and judges whose commitment to the Congressional Art Competition makes it an incredible experience year after year.”
The 2025 Congressional Art Competition winners from Ohio’s Third Congressional District are:
WINNER: ‘Drawn to the Light, Trapped in Warmth’ by Salma Mahamud, Metro Early College High School.
2nd Place: ‘Before the Wildfires’ by Angela Zhang, Columbus Academy.
3rd Place: ‘The Snowy Road Home’ by Victoria Hall, Fort Hayes Career Center.
People’s Choice Award (based on community votes): ‘Self Portrait in Green’ by Sylvie Nowlin, Bexley High School.
The Links, Incorporated, Columbus Chapter Award: ‘Multiplicity’ by Isabella Figueroa, Northland High School
To view the top three, People’s Choice, and Links winners’ artwork, clickHERE.
To view all of the art submissions to the 2025 OH-03 Congressional Art Competition, clickHERE.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unseasonal rainfall and thunderstorms across Gujarat till May 9, attributing the weather change to a cyclonic circulation over southeast Rajasthan and a north-south trough extending to southern Tamil Nadu.
Several districts in the state are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall, with intensity expected to increase gradually over the coming days.
Gujarat has been witnessing high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. The forecasted rainfall is expected to bring some respite from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.
According to the IMD, the rainfall is likely to extend to most parts of the state, including Central and South Gujarat, by May 6. A fall of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures is also expected over the next five days.
The IMD has warned of hailstorms in some areas on May 5 and 6. Heavy rainfall is likely over North Gujarat, South Gujarat, and coastal Saurashtra on May 7 and 8. The department has advised caution, as these conditions could impact normal life and damage standing crops.
Districts likely to be affected include Mehsana, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Tapi, Valsad, and Navsari. Light to moderate rain, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are also expected in Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, as well as parts of Saurashtra and Kutch.
On May 5, weather conditions are expected to intensify, with moderate thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph (gusting up to 50 kmph) likely to affect several districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, Kheda, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, and the Dangs.
Saurashtra districts such as Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Dwarka, and Botad are also expected to be impacted, along with the Union Territory of Diu.
In light of the volatile weather system, the IMD has issued advisories urging citizens and local administrations to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential disruptions caused by unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and strong winds.
Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have returned to normal after being disrupted earlier in the day due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, according to an official advisory issued Friday.
“Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we confirm that the airport is operating normally,” the airport said in a statement. “While some flights have been impacted by the adverse weather, our on-ground teams are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
Although a few flight delays and diversions continue to affect schedules, the airport confirmed that normal operations have largely resumed. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
Earlier in the day, three Delhi-bound flights were diverted—one to Ahmedabad and two to Jaipur—due to inclement weather. Several other flights faced delays, airport sources said.
Heavy rainfall early Friday led to waterlogging and traffic snarls across parts of Delhi. In a previous update, airport authorities acknowledged the impact of the weather and reiterated their efforts to support affected travelers.
“Due to thunderstorms and adverse weather in Delhi, some flights have been affected. Our on-ground teams are actively coordinating with all relevant parties to ensure passenger convenience,” the earlier statement read.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for the Delhi-NCR region, advising residents to exercise caution and prioritize safety.
United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang has said the cease-fire agreement between India and Pakistan reflects their commitment to regional peace.
Welcoming the ceasefire, he said on Saturday, “It is a meaningful step towards de-escalation reflecting the commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability.”
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sees the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a “positive step” towards easing tensions and hopes it will contribute to “lasting peace,” according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
India and Pakistan reached a cease-fire agreement on Saturday. However, hours after the agreement, Pakistan violated the ceasefire.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the Indian armed forces have been responding adequately to the ceasefire violations.
Speaking at a press briefing, Misri said the government has taken a serious note of the Pakistani actions. “This is a breach of understanding. The army is monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
He informed that the agreement to halt the ongoing hostilities over the past few days was reached this evening. However, in the past few hours, there have been serious violations of this agreement from the Pakistani side.
Notably, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday, targeting “terrorist infrastructures” in retaliation against last month’s killing of 26 people in the Kashmir tourist spot Pahalgam by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
While the tension was mounting last week, Guterres had expressed deep concern over the conflict, saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
He repeatedly asked for de-escalating the conflict, including by holding a meeting with reporters exclusively on the subject.
While many international leaders, including the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were calling both Indian and Pakistani leaders to de-escalate the conflict, Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said , “We encourage all efforts to de-escalate the situation.”
Guterres has condemned the Pahalgam terrorist massacre in the strongest terms several times.
He said, “Targeting civilians is unacceptable — and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sees the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a “positive step” towards easing tensions and hopes it will contribute to “lasting peace,” according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Guterres “welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions,” Dujarric said on Saturday.
“He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, long-standing issues between the two countries,” he added.
Dujarric said, “The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.”
India and Pakistan announced on Saturday a ceasefire in the four-day conflict.
It began on Wednesday when India struck “terrorist infrastructures” in retaliation against the massacre of 26 people in the Pahalgam last month by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
While the tension was mounting last week, Guterres had expressed deep concern over the conflict, saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
He repeatedly asked for de-escalating the conflict, including by holding a meeting with reporters exclusively on the subject.
Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month to convey his deep concern over the rising tensions.
While many international leaders, including the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were calling both Indian and Pakistani leaders to de-escalate the conflict, Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Thursday, “We encourage all efforts to de-escalate the situation.”
Guterres has condemned the terrorist massacre in the strongest terms several times.
He said, “Targeting civilians is unacceptable — and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means.”
At the request of Pakistan, the UN Security Council held a closed-door consultation on Monday on the situation with a briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari.
But it did not meet formally in an open session about the conflict.
Soon after the Pahalgam incident, the Council issued a press statement expressing its unanimous view condemning the attack with Pakistan, an elected member, acceding to it.
It “condemned in the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terrorist attack and urged all countries to cooperate in bringing all those involved in the massacre to justice.
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
In a once weed-ridden and forgotten corner of Māngere, something remarkable is flourishing. On the unused land of a former Kāinga Ora housing site, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub is now sprouting with fresh produce to feed the community.
The hub, on the corner of Elmdon St and Watchfield Close, often echoes with the chatter of school kids gathered around the raised beds learning about growing kai, and on special occasions, the smoke from the hāngī pit signals a community gathering. At the Auckland Council-funded Māngere Community Enviro Hub, the community isn’t just watching things grow – they’re growing together.
1. Growing kai for the community
In just one year, the Kāinga Ora land leased to community development organisation I AM Māngere has gone from bare earth to a thriving community garden. The driving force of this transformation is software developer turned horticulturist Rata Taiwhanga, from the Etū Rākau Charitable Trust.
In the māra kai (food garden), several garden beds are growing seasonal kai. The beds are designed in a tiered pyramid shape to create airflow. There’s also a section dedicated to Pacific and international produce such as taro, pawpaw and bananas.
Even in cooler weather, the garden is thriving with rainbow silverbeet and winter greens. There’s a garden bed set aside for locals who can use the garden to grow vegetables for their whānau. Other produce is sold at markets for an affordable price.
The pyramid design of the garden beds at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is designed to create airflow around the whenua (land).
Auckland Council has supported the Māngere Community Enviro Hub through the Climate Grant, the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund and support through the Recovery Office. Installing a greenhouse is the next big project on the horizon which will allow the garden to extend the growing season on some crops – part of a bigger project around sustainability and climate resilience.
“It is important for Auckland Council to support Etū Rākau and the Māngere Enviro Hub,” says Frances Hayton, Low Carbon Specialist for the Council.
“Māngere is one of the three priority communities identified as needing support to be able to lead their own recovery following the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and adapt to the changing environment.
“The Māngere Enviro Hub sits alongside other Council programmes that aim to build on the understanding within the Māngere community of a changing climate to future hazards such as floods, drought, cyclones and rising sea levels.”
2. Composting waste and creating a circular economy
Council funding has helped provide carbon cycle composting bins for the site. Each bin can process 750kg of food waste a week, and the compost produced is used to replenish the garden. The composting system is part of the Enviro Hub’s circular economy and the group charges local businesses, such as cafes, $30 a week to collect their food scraps. The green waste is then used to grow microgreens, which are sold back to the cafe.
Local student Jackson has learnt how to compost Māngere Community Enviro Hub’s carbon cycle composting bins. The Council-funded bins have the capacity to compost 750kg of food scraps a week.
Another local business supplies the Enviro Hub with mulch and brown vegetation for the garden. If the compost bins can generate excess compost, Rata hopes to sell bags at local markets.
“The idea is to create a micro store that’s accessible for the local community as there’s no hardware store or plant store in Māngere,” says Rata. “By charging a small fee for things like plants, food or compost, it covers costs but it also shows there’s a value to what we’re creating.”
3. Growing great minds
The Enviro Hub works with several schools – including Māngere College, which helped build the foundations of the garden – and community groups, such as Ngāti Tamaoho, to run workshops and teach tamariki and rangitahi (children and teenagers) sustainable living skills like how to grow their own kai. From these practical skills and new-found knowledge of the environment comes personal growth, says Rata.
“Some of these kids have a 501 gang background and what we’re trying to do here is to equip them for life,” says Rata. “I see a lot of rangatahi and they’re afraid of being Māori. They think they need to speak the reo (language) to understand the history and know their whakapapa to be Māori.
“One thing I say to these kids is if you want to understand your culture, understand your first mother, Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). Once you learn how to look after the garden and the planet and all that, everything else will just come naturally.”
4. Replenishing the whenua (land)
In his workshops, Rata teaches his students how to rejuvenate the soil in the garden with compost and organic matter which brings microorganisms to the soil. He also talks to his students about carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the soil) and mycelium in the soil (the rootlike network of fungus) – the Enviro Hub even has a mushroom hut!
“The way I explain the soil is like a waka,” Rata explains. “When some people first see a waka they think the ingenuity is in the sail, but it’s actually underneath the boat which creates air bubbles that make the boat go fast – it’s the same with soil and the garden.”
Rata also leads the community on litter clean-up days and the restoration of Te Ararata Creek. This Matariki, the Enviro Hub plans to plant 500 native trees on the waterway.
5. Feeding the community
As well as feeding locals with fresh produce, Rata and the Enviro Hub team have worked together with the TūpunaMaungaAuthority to create community hāngī days. Earlier this year, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub and TePaneoMataoho/TeAraPueru/Māngere Mountain collaborated to feed the community with delicious hāngī.
The hāngī pit at Māngere Community Enviro Hub is used for special events. The carbon left over from the feast is used to replenish the soil.
The food was prepped by a kapa haka group from Māngere College and was cooked by Māori chef Kia Kanuta. The meat served was halal to cater to Māngere’s growing Muslim community.
“For some that attended it was their first experience of hāngī and that part of Māori culture. It was important to us to make it inclusive for everyone,” says Rata. “As humans, food is our first language and it’s a common shared experience for every culture. The good thing about hāngī is it sweetens the soil and we can use the carbon back in the garden – it’s all cyclical.”
