Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a crash involving a truck and car on Cambridge Road in Waipa.
Emergency services were called to the scene, between Storey and Cox roads, about 11.25am.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, the driver of the car died at the scene.
Police are providing support to the person’s family.
The section of Cambridge Road remains closed and the Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a scene examination.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
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Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago
“✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance:
The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm)
A more raw true-to-self form … (@m3lodr4matic)
This is pure art … (@anishm-g1r)
Lorde’s 2013 debut album was titled Pure Heroine. But, she tells us – and fans and critics agree – Virgin is the first album which “does not lie”. Pure pop. Not lying is not necessarily synonymous with truth, however. Rather, not lying in the present cultural moment is more akin to the careful articulation of a whole vibe.
For women in particular, truth, authenticity – dare I say realness – mean modulating their feelings, but also a particular calibration and presentation of their bodies in media.
Such a balancing act is captured in that YouTube imperative which moves between the pencil (“✏️”) – the demand to describe – and the “vibe”, the very thing we often find too hard to write down or put into words.
Pop music is often at the nexus of these two seemingly opposite moves. Think about going to a gig and afterwards being asked “how was it?”, and all you can say is “you had to be there”.
Of course it is not so simple. We are always putting our feeling into words – describing all manner of bodily responses. Lorde herself sings in “Broken Glass” about how her eating disordered body was marked by language: the “arithmetic” of calorie counting. Elsewhere, she lists other social signifiers in which she is enmeshed: daughter (“Favourite Daughter”), siren, saint (“Shapeshifter”).
Nonetheless, the repeated theme in press interviews is that Virgin moves beyond language, towards a pure woman’s body, free of the mark of sexuality. At the same time, the album is also “ravenously horny” according to one review. She is both as pure as a newborn (a “Virgin”), but marked by her sexuality.
The song “Current Affairs” most clearly demonstrates proximity between the sexed body and its description in lyrics. Lorde collapses into her lover’s body (“He spit in my mouth”). But when he breaks her heart, she cannot put into language the hurt. Rather she blames her anguish on the news: “current affairs”.
Pop music and pop culture thrives off the market exchange and saleability of sex, particularly young women’s sex. When I first wrote about Lorde 11 years ago, I pitted her against Miley Cyrus, noting the outrage at Miley’s “growing up” (from Hannah Montana to adulthood), which mapped onto her perceived new working class, tasteless identity.
Against the crass vulgarity of Miley, I argued then, we had the middle-class intellectualism of Lorde. The argument stands. Virgin certainly adds a heightened sexiness to Lorde, but it is far from crude. She is branded, not just by the market (the cost of tour tickets and merchandise), but also by her identity as a tasteful and hip woman.
More fleshy (“wide hips/soft lips” she sings in “GRWM”) than the teen “Royal” of 2012, but still on Universal Music Group’s repertoire and still circulated as an “alt” option for pop fans.
We can also think of Lorde’s collaboration with her current working class alter, and last year’s popstar commodity, Charli XCX. In Lorde’s verse in “Girl, so confusing” she notes Charli is, essentially, a “Chav” – “still a young girl from Essex”. But in the same verse, Lorde shows her awareness of both women’s function on the market:
People say we’re alike
They say we’ve got the same hair
It’s you and me on the coin
The industry loves to spend
This knowing wink to how women move within the pop-culture marketplace produces a different kind of purity, one based on an intimacy between the popstar and her listeners. We all know Lorde’s difference from Charli is about image: the “poet” versus the party girl.
Intimacy as purity is part of what cultural theorist Anna Kornbluh recently dubbed the pressure of “immediacy”, characterised by an apparently ceaseless flow and demand to constantly share images and video of our bodies, afforded by the scroll of social media.
While the depiction of our bodies and selves on screens is fundamental to this moment, according to Kornbluh, we contradictorily lose sight of this screening. Feeling as though we are #NoFilter – present and real. Key to this is the exhibition of our feelings and emotions.
For all women, but particularly those in the public eye, the sharing of these feelings materialise into “coin”. Vulnerability, pleasure, all-the-feels-all-the-time – especially for women – make “bank”.
Vulnerability has been a catch-cry in media characterisations of Virgin. Critics and fans equate Lorde’s lyrical confessions and press tour patter with a market-valuable “purity”, equated with immediate access (to quote the YouTube fan above) to a “true-to-self” Lorde.
One of her more amusing (but fitting) press engagements was on Bella Freud’s Fashion Neurosis podcast. On the couch, we hear Lorde, wearing a Yohji Yamamoto blazer, musing about vulnerability, gender and her mother – with the great granddaughter of Sigmund Freud.
While the Charli XCX track shows Lorde’s intimacy through her knowingness about her role as “coin” for the music industry, the music videos from Virgin offer a more embodied intimacy. The clip for the album’s first single, “What Was That?”, features an extreme closeup inside her mouth. The album cover itself is an X-ray showing her hips and her IUD.
Kornbluh suggests this emphasis on often literal bodily interiors – people’s “insides” – produces an ersatz sense of closeness and sociality, as our relationships become more and more beholden to the alienating circuits of “social” media.
Virgin does not lie. It traces a truth of our times – a paradoxical truth – that we are at our most intimate, our most pure, when we are unmediated, all the while bearing out the imperative to “✏️Describe the vibe” – to mediate and expose ourselves onscreen.
My own vibe check? I love the album. It is pop at its purest – performative, playful and certainly worth paying attention to.
Rosemary Overell 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.
– ref. On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox – https://theconversation.com/on-her-new-album-lorde-creates-pop-at-its-purest-performative-playful-and-alive-to-paradox-259994
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
A new research area, Innovative Biomaterials and Methods of Their Research, is being opened at the NSU-NNC Collective Use Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. The work will be carried out within the framework of the strategic project, Center for the Integration of Personalized Biomedicine, Pharmacy, and Synchrotron Binary Technologies, which received support from the Priority 2030 state program.
For the first time in Russia, the method of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) will be used to study the pharmacokinetics of peptides, hemostatic composites and structural analysis of fossil tissues. The long-term result of the project will be the creation of a standardized approach to assessing the transdermal delivery of peptides, accelerating the development of new therapeutic agents and increasing the accuracy of predicting their clinical effectiveness, creating and introducing new synthetic functional materials for medical use, such as hemostatic materials and selective hemosorbents. Previously, this high-tech research method was used mainly for radiocarbon dating of archaeological finds, geological objects and paleontological samples.
Accelerative masses of spectrometry (UMS) – a supers -sensitive method of absolute measurement of isotopic relations, based on the calculation of single atoms. Of greatest interest for medical research are the capabilities of the UMS in the registration of radioglerod-S-14. The accuracy of the method is so high that it allows you to carry out reliable measurements of the concentration of the S-14 isotope with its share of 1E-15 from the total carbon content. The unsurpassed sensitivity of the UMS gives a number of advantages, such as a small amount of test for analysis and the possibility of analyzing a carbon -containing sample located in any aggregate state. Therefore, for UMS-analysis in the simplest performance, about 2-4 mg of dry matter, 10 mg of a sample of biological tissues and less than 50 μl of fluid will be required. Due to the extremely small content of the radiocarod in the biosphere, the isotopic ratio of the S-14/S-12 is 1E-12-the radioactivity of the laid drugs necessary for accurate registration by the UMS method is several times less than the natural level of radiation. This allows you to safely conduct multiple studies, including involving children as subjects, which is very important when developing children’s forms of drugs due to significant differences in metabolism in adults and children. Currently, the world has accumulated a large array of data on the use of UMS in clinical studies of drugs to select personalized assistance to cancer patients, new drugs developed with the use of UMS are received on the market.
There are about 200 UMS installations in the world, and about 30 large UMS centers with two or more installations. In Russia, there is only one such center — the UMS Center of Collective Use of the NSU-NNC, which has two accelerator mass spectrometers — the first domestic high-voltage one, developed by scientists from the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences 15 years ago, and a low-voltage MICADAS, manufactured in Switzerland. The center conducts research, most of which is aimed at radiocarbon dating of various objects, for customers from all over Russia, as well as from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Transnistria, etc. Most of the customers are scientific organizations, research institutes, and universities.
— Our UMS center is registered in the international database of radiocarbon laboratories as “AMS Golden Valley” and successfully passed GIRI certification in 2022. Over the years of our work, we have conducted more than 10 thousand UMS analyses, with the measurement results published more than 80 scientific articles, including in the Nature publishing group, and annually fulfilled more than 40 contracts for UMS measurements. There is a scientific reserve for introducing a radiocarbon label into organic compounds (styrene) and materials (polymer nano- and microspheres), into the composition of the viral membrane, as well as for studying the distribution of toxic substances and the penetrating ability of aerosol particles in organs, — says Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Director of the UMS Center of Collective Use at NSU-NNC.
The new direction of research work implies active participation of students and young scientists willing to do scientific work in this field. Students will be involved in sample preparation procedures, as well as in studying hemostatics. Young scientists will work in a single team with experienced researchers and experts in the field of UMS application.
— Within the framework of this direction, we intend to orient our UMS installations towards use in the field of biomedicine. For example, to create labeled compounds for medical purposes for the purpose of further studying their distribution and biological action in a living organism. The sensitivity of the UMS method significantly exceeds the capabilities of other methods for determining isotopic ratios. Such studies are rare and complex, and no one else conducts them in Russia. For example, studying the depth of penetration of a drug through the skin, its effectiveness at various stages of diseases, and routes of elimination from the body. Such work has already been carried out by specialists from our center, and we try to involve students and postgraduates in them, — explained Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.
It is planned that medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and research institutes will be involved in the cooperation.
It is already known that one of the first projects will be the assessment of transdermal delivery of peptides – organic substances formed by amino acid chains. The effectiveness of their impact with this route of delivery to the body has not been fully studied due to the lack of reliable methods for studying this process. UMS research can fill the gap and provide an answer to this question.
Along with projects in the field of pharmacology and innovative medicine, the research staff of the NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center will continue to work on radiocarbon dating of archaeological and paleontological materials in the same volume, since the need for these studies among scientists of many specialties – archaeologists, soil scientists, paleontologists and geologists – remains very high.
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: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University
J. W. Lindt
Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has been interconnected by seafaring trade networks for thousands of years.
Because seafaring was most often undertaken by men, it has long been assumed by anthropologists and archaeologists that information sharing between different cultures came via men.
Our new archaeological research sheds light on the often overlooked role of women in developing past trade relationships. We found knowledge being shared that couldn’t have been shared among men – pointing the direction towards complicated relationships between women in cultures based hundreds of kilometres apart.
In 1883, Papua New Guinea was colonised and annexed by Britain. Foreign anthropologists such as Darwin’s collaborator Thomas Huxley, Charles Seligman and Bronislaw Malinowski arrived shortly after.
These male anthropologists became enamoured of the region’s seagoing trade networks, featuring huge sailing canoes, dangerous voyages and complex trade relationships.
Their accounts often focused on the seafaring heroics of the men of Papua New Guinea. This is partly because they spoke to men almost exclusively, and partly because they admired fellow seagoing, risk-taking adventurers.
The best example of this is Malinowski’s famous book Argonauts of the Western Pacific (1922), where he likens the voyagers of the Trobriands to Jason’s band of male adventurers in Greek mythology.
Women seldom took centre stage in these histories.
Yet crucially, women maintained the knowledge of how to make the earthenware pottery used for trade.
These early anthropologists left us with detailed but male-focused accounts of trade networks. It is left to today’s archaeologists to trace histories of trade back in time, using material culture and carbon dates to see when it began.
Most of the archaeology over the past six decades has taken place around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital.
This is the homeland of the Motu people (among others), famous for their long-distance trade.
In the late 19th century, Motu men sailed west each year in fleets of up to 20 ships carrying some 20,000 pots. These were then traded for food with people in the Gulf of Papua.
Archaeologists who began researching seafaring and trade on Papua New Guinea’s south coast in the 1960s were enthralled by early anthropological accounts. When they started to uncover similar-looking pieces of pottery across 400km of coastline, they thought it was probably made in one location and carried by seafarers.
The most famous archaeological site near Port Moresby is Motupore Island. Excavations in the 1970s and 1980s recovered a staggering four tons of pottery fragments.
In 2022, we began new excavations at Hood Bay, 100km to the east of Motupore Island, in partnership with the local Keapara communities. We found pieces of pottery with the same decorations as those found at Motupore Island. Yet there was no evidence of pottery ever being made in Hood Bay.
Reflecting on what anthropologists had earlier written, it seemed reasonable to think that pottery was brought to Hood Bay by seafaring traders. But a crucial puzzle piece was missing: where was the pottery made?
We used an advanced type of scanning electron microscopy to compare the minerals and clay in pottery from Hood Bay and Motupore.
Earthenware pottery is mostly made from clay and sand. By finding out what types of sand minerals are in the pottery we can see where it might have been made.
To our surprise, we found the pottery was indeed locally made and was not traded by sea from Port Moresby. This is the first evidence of pottery being made in Hood Bay, a practice that was lost sometime in the past 300 years.
So why did the pottery from two distant locations look so similar? If the pottery was not being traded, people must have been exchanging ideas about how to make it.
Like the pottery, women’s tattoo designs at the two locations were also the same. This suggests community relationships were maintained through women sharing knowledge.
Tattooing was an important women’s cultural practice in these regions, and tattoos signified major life stages such as marriage.
Interestingly, the marriage tattoos used in Port Moresby and Hood Bay were identical in the 19th century, but no one that anthropologists spoke to remembered why. The tattoo designs suggest that Motu and Keapara women were once in very close contact.
Successful pottery production requires precise skills. Becoming a proficient pottery maker was a long learning process for Motu women who acquired the skills needed from their aunts and mothers.
The identical decoration on pots made by Motu and Keapara women can only be explained if ideas about pottery decoration were shared by women among each other and passed down through generations. Men were not involved in making pottery, so this knowledge was not shared by seafaring men.
This means it was not the trading ventures of men that connected coastal villages, but women’s know-how.
Women moved between villages and carried with them the knowledge of how to make and decorate pottery and shared ideas about tattoo designs.
Hundreds of years ago it was women who caused cultural traditions to spread – possibly through intermarriage – linking communities along Papua New Guinea’s south coast.
Robert Skelly receives funding from Australian Research Council DE200100544.
Barbara Etschmann, Chris Urwin, Joël Brugger, and Teppsy Beni do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade – https://theconversation.com/men-traded-wares-but-women-traded-knowledge-what-a-new-archeological-study-tells-us-about-png-sea-trade-258184
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago
“✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance:
The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm)
A more raw true-to-self form … (@m3lodr4matic)
This is pure art … (@anishm-g1r)
Lorde’s 2013 debut album was titled Pure Heroine. But, she tells us – and fans and critics agree – Virgin is the first album which “does not lie”. Pure pop. Not lying is not necessarily synonymous with truth, however. Rather, not lying in the present cultural moment is more akin to the careful articulation of a whole vibe.
For women in particular, truth, authenticity – dare I say realness – mean modulating their feelings, but also a particular calibration and presentation of their bodies in media.
Such a balancing act is captured in that YouTube imperative which moves between the pencil (“✏️”) – the demand to describe – and the “vibe”, the very thing we often find too hard to write down or put into words.
Pop music is often at the nexus of these two seemingly opposite moves. Think about going to a gig and afterwards being asked “how was it?”, and all you can say is “you had to be there”.
Of course it is not so simple. We are always putting our feeling into words – describing all manner of bodily responses. Lorde herself sings in “Broken Glass” about how her eating disordered body was marked by language: the “arithmetic” of calorie counting. Elsewhere, she lists other social signifiers in which she is enmeshed: daughter (“Favourite Daughter”), siren, saint (“Shapeshifter”).
Nonetheless, the repeated theme in press interviews is that Virgin moves beyond language, towards a pure woman’s body, free of the mark of sexuality. At the same time, the album is also “ravenously horny” according to one review. She is both as pure as a newborn (a “Virgin”), but marked by her sexuality.
The song “Current Affairs” most clearly demonstrates proximity between the sexed body and its description in lyrics. Lorde collapses into her lover’s body (“He spit in my mouth”). But when he breaks her heart, she cannot put into language the hurt. Rather she blames her anguish on the news: “current affairs”.
Pop music and pop culture thrives off the market exchange and saleability of sex, particularly young women’s sex. When I first wrote about Lorde 11 years ago, I pitted her against Miley Cyrus, noting the outrage at Miley’s “growing up” (from Hannah Montana to adulthood), which mapped onto her perceived new working class, tasteless identity.
Against the crass vulgarity of Miley, I argued then, we had the middle-class intellectualism of Lorde. The argument stands. Virgin certainly adds a heightened sexiness to Lorde, but it is far from crude. She is branded, not just by the market (the cost of tour tickets and merchandise), but also by her identity as a tasteful and hip woman.
More fleshy (“wide hips/soft lips” she sings in “GRWM”) than the teen “Royal” of 2012, but still on Universal Music Group’s repertoire and still circulated as an “alt” option for pop fans.
We can also think of Lorde’s collaboration with her current working class alter, and last year’s popstar commodity, Charli XCX. In Lorde’s verse in “Girl, so confusing” she notes Charli is, essentially, a “Chav” – “still a young girl from Essex”. But in the same verse, Lorde shows her awareness of both women’s function on the market:
People say we’re alike
They say we’ve got the same hair
It’s you and me on the coin
The industry loves to spend
This knowing wink to how women move within the pop-culture marketplace produces a different kind of purity, one based on an intimacy between the popstar and her listeners. We all know Lorde’s difference from Charli is about image: the “poet” versus the party girl.
Intimacy as purity is part of what cultural theorist Anna Kornbluh recently dubbed the pressure of “immediacy”, characterised by an apparently ceaseless flow and demand to constantly share images and video of our bodies, afforded by the scroll of social media.
While the depiction of our bodies and selves on screens is fundamental to this moment, according to Kornbluh, we contradictorily lose sight of this screening. Feeling as though we are #NoFilter – present and real. Key to this is the exhibition of our feelings and emotions.
For all women, but particularly those in the public eye, the sharing of these feelings materialise into “coin”. Vulnerability, pleasure, all-the-feels-all-the-time – especially for women – make “bank”.
Vulnerability has been a catch-cry in media characterisations of Virgin. Critics and fans equate Lorde’s lyrical confessions and press tour patter with a market-valuable “purity”, equated with immediate access (to quote the YouTube fan above) to a “true-to-self” Lorde.
One of her more amusing (but fitting) press engagements was on Bella Freud’s Fashion Neurosis podcast. On the couch, we hear Lorde, wearing a Yohji Yamamoto blazer, musing about vulnerability, gender and her mother – with the great granddaughter of Sigmund Freud.
While the Charli XCX track shows Lorde’s intimacy through her knowingness about her role as “coin” for the music industry, the music videos from Virgin offer a more embodied intimacy. The clip for the album’s first single, “What Was That?”, features an extreme closeup inside her mouth. The album cover itself is an X-ray showing her hips and her IUD.
Kornbluh suggests this emphasis on often literal bodily interiors – people’s “insides” – produces an ersatz sense of closeness and sociality, as our relationships become more and more beholden to the alienating circuits of “social” media.
Virgin does not lie. It traces a truth of our times – a paradoxical truth – that we are at our most intimate, our most pure, when we are unmediated, all the while bearing out the imperative to “✏️Describe the vibe” – to mediate and expose ourselves onscreen.
My own vibe check? I love the album. It is pop at its purest – performative, playful and certainly worth paying attention to.
Rosemary Overell 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.
– ref. On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox – https://theconversation.com/on-her-new-album-lorde-creates-pop-at-its-purest-performative-playful-and-alive-to-paradox-259994
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago
New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress.
However, an almost singular focus on care of young people obscures the psychiatric needs of older adults.
Failure to account for these needs has resulted in physicians facing pressure to admit psychiatric patients to medical wards that are not designed or resourced to care for them. This compromises patient safety and rights as well as fundamental standards of care.
Our new research highlights the clinical, ethical and legal consequences of this practice and calls for urgent action.
The memory deficits of dementia are well known but the condition also includes psychiatric presentations. These are known collectively as the “behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia” (BPSD). When severe, they can include intrusive behaviour, violence and inappropriate sexual conduct. Such patients require admission and specialist treatment.
However, New Zealand has a severe shortage of psychiatric beds for older adults. Even more concerning is that despite well recognised demographic trends and clinical concerns, bed numbers have decreased over time rather than increased.
Reports that Dunedin plans to slash the number of psycho-geriatric beds by 50% reflect a lack of government insight into the risks this large and growing patient cohort poses.
Hospitals routinely expect medical wards to admit dementia patients presenting with BPSD when no psycho-geriatric bed is available. Yet it is impossible for staff on medical wards to adhere to even basic standards of care.
A lack of single rooms means medical teams cannot provide the security and minimisation of light and noise people with dementia require. Single rooms need to be prioritised for transmissible infections, delirium and terminal care.
Medical wards are also not designed for aggressive patients. People can enter and exit freely, potential weapons (scissors, for example) are accessible, there are no seclusion rooms or low-stimulus areas, and nursing stations are not secure.
Medical staff are not trained in de-escalation or restraint and ward pharmacists are not specialised in the medications required to treat BPSD.
Those presenting with physical or sexual violence also need dedicated security, well beyond what healthcare assistants on “patient watches” can provide. Most healthcare assistants are women, which creates a grossly inadequate level of safety when managing violent male patients.
The experience of Wellington general medicine staff documents numerous assaults on nurses and intrusive and frightening behaviour. Staff have been punched, hit, bitten and threatened. One nurse was stabbed while attending to another patient in a multi-bed room.
Admissions have included physically robust patients who have seriously assaulted family or carers. This includes one man who committed a fatal assault and another who was sexually aggressive and stabbed a family member.
High rates of mixed-gender bedding in hospital wards raise the risk of harm. The United Kingdom banned hospitals from placing men and women in the same room in 2010. Yet despite concerns for patient safety, New Zealand has no prohibition on this practice.
By comparison, Australia proposed a risk stratification approach more than 20 years ago whereby severe dementia patients would be managed in secure units with dedicated security staff and specialist psycho-geriatric care.
This model is used throughout Australia in policy and planning. In New Zealand, severe dementia is defaulted to medical wards even in cases where patients are presenting solely due to extreme violence.
According to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, patients are entitled to an appropriate standard of care. Admitting someone with dementia to medical wards that cannot meet basic standards of care clearly breaches this right.
BPSD admissions also significantly compromise the rights of other patients. The risks are again demonstrable rather than potential. International media reports have documented male dementia patients assaulting female patients in medical wards without the necessary security measures.
Medical staff in New Zealand hospitals have also witnessed numerous incidents of intrusion and harassment as well as assaults of other patients by dementia patients inappropriately admitted to medical wards with BPSD.
We should also recognise indirect impacts of people with severe dementia being admitted on medical wards. Many patients wait overnight for admission, increasing their risk for complications, and breaching rights to privacy and dignity.
When psychiatric patients occupy medical beds, they contribute to admission delays, complications and rights breaches for medical patients awaiting beds.
Wellington general medicine teams have raised serious concerns about dementia admissions for many years. Yet there are no secure areas and no additional psycho-geriatric beds.
We need to ask why the practice continues when harm is so obvious. The answer appears to be about cost. When physicians relent and admit psychiatric patients, the risks are high but the financial cost is low. The consequences are born by elderly and frail patients seldom able to advocate for themselves.
Change relies on health leaders and funders caring about safety, rights and basic standards of care. Unfortunately, the Wellington experience and the decision to cut beds in Dunedin suggest change will not happen unless physicians consistently refuse the admission of psychiatric patients. But this is a morally distressing position to be put in.
New Zealand must urgently address the shortage of psycho-geriatric beds. Until these are in place, temporary secure accommodation must be made available under the care of mental health specialists.
Medical teams can no longer be expected to manage the mental health crisis as well as their own medical workloads. It is unsafe, unethical and untenable for all involved.
Cindy Towns 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.
– ref. Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards – https://theconversation.com/unsafe-and-unethical-bed-shortages-mean-dementia-patients-with-psychiatric-symptoms-are-admitted-to-medical-wards-257634
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, June 30 (Xinhua) — Flights in both directions between Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, and Mandalay in Myanmar, which were suspended in March due to a powerful earthquake, resumed on Sunday.
According to the Yunnan branch of China Eastern Airlines, flights MU2029/MU2030 on the Kunming-Mandalay route are operated by Boeing 737 aircraft. The schedule remains the same: four round-trip flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flights were suspended after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. The natural disaster damaged many facilities, including the infrastructure of the Mandalay airport.
China Eastern Airlines expressed confidence that the resumption of air traffic will have a positive impact on bilateral trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation in post-disaster recovery between China and Myanmar, and will strengthen ties between Yunnan Province and Southeast Asia.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remained China’s largest trading partner in January-May. During this period, trade turnover between the two sides reached 3.02 trillion yuan (about 422 billion US dollars), an increase of 9.1 percent compared to the same period last year. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On June 29, 2025, the museum will celebrate its 140th anniversary.
Dear friends!
I congratulate you on this significant event – the 140th anniversary of the founding of the Saratov State Art Museum named after A.N. Radishchev.
Today it is one of the largest museums in our country, a scientific, cultural and educational center. Unique works of Russian and European art from different eras are carefully preserved here. Large-scale exhibition projects are implemented, which give visitors the opportunity to see masterpieces created by great masters.
The highly professional team deserves special words of gratitude. Responsible, caring people, devoted to their work, you multiply museum traditions, conduct extensive research, restoration and educational activities. It is important that the creative development of children and youth is a priority for you. You introduce young people to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Russia, instill love for the Motherland.
I wish you further success, new achievements, health, happiness and prosperity.
M. Mishustin
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
A woman has died in hospital following a crash in Karaka last Thursday.
Emergency services were called to SH22 about 1.15pm on 26 June to reports of a head on collision involving two vehicles.
Four people were transported to hospital by ambulance, two in critical condition, one in serious condition and one moderate.
Police can confirm one of the people in a critical condition, a 79-year-old woman, died in hospital on 27 June.
A man remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the other two involved in the crash have been discharged.
The Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate circumstances of the crash.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 30, 2025.
Fiji’s Dr Prasad unveils $4.8b budget as deficit widens
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist The Fiji government is spending big on this year’s budget. The country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, unveiled a FJ$4.8 billion (about NZ$3.5 billion) spending package, complete with cost of living measures and fiscal stimulus, to the Fijian Parliament on Friday. This is about F$280
Cities are heating up the planet – how they can do more to fight climate change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Hurlimann, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock Cities have a central role to play tackling climate change. They contribute 67–72% of the greenhouse gas emissions which are heating up the planet. At the same time, cities are increasingly at risk
Tahiti prepares for its first Matari’i public holiday
RNZ Te Manu Korihi Tahiti will mark Matari’i as a national public holiday for the first time in November, following in the footsteps of Matariki in Aotearoa New Zealand. Matari’i refers to the same star cluster as Matariki. And for Tahitians, November 20 will mark the start of Matari’i i ni’a — the “season of
Scientists look to black holes to know exactly where we are in the Universe. But phones and wifi are blocking the view
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucia McCallum, Senior Scientist in Geodesy, University of Tasmania ESA / Hubble / L. Calçada (ESO), CC BY The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble. Their measurements are essential for the satellites we use for navigation, communication and Earth
Could we live with a nuclear-armed Iran? Reluctantly, yes
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Zala, Senior Lecturer, Politics & International Relations, Monash University As the ceasefire between Israel and Iran seems to be holding for now, it is important to reflect on whether this whole episode was worth the risks. Wider escalation was (and remains) possible, and we do not
How to reform the NDIS and better support disabled people who don’t qualify for it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Bennett, Disability Program Director, Grattan Institute Australia is spending more than ever on disability services – and yet many people with disability still aren’t receiving the support they need. Since the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) began in 2013, it has transformed the lives of hundreds
Mr Smith or Gary? Why some teachers ask students to call them by their first name
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Brownlie, Lecturer in Education, University of Southern Queensland Johnny Greig/ Getty Images When you went to school, did you call your teacher Mrs, Ms or Mr, followed by their surname? Perhaps you even called them Sir or Miss. The tradition of addressing teachers in a formal
NZ cities are getting hotter: 5 things councils can do now to keep us cooler when summer comes
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Stand on any car park on a sunny day in February and the heat will radiate through your shoes. At 30°C air temperature, that asphalt hits 50–55°C – hot enough to cause
Murdoch’s News Corp has moved into the mortgage business. Where are the regulators?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roberta Esbitt, Associate, RMIT University If you want to advertise a house online in Australia, you don’t have many options. Just two companies dominate the market. Australia’s largest property listings platform, realestate.com.au, belongs to digital media company REA Group, which is majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch’s US-based media
Clark warns in new Pacific book renewed nuclear tensions pose ‘existential threat to humanity’
Asia Pacific Report Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark has warned the country needs to maintain its nuclear-free policy as a “fundamental tenet” of its independent foreign policy in the face of gathering global storm clouds. Writing in a new book being published next week, she says “nuclear war is an existential threat to
‘Bridge for peace – not more bombs,’ say CNMI Gaza protesters
By Bryan Manabat in Saipan Advocacy groups in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) disrupted the US Department of Defense’s public meeting this week, which tackled proposed military training plans on Tinian, voicing strong opposition to further militarisation in the Marianas. Members of the Marianas for Palestine, Prutehi Guahan and Commonwealth670 burst into
Why manufacturing consent for war with Iran failed this time
COMMENTARY: By Ahmad Ibsais On June 22, American warplanes crossed into Iranian airspace and dropped 14 massive bombs. The attack was not in response to a provocation; it came on the heels of illegal Israeli aggression that took the lives of more than 600 Iranians. This was a return to something familiar and well-practised: an
A return to Nature.
Headline: A return to Nature. – 36th Parallel Assessments Thomas Hobbes wrote his seminal work Leviathan in 1651. In it he describes the world system as it was then as being in “a state of nature,” something that some have interpreted as anarchy. However, anarchy has order and purpose. It is not chaos. In fact,
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Palestinians are seen near a site of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on June 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
At least 21 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip, Gaza’s civil defense said, as the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of wide areas in Gaza City and northern parts of the enclave amid escalating military operations.
According to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the civil defense in Gaza, Israeli warplanes struck residential houses and tents sheltering displaced people in various areas of the enclave, killing at least 17 people, including women and children. Dozens of others were injured, some critically.
Basal told Xinhua that four other Palestinians were killed while searching for food near the U.S.-backed aid distribution center in the Shakoush area, north of Rafah in southern Gaza.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents.
Munir al-Bursh, director general of Gaza’s health authorities, told Xinhua on Sunday the Israeli army has intensified its attacks over the past 24 hours, targeting residential areas and shelter centers.
“We are witnessing daily casualties and a worsening health crisis. Artillery fire is dispersing crowds waiting for aid,” al-Bursh said, noting that most injuries were to the head and chest.
Gaza’s health authorities warned that the humanitarian and medical situation has reached catastrophic levels due to the continued blockade that restricts the entry of emergency medical supplies.
Meanwhile, local sources told Xinhua that Israeli artillery shelled the eastern and southern outskirts of Gaza City, Jabalia in the north, and Khan Younis in the south, amid fierce fighting with Palestinian armed groups.
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said in a press statement on Sunday that its fighters had targeted an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yasin 105 missile east of Khan Younis, causing it to catch fire.
The group also claimed to have shelled Israeli army positions in the Ma’an area with mortars.
Also on Sunday, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for residents in Jabalia and the Gaza City neighborhoods of al-Zaytoun, al-Tuffah, al-Daraj, and al-Sabra, urging civilians to move to the al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza. The directive marks one of the largest evacuation orders issued in recent months.
Israeli army spokesperson for Arabic media Avichay Adraee warned that military operations would intensify in these areas and expand westward toward the city center.
Following the warning, witnesses reported that dozens of families fled their homes under heavy bombardment. Streets were filled with civilians, many carrying belongings on foot or in private vehicles, heading southward in search of safety.
On Sunday, Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned of the danger of what he described as the largest displacement campaign in Gaza since the start of the conflict.
He urged the United States to pressure Israel to halt its operations and push for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
Abu Rudeineh reaffirmed that any political initiative must guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the 1967 borders.
At least 6,175 Palestinians had been killed and 21,378 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 56,500, and injuries to 133,419, Gaza’s health authorities said on Sunday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A state funeral for the military commanders and nuclear scientists killed during a 12-day conflict with Israel is held in Tehran, Iran, on June 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Iran’s top military commander on Sunday questioned Israel’s commitment to a recently agreed ceasefire following 12 days of fighting, warning that Tehran was prepared to respond forcefully to any renewed aggression, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, as the two discussed the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
“We have serious doubts about the enemy’s adherence to the ceasefire,” Mousavi said. “If aggression is repeated, we are fully prepared to respond decisively.”
He accused Israel and the United States of launching attacks on Iran despite what he described as Tehran’s restraint, including during indirect nuclear talks with Washington.
Saudi Arabia’s defense chief condemned “aggression” against Iran and said Riyadh had made efforts to help end the conflict, according to Tasnim. The two sides also agreed to maintain consultations aimed at improving bilateral ties and promoting regional stability.
Separately, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said Tehran had not scheduled any meeting with U.S. officials, rejecting recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump of upcoming nuclear talks, state media reported.
Speaking at the close of a NATO summit earlier this week, Trump said U.S. and Iranian officials would meet the following week to discuss a possible nuclear deal.
The conflict escalated on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting military and nuclear facilities. The attacks killed senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, according to Iranian officials.
Iran retaliated with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In response, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached last Tuesday after nearly two weeks of fighting.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Harry Kane struck twice as Bayern Munich progressed to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-2 win over a spirited Flamengo on Sunday.
Leon Goretzka was also on target for the German side, which benefited from an Erick Pulgar own goal, while Gerson and Jorginho scored for Flamengo at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The result means Bayern will face Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta on Saturday for a place in the last four after the French and European champions trounced Inter Miami 4-0 earlier in the day.
Flamengo bows out after a combative display that saw it recover from a 2-0 deficit to briefly trouble the Bundesliga champions but ultimately fall short.
It took just six minutes for Bayern to go ahead as Pulgar nodded into his own net while attempting to clear a Joshua Kimmich corner.
Vincent Kompany’s men doubled their advantage shortly after when the Brazilian giants lost possession in their own half and the ball fell to Kane, who took a touch before lashing a left-footed shot from distance that rebounded in off the post.
Despite the early deficit, Flamengo did not fold, and created its first clear chance when an unchecked Luiz Araujo forced a sharp save from Manuel Neuer.
Pulgar then had an attempt blocked, and Araujo volleyed wide before Gerson finally broke Bayern’s resistance just after the half hour. The Brazil international pounced on a loose ball in the area to rifle in a first-time effort from 15 yards, leaving Neuer with no chance.
Just when Flamengo looked to be back in the contest, Bayern wrested back the momentum. Goretzka showed superb composure and skill as he intercepted a rushed defensive clearance with his chest before thumping a low 25-yard drive past Agustin Rossi.
Pulgar was fortunate not to be sent off on the stroke of halftime for a studs-up challenge on Harry Kane that earned him a yellow card and almost sparked a melee.
Flamengo emerged from the break with renewed energy as Jorginho, Gerson and Pulgar began to take control in midfield.
Filipe Luis’ men were rewarded for their efforts in the 55th minute when Jorginho struck from the penalty spot after a Michael Olise handball.
It was no less than Flamengo deserved as the Rio de Janeiro-based side showed it could compete on equal footing with its more fancied opponent.
But Bayern pulled away again through Kane, who capitalized on another turnover in Flamengo’s half to slot a low shot past Rossi after Kimmich’s perfectly weighted pass.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Chinese team lost 3-0 to Canada in the 2025 Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Chicago leg on Sunday.
In the first set, the two teams were tied from 1-1 to 12-12 before Canada pulled away with five straight points to lead 17-12. China closed the gap to 20-21 with blocks from Zhang Zhejia and Li Yongzhen and powerful attacks by Jiang Chuan. However, Canada held on to take the set 25-23 with strong serving and offense.
Jiang Chuan (R) of China spikes during the Pool 5 match between China and Canada at the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 in Chicago, the United States, June 29, 2025. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua)
China fell behind 4-7 in the second set but responded with four straight points to lead 8-7. The teams stayed close until 16-16, when Canada pulled ahead to win 25-20. China committed more errors, saw a drop in offensive efficiency, and struggled to contain Canada’s momentum.
In the third set, China trailed 6-1 early but narrowed the gap to 8-7 before losing steam. Led by captain Jiang Chuan, the team rallied to 19-17, but Canada held on to win the set 25-23 and seal the match.
Zhang Jingyin missed the match due to a knee injury, while Jiang Chuan returned to the starting lineup. China had opportunities to tie or take the lead in both the first and third sets but fell short in key moments.
The team continues to face challenges with first-pass stability, quick-attack execution from middle blockers, and setter variation.
Ranked 11th in the world, Canada holds a clear advantage over 24th-ranked China. This latest defeat marks China’s fourth straight loss to Canada, compounding a psychological disadvantage.
Jiang expressed his frustration. “Losing four matches in the Chicago leg is a wake-up call. We need to change some things in the next leg and strive for better performance,” he said.
“We didn’t play our best match. One or two players did a good job, a lot of players could not bring what they can do,” said China’s Belgian head coach Vital Heynen. “But (for sports) sometimes you don’t play as good as you are. We have to accept.”
“Seeing our whole situation, injuries, putting players coming back, some players have to take a lot of loads who are not used to do that, and cannot always bring that, that’s normal,” Heynen said. “I blame myself and the team, like we together are not good enough.”
“I think every match is so difficult for us. So we will try next week to win at least one match, to have at least a good ending of this VNL.”
Five national teams from China, the United States, Brazil, Italy and Canada competed in the Chicago leg of the 2025 VNL. China lost all four of its matches.
The VNL group stage spans three weeks, with Chicago hosting the second week. The third week will take place in Gdansk, Poland; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and the Kanto region of Japan. The finals are scheduled for July 30 to August 3 in Ningbo Beilun, east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
As the sun rises over a green fitness trail in Xingtai in north China’s Hebei Province, a group of cyclists pedals in unison, their wheels humming along the smooth, tree-lined path.
“The road is flat and smooth, without any noticeable slopes. It’s a real pleasure to ride here,” said Zhao Wei, a cycling enthusiast with eight years of riding experience.
Nowadays, as more people turn to cycling for fitness, stress relief and social connection, the humble bicycle has evolved far beyond its traditional role as a mere mode of transport.
In Xingtai, a city renowned for its bicycle manufacturing industry, the local government is charting a new course as it works to shape a distinctive urban identity as a “City of Bicycles.”
This year, Xingtai launched an initiative to integrate cycling with wellness and tourism. So far, more than 50 cycling-friendly tourism routes have been developed, each blending physical activity with local culture and lifestyle.
Some routes highlight revolutionary history, while others combine cycling with traditional health practices such as herbal therapy and Tai Chi-themed parks, transforming simple rides into immersive cultural experiences.
Data shows that the return rate of tourists participating in cycling tours has reached 35 percent, significantly higher than that of traditional sightseeing tours.
“Each cycling route is carefully designed with both safety and scenic value in mind, combining public participation with professional competitions, and blending health, leisure and culture,” said Guo Qingbo, deputy director of Xingtai Sports Bureau.
The city’s vibrant cycling culture is evident in the rising number of local club members.
According to Wang Zhenping, general manager of a cycling club in Xingtai, the club has registered over 30,000 members since its founding in 2008. In the first five months of this year alone, more than 3,000 new members joined.
“Many families are joining together, which reflects a new trend in people’s health awareness and consumption habits,” Wang said.
Xingtai is also tapping into the potential of cycling competitions, projecting the city not only as a venue for races but also as a vibrant display of urban vitality.
In May, the city hosted multiple large-scale cycling events that attracted hundreds of professional and amateur riders from across the country.
Such events are driving the rise of a new “cycling economy,” boosting consumption in sectors such as sports equipment, wellness services, tourism, dining and lodging.
Statistics show that cycling tourists spend an average of 2.3 times more than ordinary visitors, with over 60 percent of that spending going toward gear upgrades and health-related services.
Xingtai’s ambition to become a cycling capital is backed by solid industrial foundations. With bicycle manufacturing dating back to the 1970s, it remains one of the city’s key industries.
Today, Xingtai is home to over 4,500 bicycle producers, with an annual output of 20 million adult bicycles and 80 million children’s bicycles.
China’s cycling boom is part of the country’s broader efforts to build itself into a leading sporting nation. With its wide accessibility and eco-friendly appeal, cycling has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of public exercise.
According to the General Administration of Sport of China, the number of people who regularly engage in physical exercise nationwide rose from 360 million in 2014 to 550 million in 2023, with the proportion of the population participating in sports increasing from 26 percent to 39 percent.
Official data also show that China’s sports industry reached a total output of nearly 3.7 trillion yuan (about 516.56 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, reflecting strong momentum in sectors such as sporting goods manufacturing, outdoor events and health services. Cities like Xingtai are riding this wave by aligning local development with national sports policies.
Currently, as China’s bicycle market shifts toward premium models, manufacturers in Xingtai are seizing the opportunity to upgrade.
Efforts are underway to strengthen the industrial chain and promote the rapid shift of the bicycle industry toward the middle and high-end market, a local official said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A C909 jetliner lands at Con Dao Airport, Vietnam, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua)
China’s commercial jetliner C909, formerly known as ARJ21, celebrated the 9th anniversary of its maiden flight on Saturday.
With a layout of 78 to 97 seats, and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 km, the C909 is the first short-medium range turbofan regional aircraft independently developed by China in accordance with international civil aviation regulations.
A total of 166 C909 aircraft have been delivered to the market, which have operated on more than 700 routes and transported over 24 million passengers.
The C909 has achieved a breakthrough in the commercial operation of homegrown jetliners and explored a development path for their entire life cycle, its chief designer Chen Yong told Xinhua in an interview.
Linking border cities
The C909 aircraft have been deployed in China’s border regions, such as Xinjiang, the northeast and Inner Mongolia. By expanding the regional air route network, they have enhanced travel convenience, supported population mobility, and spurred local economic development.
According to Chen, who also serves as chief engineer at Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd., the developer of the C909, since the jetliner’s debut in Xinjiang in June 2023, a total of such 22 aircraft have been put into local operation, opening more than 120 routes and safely transporting over 1.3 million passengers.
In June 2025, as Xinjiang entered its peak tourist season, four daily round-trip flights began operating between the popular destinations of Kashgar and Yining, serviced by C909 aircraft from Chengdu Airlines and China Express.
“We have received feedback from airlines such as Chengdu Airlines, indicating that in terms of flight performance, they are very well-suited to the operating environment in places like Xinjiang,” Chen said.
The jetliners have also been deployed on international routes. The first C909 international service, connecting Harbin in northeast China and Vladivostok in Russia, was launched on Oct. 26, 2019. These routes have further facilitated economic, cultural and tourism exchanges and integration between cities on both sides of the border.
Southeast Asia expansion
On April 18, 2023, the C909 completed its maiden flight in Indonesia, marking the launch of regional routes between the islands and expanding to cross-border trunk routes. Notably, the Manado-Guangzhou route, covering over 2,700 km, is currently the longest commercial route operated by the C909 aircraft.
Chen Yong said that with its excellent airport and route adaptability, as well as passenger comfort, the C909 is well-suited to meet the operational needs of Southeast Asia’s aviation market. The aircraft has pioneered a new business model for domestic passenger planes in the region by being leased to airlines through both dry and wet lease agreements.
Dry lease means that the lessor only provides the aircraft, while wet lease refers to the lessor providing not only the aircraft but also flight crew, safety management, maintenance and operational control.
For example, the two C909 that Chengdu Airlines has wet leased to Vietnam’s Vietjet Air operate daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, respectively.
“The Con Dao Airport runway is only over 1,800 meters long and bordered by the sea at both ends. This has fully verified the C909’s operational capability on short and narrow runways and its adaptability to the humid environment in Southeast Asia,” Chen explained.
To date, three Southeast Asian airlines — TransNusa of Indonesia, Lao Airlines and Vietjet Air — operate a total of seven C909 aircraft. They have launched 15 routes connecting 18 cities and have transported over 370,000 passengers.
Variant types
The development of aircraft variants is a feature of the commercial aircraft industry. At present, four variants of the C909 jetliner have been made public, namely the freighter, emergency rescue command aircraft, medical aircraft and business jet.
According to Chen, the C909 freighter can meet diverse air cargo needs, including the special cargo market, plateau market and short-haul international cargo routes. The emergency rescue command variant can achieve situation awareness, decision-making and coordination in disaster response. It can also be used for transporting rescue forces and establishing temporary communication networks in disaster-hit areas.
The medical variant is capable of air medical rescue and patient transfer missions. The business jet, known for its flexibility, efficiency, quietness and comfort, can be customized to meet individual customer requirements.
“Over the past nine years of operation, the C909 has been continuously improved and optimized to enhance its performance, crew operating experience and cabin comfort,” Chen said.
“Today, the C909 has found its suitable operational scenarios, such as high-density shuttle routes. It will continue to deliver greater value in the future,” he added.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Education, June 28 is a single graduation day in Russian schools. Those who decided to connect their lives with the education of the younger generation – graduates of the Perm State Humanitarian and Pedagogical University, as well as other graduates were congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Perm Krai Governor Dmitry Makhonin. They also presented diplomas with honors to the best students of the university.
“I congratulate you and all Russian graduates on the completion of this important stage of life! Perm State Humanitarian and Pedagogical University is a forge of teaching staff, significant for the entire country. It is no coincidence that our President Vladimir Putin ordered the launch of the national project “Youth and Children”, where a large part is devoted to projects in the field of education. You are not just teachers and mentors, you are the bearers of the cultural code, spiritual and true values. Family, respect for elders, love – you must spread and instill these important human values in your students. I thank your teachers and lecturers for their work. I know that you are proud of your graduates, who will now become your colleagues. Bon voyage!” – said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
“The future of Perm Krai and the country depends on you in many ways. I am convinced that it will be successful. You have received one of the best educations, continue to pass on this knowledge and skills to the younger generation. You are expected in various educational institutions of the Kama region, which are developing and will continue to develop thanks to the support of the Government and President Vladimir Putin. We aim to ensure that the profession of a teacher and mentor becomes increasingly authoritative and prestigious. Including thanks to you, Perm Krai will continue to develop and be the mainstay of the state. Happiness and success in everything!” – the Governor of Perm Krai Dmitry Makhonin addressed the graduates.
“The main heroes today were our honors graduates. I am sure that a great professional future awaits them. Let this ceremony and the participation of such distinguished guests be a successful start for them,” said the university rector Konstantin Egorov.
He said that next year the university plans to join the Priority 2030 program.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Governor left memorable entries in the book of honored guests.
During their visit, they also visited the Russian Classical School “Svetonika” and the Perm Aviation Technical School named after Shvetsov.
The Russian Classical School “Svetonika” held a presentation of the personnel training project “Engineering Lift”. The founder of the school is the Perm Scientific and Production Instrument-Making Company. The institution educates children up to 11 years old. As part of additional education, engineering and technical classes are held (robotics, school of young engineers).
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Dmitry Makhonin also assessed the infrastructure of the new building of the Shvetsov Perm Aviation Technical School, where over 2 thousand students are studying. An educational and production cluster in the mechanical engineering industry has been created on the basis of the technical school within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”. The institution trains highly qualified specialists for the engine-building industry. The key employers are JSC “UEC – Perm Motors”, JSC “UEC – Aviadvigatel”, JSC “UEC – STAR”.
The director of the technical school spoke about the implementation of the “Professionality” program, under which 900 students are trained in seven main areas of training. Among them are “Mechanical Engineering Technology”, “Additive Technologies”, “Aviation Instruments and Complexes”.
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.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On June 28, festive events dedicated to Youth Day are held throughout the country. Youth movements, public organizations and leading Russian companies present their projects and programs with opportunities for young people.
The youth of Perm and Omsk were greeted by the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Governor of Perm Krai Dmitry Makhonin, Governor of Omsk Oblast Vitaly Khotsenko, as well as representatives of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs and the Movement of the First.
First Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko congratulated the youth of both capitals.
“This year, Russia has two youth capitals. I congratulate you! You are great! You are capable of doing the impossible. You are the future of Russia. Today, all opportunities are open to you thanks to the decisions of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Russia is a country of opportunities,” said Sergei Kiriyenko.
Addressing the youth of the two youth capitals and all of Russia, the Deputy Prime Minister noted: “Happy Youth Day! Now I will say a phrase that every Perm resident knows: in Perm, everything is real! President Vladimir Putin has just opened new youth centers in the regions of the country via video link. Here in Perm, four youth centers have already opened, and by the end of the year there will be three more, where you can realize your talents, your opportunities, become volunteers, create and try. Bon voyage!”
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the opening of new youth centers in the regions of the country via video link, which was held by President Vladimir Putin. Five new youth centers and the first creative village of Russia “Schastlivtsevo” – the space of the art cluster “Tavrida” (a project of Rosmolodezh) in the Kherson region were opened.
“We proudly bear the title of youth capital this year. I wish for all of us that everything in this city would be real!” – said Governor Dmitry Makhonin.
Let us recall that Perm, as the youth capital of Russia 2024, became one of the central venues for the Youth Day celebration. The program spanned several days, from June 25 to 29, and included dozens of events.
Also, as part of a working visit to Perm, the Deputy Prime Minister assessed the “Weapons of Victory” exhibition and met with leaders of Perm youth organizations. The meeting took place at the site of the A. Shpagin plant: during the Great Patriotic War, young Perm residents helped repair armored trains for the front at this place.
Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized the importance of their role as leaders, leading tens and hundreds of young people. He noted that there are about 37 million young people in Russia, and it is important that they feel supported.
In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Dmitry Makhonin greeted the participants of the festive events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Ural-Great club.
They thanked the veterans of the Ural-Great club and the current players of the Parma team.
“I congratulate the basketball capital of Russia on the 30th anniversary of the legendary club Ural-Great! A huge thank you to everyone who created, supported and developed this club, a true champion in every sense – both in Russia and in Europe. Special words of gratitude to those who created excellent conditions for our youth to play basketball. And on the eve of the 30th anniversary, we witnessed the creation of a magnificent infrastructure. I am sure that Ural-Great will have a bright and victorious future for many years to come! Happy holiday to everyone,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
“I am glad that many young guys, looking at you, are involved in sports. Their parents support them. And only thanks to this joint work can we rightfully be considered the basketball capital of the country. I wish you success,” the governor said.
Let us recall that in 1995, Sergei Kushchenko created the Ural-Great club on the basis of the student team “Polytechnic”. In six years, the team went through the path to great victories: it won the status of two-time champion of Russia in basketball and became the first club, besides CSKA, to conquer this title.
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.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
06.29.25
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as the Senate prepares to vote on a new budget that would gut $930 billion from Medicaid, funnel resources to special interests via massive corporate tax breaks, and add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) delivered a speech on the Senate floor to highlight how various provisions included in the 940-page document ultimately sell out the American people.
“This bill would make the entire health care system less responsive and more expensive for everyone by dismantling Medicaid and shifting more of the cost burden on to states — and threatening the very existence of rural hospitals. This bill also sells spectrum out from under our national defense and safety agencies and forces states to choose between protecting their citizens from dangerous AI or providing broadband service, and just gives away big breaks to companies like Meta — that’s Facebook — or Google, who I’m sure at this point in time don’t really need that additional tax break. Clearly, though, the most [egregious] and certainly most destructive part of the bill, of this reconciliation, is the changes to health care,” Sen. Cantwell said.
“You’re going to increase the cost of uncompensated care. You’re going to make people wait to go to emergency rooms and then they’re going to be sicker,” she said. “It’s ten times more expensive to deal with somebody at an emergency room than just get health insurance and get covered.”
“Yes, extending the 2017 tax cuts does help some middle-class families, and we would support that. But all the hits in other areas — like health insurance — mean they will lose money overall. The lowest 20% of income brackets are hit even harder. In this massive bill, it is those who can least afford it who are going to be hit the hardest,” Sen. Cantwell concluded.
Her speech can be watched in full HERE; a transcript is HERE.
Sen. Cantwell, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has been fighting this proposed budget every step of the way.
To sound the alarm on proposed Medicaid cuts, Sen. Cantwell hosted a virtual press conference on Friday with Republican leaders from red states – Utah, North Carolina, and Missouri. On Monday, she delivered another speech on the Senate floor highlighting the story of the Winterrose family in Richland, WA, who rely on Medicaid to ensure their 5-year-old daughter can live at home. Last month, she convened a group of health care providers across Washington state for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide opposition to the cuts. The same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”
When details of her Republican colleagues’ plan to slash Medicaid were made public earlier this year, Sen. Cantwell toured the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by the cuts. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.
Sen. Cantwell also released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region. Last week, the Senator released a fact sheet that warned of dire consequences for reproductive health care in Washington state if the Republican reconciliation bill is passed.
In her remarks today, Sen. Cantwell also discussed new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), available here, of the impact of the Republican plan’s cuts to Medicaid. In addition, a Joint Economic Committee (JEC) fact sheet, available here, provides updated estimates for all 50 states and D.C. of the estimated number of people losing their health insurance. The JEC data broken down by Congressional District is available here.
A previous version of the bill included a provision that would have required the federal government to sell off millions of acres of public land. On Tuesday, Sen. Cantwell held a virtual press conference with the mayor of Boise, professional climbers, a leader from outdoor gear retailer REI, and a spokesperson for a hunting and angling advocacy group to fight back – yesterday, the provision was dropped.
Earlier this week, Sen. Cantwell criticized new reconciliation bill language released by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) which forces states receiving Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding to choose between expanding broadband or protecting consumers from harms caused by artificial intelligence for ten years. Cruz’s new language would also auction spectrum critical to national defense: “The newly released language by Chair Cruz continues to hold $42 billion in BEAD funding hostage, forcing states to choose between protecting consumers and expanding critical broadband infrastructure to rural communities,” Sen. Cantwell said earlier this week. “Forty state attorneys general oppose the AI moratorium that would leave every American vulnerable to AI-assisted fraud, theft, and abuse at a time when we should be strengthening consumer protections. This bill would auction off spectrum essential for military drone operations and risk grounding both civilian and military aircraft due to interference with airplane altimeters. It would jeopardize our weather tracking radar systems and the bands we rely on for WiFi connectivity. And for what? So telecommunications companies—the same ones that failed to protect Americans from Salt Typhoon—can profit and Trump can hawk more of his $47.45 phone plans. This is a fundamental threat to our national defense and a massive giveaway to China.” Sen. Cruz claims that the ten-year moratorium on states’ enforcement of AI laws applies only to a new $500 million appropriation. However, concerns remain that the bill’s text still leverages broadband funding to deny states the ability to protect their citizens from AI-assisted fraud, theft, and abuse.
The Senate is currently scheduled to vote on the budget bill late tonight or early tomorrow morning. If the bill passes the Senate, it will go back to the House for at least 72 hours of consideration before a House vote.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The rapid development of new energy technologies is underway in the inland waterway shipping sector to align navigation practices with environmental concerns by transitioning vessels to liquefied natural gas, battery, methanol and hydrogen fuel power sources, a senior transportation official said on Friday.
“China’s new energy and clean energy vessels are holding their own against global benchmarks. Among these, electric vessels are predominantly used in China, leading the world in terms of scale and technology,” said Fu Xuyin, vice-minister of transport at a news conference held in Beijing.
According to Fu, as of the end of 2024, China boasts over 1,000 ships that use alternative power sources and fuels along inland waterways. Among them, more than 600 are LNG-powered vessels, primarily used for inland waterway transportation, and 485 are battery-powered vessels, mainly for inland passenger services.
“It has become the new trend of developing maritime in a greener and low-carbon way by energy transformation,” Fu said.
For example, last year, electricity consumption by vessels while docked along the Yangtze River Economic Belt reached an amount that was four times the highest annual figure during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).
“That resulted in a reduction of 133,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, protecting the Yangtze River,” Fu said.
According to the ministry, China’s inland freight volume hit 4.95 billion tons last year, 2.2 times more than in 2012, underscoring the nation’s dedication to eco-friendly shipping practices.
The push for transitioning to new energy sources will continue in ports, vessels and waterways, Fu said.
The country will promote battery-powered technology for small and medium-sized vessels engaged in short-distance transport operations. For larger vessels involved in medium to long-distance transport on inland waterways, the country encourages the adoption of LNG and methanol power technologies, he added.
Stronger facilities to refuel new energy and clean energy vessels are expected, he said.
Near-zero carbon terminals along inland waterways will be promoted, with ports encouraged to harness energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Fu added that port machinery and transportation tools inside ports will adopt more new energy and clean energy sources, along with a focus on using railways and new energy trucks for bulk cargo transport.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A student (L) talks with an employer during a campus job fair held at Qinghai College of Architectural Technology in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A new academic trend is gaining ground in universities across China. Students are increasingly spending their evenings and weekends pursuing micro-majors, which are short-duration educational programs designed to empower them with practical skills needed in the job market.
Such programs constitute a key step in enhancing graduate employability and align the higher education system with the country’s economic needs, the Ministry of Education said.
In a recent guideline aimed at improving public welfare, the central government called on universities to deepen the integration of industry and education by developing micro-major programs that target skills in high demand.
Guo Peng, director of the ministry’s Department of Development Planning, said in early June that the guideline supports universities in establishing micro-major programs to strengthen students’ employment and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Unlike traditional academic programs, micro-majors are nondegree programs comprising three to 10 courses. They feature flexible schedules, shorter terms and curriculums centered around knowledge that is interdisciplinary, advanced and practical.
In March, the ministry launched a plan aimed at accelerating the trend and establishing 1,000 micro-major programs nationwide. The objective was to create an innovative talent pool that can quickly adapt to industrial shifts.
Universities across the country have responded to the new trend.
This month, Jiangnan University in Jiangsu province started enrollment for 19 new micro-majors for the 2025 academic year. These include eclectic programs such as embodied artificial intelligence and robotics, Chinese liquor, biopharmaceuticals and entrepreneurial design.
Classes are held in the evenings, over the weekends, or during condensed short terms to avoid conflict with primary studies. Upon finishing a micro-major program, students receive a certificate, but it has no bearing on their GPA, the university said.
In Shanghai, 33 institutes have established 298 micro-majors focused on emerging industries such as the digital, green and low-altitude economies, according to the municipal education bureau.
Wang Haoxu, a student majoring in international communication at Tsinghua University in Beijing, has registered for a micro-major in public health to build cross-disciplinary skills.
As a student of liberal arts, Wang said he wants to pursue fields that intersect with science and technology to enhance his scope of employment in the future. “Having a cross-disciplinary background may also lead to a higher salary,” he added.
Most micro-major programs are practice-oriented, according to Wang. For example, a program on nutrition and health offers immediately applicable lessons on healthier eating, while another on global health and governance uses case studies to inculcate a problem-solving framework.
“Public health is a practice-oriented discipline. Much of the knowledge we acquire in theory can be applied in practice,” he said, adding that the program is more about building a foundational literacy that is useful in the real world.
One of the most appealing features of such programs is that they give students a competitive edge, Wang said. “If I enter the media industry, the (additional) knowledge will give me an advantage over students from the same major and help me form my own unique strengths.”
Beyond career prospects, Wang has discovered unexpected parallels between the two disciplines he has chosen. The public health program’s strong emphasis on evaluation is similar to the focus on effectiveness in international communication, he said.
International communication students are sometimes required to provide policy advice to government departments on issues such as public opinion management.
“If you don’t understand the entire process and the regulatory logic of the medical field, it’s very difficult to give targeted recommendations,” Wang said.
The new trend is also breaking down the wall between campus and society.
Since 2023, Soochow University in Suzhou, a city in Jiangsu, has opened some of its micro-majors to the public. The educational leadership-plus program is offered for free to primary and secondary school teachers in western China to build up the regional teaching workforce. The university’s precision radiology program is open to undergraduate students of nine other universities to foster collaboration.
Yan Changjie, director of the academic affairs office at Yangzhou University in Jiangsu, said the traditional process of establishing a new academic major may take years from application to the first graduating class, by which time the industry may have already changed.
“Micro-majors are nimble. Those with positive feedback are expected to supplement a traditional degree and could even be developed into a full-fledged major,” Yan said.
Fan Xiudi, director of the Education Evaluation Research Center at Tongji University in Shanghai, said the programs are a necessary and practical way for universities and enterprises to provide more diverse options for college students and other members of the public.
Although micro-majors can’t substitute for traditional degree programs, they represent a way for higher education to serve national needs and are bound for greater development in the future, she added.
However, Fan warned that institutions must focus on quality, rather than simply follow a trend.
“These programs should be diverse and constantly adjusted to meet the real needs of students and professionals,” she said. “If micro-majors focus more on quality and flexibility, they will gain broader recognition and have a positive impact.”
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 30 June 2025
An Auckland-based woman purchased the whale baleen to sketch and was unaware she needed a permit from DOC. Baleen is the filter-feeding system of plates inside the mouths of large whales like humpbacks. The inside edge of each plate has a hairy fringe which acts like a sieve or filter, straining prey from the water.
Each baleen looks like a large solid feather and is a popular subject of artwork around the world. It is strong and flexible and made of the same protein that makes up human hair, and fingernails.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, anyone who possesses marine mammal part(s) must hold a permit or an exemption letter from DOC.
It is an offence to possess marine mammal parts without one of these two things.
The buyer, who asked not to be named, looks out for marine items for sale and loves to sketch objects like shells, bones and rocks.
“When I saw the baleen on Trade Me, I was super excited and bought it straight away,” the buyer says.
“I just assumed the seller had a permit for it, but they didn’t. They told me DOC had contacted them about the baleen. I rang DOC for advice and the permissions staff told me I could apply for a permit or surrender the whale baleen to a research institution or find out where it came from and offer it to local iwi.
“I wasn’t in a position to pay the processing costs for a permit, so I tried to find someone to take the baleen but it’s difficult, as you need to have what’s called provenance or a purpose for it, and everyone I contacted said no.”
DOC Permissions Advisor Max Clark says DOC gets about a dozen similar calls a year from people who have possession of a marine mammal part but don’t realise they need a permit.
“There are strict rules around how whale parts are acquired and that’s important as these taonga are very culturally significant to whānau, hapu and iwi,” Max says.
“People don’t realise this is a part of our job, and it’s to protect nature and the special taonga we have here. It can be a complex process in terms of how the parts have been acquired and that’s why people should always seek advice.”
With a bit of investigation, it was discovered the baleen had originally come from the Nelson area and with the help of DOC, the buyer sent it back to the local DOC office to the care of Barney Thomas who is the Pou Tairangahau, (a designated DOC staff member who leads strategic relationships with whānau, hapū and iwi in their allocated area of Aotearoa).
“These taonga have huge significance. I took delivery of it and gave it to Manuwhenua Ki Mohua who represent Ngati Tama, Ngati Rārua and Te Ātiawa within the Takaka area. They were very grateful to receive and will put it on display at the Onetahua Marae and use it for educational purposes in the local schools and community,” Mr Thomas says.
“Educating the young people about these taonga is very important, for empathy and understanding about the mauri of that whale.”
Trade Me Policy and Compliance Manager James Ryan says while the sale of marine animal parts is not a common occurrence onsite, this incident serves as a timely reminder for people to be aware of their responsibilities when trading.
“We never like to hear of anyone having a negative experience on Trade Me. While we are clear in our banned and restricted list that these items cannot be listed, in light of this we have updated content on our site covering the sale of marine mammal parts – what is and is not allowed and if permits are required. We would hate to see anyone else caught unaware,” Mr Ryan says.
The Auckland based woman who purchased the baleen on Trade Me says she is calling her experience the “saga” of the whale baleen and is speaking out to make others aware of the permit requirements.
“It’s been a long and stressful drama for me. I’m incredibly grateful for all the help DOC gave me in this process as it’s taken up a lot of their time. They’ve been very supportive in helping me navigate this. I’m a little embarrassed by the whole thing, buying it without knowing about the required permit and I don’t want others to be in the same position. People need to be aware about the permits you need. If it’s a part from a marine mammal in New Zealand, don’t buy or sell anything until you know the rules,” she says.
Bones, teeth, or ambergris that have already separated naturally from a marine mammal do not require a Permit to possess. However, DOC asks that people submit some details about their find via the following webpage:
Marine mammal parts notification form
Within 2 weeks of submitting a form, the applicant will receive an exemption letter confirming that you do not need a permit to possess those parts.
Note that we do not consider it culturally appropriate to intentionally acquire such “natural finds” from the site of a stranding, unless you have consent from the relevant Treaty partners that hold appropriate rights. If you wish to carve naturally separated whale parts, this will trigger the requirement for a permit.
Permits or exemption letters to possess marine mammal items most commonly arise in situations where someone is planning to export or import such items across the New Zealand border. Without the appropriate permitting, such items may be seized at the border (either at the New Zealand border, or at an overseas border). Whale bone entering or exiting the country will likely require CITES paperwork (in addition to authorisation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act). Permissions do not administer CITES permitting; there is more information at The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Permits, or via email: cites@doc.govt.nz
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A veteran assistance dog at work.
You may be familiar with guide dogs, but did you know people may have an assistance animal for a range of reasons?
Dogs are the most common type of assistance animal. They may also be referred to as service dogs.
This article looks at assistance dogs in the ACT, including things you may find helpful to know.
Assistance dogs can accompany their owner in any public place in the ACT. This includes:
They’re not allowed in some restricted places. These include commercial kitchens, operating theatres.
Each airline has its own policy for assistance animals.
Assistance dogs work for one person and one person only.
They can help their person gain independence and confidence to participate more fully in all aspects of life.
Dogs can provide support for people with disability and/or health conditions.
It’s important to remember you may not be able to see why someone needs their assistance dog.
A veteran assistance dog, for example, may provide life-changing support for someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Guide dogs support people with sight loss. They help them move around more safely.
Hearing assistance dogs support people with hearing loss. They alert them to sounds and potential risk.
Mobility assistance dogs help people with mobility issues. They support them with daily activities such as undressing, carrying things, and opening doors.
Medical alert dogs are trained to constantly monitor their handler’s health condition. They alert them to an impending episode where their health would deteriorate quickly. The alert allows the person to take preventative action to avoid/limit the episode, or to make themselves safer and reduce the risk of injury during the episode. They may also be called:
Autism assistance dogs support people with autism. They can help in many ways, from reducing sensory overload to providing routine and stability.
Dogs supporting people who have a mental health illness or disorder. These dogs can help reduce anxiety or distress. They support to people with conditions such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia. They may also be called psychiatric service dogs.
Therapy dog programs are designed to improve wellbeing. A person or organisation brings a therapy dog to visit a facility. While each dog will have a handler, it’s others who benefit most from its presence. Therapy dogs may visit:
Emotional support animals can be any type of animal. They can support people through mental and other medical illnesses. They haven’t been specially trained to alleviate conditions, though. This means that unlike assistance animals, they are not allowed in all public spaces.
At ACT hospitals, for example, assistance animals can remain with patients during their stay. Emotional support animals may only visit.
Read more about assistance animals in ACT public healthcare settings.
Based on trust and reliability, the relationship benefits both.
It can provide comfort, security and a sense of independence for the handler. For the dog, it gives a sense of purpose and belonging.
Note: a person with an assistance dog may be referred to as its owner, handler or partner.
It’s not always easy to be sure a dog is an assistance dog. It’s best to assume they are and avoid calling or patting it.
Interacting with an assistance dog can distract it. This can interfere with its work and training. It can also cause the handler delays, stress or embarrassment.
Remember, the animal needs space to focus on its job: keeping their person safe.
Assistance dogs don’t need to be registered as such. People with an assistance dog do not have to carry an ID.
The dog may wear an identifiable coat or harness, but this is optional. As such, it may not be immediately obvious that a dog is an assistance dog.
The ACT Assistance Animal Accreditation Framework is a voluntary registrations scheme.
Owners can have their dog tested, accredited and registered as an assistance animal via the ACT Public Access Test.
The test measures:
Once the dog has passed the test, the handler receives an Accredited Assistance Animal card (ID card). This is valid for up to two years.
The card can assure handlers, businesses and the community that the animal meets required standards of behaviour and hygiene.
Dangerous dogs cannot be registered as assistance animals.
It’s an offence to refuse someone with an assistance dog access to a public place.
If someone is refused, they can lodge a complaint with Domestic Animal Services by:
There are also penalties for falsely claiming a dog is an assistance dog.
Different states and territories have their own rules and frameworks.
You can read more about assistance animals in the ACT on the City Services website.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to Senate Republicans’ bill that would take away health care and food assistance from millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, in order to cut taxes for billionaires. The bill would also add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
“This bill will blow up our national debt, kick millions of people off of their health care, and take food off of families’ tables while cutting food assistance,” Peters said during his speech. “And for what? What are our colleagues mortgaging our country’s future for? What are they slashing health care and food assistance to pay for? Well, they’re doing it for tax cuts for billionaires.”
Peters underscored that the legislation does not address the issues that matter to the American people, like bringing down the cost of living and lowering the national debt.
“This is not what our constituents want us to be focused on. They want us to help make their life better,” Peters said. “But instead of focusing on that, here we are on the brink of passing a bill so irresponsible that it will destroy our country’s economic health, harm millions of Americans, all so a handful of billionaires, the wealthiest of the wealthy, can have another tax break. Mr. President, I will never support a such a reckless and catastrophic plan.”
To watch the full video of Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.
Peters has heard from more than 10,000 Michiganders about the harm they would face if Republicans pass their bill to cut Medicaid – which provides access to quality, affordable health care for millions of children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. During his speech, Peters shared their stories to highlight how this bill would be detrimental to the health and economic security of families all across Michigan.
Affording Medicine: “Take Isaac from Lansing, for example, who says Medicaid is the only lifeline he has to pay for the medicine that literally keeps him alive.”
Access to Elderly Care: “Take Gwen from Grand Rapids, who says she wouldn’t be able to pay for an assisted living facility for her grandmother without Medicaid.”
Support for Americans with Disabilities: “Many of us know someone or maybe even love someone who lives with a disability. Thanks to Medicaid, people with disabilities can get the care that allows them to live healthy and independent lives. That is the case for Wanda from Westland, who takes medication for an eye condition. Without Medicaid, she would not be able to afford her medication, and she could actually go blind.”
Keeping Our Children Healthy: “I heard from Gladys, a mother from Flint, who says Medicaid is the only reason her kids can get their asthma medication or have regular health checkups.”
Health Care Access in Rural Communities: “Under this bill, rural communities will be especially impacted by cuts to Medicaid. In some counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s only one health care provider, meaning some Michiganders will have to travel up to 50 miles to get routine or emergency care. Medicaid helps keep these hospitals open, and if this bill passes, people in these rural communities are going to be cut off from basic health services.”
Pre and Post Natal Care for Expecting Mothers: “Expecting mothers also reached out to share their concerns. While she is busy preparing to welcome a newborn baby into the world, Chelsea from Fennville is now afraid that she will lose her access to both pre and post natal care under this absolutely disastrous bill.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to Senate Republicans’ bill that would take away health care and food assistance from millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, in order to cut taxes for billionaires. The bill would also add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
“This bill will blow up our national debt, kick millions of people off of their health care, and take food off of families’ tables while cutting food assistance,” Peters said during his speech. “And for what? What are our colleagues mortgaging our country’s future for? What are they slashing health care and food assistance to pay for? Well, they’re doing it for tax cuts for billionaires.”
Peters underscored that the legislation does not address the issues that matter to the American people, like bringing down the cost of living and lowering the national debt.
“This is not what our constituents want us to be focused on. They want us to help make their life better,” Peters said. “But instead of focusing on that, here we are on the brink of passing a bill so irresponsible that it will destroy our country’s economic health, harm millions of Americans, all so a handful of billionaires, the wealthiest of the wealthy, can have another tax break. Mr. President, I will never support a such a reckless and catastrophic plan.”
To watch the full video of Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.
Peters has heard from more than 10,000 Michiganders about the harm they would face if Republicans pass their bill to cut Medicaid – which provides access to quality, affordable health care for millions of children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. During his speech, Peters shared their stories to highlight how this bill would be detrimental to the health and economic security of families all across Michigan.
Affording Medicine: “Take Isaac from Lansing, for example, who says Medicaid is the only lifeline he has to pay for the medicine that literally keeps him alive.”
Access to Elderly Care: “Take Gwen from Grand Rapids, who says she wouldn’t be able to pay for an assisted living facility for her grandmother without Medicaid.”
Support for Americans with Disabilities: “Many of us know someone or maybe even love someone who lives with a disability. Thanks to Medicaid, people with disabilities can get the care that allows them to live healthy and independent lives. That is the case for Wanda from Westland, who takes medication for an eye condition. Without Medicaid, she would not be able to afford her medication, and she could actually go blind.”
Keeping Our Children Healthy: “I heard from Gladys, a mother from Flint, who says Medicaid is the only reason her kids can get their asthma medication or have regular health checkups.”
Health Care Access in Rural Communities: “Under this bill, rural communities will be especially impacted by cuts to Medicaid. In some counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s only one health care provider, meaning some Michiganders will have to travel up to 50 miles to get routine or emergency care. Medicaid helps keep these hospitals open, and if this bill passes, people in these rural communities are going to be cut off from basic health services.”
Pre and Post Natal Care for Expecting Mothers: “Expecting mothers also reached out to share their concerns. While she is busy preparing to welcome a newborn baby into the world, Chelsea from Fennville is now afraid that she will lose her access to both pre and post natal care under this absolutely disastrous bill.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, June 29 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today gave remarks on the floor of the Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” which is a gift to the billionaire class while causing massive pain for working families.
Sanders remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched HERE:
M. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history of our country. It is a gift to the billionaire class, while causing massive pain for low income and working class Americans.
Actually though, M. President, I’m wrong. This is not a gift to the billionaire class. They paid for it.
This bill is an absolute reflection of a corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaires to buy elections. And when billionaires spend hundreds of billions of dollars trying to elect a president, or a senator or a member of Congress, they’re not making that investment just for the fun of it. They want something in return. This legislation is what they are getting in return.
So what is in this bill they invested in?
Well, if you are in the top 1%, you and the class you represent will receive a $975 billion tax break – at a time when the richest people in this country have never had it so good.
Further, if you are among the wealthiest 0.2%, you will be able to pay zero taxes on your $30 million inheritance. All of you folks out there who are waiting to inherit at least $30 million, today is a good day for you. Collectively, you will receive approximately $211 billion in tax breaks. For the top 0.2%, congratulations. You hit the jackpot.
If you are a large corporation and you want to throw workers out on the street and replace them with artificial intelligence or you want to shift your profits to the Cayman Islands or other tax havens, you are going to get a $918 billion tax break. Congratulations to the CEOs of large, profitable corporations.
But while the rich and large corporations make out like bandits in this bill, what does it do for low-income and working families? Let me say a few words on that.
If you are concerned about health care, this bill throws over 16 million people off of the health insurance they have, according to the Congressional Budget Office, by cutting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by over $1.1 trillion.
In other words, the top 1% are getting a $975 billion tax break, and that is coming directly from throwing 16 million people off of the health insurance they have.
This bill, for the first time, forces millions of Medicaid recipients who make as little as $16,000 a year to pay a $35 co-payment each time they visit a doctor’s office.
What is the impact of all of that?
This is not my view — this is what the Yale School of Public Health and the University of Pennsylvania determined based on a study that they did. And this is the result. It is almost so horrific, so grotesque, that it is difficult to speak about. But they estimate that if this bill goes through with all of these cuts in health care — if 16 million people are thrown off the health care they have — over 50,000 Americans will die unnecessarily every year.
Fifty thousand Americans will die unnecessarily in order to give tax breaks to billionaires who don’t need them. In other words, this bill is literally a death sentence for low-income and working-class Americans.
Further, if this legislation is enacted, rural hospitals all over the country that are already struggling are going to shut down or aren’t going to be able to provide the level of services they do today. In other words, this bill would be a disaster for rural America.
It would also make massive cuts to community health centers and nursing homes, who are very heavily dependent on Medicaid funding.
The bottom line is that this legislation is the most significant attack on the health care needs of the American people in our country’s history.
We already have a health care system which is broken and dysfunctional, and instead of addressing it — instead of doing what every other major country on Earth does: guarantee health care to all people — we are throwing 16 million people off the health insurance they have. But it’s not just health care.
The future of America rests with our children. And yet, in a nation which now has the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on Earth, this bill wipes out nutrition assistance for millions of hungry kids in America.
We are literally taking food out of the mouths of hungry kids to give tax breaks to Mr. Bezos, Mr. Musk, Mr. Zuckerberg and the other multi-billionaires.
If we understand that if we’re going to compete effectively in the global economy, we need to have the best education system in the world, this bill makes $350 billion in cuts in education with the result that working class kids will find it much harder to get the higher education they need to succeed in life.
If you are concerned about the existential threat of climate change, this bill decimates investments in energy efficiency and sustainable energy like wind and solar and moves us in exactly the wrong direction when it comes to energy.
If you are concerned about our role in never-ending wars, this bill makes a bad situation even worse by handing out another $150 billion to the Pentagon – a 15% increase in an already bloated Pentagon budget.
We don’t have enough money to feed hungry children. We don’t have enough money to make sure that people continue to have the health care that they need. We don’t have enough money to make sure that kids can get a decent education. But somehow, the military industrial complex is going to get another $150 billion.
M. President: In my view, nobody in the Senate or the House should vote for this legislation. And I applaud all of the Democrats for voting against it. And I want to congratulate two Republicans — Senator Paul and Senator Tillis for voting against it — for different reasons than I have.
But I do find it interesting that when one of those senators, Senator Tillis, voted against it because he thought it was not a good bill for the people of his home state, North Carolina, suddenly the President of the United States went after him in a very vicious way. And today, he announced that he will not be seeking reelection.
It appears now that the Republican Party has really become the party of the cult of the individual. The only thing you have to do now as a Republican is say, “I agree with President Trump,” “I love President Trump,” “President Trump is right all of the time.” Hey, that’s all you have to do now to be a good Republican.
There was a day when Republicans and Democrats understood that they were elected by their constituents. There was an understanding that they were elected to represent their constituents and not simply to pay homage and bow down to every wish and whim of the president.
M. President, during the vote-a-rama, I will be offering several amendments which I hope will win support.
At a time when 22% of our nation’s seniors are trying to survive on less than $15,000 a year, my first amendment would fundamentally improve their lives in two significant ways:
Number one, it would cut the price of prescription drugs under Medicare in half by making sure that our nation’s seniors don’t pay more than the Europeans or Canadians pay for the same exact drugs.
And number two, with those savings, we’re going to expand Medicare to cover dental, vision and hearing. In other words, instead of throwing people off of health care, we’re going to expand Medicare to provide a number of services that seniors desperately need and want.
Secondly, at a time of massive wealth and inequality, my second amendment would eliminate the $211 billion estate tax break for the top 0.2% that is included in this bill.
And lastly, at a time when we spend more on the military than the next nine nations combined, at a time when the Pentagon cannot account for trillions of dollars in assets, we are going to end the provision that allows the Pentagon to receive another $150 billion.
The bottom line, Mr. President, is this country faces many crises — a high rate of childhood poverty, kids going hungry, an education system in deep trouble and a health care system that is completely broken. And in virtually every single area, this bill takes us in precisely the wrong direction.
When the wealthiest people in this country have never ever had it so good, it is totally insane to be offering them $1 trillion in tax breaks so that we can cut health care, education and nutrition.
This bill is not what the American people want, and I hope very much we can defeat it.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, June 29 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today gave remarks on the floor of the Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” which is a gift to the billionaire class while causing massive pain for working families.
Sanders remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched HERE:
M. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history of our country. It is a gift to the billionaire class, while causing massive pain for low income and working class Americans.
Actually though, M. President, I’m wrong. This is not a gift to the billionaire class. They paid for it.
This bill is an absolute reflection of a corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaires to buy elections. And when billionaires spend hundreds of billions of dollars trying to elect a president, or a senator or a member of Congress, they’re not making that investment just for the fun of it. They want something in return. This legislation is what they are getting in return.
So what is in this bill they invested in?
Well, if you are in the top 1%, you and the class you represent will receive a $975 billion tax break – at a time when the richest people in this country have never had it so good.
Further, if you are among the wealthiest 0.2%, you will be able to pay zero taxes on your $30 million inheritance. All of you folks out there who are waiting to inherit at least $30 million, today is a good day for you. Collectively, you will receive approximately $211 billion in tax breaks. For the top 0.2%, congratulations. You hit the jackpot.
If you are a large corporation and you want to throw workers out on the street and replace them with artificial intelligence or you want to shift your profits to the Cayman Islands or other tax havens, you are going to get a $918 billion tax break. Congratulations to the CEOs of large, profitable corporations.
But while the rich and large corporations make out like bandits in this bill, what does it do for low-income and working families? Let me say a few words on that.
If you are concerned about health care, this bill throws over 16 million people off of the health insurance they have, according to the Congressional Budget Office, by cutting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by over $1.1 trillion.
In other words, the top 1% are getting a $975 billion tax break, and that is coming directly from throwing 16 million people off of the health insurance they have.
This bill, for the first time, forces millions of Medicaid recipients who make as little as $16,000 a year to pay a $35 co-payment each time they visit a doctor’s office.
What is the impact of all of that?
This is not my view — this is what the Yale School of Public Health and the University of Pennsylvania determined based on a study that they did. And this is the result. It is almost so horrific, so grotesque, that it is difficult to speak about. But they estimate that if this bill goes through with all of these cuts in health care — if 16 million people are thrown off the health care they have — over 50,000 Americans will die unnecessarily every year.
Fifty thousand Americans will die unnecessarily in order to give tax breaks to billionaires who don’t need them. In other words, this bill is literally a death sentence for low-income and working-class Americans.
Further, if this legislation is enacted, rural hospitals all over the country that are already struggling are going to shut down or aren’t going to be able to provide the level of services they do today. In other words, this bill would be a disaster for rural America.
It would also make massive cuts to community health centers and nursing homes, who are very heavily dependent on Medicaid funding.
The bottom line is that this legislation is the most significant attack on the health care needs of the American people in our country’s history.
We already have a health care system which is broken and dysfunctional, and instead of addressing it — instead of doing what every other major country on Earth does: guarantee health care to all people — we are throwing 16 million people off the health insurance they have. But it’s not just health care.
The future of America rests with our children. And yet, in a nation which now has the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on Earth, this bill wipes out nutrition assistance for millions of hungry kids in America.
We are literally taking food out of the mouths of hungry kids to give tax breaks to Mr. Bezos, Mr. Musk, Mr. Zuckerberg and the other multi-billionaires.
If we understand that if we’re going to compete effectively in the global economy, we need to have the best education system in the world, this bill makes $350 billion in cuts in education with the result that working class kids will find it much harder to get the higher education they need to succeed in life.
If you are concerned about the existential threat of climate change, this bill decimates investments in energy efficiency and sustainable energy like wind and solar and moves us in exactly the wrong direction when it comes to energy.
If you are concerned about our role in never-ending wars, this bill makes a bad situation even worse by handing out another $150 billion to the Pentagon – a 15% increase in an already bloated Pentagon budget.
We don’t have enough money to feed hungry children. We don’t have enough money to make sure that people continue to have the health care that they need. We don’t have enough money to make sure that kids can get a decent education. But somehow, the military industrial complex is going to get another $150 billion.
M. President: In my view, nobody in the Senate or the House should vote for this legislation. And I applaud all of the Democrats for voting against it. And I want to congratulate two Republicans — Senator Paul and Senator Tillis for voting against it — for different reasons than I have.
But I do find it interesting that when one of those senators, Senator Tillis, voted against it because he thought it was not a good bill for the people of his home state, North Carolina, suddenly the President of the United States went after him in a very vicious way. And today, he announced that he will not be seeking reelection.
It appears now that the Republican Party has really become the party of the cult of the individual. The only thing you have to do now as a Republican is say, “I agree with President Trump,” “I love President Trump,” “President Trump is right all of the time.” Hey, that’s all you have to do now to be a good Republican.
There was a day when Republicans and Democrats understood that they were elected by their constituents. There was an understanding that they were elected to represent their constituents and not simply to pay homage and bow down to every wish and whim of the president.
M. President, during the vote-a-rama, I will be offering several amendments which I hope will win support.
At a time when 22% of our nation’s seniors are trying to survive on less than $15,000 a year, my first amendment would fundamentally improve their lives in two significant ways:
Number one, it would cut the price of prescription drugs under Medicare in half by making sure that our nation’s seniors don’t pay more than the Europeans or Canadians pay for the same exact drugs.
And number two, with those savings, we’re going to expand Medicare to cover dental, vision and hearing. In other words, instead of throwing people off of health care, we’re going to expand Medicare to provide a number of services that seniors desperately need and want.
Secondly, at a time of massive wealth and inequality, my second amendment would eliminate the $211 billion estate tax break for the top 0.2% that is included in this bill.
And lastly, at a time when we spend more on the military than the next nine nations combined, at a time when the Pentagon cannot account for trillions of dollars in assets, we are going to end the provision that allows the Pentagon to receive another $150 billion.
The bottom line, Mr. President, is this country faces many crises — a high rate of childhood poverty, kids going hungry, an education system in deep trouble and a health care system that is completely broken. And in virtually every single area, this bill takes us in precisely the wrong direction.
When the wealthiest people in this country have never ever had it so good, it is totally insane to be offering them $1 trillion in tax breaks so that we can cut health care, education and nutrition.
This bill is not what the American people want, and I hope very much we can defeat it.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to voice his opposition to Senate Republicans’ bill that would take away health care and food assistance from millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, in order to cut taxes for billionaires. The bill would also add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
“This bill will blow up our national debt, kick millions of people off of their health care, and take food off of families’ tables while cutting food assistance,” Peters said during his speech. “And for what? What are our colleagues mortgaging our country’s future for? What are they slashing health care and food assistance to pay for? Well, they’re doing it for tax cuts for billionaires.”
Peters underscored that the legislation does not address the issues that matter to the American people, like bringing down the cost of living and lowering the national debt.
“This is not what our constituents want us to be focused on. They want us to help make their life better,” Peters said. “But instead of focusing on that, here we are on the brink of passing a bill so irresponsible that it will destroy our country’s economic health, harm millions of Americans, all so a handful of billionaires, the wealthiest of the wealthy, can have another tax break. Mr. President, I will never support a such a reckless and catastrophic plan.”
To watch the full video of Peters’ speech on the Senate floor, click here.
Peters has heard from more than 10,000 Michiganders about the harm they would face if Republicans pass their bill to cut Medicaid – which provides access to quality, affordable health care for millions of children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. During his speech, Peters shared their stories to highlight how this bill would be detrimental to the health and economic security of families all across Michigan.
Affording Medicine: “Take Isaac from Lansing, for example, who says Medicaid is the only lifeline he has to pay for the medicine that literally keeps him alive.”
Access to Elderly Care: “Take Gwen from Grand Rapids, who says she wouldn’t be able to pay for an assisted living facility for her grandmother without Medicaid.”
Support for Americans with Disabilities: “Many of us know someone or maybe even love someone who lives with a disability. Thanks to Medicaid, people with disabilities can get the care that allows them to live healthy and independent lives. That is the case for Wanda from Westland, who takes medication for an eye condition. Without Medicaid, she would not be able to afford her medication, and she could actually go blind.”
Keeping Our Children Healthy: “I heard from Gladys, a mother from Flint, who says Medicaid is the only reason her kids can get their asthma medication or have regular health checkups.”
Health Care Access in Rural Communities: “Under this bill, rural communities will be especially impacted by cuts to Medicaid. In some counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s only one health care provider, meaning some Michiganders will have to travel up to 50 miles to get routine or emergency care. Medicaid helps keep these hospitals open, and if this bill passes, people in these rural communities are going to be cut off from basic health services.”
Pre and Post Natal Care for Expecting Mothers: “Expecting mothers also reached out to share their concerns. While she is busy preparing to welcome a newborn baby into the world, Chelsea from Fennville is now afraid that she will lose her access to both pre and post natal care under this absolutely disastrous bill.”
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Steven Sherwood, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to see longer-term trends.
But another approach can give us a very clear sense of what’s going on: track how much heat enters Earth’s atmosphere and how much heat leaves. This is Earth’s energy budget, and it’s now well and truly out of balance.
Our recent research found this imbalance has more than doubled over the last 20 years. Other researchers have come to the same conclusions. This imbalance is now substantially more than climate models have suggested.
In the mid-2000s, the energy imbalance was about 0.6 watts per square metre (W/m2) on average. In recent years, the average was about 1.3 W/m2. This means the rate at which energy is accumulating near the planet’s surface has doubled.
These findings suggest climate change might well accelerate in the coming years. Worse still, this worrying imbalance is emerging even as funding uncertainty in the United States threatens our ability to track the flows of heat.
Earth’s energy budget functions a bit like your bank account, where money comes in and money goes out. If you reduce your spending, you’ll build up cash in your account. Here, energy is the currency.
Life on Earth depends on a balance between heat coming in from the Sun and heat leaving. This balance is tipping to one side.
Solar energy hits Earth and warms it. The atmosphere’s heat-trapping greenhouse gases keep some of this energy.
But the burning of coal, oil and gas has now added more than two trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. These trap more and more heat, preventing it from leaving.
Some of this extra heat is warming the land or melting sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets. But this is a tiny fraction. Fully 90% has gone into the oceans due to their huge heat capacity.
Earth naturally sheds heat in several ways. One way is by reflecting incoming heat off of clouds, snow and ice and back out to space. Infrared radiation is also emitted back to space.
From the beginning of human civilisation up until just a century ago, the average surface temperature was about 14°C. The accumulating energy imbalance has now pushed average temperatures 1.3-1.5°C higher.
Scientists keep track of the energy budget in two ways.
First, we can directly measure the heat coming from the Sun and going back out to space, using the sensitive radiometers on monitoring satellites. This dataset and its predecessors date back to the late 1980s.
Second, we can accurately track the build-up of heat in the oceans and atmosphere by taking temperature readings. Thousands of robotic floats have monitored temperatures in the world’s oceans since the 1990s.
Both methods show the energy imbalance has grown rapidly.
The doubling of the energy imbalance has come as a shock, because the sophisticated climate models we use largely didn’t predict such a large and rapid change.
Typically, the models forecast less than half of the change we’re seeing in the real world.
We don’t yet have a full explanation. But new research suggests changes in clouds is a big factor.
Clouds have a cooling effect overall. But the area covered by highly reflective white clouds has shrunk, while the area of jumbled, less reflective clouds has grown.
It isn’t clear why the clouds are changing. One possible factor could be the consequences of successful efforts to reduce sulfur in shipping fuel from 2020, as burning the dirtier fuel may have had a brightening effect on clouds. However, the accelerating energy budget imbalance began before this change.
Natural fluctuations in the climate system such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation might also be playing a role. Finally – and most worryingly – the cloud changes might be part of a trend caused by global warming itself, that is, a positive feedback on climate change.
These findings suggest recent extremely hot years are not one-offs but may reflect a strengthening of warming over the coming decade or longer.
This will mean a higher chance of more intense climate impacts from searing heatwaves, droughts and extreme rains on land, and more intense and long lasting marine heatwaves.
This imbalance may lead to worse longer-term consequences. New research shows the only climate models coming close to simulating real world measurements are those with a higher “climate sensitivity”. That means these models predict more severe warming beyond the next few decades in scenarios where emissions are not rapidly reduced.
We don’t know yet whether other factors are at play, however. It’s still too early to definitively say we are on a high-sensitivity trajectory.
We’ve known the solution for a long time: stop the routine burning of fossil fuels and phase out human activities causing emissions such as deforestation.
Keeping accurate records over long periods of time is essential if we are to spot unexpected changes.
Satellites, in particular, are our advance warning system, telling us about heat storage changes roughly a decade before other methods.
But funding cuts and drastic priority shifts in the United States may threaten essential satellite climate monitoring.
Steven Sherwood receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Mindaroo Foundation.
Benoit Meyssignac receives funding from the European Commission, the European Space Agency and the French National Space Agency.
Thorsten Mauritsen receives funding from the European Research Council, the European Space Agency, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish National Space Agency and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research.
– ref. Earth is trapping much more heat than climate models forecast – and the rate has doubled in 20 years – https://theconversation.com/earth-is-trapping-much-more-heat-than-climate-models-forecast-and-the-rate-has-doubled-in-20-years-258822
