Source: New South Wales – News
Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Mantung in the Riverland.
Just after 12.30pm on Sunday 6 April, police and emergency services responded to a single vehicle crash on Evans Road.
Evans Road is closed just north of Farr Road. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Major Crash Investigators will be attending the scene.
One of the many casualties of the Trump administration’s crackdown on “soft power” that enabled many democratic media and truth to power global editorial initiatives has been BenarNews, a welcome contribution to the Asia-Pacific region.
BenarNews had been producing a growing range of insightful on powerful articles on the region’s issues, articles that were amplified by other media such as Asia Pacific Report.
Managing editor Kate Beddall and her deputy, Imran Vittachi, announced the suspension of the decade-old BenarNews editorial operation this week, stating in their “Letter from the editors”:
“After 10 years of reporting from across the Asia-Pacific, BenarNews is pausing operations due to matters beyond its control.
“The US administration has withheld the funding that we rely on to bring our readers and viewers the news from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines and island-states and territories in the Pacific.
“We have always strived to offer clear and accurate news on security, politics and human rights, to shed light on news that others neglect or suppress, and to cover issues that will shape the future of Asia and the Pacific.
“Only last month, we marked our 10th anniversary with a video showcasing some of the tremendous but risky work done by our journalists.
“Amid uncertainty about the future, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our readers and viewers for their loyalty and trust in BenarNews.
“And to Benar journalists, cartoonists and commentary writers in Washington, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, thank you for your hard work and passion in serving the public and helping make a difference.
“We hope that our funding is restored and that we will be back online soon.”
BenarNews: A decade of truth in democracies at risk. Video: BenarNews
One of the BenarNews who has contributed much to the expansion of Pacific coverage is Brisbane-based former SBS Pacific television journalist Stefan Ambruster.
He has also been praising his team in a series of social media postings, such as Papua New Guinea correspondent Harlyne Joku — “from the old school with knowledge of the old ways”. Ambruster writes:
“Way back in December 2022, Harlyne Joku joined Radio Free Asia/BenarNews and the first Pacific correspondent Stephen Wright as the PNG reporter to help kick this Pacific platform off.
“Her first report was Prime Minister James Marape accusing the media of creating a bad perception of the country.
“Almost 90 stories in just over two years carry Harlyne’s byline, covering politics, geopolitics, human and women’s rights, media freedom, police and tribal violence, corruption, Bougainville, and also PNG’s sheep.
“Her contacts allowed BenarNews Pacific to break stories consistently. She travelled to be on-ground to cover massacre aftermaths, natural disasters and the Pope in Vanimo (where she broke another story).
“Particularly, Harlyne — along with colleagues Victor Mambor in Jayapura and Ahmad Panthoni and Dandy Koswaraputra in Jakarta — allowed BenarNews, to cover West Papua like no other news service. From both sides of the border.
“And it was noticed in Indonesia, PNG and the Pacific region.
“Last year, she was barred from covering President Probowo Subianto’s visit to Moresby, a move condemned by the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.
“At press conferences she questioned Marape about the failure to secure a UN human rights mission to West Papua, as a Melanesian Spearhead Group special envoy, which led to an eventual apology by fellow envoy, Fiji’s Prime Minister Rabuka, to Pacific leaders.”
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
A group of 30 young people from Taiwan wrapped up their eight-day visit to the eastern province of Shandong on Friday.
They set off from Taiwan on March 28, participated in a cross-Strait Confucius cultural exchange event, and visited places including Tai’an and Zaozhuang.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation in Taiwan, led the delegation.
During the visit, the delegation visited the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, where they paid respects to the ancient Chinese sage Confucius.
A Taiwan youth participating in the ceremony told Xinhua that people usually pray for success in exams and academic progress at the Confucius Temple in Taiwan. This time, he prayed for realizing his dream of becoming a civil engineering technician.
Traditional sacrificial activities such as those honoring Confucius and the Yan Emperor are shared spiritual bonds for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, carrying deep emotional significance and playing a crucial role in strengthening cross-Strait relations, said Hsiao.
He emphasized that this shared cultural understanding demonstrates the inseparable cultural ties between the two sides. “No matter how external forces may try to interfere, this inherent and close connection cannot be severed,” he said.
As the visit coincided with the approach of the Qingming Festival, the delegation attended a flower-wreath-presenting ceremony at the Taierzhuang War Memorial Hall in the city of Zaozhuang.
Hsiao and the young participants laid flowers at a monument commemorating the Battle of Taierzhuang, the first major Japanese defeat during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, in tribute to the war heroes.
They also visited a cross-Strait themed park in Taierzhuang.
“Cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges are essential. The more the people understand each other, the more consensus and fewer misunderstandings there will be. Therefore, we continue to promote various exchanges,” Hsiao said.
During the visit, youth from both sides of the Taiwan Strait engaged in friendly exchanges.
Earlier this year, Hsiao led a group of about 40 Taiwan students to Beijing for cultural and sports exchanges. In late 2024, the foundation invited 40 students and faculty from seven mainland universities to Taiwan. Their visit received a warm welcome.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
More than 1,000 people have been mobilized to battle a wildfire in Pingyao County, north China’s Shanxi Province, as of 6 p.m. Saturday, local authorities said.
The blaze was first reported around noon on Friday at the border between Qinyuan County and Pingyao County. Firefighting operations remain ongoing and the total area affected by the fire is still being assessed.
Eight firefighting aircraft have been deployed and are continuously working to extinguish the blaze. Eleven fire trucks and 65 firefighters have been dispatched to ensure water supply to the fire zone and to protect nearby villages.
According to rescuers at the scene, strong winds have made the operation particularly challenging.
Source: China State Council Information Office
China reported a total of 20.09 million railway passenger trips on Friday, a single-day record for the year to date, the country’s railway operator said on Saturday.
The latest high of 2025 was seen on Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which was also the first day of a national three-day holiday.
On Saturday, China’s national railway system is expected to handle 13.55 million passenger trips, facilitated by an additional 622 scheduled passenger trains, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd..
On the Xi’an-Chengdu high-speed railway, special flower-viewing train services — similar to bus services — have been organized to facilitate sightseers traveling to scenic regions such as Han Zhong, Cheng Gu and Yang Xian, China Railway Xi’an Group Co., Ltd. said.
Traditionally a time during which Chinese people pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors, the three-day Qingming holiday also provides a short break for Chinese residents to take spring outings or go sightseeing.
Earlier this week, China Railway said that the travel rush during the holiday is set to span a total of five days, and that it expects 84.5 million passenger trips to be made from April 3 to 7, averaging 16.9 million trips each day.
Source: China State Council Information Office
China, the world’s second-largest economy, saw an increased number of people travel to all corners of the country on the first day of this year’s three-day Qingming Festival holiday on Friday, with all types of transport services reporting surging passenger numbers.
On April 4, the first day of the holiday, the nation’s railways recorded more than 20.09 million passenger trips, up 8.4 percent year on year, according to data from the Ministry of Transport.
Passenger trips made by water hit 880,000, up 24.4 percent, and air passenger trips neared 1.79 million, up 8.6 percent.
Passenger trips made on roads accounted for the biggest share of journeys, totaling 264.72 million, up 9.7 percent year on year. More and more people in China are traveling in private vehicles, with these trips totaling 228.23 million on Friday, up 11.1 percent.
Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, fell on April 4 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival during which people pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for China’s residents to engage in outdoor activities or go sightseeing.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Tunisian authorities have been dismantling camps housing undocumented sub-Saharan African migrants in the El Amra area near the eastern port city of Sfax, private radio station Mosaique FM reported on Saturday.
The radio, citing National Guard Spokesman Houcemeddine Jbabli, said the operation, which has been ongoing for three days, involved regional officials, security forces, Red Crescent teams, and health services.
Sanitary operations were conducted immediately after the camps were cleared to mitigate health and environmental risks, Jbabli added.
The spokesman estimated that around 20,000 undocumented migrants were concentrated in the El Amra and nearby Jebniana areas of Sfax province, a region that has become a primary departure point for people attempting perilous sea crossings to Italy.
Jbabli noted that many of the migrants are victims of human trafficking networks.
Authorities are coordinating with international migration organizations to facilitate the voluntary return of migrants to their home countries, according to Jbabli.
He confirmed the dismantling operation was ongoing and that repatriation plans were proceeding under the daily supervision of President Kais Saied.
Tunisia, situated in the central Mediterranean, faces pressure as a major transit point for migrants and refugees from Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe, often embarking on dangerous boat journeys towards the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Source: China State Council Information Office
At least one person was killed and four others wounded when airstrikes by U.S. forces hit a solar energy store and a house in Yemen’s northern city of Saada late on Saturday, medics reported.
Medics described the casualty toll as preliminary, adding that civil defense teams were working to extinguish fires and search for victims at the targeted sites in the Hafsin area of western Saada city, the capital of the namesake Saada province.
Earlier on Saturday, the Houthi group denied U.S. claims that an American airstrike had targeted a meeting of its military leaders in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.
A Houthi statement, reported by the group’s al-Masirah TV, described the event cited in the U.S. claims as a social gathering for the Eid holiday, calling such events a common practice in Yemen during holidays.
On March 15, the U.S. military launched a new round of airstrikes across Yemen, aimed at weakening the Houthis’ operational capacity. Over the past two weeks, U.S. forces have carried out a wave of strikes targeting Houthi air defense systems, command centers, fortified positions, and weapons depots across several provinces.
The Houthis have previously said they would resume attacks on commercial and naval vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, citing Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The group says its maritime operations are intended to express solidarity with Palestinians and to apply pressure on Israel over its military campaign in Gaza.
Source: China State Council Information Office
A member of China Search and Rescue Team provides medical consultations for local residents in Mandalay, Myanmar, April 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
The China International Search and Rescue Team continued to conduct medical outreach on Saturday in the urban area of Mandalay region, Myanmar.
Through disease screening, consultations, medication guidance, and medicine distribution, the team provided “zero-distance” medical services to the 7.9-magnitude earthquake-affected residents.
At a relief camp near the University of Medicine in Mandalay, the team’s medical personnel utilized self-developed mobile diagnostic equipment such as handheld ultrasound devices, portable X-ray machines, and bedside ECG monitors to conduct free examinations for over 250 local residents. Essential medications, including anti-infectives, analgesics, and antihypertensives, were distributed on-site based on diagnoses.
Near Mandalay Palace, the medical personnel team tailored solutions for prevalent local diseases, particularly respiratory, digestive, and immune system disorders exacerbated by the high temperatures in the earthquake-affected areas, providing medication guidance and conducting health education on respiratory care and chronic disease management to enhance public health awareness and self-care capabilities.
The team comprises over 10 experts from the China International Search and Rescue Team, spanning 14 specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
Since deploying to Myanmar, they have supported search-and-rescue operations and structural assessments while disinfecting over 120,000 square meters of rescue and operational zones.
Collaborating with other Chinese rescue teams, including China Search and Rescue Team, a rescue team from China’s Hong Kong and Shenzhen Public Welfare Rescue Team, they have provided round-the-clock medical support, conducting over 500 medical consultations.
The China International Search and Rescue Team will continue to conduct medical outreach across Mandalay’s relief camps in batches, prioritizing treatment for acute and chronic conditions such as respiratory, hepatobiliary, cardiovascular, and endocrine disorders.
Additionally, they plan to donate urgently needed medical supplies and equipment to local facilities.
Source: South Australia County Fire Service
Issued for FOREST RANGE near Lenswood and Lobethal in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.
The CFS is responding to a hazardous materials (HazMat) incident at Plummer Road near Lenswood and Lobethal in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.
CFS volunteers, with support from SA Ambulance Service, are on scene with 6 trucks actively monitoring an ammonia gas leak with specialist equipment.
CFS firefighters are working to bring the ammonia gas levels inside the building to a safe level.
Crews, wearing specialist breathing apparatus, are using positive pressure fans to ventilate the building and will continue to monitor the atmospheric readings both inside and outside.
This will help ensure the safety of all personnel at the scene and in the surrounding areas. Building management also has an ammonia technician on site, working to fix the source of the leak.
Crews will remain on site for some time to keep monitoring the situation and ensure the community stays safe.
Emergency services are working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
Message ID 0008497
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Previous news Next news
Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana
As part of his working visit to the Republic of Cuba, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening ceremony of the branch of the Southern Federal University (SFedU) in Havana. This is the first branch of a Russian university in the republic.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the countries.
“Our countries have long been friends and cooperate in various fields, including science and education. And today, here in Havana, we are ceremoniously opening the first branch of a Russian university on Cuban soil – the Southern Federal University. This is a historic event. Cuban students will be able to master advanced supplementary education programs in Russian and prepare for admission to Russian universities. The first students will begin classes in the next academic year. We have a huge responsibility: to ensure a bright future for our countries, their prosperity and sovereignty – technological, financial, cultural and ideological,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the implementation of this important project, especially noting the President of the Southern Federal University Marina Borovskaya and the Rector of the University of Havana Miriam Nicado Garcia.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also presented certificates for the purchase of computer equipment to students and scientists, wishing them success in their work and studies.
During the opening ceremony of the branch, the rector of the University of Havana, Miriam Nicado Garcia, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of SFedU. Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the rector, noting her outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of the university.
Also in the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko, an agreement was signed between the University of Havana and the Southern Federal University on the free use of the premises of the branch building for the educational process.
SFedU President Marina Borovskaya expressed confidence that the opening of a SFedU branch at the University of Havana will take the interaction between the universities to a new level.
“The University of Havana is our long-standing friend and reliable partner. We are already solving a number of joint research and educational tasks, successfully exchanging experience. Last year, Cuban students and university staff visited SFedU, where they not only got acquainted with the university, but also underwent training, collected information for their research projects, found colleagues from SFedU, with whom they joined forces to continue their research. The opening of the SFedU branch in Havana will give impetus to even closer cooperation in many scientific fields,” Marina Borovskaya emphasized.
Another important event of the visit to Havana was Dmitry Chernyshenko’s participation in the ceremonial departure of the first vehicle from the UAZ assembly line in Havana.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this joint project became possible thanks to the support of the presidents of Russia and Cuba. Now SUVs, light trucks and minibuses will be produced here, on a modern conveyor. The production capacity of the line is up to one and a half thousand cars per year. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project will become a serious support for the Cuban economy and will strengthen cooperation between the countries.
In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of the exhibition “Evolution of Technologies in Cuba: Challenges and Opportunities for New Generations” of the Geocuba group of companies, one of whose key partners is the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the educational and industrial expositions presented at the exhibition.
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.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
By 2030, Russia plans to build and reconstruct more than 3.7 thousand km of highways. This is envisaged by the six-year road activity plan, which was approved by order of the Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The document will become one of the main instruments for implementing the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”.
In 2025–2030, the country plans to build and reconstruct over 1,900 km of federal and 1,700 km of regional roads, including about 900 km of roads in rural areas. As part of the President’s instruction, the construction of 50 bypasses of populated areas on federal and regional highways will be completed by the end of 2030. In the new regions – the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, Zaporizhia and Kherson Oblasts – it is planned to restore highways with a total length of over 1,500 km.
Among the major projects announced in the plan are the construction and reconstruction of the following highways: M-2 “Crimea”, M-5 “Ural”, M-7 “Volga”, M-8 “Kholmogory”, M-9 “Baltia”, M-10 “Russia”, R-21 “Kola”, R-22 “Caspian”, R-217 “Caucasus”, M-4 “Don”, R-255 “Siberia”, R-258 “Baikal”, R-280 “Novorossiya”, R-504 “Kolyma”, A-121 “Sortavala”, A-181 “Scandinavia”, A-370 “Ussuri”.
The funding volume for the planned activities will amount to 9.2 trillion rubles.
“The Ministry of Transport must strictly monitor the expenditure of funds, the progress of work and the deadlines for their completion. After all, the accuracy of logistics and the comfort of citizens’ movement directly depend on this. And most importantly, it affects the safety of pedestrians and drivers, their lives and health,” Mikhail Mishustin noted at a government meeting on April 2.
As a result of the plan’s implementation, the share of federal highways, backbone roads and roads of the largest urban agglomerations that are in good condition should increase to 85%, and roads of regional or inter-municipal significance – to 60%.
“Approval of the road activity plan is a very important stage. It determines how we will work and develop the road framework of our country in the coming years. I would like to note that we have applied six-year planning for the first time. This will allow us to synchronize all the tasks that we face within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life” until 2030 with the forecast until 2036, to tie everything into a single mechanism. The road plan is necessary for a broad understanding of the entire situation and comprehensive work. People do not care who is responsible for the road – federal, regional or municipal, but it is important to quickly and safely get there on good roads, without thinking about who they belong to,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
The document will be published.
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.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Previous news Next news
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas
The 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held in the capital of Cuba, Havana. The co-chairs were Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas.
The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of energy, industry, tourism, agriculture, technology, education, culture and sports, as well as issues of implementing promising investment projects. Following the meeting, 13 documents were signed, including the final act and cooperation agreements.
Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked Ricardo Cabrisas for the warm welcome of the Russian delegation in Havana and stressed that Russia expects the visit of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in May 2025. Earlier, the President of the Republic accepted an invitation sent on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I would like to note with great satisfaction the regularity of the meetings of the intergovernmental commission. This allows us to work effectively to advance key issues on the bilateral agenda. We highly value the trusting and constructive political dialogue at all levels, including the highest. We intend to further strengthen Russian-Cuban relations in a wide range of areas: in the field of industrial cooperation, trade and humanitarian cooperation, exchange of experience and transfer of Russian technological developments, joint scientific research,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the support provided to Cuba, including the emergency measures program to minimize the consequences of the energy crisis that occurred on the island at the end of last year.
In addition, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, the educational sphere is an integral part of bilateral cooperation. Last year, over 60 agreements were concluded between Russian and Cuban universities. From 2023 to the present, eight open education centers for the study of the Russian language have been operating on the island. In 2024, Russian universities opened two geological classes in Cuban universities, as well as a Center for the targeted training of specialists in the field of energy and electronics. As part of the current visit of the Russian delegation, the work of the branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana will be launched.
It is planned to continue work on expanding the portfolio of bilateral investment initiatives, the total number of which currently exceeds 100. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the resumption of deliveries of Russian cars to Cuba. In 2024, over 180 units of mechanical engineering products were exported to the island.
Within the framework of agro-industrial cooperation, a project for processing Russian wheat at a Cuban flour mill is being implemented for the second year in a row. The possibility of Russian business participation in the modernization of the sugar industry in Cuba is being considered.
The tourism industry continues to develop. In 2024, the Russian tourist flow to Cuba remained at the level of the record 2023 and amounted to 160 thousand people. At the same time, the number of Cuban citizens who visited Russia last year increased by more than 50%.
“To solve the challenges we face today, it is extremely important to have the support of reliable partners and allies, such as the Russian Federation. The current meeting of the intergovernmental commission is a suitable platform for studying the proposals that are on the negotiating table. I am confident that the meetings will yield concrete results that will help strengthen the relations between our countries,” said Ricardo Cabrisas.
On the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and other departments also took part in the meeting of the IPC.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Infringements, checkpoints, and seizures are some of the results from Hutt Valley Police’s focus on disrupting antisocial road user activity overnight.
Operation Kereru saw an increased Police presence into the early hours of this morning, taking a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful road user behaviour.
Police intercepted and disrupted a number of gatherings in the Hutt Valley area.
One gathering in Pauatahanui was successfully disrupted as Police established a checkpoint at the only exit from the area where antisocial road users had gathered.
Hutt Valley Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Shaun Lingard says Police were agile and persistent, making it clear that this activity would not be tolerated.
“Our visibility and enforcement approach meant groups were intercepted before they were able to participate in antisocial road user behaviours.”
Over the course of the night, eight vehicles were ordered off the road, 43 infringement notices were issued, and four drivers were processed for excess breath alcohol.
Bailiffs from the Ministry of Justice were also present, leading to four vehicles being seized and a large number of fines being collected.
Hutt Valley Police are committed to ensuring those participating in unlawful road user behaviour are held to account, as we know the impact this activity has on the wider community.
“Not only does this keep residents nearby awake and damage roads, but it places drivers, passengers, bystanders, and other motorists at extreme risk,” says Inspector Shaun Lingard.
Police ask members of the public to report unlawful activity to us, as soon as possible with as much information as safely possible.
This will assist in an effective response to the issue, and in cases where we can’t immediately respond, allow us to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action.
You can report information to us by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through our 105 service for non-emergencies.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Lincoln Road in Henderson has re-opened after emergency services responded to a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian reported at around 10.20am.
One person was transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: City of Liverpool
Liverpool City Council has shared an important update on its efforts to tackle health inequalities, following a report revealing people living in deprived areas of Liverpool are dying up to 15 years earlier than those in other parts of the city.
At the Full Council meeting (Wednesday 2 April) Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, presented a 12-month progress report on Liverpool’s response to the landmark State of Health in Liverpool 2040 report.
Released in January 2024, the report also found that if left unaddressed, by 2040 major illness could rise by 38,000 people, and the burden of depression, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions would significantly increase.
In response, the Council referred oversight of the report’s recommendations to the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) chaired by Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, committing to long-term, meaningful change.
Key achievements from the past year include:
The Health and Wellbeing Board, alongside over 200 local, regional, and national partners, have also been driving forward other recommendations contained within Liverpool Health 2040, by influencing a range of strategies such as the city’s new Housing Strategy, Tobacco Control Strategy, and a refreshed Physical Activity Strategy.
The Council is currently working up proposals, using at least £500k of the Public Health grant funding, to reinvigorate youth services by significantly investing in youth workers. This targeted support will be an integral part of a new, multi-agency plan for the city that seeks to improve joint working to help young people thrive.
The city has also advanced its commitment to data-driven decision-making in partnership with local universities, ensuring robust, evidence-informed policy.
Additionally, Liverpool has been a vocal advocate for national policy changes, lobbying for better funding and greater local powers to address unhealthy environments and behaviours. One powerful example is Liverpool’s role in supporting the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will prevent the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009.
Other actions by the City Council include banning unhealthy advertising on its owned media spaces, such as products high in fat, salt, or sugar, alcohol, and gambling, and pushing for this policy to be adopted across the wider city region.
The Council’s announcement that the city will officially be designated a Marmot City is a significant milestone recognising Liverpool’s adoption of Sir Michael Marmot’s evidence-based principles to tackle health inequalities by addressing their root causes.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We know meaningful, long-term change takes time and there are no quick fixes when it comes to tackling deep-rooted health inequalities.
“However, by maintaining momentum, working in partnership across the system, and holding ourselves to account, we can and will continue to build a healthier and fairer city for everyone.
“This is about creating lasting change that will benefit future generations, not just short-term improvements.”
Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton, said:
“The Liverpool Health 2040 report struck a chord with all of us. It laid bare the urgent need to act and challenged us to think differently about how we address health inequalities.
“I am really pleased with our progress over the last 12 months. However, we must continue to embed this approach into our strategies and actions at every level, ensuring that health equity is not just a goal, but a core principle shaping the future of our city.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ budget resolution that funds Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s tax handouts for billionaires at the expense of working people.
Heinrich pushed to amend Republicans’ resolution by repeatedly voting to lower costs for families — particularly as Trump’s tariffs push America to the brink of a recession. Heinrich and Senate Democrats also worked to block cuts to Medicaid, extend the tax credits for health care premiums, and prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance, protect Social Security, and reverse cuts to the Social Security Administration, including cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE.
Heinrich additionally led an amendment with U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to prevent the sale of our public lands as Congressional Republicans publicly discuss public lands sales to fund their tax breaks for billionaires. Republicans blocked it.
“Republicans’ budget resolution is a massive tax handout for Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire donors. It has one aim: Billionaires win, American families lose.
“Throughout the night and into the early morning, I fought back, introducing and voting for dozens of amendments to shield New Mexico families from Republicans’ harmful legislation. Amendments that would rescind President Trump’s tariff taxes if the price of groceries, medicine, and other household goods increase, protect Medicaid by blocking Musk’s DOGE cuts that threaten rural hospital closures, reverse cuts to Social Security, and prevent the sale of our public lands to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans blocked every single one of them.
“When Republicans had the opportunity to go on the record and show the American people whose side they’re on, they put their billionaire donors on a pedestal and threw working people under the bus. Rather than putting New Mexico families first, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their Republican enablers in Congress are tanking our economy, pushing us into a recession.”
Last night, Senate Republicans blocked Heinrich’s efforts to:
Fight Increasing Costs, Including From Trump’s Tariffs
Senate Republicans voted against:
Rescinding President Trump’s tariff taxes that increase the price of groceries, medicine, and other household goods.
Protecting food assistance for kids and seniors, who are otherwise significantly harmed by rising grocery prices.
Preventing essential services for children, families, and seniors from being defunded to give massive tax cuts to billionaires.
Protecting agriculture programs that support farmers and rural economies.
Prioritize Working Families Over Billionaires
Senate Republicans voted against:
Providing tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while ensuring large corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $100 million a year.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $500 million a year.
Preventing tax handouts for people making over $1 billion a year.
Preventing tax handouts for corporations making over $1 billion a year.
Preventing more than $37 trillion from being added to the debt in 30 years—more debt than has accumulated over the past 249 years.
Protect Medicare and Medicaid
Senate Republicans voted against:
Stopping cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
Preventing cuts to Medicaid that could lead to rural hospital closures, increased costs for people with private insurance, and higher rates of uncompensated care.
Protecting Americans from losing health care through Medicaid, including seniors, children, families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and military families.
Preserving access to health care by preventing cuts to Medicaid that could lead to loss of benefits or coverage, and slashed provider payments.
Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare.
Extending the health care premium tax credits created in the Affordable Care Act to prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance.
Safeguard Social Security
Senate Republicans voted against:
Reversing cuts to the Social Security Administration, including cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE.
Preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from closing Social Security field and regional offices, preserving access to benefits for seniors and people with disabilities.
Preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from limiting access to Social Security phone services to protect seniors’ access to Social Security benefits.
Protect Our National Security and Provide Disaster Relief
Senate Republicans voted against:
Protecting service members by prohibiting the use of Signal and other commercial messaging applications for sharing information on the timing, sequencing, or weapons to be used related to impending U.S. military operations.
Prohibiting any reduction in U.S. security assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) role in providing nonpartisan and long-term disaster relief to disaster survivors.
Support Our Farmers and Federal Workers
Senate Republicans voted against:
Ensuring contracts made with our farmers are honored.
Protecting legally binding collective bargaining agreements and the right to organize for federal workers.
Below is a total list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to cut taxes for billionaires at the expense of working people:
Amendment to prevent the sale of public lands.
Amendment to lower housing costs for Americans.
Amendment to reduce Department of Veterans Affairs wait times for 136,000 veterans per day.
Amendment to reduce Social Security Administration wait times for 344,000 Americans per day.
Amendment to scale up American manufacturing by supporting small and medium-sized manufactures enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance.
Amendment to recruit and hire additional wildland firefighters.
Amendment to exempt federal wildland firefighters and personnel from hiring freezes and reinstate federal wildland firefighters and personnel fired by Trump, Elon Musk, or DOGE.
Amendment to increase forest health and wildfire mitigation forest treatments to support wildland firefighting.
Amendment to hire reforestation crews and promote the recovery of burned forest land to support healthy watersheds, outdoor recreation, and timber resources.
Last month, Heinrich attempted to amend Republicans’ prior resolution by offering an amendment to reinstate blocked grants for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure law enforcement can hold predators and abusers accountable. Republicans voted against his amendment. Watch Heinrich’s video here.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died following a serious crash on Charlton Siding Road, Waimumu, Gore last night.
The crash involving a single vehicle was reported at around 10pm, Saturday 5 April.
Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle was located deceased at the scene.
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
A major milestone has been achieved this week with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving the business case and signing a partner agreement with Ashburton District Council (ADC) on how both parties will work together to deliver the second Ashburton Bridge, says Associate Transport Minister and Minister for the South Island James Meager.
“This is great news for the people of Mid Canterbury and for the resiliency of State Highway 1. It is so important that we have a resilient roading network to connect our island and ensure the safe and reliable movement of people and goods up and down the island,” says Mr Meager.
“Approximately 24,000 vehicles use the Ashburton Bridge each day. It provides a key connection for supply chains and emergency services across the South Island, and it connects Tinwald with Ashburton. We all remember when the bridge was knocked out in 2021, and Dunedin was 3 days away from running out of food.
“Building this bridge was one of our key commitments at the start of this term and locals will be pleased to see work is moving ahead at pace.
“A second bridge will reduce congestion, improve road safety, reduce delays, improve reliability in the case of potential closures, and help accommodate future growth.
“As next steps, NZTA will soon begin geotechnical investigations and a Registration of Interest will go out to market next week for technical and design support. This will be followed by procurement for detailed design and construction later in the year.
“NZTA will manage the design and build of the bridge and adjoining roads as one project, with ADC responsible for funding the section of new local road, as outlined in the partner agreement.
“I would like to thank Ashburton District Council and Mayor Neil Brown for the progress made on the second Ashburton Bridge so far, which has enabled the acceleration of this key project that will serve many people heading into the future.”
Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, pending approvals.
Source: New Zealand Government
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will attend the Annual Investment Congress (AIM Congress) in Abu Dhabi from 7–9 April to strengthen ties with UAE investors.
“The UAE is a trusted Gulf partner, with two-way trade valued at NZ$1.3 billion,” Mr McClay says.
“In January this year, we signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and investment treaty with the UAE to signify the importance of our bilateral relationship and enhance two-way trade and investment flows between our countries.
“Foreign direct investment is vital for New Zealand’s economic growth and UAE investors are seeking high-growth opportunities. New Zealand offers world-class prospects in energy, infrastructure, cleantech, fintech, transport, manufacturing, aquaculture, and many more sectors.
“Building on the recent Infrastructure Investment Summit, we’re now presenting these opportunities directly to top-tier investors offshore.”
In the UAE, Mr. McClay will meet with Ministers, investors, and business leaders to showcase New Zealand as an attractive investment destination.
“New Zealand is open for business. The establishment of Invest New Zealand and recent investment reforms make it easier to welcome foreign capital that benefits our country,” Mr McClay says.
“Engaging with global investors enables New Zealand to grow and supercharge our economic development.”
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are responding to a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Lincoln Road in Henderson.
Emergency services are responding to the incident, reported at around 10.20am.
There are cordons in the area and road closures, Police advise motorists to avoid the area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Ballroom inspections and mahjong sessions may not be what automatically springs to mind when you consider Hong Kong’s appeal to visitors. Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism – MICE tourism, for short – is not about being conventional, however.
Recently, nine representatives from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, hailing from Germany, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere, embarked on a five-day MICE tourism study mission in Hong Kong, at the invitation of the Tourism Board.
Their first stop was a Wan Chai hotel that opened late last year. The delegation inspected its banquet halls, suites and facilities, and enjoyed an unexpected highlight – an impromptu mahjong session in the games room that gave them a taste of one of the most popular Chinese pastimes.
The group then proceeded to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) where they were shown around several exhibition venues and meeting rooms, learning about their layout and design, as well as the centre’s transport connectivity, and took the opportunity to gaze out over Victoria Harbour.
Multiple facets
For MICE visitors – whether squeezing in sightseeing activities around conferences or enjoying company incentive trips – riding the 130-year-old Peak Tram remains an essential Hong Kong experience, of course.
Having ascended Victoria Peak by tram, the delegation embarked on a nostalgic journey through 1970s–80s Hong Kong at the Peak Tower museum, before marvelling at magnificent panoramic views of the city’s famous skyline and Victoria Harbour from the Sky Terrace.
The group then descended to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, where they performed the ritual of touching the holy deer statue with gold foil to seek blessings. All in all, they were able to immerse themselves fully in Hong Kong’s commercial, cultural and religious facets in a single day.
The tour participants represented diverse clients across sectors ranging from government to technology and pharmaceuticals, and are responsible for planning events across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They said their experiences in Hong Kong would inform future decisions about staging professional conferences and summits in the city.
Lasting impressions
Among the delegation was Jocelyne Mulli, managing director of a German organiser of professional conferences. Her firm has been using Hong Kong as its springboard into the Asia-Pacific region since 2012.
Though a frequent visitor to Hong Kong and to the HKCEC, she said her latest trip had opened her eyes to ongoing upgrades and more flexible service offerings in the city. In particular, she praised Hong Kong’s fusion of heritage and modernity, applauding its sustained achievements in MICE tourism development over the years.
“You are a hub, you are a base, and you are in the best place to welcome international delegates,” she said. “It is not everywhere that you have ballrooms, venue spaces of such size. You have a multilingual society and you have these historical aspects.”
For his part, Alejandro Ramirez Tabche, the CEO of a Mexican event planning company, said that seeing specific venues for himself had made him realise Hong Kong is the perfect MICE destination. Describing the city as “gorgeous”, he said he would recommend it to his peers as a location for holding events without hesitation.
“Hong Kong is always a top destination and people experience real fun and happiness,” he enthused. “And also, you have luxurious hotels, good food and good attractions. The people are so kind and they are very eager to help anytime.”
While in Hong Kong, the group also explored the Old Town Central neighbourhood’s blend of modern and historic elements, visited the giant panda twins at Ocean Park, and toured the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, gaining a full appreciation of the city’s diverse offerings.
Robust revival
MICE tourism has emerged as a key driver of high-value travel to Hong Kong, with the city welcoming over 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 10%. Their average spending per capita outperformed overall overnight visitor expenditure by about 40% and catalysed growth across sectors including convention services, retail, dining and entertainment.
The Tourism Board is adopting a multipronged approach to developing MICE tourism, sparing no effort to secure major events for Hong Kong, while also inviting global conference organisers to experience the city’s MICE facilities and tourism assets first-hand.
Tourism Board Director & Business Development Team Lead of MICE Phoebe Shing outlined that the organisation has been successful in bidding for and facilitating 56 large-scale MICE events in Hong Kong this year, including 16 which are debuting in the city. The events span sectors ranging from innovation and technology to fintech, medical science and aviation.
“In June, Hong Kong will host the International Society for Stem Cell Research 2025 annual meeting for the first time,” she said. “For the aviation sector, we will welcome Routes World 2025 in September, and also Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 in December.”
These events are projected to attract approximately 170,000 MICE visitors from the Mainland and overseas, with total participation reaching 260,000.
Ms Shing added that with MICE tourism’s robust recovery, coupled with the ongoing restoration of international flight capacity, further growth in MICE visitors is expected.
“The Hong Kong Tourism Board will continue to promote MICE tourism, striving to bring more MICE events to Hong Kong. We will also solidify Hong Kong as the world’s meeting place in order to attract more high-yield visitors to our city.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK.
Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK. These laws will help deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change.
The new measures coming into force today will give the public control over their cash and save them money in the long run.
All mandatory fees, such as admin fees or ticket booking fees, must now be included in the headline price and can’t be deceptively dripped in throughout the checkout process, to dupe customers into paying more than they originally bargained for.
The ban aims to bring to an end the shock that online shoppers get when they reach the end of their shopping experience only to find a raft of extra fees lumped on top.
So, for shoppers buying train tickets – they won’t be stung by a hidden booking fee at the end of the checkout.
When buying a takeaway, the delivery and admin fees must be clear at the start of the process.
The same will apply to all online shopping experiences from concert tickets to trips to the cinema.
Every year a whopping £2.2 billion is spent by consumers on unavoidable hidden fees, which is why these new rules are coming into force.
Not only will it create greater transparency, but it will make it far easier for consumers to confidently compare products and services to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.
From today consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.
These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change.
Outlandish fake reviews will also be banned today – so customers know what they are buying when they shop online.
The legislation will prevent punters turning up to a restaurant with 5-star reviews only to be served 1-star quality food. Or ordering a product online from a top-rated seller only to find it never turns up, or that when it does, it doesn’t look anything like it did in the picture, despite what previous buyers said.
Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £217 billion spent in online retail markets in 2023, underscoring the importance of these new consumer protection laws.
New laws will also help prevent well-intentioned and compliant businesses from being under-cut by those seeking to catch out consumers with stealthy additional prices and fake reviews.
We will use these new provisions to safeguard people from harmful and unfair treatment, and to foster the level-playing field for the vast majority of businesses who want to do the right thing for their customers. We will be tackling the more egregious practices first and working hard to support businesses with compliance, conscious that – especially for small businesses – the burden of following the rules must be proportionate.
This new consumer protection regime will be implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a way that is as simple as possible for smaller businesses to comply with.
This government is committed to taking action to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, meaning that should any new rules be required, these will be as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
80,000 patients have received a quicker diagnosis or ruling out of cancer in 28 days between July 2024 and January 2025 compared to the previous year.
80,000 patients across the country have faced shorter waits for life-changing cancer diagnoses as a result of the government’s record investment in our NHS to cut waiting times, latest figures show.
The government’s Budget fixed the foundations of the economy to deliver a record £26 billion investment in our NHS to get it back on its feet and make it fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change. This investment, together with putting an end to industrial action, tackling waste and bringing in crucial reforms, are already transforming our NHS.
That includes a new drive to offer more appointments out of hours – which directly attributed to over three quarters (76.1%) of patients receiving their cancer diagnosis or all clear within 28 days from July 2024 to January 2025, up from 71.8% 12 months earlier.
As one of the biggest killers in the UK, it is vital that cancer patients get quick access to the testing they need. Faster diagnosis is linked to significantly improved cancer outcomes and means more patients can start treatment as quickly as possible.
Today’s figures show a clear improvement in performance, demonstrating how proper investment, along with a plan to put patients first, delivers on the commitments promised by the government to slash waiting lists – putting an end to the misery for many people who have not received the cancer care they require.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
This government made tough decisions at the Budget that put £26 billion into our NHS – and patients are already seeing the results.
Too many cancer patients are facing agonisingly long waits for diagnosis and treatment. As a survivor, I know first hand just how important it is to receive timely diagnosis so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
We are on a mission to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster, with 80,000 more diagnosed or ruled out with cancer between July and January.
This is just the start and we will continue driving fundamental reform of the NHS to ensure it is delivering for all patients once again.
The government is delivering change working people can feel, with waiting lists cut by 193,000 since July – and alongside this, 2 million extra appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests also being delivered 7 months ahead of schedule.
But the government is going further and faster. The recently published Elective Reform Plan also commits to going even further for patients, through opening more Community Diagnostic Centres, taking the total to over 170 this year across England.
These sites will all be open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week by March 2026, located in convenient places across the country to ensure patients have greater access to the tests, checks and scans they require. And on top of this, the government is also committing £1.5 billion to equip the health service with more surgical hubs and scanners to help catch more cancers earlier.
The recently published NHS Planning Guidance has committed to getting a further 100,000 people diagnosed on time by March 2026, with the government on track to deliver this significantly ahead of schedule.
With 2.8 million people expected to be living with cancer this year in England alone, improving outcomes for patients, including quicker diagnosis, is a key part of the government’s plans to cut waiting times and deliver fundamental NHS reform through the Plan for Change.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said:
Providing rapid access to tests ensures that people with cancer can start treatment as soon as possible when it is most likely to be successful, and will help to put people’s minds at rest if they don’t have cancer, so it is an important step forward that thousands more patients each month are getting the all-clear or a diagnosis within 4 weeks.
Thanks to the efforts of staff and NHS campaigns encouraging people to get worrying symptoms checked out or to take up our offer of screening, we are seeing more people coming forward than ever, and I encourage anyone who is overdue for a check or who has noticed changes in their body to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible so they can get checked.
Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS highlighted that the rate of improvement for cancer survival slowed substantially during the 2010s, and the government has been steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for patients.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:
Waiting for answers can be an incredibly worrying period for anyone affected, so we welcome the government’s commitment to further cut waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment this year.
The UK government has the opportunity to improve things further and faster with their upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before, and our health service needs a long term plan to be able to properly prepare and help people live longer, better lives.
Eve Byrne, Director of National System Change at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
We welcome these changes and the positive impact this will have on people living with cancer.
We are looking forward to working with the government to transform cancer care by developing the National Cancer Plan. This is an opportunity to make sure everybody in the UK can access world-class cancer care, whoever they are, wherever they may be based.
Alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will also publish its National Cancer Plan this year, with a call for evidence now live to encourage cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals to help shape its development.
A new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research is also being launched to provide coordination, target investment, and maximise opportunities for the UK to lead in clinical research. This will help to unlock innovation and growth.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Fatal crash, Mount Direction
Sunday, 6 April 2025 – 7:47 am.
Sadly, a man in his 20s has died following a serious crash at Mount Direction.
Police and emergency services were called to Old Bangor Tram Road, Mount Direction, just after 2:00am on Sunday 6 March, following reports of a single vehicle crash.
The passenger in the vehicle sadly died at the scene. The driver was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Police remain at the scene of the crash. Motorists should avoid the area until further notice.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Source: City of Liverpool
Last updated:
From an Easter egg hunt to shadow puppet workshops and storytelling sessions, there’s lots to do for all the family in and around Liverpool libraries during the Easter holidays.
It wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt. Culture Liverpool has commissioned Positive Pathways to host a community day at St John’s Gardens on Thursday 17 April between 12-4pm. As well as a chance to win prizes in an egg hunt, there will be lots of activities going on in and around Central Library including Lego building, STEAM Engineers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) workshops and advice on weight control and diet for young people.
Children can devise their own characters and stories and create their own puppets in a series of shadow puppetry workshops throughout the Easter holidays, culminating in a celebratory puppet showcase at Central Library on 10 May. The sessions take place on the following dates:
The 11am – 3pm sessions will include a one-hour break with free healthy food provided. Email artgroupie@outlook.com to reserve a place.
Storytelling sessions include:
For theatre lovers, there are two exhibitions running until the end of the month at Central Library: Lights Up on Liverpool in the Hornby Library and Liverpool Empire Theatre 100 in the third-floor archive. The former, a partnership between ArtsGroupie CIC and Liverpool Libraries and Information Services, spotlights Liverpool’s groundbreaking, radical and experimental approaches to theatre and is a response to the decreasing number of working-class professionals in the performing arts. The latter, a collaboration between the theatre and the Liverpool Record Office and Archives, features photographs and artefacts – including programmes, tickets, letters, visitor books, flyers and architect plans – which tell the story of the Grade II listed Lime Street landmark.
Other exhibitions at Central Library include Electrification of the Liverpool and Southport Railway Line in March 1904, a display of illustrations of the original four-car electric train sets and Liverpool Olympia 120, a display of illustrations of the stage machinery, circus ring and lake, and some programme covers marking the anniversary of the opening of Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road, on 24 April 1905. The former closes on 22 April and the latter opens on 23 April.
For more information about what’s on in Liverpool libraries, visit the libraries pages on Liverpool City Council’s website.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“Keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays can be hard work – and expensive – so we have programmed lots of participatory arts projects, which can help young people develop self-confidence, empathy and social skills.”
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “You who have the power to provoke war, please stop fueling it in our country,” is the appeal addressed to the major powers by 40 young people from Bukavu, the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu, which was captured on February 16 by the M23 rebels with the support of Rwandan troops (see Fides, 17/2/2025).In the appeal, which was sent to Fides, the young people point out the hypocrisy of those who, behind the scenes, are fueling the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with the help of Rwanda. “You are using this small and poor country, Rwanda, to exterminate the Congolese in Kivu and plunder their natural resources. You pretend to be humanitarians who help us with food, while you are the ones causing wars and bloodshed in our region.”Under the pretext of fighting the Rwandan rebel group FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, heirs of the old regime responsible for the 1994 massacres), and protecting the Rwandan-speaking population in the province, Rwanda has been intervening in North and South Kivu for decades, either directly with its own troops or indirectly by supporting armed militias like the M23. All this with the aim of taking possession of Congolese natural resources (which are then exported from Rwanda to international markets and sold to the world’s high-tech industries), as the youth of Bukavu emphasize in their letter. “If you want to profit from our mineral resources, then come, but respect human life. Why are we being persecuted in this way?” the appeal reads. “You call us for dialogue, but how can we do that if you are after our wealth? Join the Congolese who seek a unity in peace and respect for every human being. Do not buy the minerals that have been plundered from our land, do not buy the blood of the Congolese.”The letter concludes with an appeal to “our young brothers and sisters in the country”: “One God, the Father of all, who sees us all as his children, loves us without discrimination and desires our happiness and peace, not tribulation. Where do wars, divisions, and hatred come from? From the selfishness of people who pursue their own interests and have lost their sense of good. The world is passing quickly; we came into the world empty-handed, and we will leave it empty-handed. To create peace, we need love, forgiveness, dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.””In these difficult times, only God remains for us,” the young people conclude. “We are not afraid: God has never failed. Let us hold hands. Let us be careful what we say in public and not betray our country by joining the invaders for money. Together we will find a way to send them back to their land. Let us stand together so that we are not dependent on the countries that plunder our natural resources.”(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 5/4/2025)
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Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement after voting against a Republican proposal that allows for massive cuts to Medicaid funding — taking health care coverage away from Granite Staters — in order to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and for corporate special interests:
“In the middle of the night and over bipartisan opposition, Senate Republicans advanced their effort to take Medicaid health coverage away from millions of people in order to pay for tax cuts for corporate special interests and billionaires. I put forward a number of amendments to chart a different path forward, one where we would work together on a bipartisan basis to lower costs for Americans and protect Medicaid, Medicare, and the Social Security benefits that hardworking Americans have paid into and deserve, but Republicans once again doubled down. At a time when American families are struggling to keep up with high costs, I can imagine few ideas more ill-advised, outrageous, and devastating than to rip lifesaving health care away from millions of our fellow Americans, and therefore I voted against this budget resolution.”
Senator Hassan proposed over a dozen amendments to urge Congressional Republicans to reverse course and instead work on a bipartisan basis to help lower costs for Granite Staters, stand up for the rule of law, and protect individual freedoms. Senator Hassan’s proposed amendments included those to:
Stop unelected billionaires from advancing their own financial interests at the expense of American taxpayers
Prevent any efforts to cut Medicare or Medicaid benefits for seniors, children, and families
Prevent any efforts to cut Social Security benefits for seniors, increase wait times for Social Security benefits, or close Social Security offices
Overturn broad-based tariffs on allies like Canada that raise costs for American families
Promote childhood vaccinations against measles
Provide tax cuts for middle-class workers and small businesses
Lower the cost of housing, groceries, and prescription drugs