Brazil secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, taking the second of South America’s six automatic qualifying berths after champions Argentina booked their ticket in March.
A goal from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. on the stroke of halftime in Sao Paulo made it a winning home debut for Brazil’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil extended their record as the only team to play in every edition of the World Cup, with the five-times winners set to make their 23rd appearance in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ecuador can also secure a World Cup spot if they are able to avoid defeat in Peru.
Earlier on Tuesday, Uruguay took a step closer to securing a spot with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario, a victory which also snapped a four-match winless run in South American qualifiers.
Uruguay dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence until Rodrigo Aguirre put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute, heading in at the far post from a Maxi Araujo corner.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just two minutes into the second half, firing a superb shot into the top-left corner to seal a win that secures Marcelo Bielsa’s side of at least an inter-confederation playoff berth.
Argentina needed an 81st-minute equaliser from Thiago Almada to cancel out Luis Diaz’s goal and secure a draw with Colombia, avoiding a second straight defeat to Nestor Lorenzo’s side.
Chile’s hopes of reaching the finals ended with a 2-0 loss in Bolivia. Chile coach Ricardo Gareca resigned after the match.
The inaugural Adelaide University Vice Chancellor, Professor Nicola Phillips
Following a comprehensive global search, Australia’s new major university announces Professor Nicola Phillips as its new Vice Chancellor and President (Vice Chancellor) with effect from 12 January 2026.
The Adelaide University Transition Council has unanimously resolved to appoint Prof. Nicola Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University following exceptional global interest and a high-quality candidate field.
Chancellor of the Adelaide University Transition Council (Transition Council), Ms Pauline Carr, said that finding the right person to lead the institution through its formative years was imperative.
“We are delighted to announce Prof. Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University as we boldly take our next steps as Australia’s new comprehensive university for the future,” Carr said.
Prof. Phillips joins Adelaide University from the University of Melbourne, where she is currently the Provost and has served as both Acting and Interim Vice Chancellor. With some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom, Prof. Phillips has cultivated a deep understanding of the sector and brings a local and global perspective to the position.
“Throughout her career, Prof. Phillips has been a formidable force, guiding significant step-changes across contemporary academic delivery, student access and equity, Aboriginal knowledges, online education, and cultural inclusivity – with strong alignment to Adelaide University’s strategic direction as a differentiated member of Australia’s Group of Eight,” Carr said.
“The Transition Council would also like to recognise the monumental and continued contributions of the founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd, who are establishing the solid foundations on which the institution will see sustained success. They will also be instrumental in transitioning the leadership from now until when Prof. Phillips begins the role as well as winding down the foundation universities.”
Prof. Phillips will actively shape Adelaide University as it begins operations.
“I am thrilled to be joining Adelaide University at a time of unmatched potential and possibilities – and to call South Australia home,” Prof. Phillips said.
“I look forward to leading Adelaide University and establishing the institution as a trailblazer for change, where education and research of the highest quality reach into all corners of our society to transform the lives of individuals and communities.”
The global search was led by the Adelaide University Transition Council, in partnership with executive search firm, Korn Ferry, and informed by the Recruitment Recommendations Panel comprising internal and expert external members.
Insights on selection criteria deemed most important were also provided by staff, students, alumni and key partners. Inspirational and visionary leadership, being a visible role model with high ethical standards, and building a cohesive and constructive culture as well as having strong academic credentials were identified amongst some of the most valued attributes.
Prof. Phillips will commence in the role from 12 January 2026 to align with Adelaide University’s opening of its inaugural academic year.
About Professor Nicola Phillips Professor Nicola Phillips is an esteemed leader and academic with some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom. She is a Professor of Political Economy with interests in global economic development, labour standards and inequality.
Educated at King’s College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Prof. Phillips held positions at the Universities of Warwick, Manchester and Sheffield before becoming Vice President & Vice Principal (Education) at King’s College London, and then Provost at the University of Melbourne in September 2021. She has held visiting fellowships and professorships across the world, including the Australian National University, the University of British Columbia, and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.
Among many notable honours, Prof. Phillips holds a Fellowship of the UK Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and was awarded The J. Ann Tickner Prize from the International Studies Association (ISA) for combining bravery in pursuing pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of the discipline with a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship.
Los Ángeles — En un discurso pronunciado esta noche ante casi 40 millones de californianos y estadounidenses en todo el país, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom condenó la militarización ilegal de Los Ángeles por parte del Presidente Trump y advirtió que las acciones del Presidente marcan un peligroso punto crucial para la nación.
“Lo que estamos atestiguando no es la aplicación de la ley, sino el autoritarismo,” dijo el Gobernador Newsom a los californianos. “Lo que más desea Donald Trump es su lealtad. Su silencio. Que sean cómplices en este momento. No se rindan ante él.”
El Gobernador Newsom relató recientes redadas federales en comunidades latinas, la apropiación de 4,000 miembros de la Guardia Nacional de California y el despliegue de más de 700 miembros de la Infantería de Marina en las calles de una ciudad estadounidense – todo ello sin consultar con las autoridades estatales ni locales. “Trump está desplegando una redada militar en Los Ángeles,” dijoNewsom. “Sus acciones son cobardía disfrazada como fortaleza.”
El Gobernador, al calificar este momento de reflexión nacional, le pidió a los estadounidenses tomar medidas pacíficas. “El cargo más importante en una democracia no es el de Presidente ni el de Gobernador, sino el de ciudadano.”
Vea y lea el discurso completo en inglés abajo, como escrito:
[embedded content]
Discurso del Gobernador Newsom a California: La Democracia en una Encrucijada
Quiero decir algunas palabras sobre los acontecimientos de los últimos días.
El fin de semana pasado, agentes federales realizaron redadas a gran escala en sitios de trabajo en Los Ángeles y sus alrededores.
Estas redadas continúan hasta en este momento.
California no es un estado ajeno a la aplicación de la ley migratoria.
Pero en lugar de enfocarse en inmigrantes indocumentados con antecedentes penales graves y personas con órdenes de deportación firmes —una estrategia que ambos partidos han apoyado desde hace tiempo— esta administración está impulsando deportaciones masivas.
Atacando indiscriminadamente a familias inmigrantes trabajadoras, sin importar sus orígenes ni el riesgo que corren.
Lo que está sucediendo ahora es muy diferente a todo lo que hemos visto antes.
El sábado por la mañana, cuando agentes federales saltaron de una camioneta sin identificación cerca del estacionamiento de un Home Depot, empezaron a detener a la gente.
Un ataque deliberado contra una comunidad mayoritariamente latina.
Una escena similar se desarrolló cuando una empresa de ropa fue allanada en el centro de Los Ángeles.
En otras acciones: una ciudadana estadounidense, con 9 meses de embarazo, fue arrestada. Se llevaron a una niña de cuatro años.
Familias separadas. Amigos desaparecidos.
En respuesta, los angelinos salieron a ejercer su derecho constitucional a la libertad de expresión y reunión.
Para protestar contra las acciones de su gobierno.
A su vez, el Estado de California y la Ciudad y el Condado de Los Ángeles enviamos a nuestros agentes de policía para ayudar a mantener la paz, y con algunas excepciones, tuvieron éxito.
Como muchos estados, California no es ajeno a este tipo de disturbios civiles. Los gestionamos con regularidad… y con nuestros propios cuerpos policiales.
Pero esto, de nuevo, fue diferente.
Lo que siguió fue el uso de gas lacrimógeno. Granadas aturdidoras. Balas de goma.
Agentes federales deteniendo a personas y socavando sus derechos al debido proceso.
Donald Trump, sin consultar con las autoridades policiales de California, desplegó a 2,000 miembros de la Guardia Nacional de nuestro estado en nuestras calles.
Ilegalmente y sin motivo alguno.
Este descarado abuso de poder por parte de un Presidente avivó la situación… poniendo en riesgo a nuestra gente, a nuestros oficiales y a la Guardia Nacional.
Fue entonces cuando comenzó una espiral de declive. El redobló la apuesta por su peligroso despliegue de la Guardia Nacional, poniendole más leña al fuego.
Y el Presidente lo hizo a propósito.
Mientras que la noticia se difundía por Los Ángeles, la ansiedad de familiares y amigos aumentaba. Las protestas se reanudaron.
Por la noche, varias docenas de infractores de la ley se volvieron violentos y destructivos. Vandalizaron propiedades. Intentaron agredir a agentes de policía.
Muchos de ustedes han visto videos de autos incendiándose en las noticias.
Si incitan a la violencia o destruyen nuestras comunidades, rendirán cuentas.
Ese tipo de comportamiento criminal no será tolerado. Punto final.
Ya se ha arrestado a más de 370 personas. Estamos revisando las grabaciones para abrir casos adicionales, y serán perseguidos con todo el peso de la ley.
Una vez más, gracias a nuestro cuerpo policial y a la mayoría de los angelinos que protestaron pacíficamente, esta situación se estaba calmando y se había concentrado en tan solo unas pocas cuadras en el centro de la ciudad.
Pero eso no era lo que quería Donald Trump.
Una vez más, él optó por la escalación; optó por aún más fuerza.
El prefirió el teatro por encima de la seguridad pública: federalizó a 2,000 miembros adicionales de la Guardia Nacional.
Desplegó a más de 700 miembros de Infantería de Marina Estadounidense.
Estos son hombres y mujeres entrenados a combatir en suelo extranjero, no en la aplicación de la ley nacional.
Honramos su servicio. Honramos su valentía. Pero no queremos que nuestras calles sean militarizadas por nuestras propias Fuerzas Armadas. Ni en Los Ángeles. Ni en California. Ni en ninguna parte.
Hemos visto vehículos de policía no distintivos en los estacionamientos de las escuelas. Niños, con miedo de asistir a su propia graduación.
Trump está desplegando una redada militar en Los Ángeles, que va mucho más allá de su intención declarada de perseguir a delincuentes violentos y peligrosos.
Sus agentes están arrestando a trabajadores de restaurante, jardineros, jornaleros y costureras. Eso es simplemente cobardía. Sus acciones son cobardía disfrazada como fortaleza.
El gobierno de Donald Trump no está protegiendo a nuestras comunidades – las está traumando. Y ese parece ser el objetivo.
California seguirá luchando por nuestra gente, por toda nuestra gente, incluso ante las cortes.
Ayer, presentamos una impugnación legal contra el imprudente despliegue de tropas estadounidenses por parte del Presidente Trump en una ciudad principal estadounidense.
Hoy, solicitamos una orden judicial de emergencia para detener el uso del ejército estadounidense en actividades policiales en Los Ángeles.
Si cualquiera de nosotros puede ser secuestrado de las calles sin orden judicial, basándose únicamente en sospechas o el color de la piel, entonces ninguno de nosotros está a salvo.
Los regímenes autoritarios empiezan por atacar a las personas con menos capacidad de defensa. Pero no se detienen ahí.
Trump y sus leales se alimentan de la división porque les permite tomar más poder y ejercer aún más control.
Por cierto, Trump no se opone a la anarquía ni a la violencia, siempre y cuando le sirvan a él mismo.
¿Qué más evidencia necesitamos que el 6 de enero?
Les pido a todos que se tomen un momento para reflexionar sobre este peligroso momento.
Un presidente que no quiere regirse por ninguna ley ni constitución.
Perpetrando un ataque unificado contra las tradiciones estadounidenses.
Este es un Presidente que, en poco más de 140 días, ha despedido a los organismos de control del gobierno que podrían exigirle responsabilidades por corrupción y fraude.
Ha declarado una guerra contra la cultura, la historia, la ciencia; contra el conocimiento mismo. Bases de datos, literalmente desapareciendo.
Está deslegitimando a las organizaciones de noticias y atacando la Primera Enmienda.
Amenazando con desfinanciarlas, él está dictando lo que las universidades pueden enseñar.
Atacando a los bufetes de abogados y al poder judicial, que son la base de una sociedad civil ordenada.
Exigiendo que un gobernador sea arrestado sin otra razón más que, en sus propias palabras, “por haber sido elegido.”
Y todos sabemos que este sábado ordenará a nuestros héroes estadounidenses —el ejército de los Estados Unidos— a realizar una exhibición vulgar para celebrar su cumpleaños, tal como lo han hecho otros dictadores fallidos en el pasado.
Miren, esto no se trata sólo de las protestas en Los Ángeles.
Cuando Donald Trump buscó la autoridad absoluta para comandar la Guardia Nacional, hizo que esa orden se aplicara a todos los estados de esta nación.
Se trata de todos nosotros. Se trata de ustedes.
California puede ser el comienzo, pero claramente no terminará aquí. Otros estados son los siguientes.
La democracia es la siguiente.
La democracia está bajo ataque ante nuestros ojos; el momento que temíamos ha llegado.
Está demoliendo el proyecto histórico de nuestros padres fundadores.
Las tres ramas de gobierno independientes e iguales.
Ya no hay pesos y contrapesos. El Congreso no existe. El líder Johnson ha abdicado por completo de esa responsabilidad.
El estado de derecho ha cedido cada vez más ante el gobierno de Don.
Los padres fundadores de esta nación no vivieron ni murieron para presenciar este momento.
Es hora de que todos nos levantemos pacíficamente.
El Juez Brandeis lo expresó mejor: en una democracia, el cargo más importante no es el de Presidente, ni mucho menos el de Gobernador. El cargo más importante es el de ciudadano.
En este momento, todos debemos levantarnos y rendir cuentas ante un mayor nivel de responsabilidad.
Si ejercen sus derechos bajo la Primera Enmienda,por favor, háganlo pacíficamente.
Sé que muchos de ustedes sienten profunda ansiedad, estrés y miedo.
Pero quiero que sepan que USTEDES son el antídoto contra ese miedo y esa ansiedad.
Lo que más desea Donald Trump es su lealtad. Su silencio. Ser cómplices en este momento.
NO se rindan ante él.
Recent news
Jun 10, 2025
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Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded today’s announcement from General Motors that they will be investing $4 billion into U.S. manufacturing plants, including in Kansas City, Kansas.
“General Motors’ announcement to expand production in Kansas is a clear sign that President Trump’s policies are working and bringing back good-paying manufacturing jobs,” said Senator Marshall. “This investment will be a huge boon for the hard-working men and women in the area, and I look forward to seeing what developments come next under this White House.”
Under President Trump’s leadership, Made-in-America is being incentivized again, giving companies more reasons than ever to invest in America.
Additionally, the President’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ will lower the tax rate for those producing products, like vehicles, in the United States, and those who purchase American-made cars will receive Made-in-America Auto Tax breaks.
Background:
Senator Marshall previously introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden Administration’s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that essentially seek to eliminate the internal combustion engine.
Senator Marshall also previously led calls for the withdrawal of the Biden Administration’s proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks, which would have effectively mandated the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) and a phase-out of gas-powered cars and trucks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an Orange Alert for several regions, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph over the next two to three hours.
The alert covers large parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, with the IMD urging residents to remain cautious and follow official weather advisories.
In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat are likely to experience intense weather conditions. Chhattisgarh is also expected to be significantly impacted, with warnings issued for Mungeli, Kabirdham, Bemetara, Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Balod, Kanker, and Narayanpur.
Parts of eastern Maharashtra, particularly Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Wardha, and Nanded, are under similar warnings. In Karnataka, the alert applies to Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, and Ramnagar districts, where adverse weather is anticipated.
The forecast also suggests intensified rainfall and storm activity in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakkurichi, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and Theni. In Kerala, residents of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram have been advised to remain alert. Assam’s Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sibsagar districts are also expected to witness thunderstorm activity.
Authorities have urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees or near unstable structures, and refrain from unnecessary travel. Commuters are advised to check road and traffic conditions before heading out, as sudden heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging or hazardous driving situations.
The first vehicles have now started travelling over Te Ahu a Turanga, the new 11.5 kilometre highway connecting Ashhurst to Woodville.
The highway has officially become State Highway 3, replacing the old Manawatū Gorge Road, which closed in 2017 following slips.
From the west, the road crosses the Manawatū River over the 300 metre long Parahaki Bridge, and then over the Eco-Viaduct, which takes motorists across an ecologically sensitive wetland complete with swamp maire and raupō.
The road then climbs through the Ruahine Range, with cuts to the hills of 55 metres and embankments 28 metres high – many of which are ‘benched’ – sloping backwards to minimise the risk of erosion.
The road weaves between the wind turbines, flanked by the shared user path on one side and thousands of new native plants along the highway. All up, more than 1.8 million plants have been added to the landscape – along the road and also away from it.
“A special occasion”
Project Manager Grant Kauri says seeing the first vehicles travel the road this morning was a special moment.
“The closure of the Manawatū Gorge road had such a significant impact on people in Manawatū and Tararua. We know the surrounding communities have struggled with the closure so being able to build them a significantly more resilient, safer and efficient road has been a huge privilege.
“The road’s importance to the wider central and lower North Island, including the East Coast, can’t be overstated. Te Ahu a Turanga will encourage more travel, while supporting economic growth in the regional economies,” says Mr Kauri.
Community support and connection
Communities either side of the gorge are equally invested and excited about the new highway.
Joy Kopa, from the Positively Woodville community group, says residents and businesses in the town have been holding their breath for the opening.
“It is strange to think we now have a young generation who have never travelled through “the gorge” and have no memory of the road that served Woodville for so long. This new highway will be the new gateway to Tararua and Woodville is proud to be the town that welcomes travellers to our district.”
Central Economic Development Agency is based in Palmerston North and its CEO Jerry Shearman says the new road will unlock numerous long-term benefits for the region and the country.
“With Manawatū being home to one of the three key nodes of distribution and logistics in New Zealand, we’re beyond excited to have this significant piece of infrastructure completed. The new highway will bring transformative benefits to the Manawatū region and beyond, particularly in strengthening New Zealand’s national distribution and logistics network.
“Opening up this highway supports the growth trajectory of Te Utanganui – the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub and will ultimately make the movement of goods between ports, processing plants, and distribution centres more efficient, attracting new businesses to the area by improving access to central North Island markets and beyond.
“In short, Te Ahu a Turanga is a catalyst for economic development, logistical efficiency, and regional resilience and is a crucial development in Stage One of the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road project. For Manawatū, it reinforces its role at the heart of New Zealand’s transport and freight network.”
“More than a road”
Mr Kauri said the project is so much more than a road. The alliance working on the project has placed focus on genuine iwi partnership, health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
“We worked as partners with five iwi who were represented at all levels of the project, including governance, management and operations. Their crucial role on the project can be seen in many areas but especially in the wetlands and stream diversions and in the array of stunning mahi toi artwork on the lookouts, structures and roundabouts.
“The project planted 46 hectares of native forest and created 28 kilometres of stream rehabilitation. It has protected 48 hectares of existing forest and provided pest control of 300 hectares of already protected forest reserve,” says Mr Kauri.
More than 2500 people were inducted to work on the project, while an even wider group of suppliers provided materials and equipment.
“A key principle of the project is to create enduring community outcomes, which means there is a focus on helping people living in the communities around the project. Some of these aims included, a focus on local and iwi employment, procurement, cultural wellbeing, education and training, and support for schools, charities and community organisations.”
“Over the past few years, we’ve had so much support from communities on both sides of the gorge, they’ve been with us since day one and we’re truly grateful to everyone for being so patient with us.
“We are honoured to share such a beautiful piece of road and landscape with those communities.”
Useful facts
The speed limit will be 100km/h.
The gradients at each end of the road are 10% (Ashhurst) in the west and 8.5% in the east (Woodville).
There are roundabouts at each end. These are the only turning points on the highway.
The highway has two lanes divided by a flexible median barrier.
There are four lookouts on the highway and three rest areas.
There are mahi toi cultural artworks at two lookouts, on bridges and at the roundabouts at each end.
The Western Gateway Park at the Ashhurst end of the highway is open to the public but is expected to be fully completed later in 2025. The current carpark surface is chip seal but will be replaced with asphalt in coming months.
Construction staff will be working in areas away from the highway until later in 2025. This work includes completing the planting, creating recreational tracks at the western end of the highway and removing site offices and compounds.
Picton residents and drivers can expect to see improvements on State Highway 1 and at key intersections from next year.
Drop-in sessions are planned so the community can find out more about the improvements for the state highway and three intersections.
The changes will improve the town’s roading network and the way vehicles access the ferry terminals.
Regional Manager System Design Richard Osborne says ever since the Interislander ferry terminal was relocated to Lagoon Road in 2023, all vehicles accessing the ferry terminals have been using Kent Street.
“Traffic volumes have increased on Kent Street, whereas flows on State Highway 1 Nelson Square/Wairau Road have decreased.” “Kent Street has been acting as the de facto state highway. This is one of the key aspects the Picton -Road Network Improvements Project wants to address,” Mr Osborne says.
However, the project is more than just altering the route and designation of State Highway 1.
Mr Osborne says other improvements are also planned for Picton’s roads.
“As well as altering the designation of Kent Street as State Highway 1 and making Auckland Street and Wairau Road local roads, we will also make changes to three key intersections to make it easier for traffic to navigate Picton’s streets.”
Mr Osborne says the community can learn more about these changes by coming along to one of our drop-in sessions next week, before designs are finalised and construction begins.
“Construction is currently scheduled for mid-next year after the busy summer period. We are timing it, so we do not disrupt the town and its businesses during its busiest time of the year.”
“However, we are sharing these plans now so the public can see what’s proposed and we will continue to update the public as the project progresses.”
Mr Osborne says the designation and revocation will be subject to a Notice of Requirement under the Resource Management Act.
Mr Osborne says these are significant changes to Picton’s road and transport network, and we want to make sure everyone knows what is going on. We know people will have questions and we will try our very best to answer them.”
Find out more:
Attend one of our drop-in information sessions at the Picton Library and Service Centre Waitohi Whare Mātauranga, 2 Dublin Street, Picton
Tuesday, 17 June, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday, 18 June, 12:30pm – 2pm and 6pm – 7:30pm
Trawool Fire Brigade and Seymour VICSES hosted a large-scale multi-agency training exercise last month in collaboration with Victoria Police, St John Ambulance Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, V/Line and Defence Australia.
A train versus truck collision was simulated in Seymour on Friday 30 May with over 200 people participating in the event including first responders, injured passengers, and event observers.
From a hazmat incident to an amputation, the experience provided all involved with an opportunity to refine their first response skills working alongside other agencies.
Trawool Fire Brigade Captain and Exercise Director Sean Kerris was pleased with the outcomes of the exercise and thanked Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) for hosting the successful event.
“The exercise itself was designed to utilise a real-life scenario in a high-risk local area to guide the end product,” Sean said.
“We used lessons from recent Trawalla, Kerang and Lara train incidents and the Wallan derailment to formulate the exercise, alongside coroner reports, inquiry documents and firsthand recounts to further elevate it.
“The realistic response allowed crew members to challenge themselves through real-time concerns and foster innovation when working with multiple agencies.”
CFA Deputy Group Officer Mitchell Shire Laiton Telfer said brigade members predominantly supported fire suppression and the hazmat incident on the night.
“It was great to work with the other agencies to get to know them better, as we do see them out on ground at the local incidents we respond to,” Laiton said.
Motorists reminded of dangers of drink driving following crash in Kingborough area
Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 1:17 pm.
Police are reminding motorists of the dangers of drink driving following a crash in the Kingborough area last week. “On 5 June, police attended a single vehicle crash on Baretta Road at Baretta where a motorist had allegedly fallen asleep while driving after consuming alcohol,” said Constable Hollie Barwick. “The driver had veered onto the left side of the road and collided with a cluster of trees which caused extensive damage to the vehicle and enabled the automatic crash detection to alert emergency personnel.” “Police attended and the driver allegedly recorded a reading of 0.146 – more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in their system whilst driving a motor vehicle.” Luckily the driver, a 51-year-old man from Cygnet, was not injured. He was charged with drive a motor vehicle while exceeding prescribed alcohol limit and will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court in September. “This driver was extremely lucky that he didn’t kill or seriously injure himself or someone else on the roads,” said Constable Hollie Barwick. “Drink driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ contributing factors to fatal and serious injury crashed on our roads and it’s lucky this crash didn’t have a devastating outcome.” Police urge all drivers to remember the fatal five and follow them every time you travel on the roads:
Obey the speed limit – it’s there for a reason. Never drive after drinking or taking drugs – you’ll be putting more than your life on the line. Pay attention – one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash. Rest if you’re tired – arriving late is better than not arriving at all. Buckle up every person in the vehicle – seatbelts save lives.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police Force have arrested a 32-year-old man after he allegedly crashed through a residential fence and attempted to evade arrest by diving into a lagoon yesterday afternoon.
Around 2:20pm, police received reports that a vehicle had collided with a fence at the corner of Daniel Circuit and Girraween Road. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle stationary and still running; however, the driver had fled the scene on foot.
A short time later, police located the driver who then entered a nearby lagoon and swam to the middle to avoid apprehension.
Additional resources were deployed, including the Search and Rescue Section, who provided a vessel to assist. During the arrest, it is alleged the man attempted to grab an officer’s firearm; however, the officer was able to block this attempt.
The 32-year-old was subsequently arrested without further incident and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment.
Investigations remain ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information to contact 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500059377. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
**This release has been updated to include that the incident occurred yesterday afternoon being Tuesday 10 June 2025. **
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) (“Brown & Brown” or the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its public offering of 39,215,686 shares of its common stock (the “common stock”), par value $0.10 per share, at a price to the public of $102.00 per share, for an aggregate offering amount of $4 billion. The offering is expected to close on June 12, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $400 million in shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts.
J.P. Morgan and BofA Securities are acting as lead book running managers of the offering. BMO Capital Markets and Truist Securities are acting as additional book running managers of the offering and Wells Fargo Securities, BTIG, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Fifth Third Securities, Morgan Stanley, Citizens Capital Markets, Barclays, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Dowling & Partners and Raymond James are acting as co-managers of the offering.
The Company expects that the net proceeds of the offering will be approximately $3.9 billion, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to fund a portion of the consideration payable pursuant to that certain agreement and plan of merger by and among RSC Topco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RSC”), the Company, Encore Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Kelso RSC (Investor), L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as the equityholder representative, pursuant to which the Company will acquire RSC, the holding company for Accession Risk Management Group, Inc. (the “Transaction”), and to pay fees and expenses associated with the foregoing. If the Transaction is not consummated, the Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.
The Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an automatic shelf registration statement (including a prospectus) on Form S-3 dated May 5, 2023 (File No. 333-271708) and a related preliminary prospectus supplement, dated June 10, 2025, to which this communication relates, and the Company will also file a final prospectus supplement relating to the shares of common stock. Investors should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and base prospectus in the registration statement, including the information incorporated by reference therein, and the other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com and postsalemanualrequests@broadridge.com or BofA Securities, Inc. at BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, Email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the common stock of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of such securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement or the shelf registration statement or prospectus relating thereto.
About Brown & Brown, Inc.
Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm providing customer-centric risk management solutions since 1939. With a global presence spanning 500+ locations and a team of more than 17,000 professionals, we are dedicated to delivering scalable, innovative strategies for our customers at every step of their growth journey.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan” and “continue” or similar words. Brown & Brown has based these statements on its current expectations about potential future events. Although Brown & Brown believes the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of Brown & Brown’s knowledge of its business and the transaction, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written, made by Brown & Brown or on its behalf. Many of these factors have previously been identified in filings or statements made by Brown & Brown or on its behalf. Important factors which could cause Brown & Brown’s actual results to differ, possibly materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, the following items: (a) risks with respect to the timing of the Transaction; (b) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the Transaction are not realized when expected or at all; (c) risks related to the financing of the Transaction, including that financing the Transaction will result in an increase in Brown & Brown’s indebtedness and that Brown & Brown may not be able to secure the required financing in connection with the Transaction on acceptable terms, in a timely manner, or at all; (d) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflecting the Transaction is based on assumptions and is subject to change based on various factors; (e) risks relating to the financial information related to RSC; (f) risks related to RSC’s business, including underwriting risk in connection with certain captive insurance companies; (g) the risk that certain assumptions Brown & Brown has made relating to the Transaction prove to be materially inaccurate; (h) the inability to hire, retain and develop qualified employees, as well as the loss of any of Brown & Brown’s executive officers or other key employees; (i) a cybersecurity attack or any other interruption in information technology and/or data security that may impact Brown & Brown’s operations or the operations of third parties that support it; (j) acquisition-related risks that could negatively affect the success of Brown & Brown’s growth strategy, including the possibility that Brown & Brown may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired businesses into its operations and expand into new markets; (k) risks related to Brown & Brown’s international operations, which may result in additional risks or require more management time and expense than Brown & Brown’s domestic operations to achieve or maintain profitability; (l) the requirement for additional resources and time to adequately respond to dynamics resulting from rapid technological change; (m) the loss of or significant change to any of Brown & Brown’s insurance company or intermediary relationships, which could result in loss of capacity to write business, additional expense, loss of market share or material decrease in Brown & Brown’s commissions; (n) the effect of natural disasters on Brown & Brown’s profit-sharing contingent commissions, insurer capacity or claims expenses within Brown & Brown’s capitalized captive insurance facilities; (o) adverse economic conditions, political conditions, outbreaks of war, disasters, or regulatory changes in states or countries where Brown & Brown has a concentration of Brown & Brown’s business; (p) the inability to maintain Brown & Brown’s culture or a significant change in management, management philosophy or its business strategy; (q) fluctuations in Brown & Brown’s commission revenue as a result of factors outside of its control; (r) the effects of significant or sustained inflation or higher interest rates; (s) claims expense resulting from the limited underwriting risk associated with Brown & Brown’s participation in capitalized captive insurance facilities; (t) risks associated with Brown & Brown’s automobile and recreational vehicle finance and insurance dealer services businesses; (u) changes in, or the termination of, certain programs administered by the U.S. federal government from which Brown & Brown derives revenues; (v) the limitations of Brown & Brown’s system of disclosure and internal controls and procedures in preventing errors or fraud, or in informing management of all material information in a timely manner; (w) Brown & Brown’s reliance on vendors and other third parties to perform key functions of its business operations and provide services to its customers; (x) the significant control certain shareholders have; (y) changes in data privacy and protection laws and regulations or any failure to comply with such laws and regulations; (z) improper disclosure of confidential information; (aa) Brown & Brown’s ability to comply with non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies; (bb) the potential adverse effect of certain actual or potential claims, regulatory actions or proceedings on Brown & Brown’s businesses, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity; (cc) uncertainty in Brown & Brown’s business practices and compensation arrangements with insurance carriers due to potential changes in regulations; (dd) regulatory changes that could reduce Brown & Brown’s profitability or growth by increasing compliance costs, technology compliance, restricting the products or services Brown & Brown may sell, the markets it may enter, the methods by which it may sell Brown & Brown’s products and services, or the prices it may charge for its services and the form of compensation it may accept from its customers, carriers and third parties; (ee) increasing scrutiny and changing laws and expectations from regulators, investors and customers with respect to Brown & Brown’s environmental, social and governance practices and disclosure; (ff) a decrease in demand for liability insurance as a result of tort reform legislation; (gg) Brown & Brown’s failure to comply with any covenants contained in its debt agreements; (hh) the possibility that covenants in Brown & Brown’s debt agreements could prevent Brown & Brown from engaging in certain potentially beneficial activities; (ii) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (jj) a downgrade to Brown & Brown’s corporate credit rating, the credit ratings of Brown & Brown’s outstanding debt or other market speculation; (kk) changes in the U.S.-based credit markets that might adversely affect Brown & Brown’s business, results of operations and financial condition; (ll) changes in current U.S. or global economic conditions, including an extended slowdown in the markets in which Brown & Brown operates; (mm) disintermediation within the insurance industry, including increased competition from insurance companies, technology companies and the financial services industry, as well as the shift away from traditional insurance markets; (nn) conditions that result in reduced insurer capacity; (oo) quarterly and annual variations in Brown & Brown’s commissions that result from the timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production; (pp) intangible asset risk, including the possibility that Brown & Brown’s goodwill may become impaired in the future; (qq) changes in Brown & Brown’s accounting estimates and assumptions; (rr) future pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases, and the resulting governmental and societal responses; (ss) other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in Brown & Brown’s public announcements and SEC filings; and (tt) other factors that Brown & Brown may not have currently identified or quantified. Assumptions as to any of the foregoing, and all statements, are not based upon historical fact, but rather reflect Brown & Brown’s current expectations concerning future results and events. Forward-looking statements that Brown & Brown makes or that are made by others on Brown & Brown’s behalf are based upon a knowledge of Brown & Brown’s business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors listed above, among others, actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Consequently, these cautionary statements qualify all of the forward-looking statements Brown & Brown makes herein. Brown & Brown cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by Brown & Brown will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that those results or developments will result in the expected consequences for Brown & Brown or affect Brown & Brown, its business or our operations in the way it expects. Brown & Brown cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.
For more information:
Investors
R. Andrew Watts Chief Financial Officer (386) 239-5770
Media
Jenny Goco Director of Communications (386) 333-6066
After United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested multiple people on alleged immigration violations, protests broke out in Los Angeles.
Authorities have been using “less lethal” weapons against crowds of civilians, but these weapons can still cause serious harm.
Footage of an Australian news reporter being shot by a rubber bullet fired by police – who appeared to deliberately target her – has been beamed around the world. And headlines this morning told of an ABC camera operator hit in the chest with a “less lethal” round.
This has provoked debate about police and military use of force.
As the term suggests, less lethal (also called non lethal or less-than-lethal) weapons are items that are less likely to result in death when compared with alternatives such as firearms.
Less lethal weapons include weapons such as:
pepper spray
tear gas
tasers
batons
water cannons
acoustic weapons
bean-bag rounds
rubber bullets.
They are designed and used to incapacitate people and disperse or control crowds.
They are meant to have temporary and reversible effects that minimise the likelihood of fatalities or permanent injury as well as undesired damage to property, facilities, material and the environment.
In Australia in 2023, for example, 95-year-old aged care resident Clare Nowland was tasered, fell backwards, hit her head and died from her head injury.
In 2012, responding to a mistaken report about an armed robbery, police physically restrained, tasered and pepper sprayed 21-year-old Roberto Curti multiple times. He died but his exact cause of death (and whether the use of less lethal weapons played a causal role) was not clear.
Do these weapons work to quell unrest?
The impetus for police and military use of less lethal force came about, in part, from backlash following the use of lethal force in situations where it was seen as a gross overreaction.
One example was the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, when police officers in a black township opened fire on an anti-apartheid protest, killing 69 civilians.
In theory, less lethal force is meant to provide a graduated level of response to events such as riots or protests, where the use of lethal force would be disproportionate and counter-productive.
It is sometimes described as the “next step” to use after de-escalation techniques (like negotiation or verbal commands) have failed.
Less lethal weapons can be used when some degree of force is considered necessary to restore order, neutralise a threat, or avoid full-blown conflict.
How well this works in practice is a different story.
There can be unintended consequences and use of less lethal force can be seen as an act of aggression by a government against its people, heightening existing tensions.
The availability of less lethal weapons may also change perceptions of risk and encourage the use of force in situations where it would otherwise be avoided. This in turn can provoke further escalation, conflict and distrust of authorities.
Samara McPhedran 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.
Earlier this year, I attended a housing conference in Sydney. The event’s opening address centred on the way Australia seems to be becoming like 18th-century England – a country where inheritance largely determines one’s opportunities in life.
There has been a lot of media coverage of economic inequities in Australian society. Our tax system has been partly blamed for this problem. The case for long-term, visionary tax reform has never been stronger. And one area of tax reform could be a wealth tax.
First, let’s be clear about one thing. Unlike the superannuation tax reforms currently being debated for those with more than A$3 million in superannuation, the wealth tax we’re talking about would apply to a very different cohort: billionaires.
A recent article in the Financial Times re-examined a proposal to impose such a tax on the world’s highest-net-worth individuals. It also pointed out these efforts would need to be globally coordinated.
Such taxes could collect significant sums of money for governments. It’s previously been estimated a billionaire tax could raise US$250 billion (more than A$380 billion) globally if just 2% of the net worth of the world’s billionaires was taxed each year.
The case for a wealth tax
Inequality is on the rise and the argument for a wealth tax can’t be ignored – not least here at home. According to the Australia Institute, the wealth of Australia’s richest 200 people has soared as a percentage of our national gross domestic product (GDP) – from 8.4% in 2004 to 23.7% in 2024.
If that sounds dramatic, the picture is far worse in the United States. So, what would a wealth tax look like in Australia (noting that in reality a globally coordinated effort would be needed)?
The starting point for this is understanding of why high-net-worth individuals seemingly pay very low taxes.
High net worth, low tax rate
Income taxes only take into account any amounts that are received in the hands of the taxpayer – whether that is a company, a person or a trust.
Most high-net-worth individuals do not receive much income directly but “store” their wealth in companies and other corporate structures.
In Australia, the maximum applicable tax rate for companies is 30%. Note that the highest tax rate in Australia for individuals is 45% plus the 2% medicare levy, effectively 47%.
Assets such as real estate may also be held by companies or trusts, and the increase in value of these assets is not taxed until they are sold (through capital gains tax).
Even then, those gains may not be paid out directly to the high-net-worth individual who owns these entities.
Unrealised gains
So, how do we tax wealth that is sitting in various businesses (company structures) or other entities, but isn’t taxed at present because the “income” or “gains” from these are not taxable in the hands of the wealthy individuals who own them?
This goes into the murky area of taxation of unrealised gains. Here, we need to tread very carefully. But we also need to recognise that we already do this, albeit rather subtly, and most of us are not billionaires.
In your rates notice from your local council, for example, the increase in value of your residence or investment property is used to calculate your rates.
The real difficulty, to carry on with this example, is that your residence or investment property is typically held in your name and so the tax can be directly levied on you.
A luxury residence in Miami Beach, Florida, owned by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. The US is home to the most billionaires of any country in the world. Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
Making tax unavoidable
As we’ve already explained, the bulk of the assets or net worth of wealthy individuals is not directly attributable to them. Does this mean we should give up altogether?
Not quite. UNSW professor Chris Evans has pointed out that while we may not be able to effectively tax all the net worth of the wealthy, there are some things we can tax and they can’t avoid it.
An obvious example is real estate. You can pack your bags and bank accounts and move to a low-tax country, but you can’t move your mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Real estate, both residential and commercial, provides one clear way in which we could implement a partial wealth tax. This method (which also has fewer valuation issues than value stored in a company in the form of retained profits) also counters the argument that the wealthy will simply move to other jurisdictions that won’t tax them.
There is plenty of academic research looking at various wealth tax initiatives in other countries. We should learn from these, including the experience in Switzerland and Sweden.
In Sweden, for instance, research found the behavioural effects of wealth taxation were less pronounced than those of income taxation, but the system had so many loopholes that evasion was an option for some people.
Change faces headwinds
In a very uncertain world that features ongoing wars and an unpredictable US president, any change that seeks to address issues of inequity is going to be met with resistance by those who hold power.
Some billionaires in the US, however, have expressed their support for being taxed more in a letter signed by heirs to the Disney and Rockefeller fortunes. That offers some hope, and suggests the discussion about wealth taxes should not be relegated to the “too hard” basket.
Some steps towards taxing the uber-rich would be better than the status quo.
Venkat Narayanan 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.
Last week, President Donald Trump ordered an investigation into “who ran the United States while President Biden was in office”, alleging top aides masked the “cognitive decline” of his predecessor. The announcement referenced revelations in a new book by journalists Jake Tapper (CNN) and Alex Thompson (Axios).
Original Sin made headlines last month for revealing that Biden’s declining physical and cognitive health had been hidden from the public by his closest aides and his loyal but overly protective wife, Jill Biden.
Whatever merit there is in Trump’s order must be seen alongside his bottomless cynicism. He seizes on the two authors’ investigative journalism to continue tarnishing his predecessor’s reputation, while doing everything in his power to bully news companies such as CBS over almost meritless defamation cases and to cut the funding of public media organisations PBS and NPR.
Review: Original Sin – Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson (Hutchinson Heinemann)
In November 2020, Biden was seen by many as a hero. He won the American election and saved the country from Donald Trump, who scholars judged among the worst presidents in the nation’s history, not least because just over 384,500 people died from COVID-19 that year.
Today, just as many see Biden as a villain. He said he would be a “bridge” president. He knew he would have ended his second term aged 86 if he had won and served it, so said he would hand over to a successor well in time for the 2024 election. But he didn’t. Not until three and a half weeks after his wincingly bad performance in a debate with Trump last June.
By then it was too late for his Democratic Party to go through its usual primaries process. Biden anointed his vice president Kamala Harris as his successor, but with only 107 days to campaign before the election, it is more accurate to say he gave her what football commentators call a “hospital pass”.
Donald Trump regained the presidency. Four months into his second term, all but his most loyal supporters (and this time he has made sure to surround himself only with loyal supporters) think it is already much worse than his first.
Whatever Biden achieved in his presidency is being forgotten amid the horror at watching America’s democratic institutions assaulted by an authoritarian leader determined to undo Biden’s policies, especially on climate change.
What on earth happened? How much responsibility does Biden bear? Did the news media subject Biden to sufficient scrutiny before the debate last June? Was everyone except the MAGA base suffering from a new variant of what conservative commentators long ago dubbed “Trump derangement syndrome”?
In short order, the answers are: Biden declined faster and worse than had been anticipated; a lot; the media possibly didn’t scrutinise him enough, but it’s more complicated than that – and, yes, “Trump derangement syndrome” was a factor, though not quite in the way conservative commentators thought.
Clooney’s alarm
Original Sin’s most spectacular revelation was that at a Democrat fundraising event last year, Biden did not appear to recognise George Clooney – who as well as being an actor, is a longtime Democrat supporter and a friend of the president.
Clooney was shocked by Biden’s frail appearance. “Holy shit,” he thought, according to the authors, as he watched Biden enter the room, taking tiny steps with “an aide guiding him by his arm”. The book describes the excruciating moment in detail:
“You know George,” the assisting aide told the president, gently reminding him who was in front of him.
“Yeah, yeah,” the president said to one of the most recognizable men in the world, the host of this lucrative fundraiser. “Thank you for being here.”
“Hi, Mr. President,” Clooney said.
“How are ya?” the president replied.
“How was your trip?” Clooney asked.
“It was fine,” the president said.
It was obvious to many standing there that the president did not know who George Clooney was. […]
“George Clooney,” the aide clarified for the president.
“Oh, yeah!” Biden said. “Hi, George!”
A Hollywood VIP who witnessed the moment told the authors “it was not okay”, describing it as “uncomfortable”. Clooney felt he had to sound the alarm publicly, which he did in an impassioned opinion piece for The New York Times a few weeks later, on July 10. He wrote about how he loved and respected Biden, but
the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.
Just days after publicity about the book began, news broke that Biden has stage four prostate cancer – and that he had not had a prostate test for more than a decade.
The ‘loyalty police’
Tapper and Thompson’s book derives not only from their day jobs, but from reporting they have done since last November’s election, including interviews with 200 people. Some of them, even now, prefer to speak on background rather than be named.
Through them, they tell a bracing story with three main themes.
First, there is the unblinking loyalty of close aides. Chief strategist Mike Donilon had been with Biden since 1981. Bruce Reed was a speechwriter and longtime political consultant. Steve Ricchetti had been Biden’s chief of staff when he was vice president, and was also a friend who would watch the morning political shows with him. All four of Richetti’s children worked in the Biden administration, the authors write.
Jill Biden’s longtime aides, Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, were fiercely protective of the Bidens as much as the office of the president. “Are you a Biden person?” they would ask, leading other aides to label them the “loyalty police”.
Collectively, the close aides were known as The Politburo. Kamala Harris’ aides called them a “cabal of the unhelpful”. Time and again, they responded to queries about Biden’s health with firm assurances he was doing fine – even though the president needed to be supplied with cue cards when he was meeting his cabinet secretaries.
Biden, like previous presidents, had an annual medical check-up and was given a clean bill of health. But doctors outside the White House noted that his cognitive abilities were not tested. Asked about this, aides – and Biden himself – would say he passed a cognitive test every day of his presidency, which was a superficially plausible but practically meaningless statement.
Some aides genuinely believed in Biden, while others harboured doubts. The latter suppressed those to focus on the task of defeating Trump in 2024. One told Tapper and Thompson: “He just had to win, and then he could disappear for four years – he’d only have to show proof of life every once in a while.” Which sounds pretty much like the plot of the 1989 movie, Weekend at Bernie’s, except the situation was anything but comic.
Biden’s aides admonished journalists, including Alex Thompson, for even raising the issue of the president’s health. Worse, they shielded Biden from what his own pollsters were saying about his dire prospects for re-election.
The oldest presidential candidates
For Biden, work usually began at 9am, included two hours in the afternoon for “POTUS time”, and finished at 4.30pm when he had dinner. Availability for evening events was limited. By 2024, cabinet secretaries in the Biden administration told Tapper and Thompson that Biden could not be relied upon to be available at 2am for the kind of emergency the presidency can require.
After the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, born the same year as Biden, froze in public a second time, in 2023, his fellow Republican Nikki Haley said, “The Senate is the most privileged nursing home in the country […] You have to know when to leave.”
When the Democrats did unexpectedly well at the 2022 midterm elections, Biden’s aides took that as a sign he should run again, rather than note the level of protest in the midterm vote, which came soon after the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade decision on abortion.
The opinion polls, though, were telling. An early November 2022 Ipsos poll had the president’s approval rating at a low 39%, Tapper and Thompson report. Two thirds of those surveyed said they thought the country was on the wrong track. When Ipsos ran a poll after the midterm election, 68% said Biden might not be up for the challenge of running in 2024. Worse, almost half of Democrats agreed.
Biden’s aides may have been right to marvel at what their boss could still do, and to resent the media harping on about Biden’s age while turning a blind eye to his cheeseburger-chomping, Coke-slurping political nemesis, only four years younger. The bitter fact for them is that by 2020 Biden looked and sounded frail while Trump looked and sounded commanding.
Trump may have lied repeatedly during the debate last June, but in a real sense that was not news; Trump lies as easily as he breathes. What was news was watching a mumbling, open-mouthed US president freeze on live television.
Grisly anecdotes and Hunter Biden
Original Sin is replete with grisly anecdotes about Biden’s decrepitude. “The guy can’t form a fucking sentence”, thought one aide attending to him onboard Air Force One. This leads to the second main theme: the tragic circumstances that appear to have accelerated the decline.
It is well known that personal tragedy has scarred – and in crucial ways shaped – Biden’s life and career. He lost his first wife, Neilia, and their one-year-old daughter, Naomi, in a car accident in 1972. Their young sons, Beau and Hunter, were in the car. They survived but Hunter suffered a fractured skull, an injury with lifelong effects, according to Tapper and Thompson.
Beau served as an army officer in the Iraq war. On his return, he was elected attorney-general of Delaware in 2006 and 2010. He planned to run for governor in 2016. But a year earlier, the brain cancer for which he was first treated in 2013 recurred; he died in May 2015. In a worrying precursor to later actions, the Bidens kept Beau’s illness a secret. “Beau’s death aged him significantly,” a longtime Biden confidant told Tapper and Thompson. “His shoulders looked smaller. His face looked more gaunt. In his eyes, you could just see it.”
A year later, Hunter Biden became addicted to crack cocaine. Ashley, Biden’s daughter by his second wife Jill, also struggled with addiction. Both spiralled downwards after Beau’s death, which weighed heavily on their father. As the authors write:
After Beau’s death in 2015, Biden desperately and understandably clung to Hunter. He would privately refer to him as ‘my only living son.’ But Biden aides felt that Hunter manipulated his father’s blind love for his own aims. The president struggled to say no to Hunter. Aides felt that he had tragically become Hunter’s chief enabler.
In 2021 Hunter published a memoir, Beautiful Things, and travelled round the country in an effort to provide hope to others struggling with addiction. The memoir’s candour provided valuable information to David Weiss, a special counsel appointed by Attorney-General Merrick Garland in 2023.
Weiss had been previously appointed by the first Trump administration to investigate the contents of a laptop Hunter Biden left at a repair shop. Biden had not interfered with Garland’s decision, as he did not want to be seen as behaving the way his predecessor had.
Weiss charged Hunter Biden over his possession of a handgun while being addicted to cocaine. A plea deal broke down and Hunter faced trial in 2024. The Biden family attended each day of the trial. Biden felt guilty, believing Hunter would never have been on trial if he wasn’t the president’s son.
There is little doubt the Republicans weaponised Hunter Biden’s actions, but he gave them plenty of ammunition. He had had an extramarital affair with his brother’s widow and had introduced her to cocaine, to which she became addicted. There is more, but you get the (tawdry) picture.
Then, after the election in November, Biden did what he had repeatedly said he wouldn’t, exercising his power as president to pardon his son. It may have been the understandable action of a besieged father, but Biden did not frame it that way, blaming Garland, wrongly, for pursuing the case.
Equally to the point, the authors report that Trump’s lawyers took note, believing the Hunter Biden pardon “gave them a great deal of leeway on whether they could pardon and free from prison the hundreds of convicted January 6 insurrectionists” from the 2021 Capitol riot. Which of course Trump did as soon as he took office in January 2025.
The old adage has it that two wrongs don’t make a right. But for a politician who had won the presidency promising to be everything Trump was not, it was a fatal, final blow to Biden’s credibility.
The media ‘missed a lot’
The third theme of the book asks how much of all this the news media reported during Biden’s presidency. Some, but not all of it – including some by Thompson, who recently won a White House Correspondents’ Association award for his disclosures.
Both he and his co-author acknowledge they and other journalists did not dig hard enough to reveal the extent to which the Biden administration was hampered by the president’s declining health. Said Thompson:
Being truth-tellers also means telling the truth about ourselves. We – myself included – missed a lot of this story, and some people trust us less because of it […] We should have done better.“
It is worth keeping this in perspective. The news media’s failings in the lead up to the Iraq war in 2003 were more significant. Then, too many journalists swallowed the administration’s lines justifying its decision to invade a country, while the work of those who did report sceptically was buried well inside the newspaper. There, it “played as quietly as a lullaby”, as The New York Times’ first public editor, Daniel Okrent, wrote in 2003.
The war’s reporting led to a lot of soul searching in American newsrooms. If there was a coverup in the media about the Biden administration, it wasn’t very effective, wrote media critic Jon Allsop in the New Yorker. “Not least because the majority of the public thought Biden was too old long before the debate.”
The other element infecting both the mainstream media and social media is divisiveness, rancour and hostility. It is hard, for journalists and the public, to see political information other than through a hyper-partisan lens. I felt this acutely when reading the section in Original Sin about Biden getting drawn into the FBI’s investigation of Trump for withholding classified documents – when the FBI found Biden had done essentially the same thing. (Though it should be stressed Biden, unlike Trump, cooperated at all times.)
‘Well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory’
It was through this investigation that special counsel Robert Hur’s recording of a long interview with Biden came to light. Journalists were backgrounded that Hur was a right-wing operative; he was anything but that, write Tapper and Thompson. He treated Biden fairly and respectfully. In the interview, excerpts of which run to seven pages of the book, Biden rambles and needs regular reminding of facts – including the year his son Beau died.
In Hur’s report, released in 2024, he found Biden had inappropriately retained classified documents but he did not recommend pressing charges. To a jury, Hur concluded, Biden would present “as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”. He was making the kind of decision prosecutors routinely make about the likelihood of a conviction.
Hur was attacked by the White House and much of the media as a partisan warrior who had brought up the death of the president’s son in the interview, when it was Biden who mentioned it himself. If Hur really had been a partisan warrior, the authors write, he would have recommended continuing with the prosecution.
Several months later, after the disastrous Biden-Trump debate, friends and colleagues texted Hur saying he must have felt vindicated. “Hur told them that all he felt was sad. How could anyone look at Joe Biden at that debate and not feel bad?”
It is true that aides, and sometimes the news media, have covered up previous presidents’ health issues, such as Franklin Roosevelt’s paralysis from polio, John Kennedy’s debilitating back pain that required heavy doses of painkillers, and Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease.
Tapper and Thompson argue the coverup of Biden’s health problems is the most consequential in presidential history.
Underplays Biden’s achievements
The authors successfully prosecute their case about Biden’s responsibility for his own demise. Perhaps worried they may not be believed by Democrat supporters, they continue amassing evidence well beyond that point, which means the minutiae of aides continuing to deny the reality of Biden’s decline becomes repetitive.
Their relentless focus on Biden’s decline also means they underplay both his achievements as a president and the breadth of his character. At one point, they admiringly refer to Richard Ben Cramer’s book about the 1988 presidential campaign, What it Takes, which includes Biden’s failed attempt to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency.
Cramer’s book is a massive 1,047 pages. He interviewed more than a thousand people and took so long on the book it came out during the next presidential campaign, in which Bill Clinton was elected.
One reviewer, Richard Brownstein, wrote of it: “Presidential elections are the white whale of American journalism – and in Cramer they have found a manic Melville.” But it is written in an intimate, novelistic style, taking the reader deep into the lives and thoughts and feelings of the candidates, George H.W Bush, Bob Dole, Michael Dukakis, Richard Gephardt, Gary Hart and Biden.
Cramer told Robert Boynton in an interview for his 2005 book, The New New Journalism, he was amazed political journalists spend so little time talking to childhood friends, family and early colleagues.
If you want to understand how someone got to the point where he [sic] is a credible candidate for president of a nation of 250 million people, you’d better godamn-well know how he is wonderful. But most journalists don’t care about that.
As such, Cramer provides a deeper, richer portrait of Biden as an idiosyncratic and flawed, but also impressive politician, who was a force of nature in his youth. By comparison, Original Sin reads like an autopsy: which in a way, it is. If you want to remember why Biden became an effective politician in the first place, seek out a copy of What it Takes.
In the end, though, whatever achievements Biden had as president are being overtaken by his disastrous decision to try to hang on for a second term. By the evidence presented in Original Sin, “Honest Joe” was, like many politicians, prey to ego and overvaulting ambition, and prone to secrecy when it suited him.
He and his aides thought – and astonishingly still do think – he was the person best able to repel the return of a person they feared (with good reason) would do enormous damage to the country. Biden said this after the November election, earning Harris’s ire, for which he apologised, and Donilon affirmed it in an interview with the authors early this year.
The savage irony is, by their actions, Biden and his team eased Trump’s path to victory last November. Now, it is not just Americans but the rest of the world who are left to deal with the second Trump administration.
Matthew Ricketson 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.
You may have come across those “what I eat in a day” videos on social media, where people – usually conventionally attractive influencers wearing activewear – list everything they consumed that day.
They might seem like harmless fun but in fact they can reinforce dangerous ideas about food, weight and body image.
I’ve worked with people with eating disorders who watch these videos and have seen first hand how harmful this content can be.
Here’s what the research says and what you need to know.
Videos that promote ‘health’ can be unhealthy
“What I eat in a day” videos have been popular for over a decade, with views reaching in the billions.
They target both men and women and many claim to promote health and nutrition. Yet videos such as these can do more harm than good.
Very few of these creators have formal qualifications in health or nutrition, increasing the potential for misinformation.
They often depict low calorie diets, exclude entire food groups or promote “clean eating” (a problematic idea at best).
They can also send harmful messages about body image. Many such videos use beauty filters to create images promoting unrealistic body ideals.
These videos often feature shots of how the person looks from the front, the side, in the gym, and in tight, form-fitting clothes. There may even be some “before and after” weight loss pics, sending the harmful message this should be everyone’s goal.
The subtext is clear: “eat what I eat in a day and you can look like me”.
But that’s not just a dangerous idea – it’s a totally false and erroneous one.
Knowing what a certain person “eats in a day” doesn’t mean you’ll look like them if you follow their lead.
In fact, a 24-hour rundown of one person’s food intake doesn’t even provide accurate information about that person’s nutritional health – let alone yours.
Links between health and diet are best examined over time, not in a single day.
Basing our food intake on a brief snapshot of what someone else eats is unlikely to lead to better health. It might leave you worse off overall.
5 ways these videos can affect mental health
What we watch online can affect our mood, behaviour and body image.
Alarm bells should ring if you frequently see these videos and notice you’re doing or experiencing these five things:
1. disordered eating. Eating less than your body needs, skipping meals, cutting out entire food groups, binge eating and purging are all signs of disordered eating that can lead to serious mental health problems such as eating disorders
2. low mood. Watching videos promoting low-calorie diets can worsen our mood; you might find yourself feeling deflated after comparing yourself to others (or rather, to the version of themselves they promote online)
3. poor body image. Research shows watching “what I eat in a day” videos can leave people feeling worse about their bodies and appreciating them less
4. obsessive thinking and anxiety. Obsessing over the “perfect” diet can increase anxiety about food and eating. Diets that encourage a very detailed approach to nutrition – including breaking meals down into components such as carbohydrates and proteins or weighing food – can further fuel obsessive thoughts
5. narrow life focus. Having your social media feed filled with these types of videos can create an overemphasis on the importance of food, eating and body image on your self-worth. This ultimately affects your health and wellbeing.
What we watch online can affect our mood, behaviour, and body image. GaudiLab/Shutterstock
OK, so what can I do?
If you’re encountering “what I eat in a day” videos often and find they’re affecting your mood, eating behaviour or sense of self-worth you can try to:
understand that these videos are not tailored to your individual health or nutritional needs and that many contain harmful messaging
avoid engaging with videos that promote disordered eating, idealised beauty standards or that make you feel bad after you watch them
unfollow accounts that regularly post such videos, or tap “not interested” on the TikTok video to stop the algorithm showing you more of them
balance your social media feed with content focused on other areas of life besides food and eating (such as art, design, animals, books, sports or travel). Fill your feed with interests that improve your personal sense of wellbeing
consider taking regular breaks from social media and seeing if you feel better overall.
If you do want to view posts about food, seek out creators attempting to buck these negative trends by focusing more on fun and taste.
And if you’re experiencing low mood, disordered eating or body image issues, seek help from your local GP. They can connect you with practitioners who provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
If you have a history of an eating disorder or suspect you may have one, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national helpline on 1800 334 673 (or via their online chat).
Ultimately, “what I eat in a day” videos aren’t really helpful. They contain very little useful information to guide your health or nutritional goals.
If you are considering making changes to your diet, it’s important to consult a qualified professional, such as an accredited practising dietitian, who can learn about your situation and monitor any risks.
Catherine Houlihan consults with an eating disorders service owned and operated by the Butterfly Foundation.
As more and more people spend time chatting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as ChatGPT, the topic of mental health has naturally emerged. Some people have positive experiences that make AI seem like a low-cost therapist.
But AIs aren’t therapists. They’re smart and engaging, but they don’t think like humans. ChatGPT and other generative AI models are like your phone’s auto-complete text feature on steroids. They have learned to converse by reading text scraped from the internet.
When someone asks a question (called a prompt) such as “how can I stay calm during a stressful work meeting?” the AI forms a response by randomly choosing words that are as close as possible to the data it saw during training. This happens so fast, with responses that are so relevant, it can feel like talking to a person.
But these models aren’t people. And they definitely are not trained mental health professionals who work under professional guidelines, adhere to a code of ethics, or hold professional registration.
Where does it learn to talk about this stuff?
When you prompt an AI system such as ChatGPT, it draws information from three main sources to respond:
background knowledge it memorised during training
external information sources
information you previously provided.
1. Background knowledge
To develop an AI language model, the developers teach the model by having it read vast quantities of data in a process called “training”.
Where does this information come from? Broadly speaking, anything that can be publicly scraped from the internet. This can include everything from academic papers, eBooks, reports, free news articles, through to blogs, YouTube transcripts, or comments from discussion forums such as Reddit.
Are these sources reliable places to find mental health advice? Sometimes.
Are they always in your best interest and filtered through a scientific evidence based approach? Not always. The information is also captured at a single point in time when the AI is built, so may be out-of-date.
A lot of detail also needs to be discarded to squish it into the AI’s “memory”. This is part of why AI models are prone to hallucination and getting details wrong.
2. External information sources
The AI developers might connect the chatbot itself with external tools, or knowledge sources, such as Google for searches or a curated database.
When you ask Microsoft’s Bing Copilot a question and you see numbered references in the answer, this indicates the AI has relied on an external search to get updated information in addition to what is stored in its memory.
Meanwhile, some dedicated mental health chatbots are able to access therapy guides and materials to help direct conversations along helpful lines.
3. Information previously provided
AI platforms also have access to information you have previously supplied in conversations, or when signing up to the platform.
When you register for the companion AI platform Replika, for example, it learns your name, pronouns, age, preferred companion appearance and gender, IP address and location, the kind of device you are using, and more (as well as your credit card details).
On many chatbot platforms, anything you’ve ever said to an AI companion might be stored away for future reference. All of these details can be dredged up and referenced when an AI responds.
And we know these AI systems are like friends who affirm what you say (a problem known as sycophancy) and steer conversation back to interests you have already discussed. This is unlike a professional therapist who can draw from training and experience to help challenge or redirect your thinking where needed.
What about specific apps for mental health?
Most people would be familiar with the big models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Microsofts’ Copilot. These are general purpose models. They are not limited to specific topics or trained to answer any specific questions.
But developers can make specialised AIs that are trained to discuss specific topics, like mental health, such as Woebot and Wysa.
However, these studies have all examined short-term use. We do not yet know what impacts excessive or long-term chatbot use has on mental health. Many studies also exclude participants who are suicidal or who have a severe psychotic disorder. And many studies are funded by the developers of the same chatbots, so the research may be biased.
This evidence all suggests AI chatbots may be an option to fill gaps where there is a shortage in mental health professionals, assist with referrals, or at least provide interim support between appointments or to support people on waitlists.
Bottom line
At this stage, it’s hard to say whether AI chatbots are reliable and safe enough to use as a stand-alone therapy option.
More research is needed to identify if certain types of users are more at risk of the harms that AI chatbots might bring.
It’s also unclear if we need to be worried about emotional dependence, unhealthy attachment, worsening loneliness, or intensive use.
AI chatbots may be a useful place to start when you’re having a bad day and just need a chat. But when the bad days continue to happen, it’s time to talk to a professional as well.
Aaron J. Snoswell previously received research project funding from OpenAI in 2024-2025 to develop new evaluation frameworks for measuring moral competence in AI agents.
Laura Neil receives funding through the Australian government Research Training Program Scholarship.
Centaine Snoswell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Scientists from NSU have patented a catalyst for photooxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) under the influence of radiation of a wide spectral range. It effectively cleans gas-air mixtures and air from carbon monoxide at room temperature and is activated not only by ultraviolet radiation, like traditional photocatalysts used in this field, but also by natural light and by room light sources. The new catalyst also prevents the formation of carbon monoxide as a by-product during photocatalytic oxidation of a number of organic pollutants. In addition, it is capable of destroying chemicals, macromolecules, including DNA and RNA, and inactivating viruses and bacteria. Such a combined catalyst can be used in air purification systems and used as a photoactive coating for walls and other surfaces in office and residential premises. The authors of the invention emphasize that they created it in order to protect the environment and human health, since carbon monoxide is one of the most common pollutants.
— As a result of human activity, (350–600) 106 tons of CO enter the atmosphere annually, with more than half of this amount (56–62%) coming from motor vehicles, since the CO content in the exhaust gases of mobile vehicles can reach 12%. Carbon monoxide is dangerous for humans, since when its molecules interact with blood hemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin is formed, which blocks the processes of oxygen transport and cellular respiration. A person’s presence in a closed space with a CO concentration in the air of more than 1250 mg/m3 for an hour leads to death. Fortunately, the concentrations of these pollutants in residential and work areas are usually low, but air purification is still necessary, because prolonged contact with these substances can lead to a deterioration in people’s well-being and harm their health, — the research fellow said. Scientific and Educational Center of the Institute of Chemical Technologies (INHIT) NSU, leading researcher of the photo- and electrocatalysis group of the Institute of Catalysis SB RAS Dmitry Selishchev.
Different approaches are used to solve the problem of removing molecular impurities from gas-air mixtures, but the most effective way to clean the air from small concentrations of pollutants under room conditions is photocatalytic oxidation. This oxidation method is based on the fact that under the action of light quanta with an energy exceeding the width of the forbidden zone of the semiconductor photocatalyst, electron-hole pairs are formed in the volume of the photocatalyst. The resulting electron and hole can migrate to the surface of the photocatalyst and participate in oxidation-reduction reactions with adsorbed compounds. This ensures a high oxidation rate even in the case of small concentrations of pollutants under room conditions.
— The photocatalytic method is one of the effective ways to clean indoor air from various types of pollutants. It is based on the use of special substances (photocatalysts), which, under the influence of light, provide oxidation of various types of pollutants, as a result of which they are transformed from the original state, when they are capable of harming human health, into harmless substances, such as, for example, carbon dioxide and water. This method is very effective in cleaning the air from organic types of pollutants. Traditional photocatalysts practically do not solve the problem of its purification from carbon monoxide, showing very low efficiency. To increase it to the desired level, we carried out a number of modifications of the photocatalysts we had previously developed by applying nanoparticles of noble metals – platinum and palladium – to their surface. These particles provide intermediate adsorption of carbon monoxide molecules, due to which the rate of their oxidation significantly increases, — explained Dmitry Selishchev.
The most famous semiconductor photocatalyst is titanium dioxide, which is inexpensive and virtually non-toxic, but at the same time allows for the complete oxidation of virtually any substance due to the formation of highly reactive particles. The main disadvantage of titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst is its fairly large band gap (3.0–3.2 eV), as a result of which it is activated only by ultraviolet radiation and is unable to absorb visible light quanta, which limits its area of application.
As Dmitry Selishchev explained, the most active photocatalysts are based on nanocrystalline titanium dioxide of a certain phase composition. In order to shift its spectrum of action along the wavelength scale to the visible light region, they proposed a synthesis method that provides for the introduction of additional nitrogen impurities, which lead to the appearance of additional energy levels and thus reduce the width of the forbidden zone. In this case, the catalyst is activated under the influence of light radiation of lower energy, i.e. with a longer wavelength.
— First-generation photocatalytic air purifiers were based on ultraviolet sources, such as low-pressure mercury lamps. Currently, mercury light sources are completely banned in a number of countries, while in other countries, restrictions are being introduced with the prospect of completely abandoning their use. Therefore, there was a need to transfer catalytic air purifiers from ultraviolet radiation sources to more efficient and safe, affordable LED sources. We set ourselves the task of creating a catalyst capable of activation in a wide spectral range. Other researchers had previously worked on it, using different approaches. We proposed combining the main advantages of titanium oxide catalysts, which provide high efficiency, with a modification of their structure by introducing a nitrogen impurity into it through the use of certain reagents and treatments, — explained Dmitry Selishchev.
The modified catalyst obtained in this way can be distinguished from its predecessor by color. The original catalyst is a white powder. This color indicates that it does not absorb, but reflects visible light. The modified catalyst turns yellow during manipulations. This means that it absorbs visible spectrum radiation. Such a catalyst is activated not only by visible light, but also by ultraviolet radiation, and can be used in new generations of devices for cleaning air from molecular impurities.
Another important disadvantage of titanium dioxide, like other traditional semiconductor photocatalysts, is its low adsorption capacity for carbon monoxide molecules, resulting in a low rate of photocatalytic oxidation and a low rate of air purification from impurities of this type. This is also important because CO can be formed as a by-product during photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants, especially aromatic compounds. This can result in secondary air pollution.
Since CO molecules are poorly sorbed on the surface, it was necessary to create additional centers for their absorption, as well as centers for the transfer of photogenerated charges. For this purpose, nanoparticles of noble metals – platinum and palladium – were introduced into the composition of the new photocatalyst, using certain reagents that ensure uniform distribution of nanoparticles over the surface of the photocatalyst.
— The new catalyst will find application in air purification systems. There are several large manufacturers on the Russian market who are interested in using a new type of catalyst to improve the efficiency of their products. NSU scientists work in cooperation with them and offer their developments for use in creating new generations of air purifiers. Also, the researchers of our laboratory are working on creating self-cleaning coatings for various materials and surfaces. These coatings consist of a photoactive component and binders. We intend to use the modernized catalyst in this area as well, in order to continuously provide passive cleaning of premises from carbon monoxide. Currently, testing of a wall coating based on a catalyst for photooxidation of carbon monoxide is underway in laboratory conditions, — said Dmitry Selishchev.
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.
Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the People’s Bank of China in Beijing
Beijing, 11 June 2025
It is a pleasure to be back here in Beijing.
Some years ago, I spoke about how a changing world was creating a new global map of economic relations.[1]
Maps have always reflected the society in which they are produced. But in rare instances, they can also capture historical moments when two societies meet at the crossroads.
This was evident in the late 1500s during the Ming Dynasty, when Matteo Ricci, a European Jesuit, travelled to China. There Ricci went on to work with Chinese scholars to create a hybrid map that integrated European geographical knowledge with Chinese cartographic tradition.[2]
The result of this cooperation – called the Kunyu Wanguo Quantu, or “Map of Ten Thousand Countries” – was historically unprecedented. And the encounter came to symbolise China’s openness to the world.
In the modern era, we saw a similar moment when China entered the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. The country’s accession to the WTO signified its integration into the international economy and its openness to global trade.
China’s entry into the WTO went on to reshape the global map of economic relations at a time of rapid trade growth, bringing significant benefits to countries across the world – particularly here in China.
Since that time, the global economy has changed dramatically. In recent years, trade tensions have emerged and a geopolitically charged landscape is making international cooperation increasingly difficult.
Yet the emergence of tensions in the international economic system is a recurring pattern across modern economic history.
Over the last century, frictions have surfaced under a range of international configurations – from the inter-war gold exchange standard, to the post-war Bretton Woods system, to the subsequent era of floating exchange rates and free capital flows.
While each system was unique, two common lessons cut across this history.
First, one-sided adjustments to resolve global frictions have often fallen short, regardless of whether deficit or surplus countries carry the burden. In fact, they can bring with them either unpredictable or costly consequences.
Such adjustments can be especially problematic when trade policies are used as a substitute for macroeconomic policies in addressing the root causes.
And second, in the event that tensions do emerge, durable strategic and economic alliances have proven critical in preventing tail risks from materialising.
In contrast to eras when ties of cooperation were weak, alliances have ultimately helped to prevent a broader surge in protectionism or a systemic fragmentation of trade.
These two lessons have implications for today. Frictions are increasingly emerging between regions whose geopolitical interests may not be fully aligned. At the same time, however, these regions are more deeply economically integrated than ever before.
The upshot is that while the incentive to cooperate is reduced, the costs of not doing so are now amplified.
So the stakes are high.
If we are to avoid inferior outcomes, we all must work towards sustaining global cooperation in a fragmenting world.
Tensions across history
If we look at the history of the international economic system over the past century, we can broadly divide it into three periods.
In the first period, the inter-war years, major economies were tied together by the gold exchange standard – a regime of fixed exchange rates, with currencies linked to gold either directly or indirectly.
But unlike the pre-war era, when the United Kingdom played a dominant global role[3], there was no global hegemon. Nor were there impactful international organisations to enforce rules or coordinate policies.
The system’s flaws quickly became apparent.[4] Exchange rate misalignments caused persistent tensions between surplus and deficit countries. Yet the burden of adjustment fell overwhelmingly on the deficit side.
Facing outflows of gold, deficit countries were forced into harsh deflation. Meanwhile, surplus countries faced little pressure to reflate. By 1932, two surplus countries accounted for over 60% of the world share of gold reserves.[5]
One-sided adjustments failed to resolve the underlying problems. And without strong alliances to contain tail risks, tensions escalated. Countries turned to trade measures in an attempt to reduce imbalances in the system – but protectionism offered no sustainable solution.
In fact, if current account positions narrowed at all, it was only because of the fall-off in world trade and output. The volume of global trade fell by around one-quarter between 1929 and 1933[6], with one study attributing nearly half of this fall to higher trade barriers.[7] World output declined by almost 30% in this period.[8]
During the Second World War, leaders took the lessons to heart. They laid the groundwork for what became the Bretton Woods system in the early post-war era: a framework of fixed exchange rates and capital controls.
This marked the beginning of the second period.
The new regime was anchored by the US dollar’s convertibility into gold, with the International Monetary Fund acting as a referee. Trade flourished during this era. Between 1950 and 1973[9], world trade expanded at an average rate of over 8% per year.[10]
But again, frictions emerged.
In particular, the United States had shifted from initially running balance of payments surpluses to persistent deficits. At the heart of this shift was the role of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency and source of liquidity for global trade.
While US deficits provided the world with vital dollar liquidity, those very same deficits strained the dollar’s gold convertibility at USD 35 per ounce, threatening confidence in the system.
By the late 1960s, foreign holdings of US dollars – amounting to almost USD 50 billion – were roughly five times the size of US gold reserves.[11]
Ultimately, these tensions proved unsustainable as the United States was unwilling to sacrifice domestic policy goals – which generated fiscal deficits – for its external commitments.
The Bretton Woods system ended abruptly in 1971, when President Nixon unilaterally suspended the US dollar’s convertibility into gold and imposed a 10% surcharge on imports.
The goal behind the surcharge was to force US trading partners to revalue their currencies against the dollar, which was perceived as being overvalued.[12] As in earlier periods, this was a one-sided adjustment – though now aimed at shifting the burden onto surplus countries.
Crucially, however, the downfall of Bretton Woods unfolded within the context of the Cold War. Countries operating under the system were not just trading partners – they were allies.
And so, everyone had a strong geopolitical incentive to pick up the pieces and forge new cooperative agreements that could facilitate trade relationships, even in moments of pronounced volatility.
We saw this several months after the “Nixon Shock”, when Western countries negotiated the Smithsonian Agreement.
This agreement was a temporary fix to maintain an international system of fixed exchange rates. It devalued the US dollar by over 12% against the currencies of its major trading partners and removed President Nixon’s surcharge.[13]
And we saw a strong geopolitical incentive at work again with the Plaza Accord in the 1980s – an era of floating exchange rates and free capital flows – when deficit and surplus countries in the Group of Five[14] sat down to try and resolve tensions.
Of course, neither agreement ultimately succeeded in addressing the root causes of tensions. But critically, the risk of a broader turn toward protectionism – which was rising at several points[15] – never materialised.
The contrast is telling.
Both the inter-war and post-war eras revealed that one-sided adjustments cannot sustainably resolve economic frictions – whether on the deficit or surplus side.
Yet the post-war system proved far more resilient, because the countries within it had deeper strategic reasons to cooperate.
Frictions threatening global trade today
In recent decades, we have been moving into a third period.
Since the end of the Cold War, we have seen the rapid expansion of truly global trade.
Trade in goods and services has risen roughly fivefold to over USD 30 trillion.[16] Trade as a share of global GDP has increased from around 38% to nearly 60%.[17] And countries have become much more integrated through global supply chains. At the end of the Cold War, these chains accounted for around two-fifths of global trade.[18] Today, they account for over two-thirds.[19]
Yet this globalisation has unfolded in a world where – increasingly – not all nations are bound by the same security guarantees or strategic alliances. In 1985 just 90 countries were party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Today, its successor – the WTO – counts 166 members, representing 98% of global trade.[20]
There is no doubt that this new era has amplified the benefits of trade.
Some originally lower-income countries have experienced remarkable gains – none more so than China.
Since joining the WTO, China’s GDP per capita has increased roughly twelvefold.[21] The welfare impact has been equally profound: almost 800 million people in China have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for nearly three-quarters of global poverty reduction in recent decades.[22]
Advanced economies, too, have benefited, albeit unevenly. While some industries and jobs have faced pressure from heightened import competition[23], consumers have enjoyed lower prices and greater choice. And for firms able to climb the value chain, the rewards have been substantial – especially in Europe.
Today, EU exports to the rest of the world generate more than €2.5 trillion in value added – nearly one-fifth of the EU’s total – and support over 31 million jobs.[24]
But the weakening alignment between trade relationships and security alliances has left the global system more exposed – a vulnerability now playing out in real time.
According to the International Monetary Fund, trade restrictions across goods, services and investments have tripled since 2019 alone.[25] And in recent months, we have seen tariff levels imposed that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
This fragmentation is being driven by two forces.
The first is geopolitical realignment. As I have outlined in recent years, geopolitical tensions are playing an increasingly decisive role in reshaping the global economy.[26] Countries are reconfiguring trade relationships and supply chains to reflect national security priorities, rather than economic efficiency alone.
The second force is the growing perception of unfair trade – often linked to widening current account positions.
Current account surpluses and deficits are not inherently problematic, particularly when they reflect structural factors such as comparative advantage or demographic trends.
But these imbalances become more contentious when they do not resolve over time and create the perception that they are being sustained by policy choices – whether through the blocking of macroeconomic adjustment mechanisms or a lack of respect for global rules.
Indeed, while in recent decades the persistence of current account positions has remained fairly constant, the dispersion of those positions – that is, how widely surpluses and deficits are spread across countries – has shifted significantly.
In the mid-1990s current account deficits and surpluses were similarly dispersed within their respective groups: both were relatively evenly distributed among several countries.[27]
Today, that balance has changed. Deficits have become far more concentrated, with just a few countries accounting for the bulk of global deficits. In contrast, surpluses have become somewhat more dispersed, spread across a wider range of countries.
These developments have recently led to coercive trade policies and risk fragmenting global supply chains.
Making global trade sustainable
Given national security considerations and the experience during the pandemic, a certain degree of de-risking is here to stay. Few countries are willing to remain dependent on others for strategic industries.
But it does not follow that we must forfeit the broader benefits of trade – so long as we are willing to absorb the lessons of history. Let me draw two conclusions for the current situation.
First, coercive trade policies are not a sustainable solution to today’s trade tensions.
To the extent that protectionism addresses imbalances, it is not by resolving their root causes, but by eroding the foundations of global prosperity.
And with countries now deeply integrated through global supply chains – yet no longer as geopolitically aligned as in the past – this risk is greater than ever. Coercive trade policies are far more likely to provoke retaliation and lead to outcomes that are mutually damaging.
The shared risks we face are underscored by ECB analysis. Our staff find that if global trade were to fragment into competing blocs, world trade would contract significantly, with every major economy worse off.[28]
This leads me to the second conclusion: if we are serious about preserving our prosperity, we must pursue cooperative solutions – even in the face of geopolitical differences. And that means both surplus and deficit countries must take responsibility and play their part.
All countries should examine how their structural and fiscal policies can be adjusted to reduce their own role in fuelling trade tensions.
Indeed, both supply-side and demand-side dynamics have contributed to dispersion of current accounts positions we see today.
On the supply side, we have witnessed a sharp rise in the use of industrial policies aimed at boosting domestic capacity. Since 2014, subsidy-related interventions that distort global trade have more than tripled globally. [29]
Notably, this trend is now being driven as much by emerging markets as by advanced economies. In 2021, domestic subsidies accounted for two-thirds of all trade-related policies in the average G20 emerging market, consistently outpacing the share seen in advanced G20 economies.[30]
On the demand side, global demand generation has become more concentrated, especially in the United States. A decade ago, the United States accounted for less than 30% of demand generated by G20 countries. Today, that share has risen to nearly 35%.
This increasing imbalance in demand reflects not only excess saving in some parts of the world, but also excess dissaving in others, especially by the public sector.
Of course, none of us can determine the actions of others. But we can control our own contribution.
Doing so would not only serve the collective interest – by helping to ease pressure on the global system – but also the domestic interest, by setting our own economies on a more sustainable path.
We can also lead by example by continuing to respect global rules – or even improving on them. This helps build trust and creates the foundation for reciprocal actions.
That means upholding the multilateral framework which has so greatly benefited our economies. And it means working with like-minded partners to forge bilateral and regional agreements rooted in mutual benefit and full WTO compatibility.[31]
Central banks, in line with their respective mandates, can also play a role.
We can stand firm as pillars of international cooperation in an era when such cooperation is hard to come by. And we can continue to deliver stability-oriented policies in a world marked by rising volatility and instability.
Conclusion
Let me conclude.
In a fragmenting world, regions need to work together to sustain global trade – which has delivered prosperity in recent decades.
Of course, given the geopolitical landscape, that will be a harder challenge today than it has been in the past. But as Confucius once observed, “Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbours”.
Today, to make history, we must learn from history. We must absorb the lessons of the past – and act on them – to prevent a mutually damaging escalation of tensions.
In doing so, we all can draw a new map for global cooperation.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The age of the archaeological site “Stoyanka Solnechny” (Krasnoyarsk) was determined by scientists from the Center for Collective Use “Accelerator Mass Spectrometry of the Novosibirsk State University and the Novosibirsk Scientific Center”. Radiocarbon analysis was performed on the bone remains of herbivores, which were discovered during large-scale rescue excavations conducted by researchers from Krasnoyarsk Geoarchaeology LLC and ANO “Archaeological Research of Siberia”. Based on the stratigraphic position of the finds in the deposits, types and technologies of manufacturing stone tools, they determined that the ancient hunters’ camp dates back to the early Holocene, namely the Mesolithic era, the general chronology of which is determined within 8-12 thousand years ago. The results obtained by Novosibirsk scientists using the accelerator mass spectrometry method came as a surprise to them – it turned out that the monument is 10 thousand years older and is not a continuation of the Paleolithic traditions in the subsequent geological era, as was previously believed, but a reflection of the earliest stages of the formation of the Afontovo culture. The results of the study were published in the International Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal “Stratum plus. Archaeology and cultural anthropology”, which is published by the University “Higher Anthropological School”.
The Afontovskaya culture is an archaeological culture of the Upper Paleolithic (20-12 thousand years ago) on the Yenisei. It is characterized by stone tools on pebbles and flake chips, a developed technology for producing microplates, and a variety of tools made of horn and bone. The culture received its name from the archaeological site of Afontova Gora, a group of sites on the left bank of the Yenisei, within the boundaries of the modern city of Krasnoyarsk.
— We received 12 samples of bone material and analyzed them for the content of the rare isotope 14C using accelerator mass spectrometry. Sample preparation was carried out in advance — collagen was isolated, graphitization and subsequent measurements were carried out on a Micadas accelerator mass spectrometer. We analyzed the bone remains of herbivores that could have been the prey of ancient hunters who regularly used this site for a long time. The samples mainly included bones and teeth of reindeer, a tubular bone of a roe deer, a phalanx of a fossil horse, two bones of a fossil bison and one bone of a bird — a corncrake, which was found in a pit trap. The age of the finds varied due to the fact that the main cultural layer was partially disturbed and the site itself included evidence of ancient activity and natural events of various eras. The most ancient bones were those of fossil bisons — they were 29-30 thousand years old, and the “youngest” were those of roe deer — 1600-1900 years old. The most numerous were the bones of reindeer, whose age averaged 19-21 thousand years. We had no difficulties in studying the samples and interpreting the data obtained, but the results were unexpected for the research staff of the ANO “Archaeological Research of Siberia,” said Alexey Petrozhitsky, engineer at the UMS NSU-NNC Collective Use Center and research fellow at the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics.
The archaeological site “Solnechny Parking Lot” is located in the Yenisei Valley on the northern outskirts of Krasnoyarsk within the city limits. The ancient site got its name from the Solnechny microdistrict, on whose territory it is located. It is currently being actively built up, housing complexes and urban infrastructure facilities are being erected.
“Solnechny Parking Lot” was discovered in 2017 by a detachment of OOO NPO “Archeological Design and Surveying” during a survey of the site of the planned construction of a highway. In 2019 and 2020, a detachment of OOO “Krasnoyarsk Geoarcheology” carried out security and rescue excavation work on the monument within the boundaries of the territory allocated for the construction of the road. The territory of the monument was significantly affected by anthropogenic activity. In the early 2000s, there was an arable field here. Ten years later, due to the expansion of the urban development zone, construction infrastructure facilities appeared on this territory, quarrying and embankment construction began. Also, the upper cover deposits over the entire area were disturbed during terrain planning, laying and operation of field roads. Most of it was covered with man-made deposits from fill and redeposited soil. Over a large area of the monument, artifacts were moved from their original position and mixed up, which significantly complicated the work of researchers and the dating of the monument.
— An important feature of the Solnechny Parking lot is its location. Archaeologists traditionally look for Paleolithic sites on river banks, and this site is located about 7 kilometers from the Yenisei and there are no small rivers nearby. Despite the presence of individual such sites, this was unusual for us. We were interested in understanding how Stone Age people moved around the area and what places they inhabited. This was a campsite arranged on some unknown hunting routes of Paleolithic hunters. People came here periodically and their stay at the site was short-lived – despite the fact that the excavations affected significant areas, we were unable to find the remains or even traces of permanent dwellings or any objects indicating long-term residence in this place. We also did not find human remains. From all this, the conclusion was made: people did not live here permanently. They came to the camp to process hunting trophies, as well as other economic activities, the remains of which, in fact, are garbage, we recorded there. Unfortunately, it is difficult to say for sure why they were attracted to this particular place. Perhaps the key to the solution will be further research on new archaeological sites in this part of the Krasnoyarsk archaeological region – said Dmitry Gurulev, senior researcher at the ANO “Archaeological Research of Siberia”.
Initially, archaeologists determined the age of this monument in the range of 9-12 thousand years. However, among the supposed finds of this period there were also later artifacts. For example, a pitfall trap. According to radiocarbon dating conducted later, its age was about 6 thousand years. Also found were an arrowhead, the so-called srezen, from the Middle Ages, bullets and a coin from the 19th century. However, these artifacts were isolated and uninformative, indicating that in subsequent times people no longer visited this place regularly and systematically until it was occupied by the modern city of Krasnoyarsk.
The contents of the Solnechny Site artifact collection were quite typical for the Afontovo archaeological culture sites. It consisted mainly of stone tools that were used by Paleolithic people for all basic household needs. Quite simple tools were made from river pebbles – choppers, hammers, planers. These finds were combined with objects made using more complex and advanced technologies, such as squeezing stone splitting and obtaining micro-plate chips that were used as replaceable blades in composite cutting tools. These small and thin stone plates 6-7 mm wide were inserted into grooves of horn or wooden bases. When such an inserted blade became dull or split, it was replaced with a new one. Also among the finds were stone tools used to select such grooves – cutters. Since the site was a hunting site, archaeologists found various scrapers and piercers here, which were probably used to process skins. In total, more than 1,700 stone objects and about 1,000 fragments of animal bones were found at the excavation site, among which the remains of reindeer, which was the main object of hunting, predominate.
-The dating of the monument, established by the scientists of the Central Committee of the SMS NSU-NNC, was a complete surprise for us. And for us these results are important for three reasons. Firstly, earlier we attributed the sunny parking to the early Golocene, but it turned out that it was much older and belongs to the very origin of the Athos culture of the upper Paleolithic. We evaluated the age of the object on the basis of his position in the stratigraphic context. In this case, he lay almost on the surface, at the minimum depth of about 20-30 cm. Of course, the depth of the occurrence depends on the type of deposits and the features of their accumulation, but usually the cultural layers of the Paleolithic are much deeper, in some cases at a depth of several meters. Here we are faced with a different situation, and now we can extrapolate the experience gained on other monuments in further excavation work. Secondly, the sunny parking is one of the few monuments with a reliably confirmed age, which shows us the stage of the formation of the Athos archaeological culture. Thanks to this, we know that at the very early stage of its existence, it was already formed in the form in which we know it according to later evidence: a set of stone guns and features of hunting fishing remained practically unchanged, namely, hunting for the northern deer. From all this, we can conclude that this archaeological culture was quite homogeneous throughout its existence, which is very important. Thirdly, it was important for us to explore a monument remote from a river network that did not have a clear binding to the landscape. Similar monuments are present in the vicinity of Krasnoyarsk, but today they are known only by separate random finds, and the sunny parking is the only object that was excavated on a wide area of more than 3000 m2, and therefore may act as a standard in such research, Dmitry Gurulev explained.
The specialists of the ANO “Archaeological Research of Siberia” have been working together with the UMS NSU-NNC Collective Use Center for years. Every year they send several dozen samples to determine their age using an accelerator mass spectrometer. Krasnoyarsk archaeologists intend to continue their joint work in the future, since there is a constant need to determine the age of new archaeological sites excavated annually, and the ability to conduct this kind of research in Russia is only available at the UMS NSU-NNC Collective Use Center.
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: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A visitor experiences an immersive interactive project during the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, May 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China will further advance comprehensive reforms in the vibrant southern city of Shenzhen, and push for greater innovation and opening-up in the city, according to a set of guidelines unveiled Tuesday.
The guidelines, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, highlighted a new batch of reform measures for Shenzhen to break institutional barriers in education, science, and talent development. They emphasize strengthening the integration of innovation, industrial, capital, and talent chains, while exploring new pathways, scenarios, and platforms for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cooperation. They aim to pioneer modernization in the construction of a globally oriented, innovation-driven city.
By advancing reforms and opening-up at a higher starting point, to a higher level, and for higher goals, Shenzhen will generate more replicable and scalable best practices. It will further amplify its role as a key engine in the GBA and as a radiating hub in the national development strategy. These efforts will contribute to building China into a modern socialist country in all respects, the guidelines said.
Among the reform measures, overseas investors are encouraged to establish vocational training institutions in Shenzhen in compliance with regulations and introduce advanced training programs, faculty, and teaching methodologies.
Employers in Shenzhen shall be granted greater autonomy in recruiting overseas talent and their management, according to the guidelines.
To support financing for the real economy, insurance funds are supported to invest in private equity funds and venture capital funds that are established in Shenzhen with a primary focus on specific sectors. GBA enterprises listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are permitted to also list on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in accordance with applicable policies.
Shenzhen will carry out reforms to enhance data security governance and regulatory capabilities, and explore efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flow mechanisms in compliance with laws, regulations, and relevant requirements, the guidelines said.
The progress made in the comprehensive reform pilot programs will be closely monitored, the achievements be consolidated, and the proven experiences and effective practices be solidified and promoted on a larger scale, according to the guidelines.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Borussia Dortmund has confirmed the signing of English midfielder Jobe Bellingham from Premier League side Sunderland, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old has signed a contract until June 2030 and will join the squad traveling to the United States later this week for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Bellingham, who has played for the England U21 squad, follows in the footsteps of his older brother Jude, who played for Dortmund between 2020 and 2023 before moving to Real Madrid.
Like Jude, Jobe started his career at Birmingham City, before moving to Sunderland in 2023. During his two seasons at the Stadium of Light, he made 90 league appearances and played a key role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League in May.
“Jobe is an exceptionally talented player who combines maturity, technical skill, and ambition at a young age,” said Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken. “He embodies the values we believe in development, discipline and drive. We are confident he will grow into a key figure for our future.”
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl expressed similar sentiments, emphasising Bellingham’s leadership and adaptability. “He made significant progress last season, maturing into a central figure for Sunderland. His presence in midfield offers us greater flexibility, and we’re excited to see how he can elevate our game.”
Bellingham is set to wear the number 77 jersey during the Club World Cup, where he could make his first appearance for the Black and Yellows under head coach Niko Kovac.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Borussia Dortmund,” said Bellingham. “This club has a special place in my heart, and I want to contribute to its success. Playing in front of these incredible fans and competing for titles is something I’ve dreamed of.”
Despite being named in England’s preliminary U21 Euro squad, he will instead join Dortmund in the U.S., highlighting the club’s desire to integrate him into the team quickly.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
There were few surprises as Spain women’s team coach Montse Tome on Tuesday announced the 23-player squad for next month’s Women’s European Championships.
Spain travels to Switzerland as the reigning world and UEFA Nations League champion, and will play Portugal, Belgium and Italy in the group stage.
“The players have done an incredible job to be here, I am happy with the selection and I also remember the players who have been with us, who haven’t made the 23, but I was thinking about what will be needed in the Euros,” said Tome.
Tome has included 10 players from FC Barcelona in her squad, including Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, along with goalkeeper Cata Coll and defender Irene Paredes.
“We have experience at club and international level and also young players, so I don’t worry about a lack of experience, we have players who can play in different positions and I think we have the capacity to do well,” added the coach, who insisted she was confident the players would arrive in good condition for the tournament.
One player who missed out is Jenni Hermoso, who made headlines after the 2023 World Cup after she was the victim of an unsolicited kiss by former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales.
“I have spoken to her and with her coach and we carried out the work we did with the other players. We have looked at our season and we valued what we need and what we don’t need.”
“Every squad is difficult and this is the hardest for me as coach and the technical staff,” revealed Tome.
Attribute to Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge of Christchurch Police:
Today marks a week since Elisabeth “Lis” Nicholls was last seen, and we are making a further appeal to the people of Christchurch for help.
Lis is 79 and has dementia and the last confirmed sighting of her was at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton, at 7.54pm on Wednesday 4 June.
Searchers and Police have gone door to door, reviewed CCTV footage and made extensive enquiries, but we have not been able to find Lis.
We do not know where she travelled to after the Chateau and have not been able to locate any items that would lead us closer to her.
Police have grave concerns for Lis’s welfare and need the help of the Christchurch community to bring her home.
At the time she disappeared, Lis was wearing a black and grey checked long-sleeved shirt, a maroon long-sleeved top underneath, navy blue jeans and black leather shoes.
She also has distinctive grey shoulder-length hair.
Police are asking members of the public to please search your backyards, sheds and sleepouts, and look under anything where a person could seek shelter.
For anyone with CCTV, Police would like you to review any footage you have from 6.40pm on Wednesday 4 June to 8am on Thursday 5 June. While Lis went missing in the Riccarton area, she is physically strong, and may have walked some distance.
Finally, this past week has been extremely difficult on Lis’s family.
While they have requested privacy, Gary Nicholls, Lis’s husband of nearly 60 years, has provided this statement on behalf of their family:
“Lis is an adored wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague, who has always put other people first.
“Her life has been about helping people, through nursing, Plunket and social work. She has been there for people when they needed help, and her influence has touched all our lives for the better.
“We are deeply concerned and have been living with painful uncertainty for a week, but we have been grateful for the love and support that has been shown for Lis.
“On behalf of Lis, our family and friends, I would like to sincerely thank the people of Christchurch for their help and concern, and for the information they have been providing.
“We are also grateful to Police, the Search and Rescue teams, Canterbury University students and the Victoria Neighbourhood Association, who have been dedicating so much time and resource to help us find Lis.
“You have been working in the cold, the rain, and the darkness to bring Lis home to us, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Anyone who sees Lis should ring 111 immediately and use the reference number 250604/5465. Non-urgent information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report”, quoting the same reference number.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government invites tenders for short-term tenancy in Tsz Wan Shan for fee-paying public car park with installation of automated parking system Prospective tenderers must pay attention to all the requirements set out in the tender notice and the tenancy agreement of the tender document.
Tenders must be deposited in the Public Works Tender Box situated in Room 503, 5/F, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, before noon on July 25 (Friday). Late tenders will not be accepted. Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China is rolling out extended marriage leave in at least 27 provincial-level regions as part of ongoing efforts to foster a more family-friendly society.
The government of Sichuan Province, one of the country’s most populous regions, has unveiled a plan to extend marriage leave from three to 20 days, with an additional five days for those who opt for a premarital medical checkup.
The proposal is currently open for public comment throughout June.
“Previously, with only three days off, it could be a challenge to get home for a wedding itself — forget about a honeymoon!” said Wang Mengdi, an employee at a Sichuan-based human resources firm. “But with 25 days, you have ample time to enjoy a decent honeymoon.”
Shandong Province in east China, the ancestral home of Confucius, with a permanent population exceeding 100 million, further reinforced its cultural emphasis on family bonds by extending marriage leave from three days to a maximum of 18 days through legislative action in January.
Currently, China grants newlyweds a three-day marriage leave at the national level, a tradition that dates back to 1980.
“The one- to three-day marriage leave can barely meet the needs of today’s young couple for wedding preparation and ceremonies. This has even impacted marriage registration and fertility rates to some extent,” said Xu Jinmei, a senior legislator in Shandong.
Amid rapid industrialization and urbanization, millions of young adults have migrated from their hometowns in pursuit of education and career opportunities. Despite this mobility, the deeply rooted tradition of returning home for wedding celebrations remains strong.
The custom requires substantial time investments, as many must travel a long way back home to hold their weddings.
Provincial-level regions in China have the autonomy to determine the length of marriage leave, often influenced by local customs and demographic policies. The provinces of Shanxi and Gansu offer the most generous policies, allowing up to 30 days of paid leave for newlyweds.
The incentive measures were rolled out amid marriage registration declines in China. Official data show that 1.81 million couples registered to tie the knot in the first quarter of 2025, down 8 percent year on year. After a brief rebound in 2023, registrations fell again last year, reaching the lowest level since 1980.
Scholars attribute the drop to several factors, including a shrinking pool of marriage-age adults and waning enthusiasm for matrimony.
“In the 1980s, more than 20 million people were born each year in China. But since 2000, that number has dropped to just over 10 million annually. So naturally, the base number for marriage registrations is much lower now,” said Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the institute for population and development studies at Xi’an Jiaotong University.
Li Ting, a demographer at Renmin University of China in Beijing, noted that higher levels of education and a growing sense of individualism have combined to significantly challenge traditional views on marriage.
“In the past, young people got married around the time they graduated or started working, but now many won’t consider marriage until they’re planning to have children,” Li added.
In a country where the traditional belief is that marriage should precede childbearing, declining marriage rates have become one of the factors behind falling birth rates.
In response to these challenges, authorities across the country have introduced various measures to foster a newlywed-friendly society.
China streamlined marriage registration. Since May, couples have been able to register their marriage anywhere in the country without presenting a household registration booklet.
Local authorities have also extended maternity leave and paternity care leave to support family planning.
However, some worry that extended marriage leave, maternity leave, and other benefits could end up becoming empty promises due to the economic pressures faced by enterprises.
Zhai Zhenwu, president of the China Population Association, noted that the overall extension of marriage leave and maternity leave is not that costly. “This should not be a barrier to extending maternity leave,” he said.
Zhai also proposed that local budgets help enterprises to offset some of the costs of maternity and marriage leave policies.
The suggestion appears to have resonated with policymakers, as reflected in the draft policy statement from Sichuan provincial authorities.
The policy document open for public consultation noted that governments at or above the county level should coordinate multi-channel funding to establish a reasonable cost-sharing mechanism for marriage and parental leave, striving to guarantee the full implementation of the leave.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
With the grueling college entrance exams behind them, over 13 million Chinese students will begin exploring university options this year, amid an expanding array of tech-focused study programs.
As China’s economy shifts toward high-tech manufacturing and services, new courses are part and parcel of its latest push to ensure the future workforce is equipped with the skills needed to support sustained growth and global competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Ministry of Education has announced the addition of 29 new undergraduate majors across the country’s universities, many of them aligned with its strategic priorities in emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality and low-altitude economy.
One of the new majors is carbon neutrality science and engineering, with graduates likely to support the country’s ambitious climate goals of fulfilling its pledge to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
The low-carbon program at University of Science and Technology Beijing, known for its steel programs, will integrate materials science with metallurgy to facilitate the transition of smoke-heavy traditional industries like steel.
Institutions including Beihang University have designed programs that target China’s burgeoning drone and urban air mobility sectors, which hold trillion-yuan (about 140 billion U.S. dollars) market potential.
Engineering disciplines like integrated circuits, marine technology, industrial software, intelligent molecular engineering, biomass, and medical device and equipment have also begun enrolling students, closely aligning with China’s national industrial development objectives.
To drive digital transformation across consumer industries, China is also planning to cultivate next-generation professionals through new disciplines including intelligent emergency management, smart cities and intelligent imaging art.
“China is essentially predicting what talent it will need five years from now,” explained Xiong Bingqi, an education researcher. “These new majors consider three key factors: national strategic development, technological advancement and social needs.”
More than 500 universities now offer AI-related majors or have launched dedicated schools related to the field. Tsinghua University and Renmin University of China included AI into their 2025 enrollment expansion plans.
However, some AI programs are affiliated with computer science colleges and lack faculty experienced in AI practice and application.
Zhaopin.com data shows that in the month after the 2025 Spring Festival, AI instructor job postings doubled year-on-year, revealing a severe shortage of AI teaching staff.
Xiong likened some superficial rebranding of existing programs with “smart” or “digital,” to “putting on a new coat without changing the essence.”
This year, Beijing Normal University will launch a new major in AI education to address the shortage of AI teaching professionals.
China’s education authorities have also approved 23 vocational undergraduate institutions, with programs focused technical workforce training for emerging industries, with practical training required to account for 50 percent of total class hours.
Two vocational undergraduate institutions in Anhui, an eastern Chinese province, have set up majors in fields like new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, with a professional alignment rate to regional industries exceeding 90 percent.
China wants vocational undergraduate enrollment to reach at least 10 percent of all higher vocational education admissions by 2025.
Company Announcement June 10, 2025, Bornstein Seafoods of Bellingham, Washington is recalling 44,550 Lbs. of Cooked & Peeled Ready-To-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat (see table below for multiple lot codes) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Product was distributed directly to distributors and retailers in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia of Canada. Products may have been further distributed and sold at retailers nationwide. Product can be identified under Bornstein Seafoods branded packaging in 1 lb. or 5 lb. plastic bag. The market name is Shrimp. The affected product has the lot code printed at the lower left corner of master case label and at the bottom on the back side of 1 lb. or 5 lb. bag:
Item No.
UPC Code
Master Case Label Description
Lot No.
ZMU41-1003
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 250/350 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19008
ZMU41-1007
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 250/350 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19009
ZMU41-1007
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 250/350 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
P11710
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19009
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19019
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19026
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19030
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19032
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19037
ZMU41-1015
614133200246
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 15 X 1 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19039
ZMU41-1019
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A18989
ZMU41-1019
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19006
ZMU41-1019
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
A19007
ZMU41-1019
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
P11709
ZMU41-1019
614133200239
Fzn Shrimp Meat 350/500 Ct 4 X 5 Lb Bag Bsi Msc
P11710
No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was the result of the firm’s routine sampling program and Listeria monocytogenes was detected in an in-process shrimp sample in a food production environment. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as the company continues our root cause investigation as to what caused the problem. This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by email at Andrew@bornstein.com.
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) voted 398 to 21 to ratify their contract with NJ TRANSIT. In response, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) commended both parties, saying:
“The labor of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen moves our entire region. This afternoon, BLET members ratified their contract with NJ TRANSIT, affirming a deal that sets workers, their families, hundreds of thousands of commuters, and our state’s economy up for the future. I applaud the efforts of both parties to ensure the operation of our public transportation system and support the well-being of New Jersey families.”
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, Schiff Demand Answers From Trump Administration on Reckless Decision to Deploy Hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles
Senators: “We strongly oppose this deployment and request you clarify the legal authority that purports to grant the President and you the ability to deploy active-duty personnel on American streets under these circumstances.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) demanded answers regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to deploy approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles. In their letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, the Senators requested that the Administration clarify and provide the legal authority that purports to grant the President and the Department of Defense the ability to deploy active-duty military personnel on American streets.
“The presence of the Marines was not requested by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, or California Governor Gavin Newsom. Moreover, local and state law enforcement officers are carrying out their missions to protect the public amid ongoing immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. We strongly oppose this deployment and request you clarify the legal authority that purports to grant the President and you the ability to deploy active-duty personnel on American streets under these circumstances,” wrote the Senators.
“A decision to deploy active-duty military personnel within the United States should only be undertaken during the most extreme circumstances, and these are not them. That this deployment was made over the objections of state authorities is all the more unjustifiable. In this instance, this extraordinary action was also irresponsibly rushed and lacked clear communication to government officials or the U.S. public. The notification from NORTHCOM did not provide critical information to understand the legal authority, mission, or rules of engagement for Marines involved in this domestic deployment,” continued the Senators.
Senator Padilla has been outspoken in slamming the Los Angeles ICE raids and Trump’s misguided mobilization of the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. Earlier today, Padilla spoke on the Senate floor to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate ICE raids across Los Angeles and deploying the National Guard and active-duty servicemembers to the region. Yesterday, Padilla, Schiff, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded answers from top Trump Administration officials regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. Padilla has joined national and local TV and radio broadcasts in the past few days to condemn the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and across the country.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Secretary Hegseth,
According to a U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) notification to Congress on June 9, 2025, approximately 700 Marines have been deployed in support of Task Force 51, the unit comprised of National Guard troops called into federal service by President Trump and operating in Los Angeles. You explained subsequently that these “… active-duty U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order.”
The presence of the Marines was not requested by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, or California Governor Gavin Newsom. Moreover, local and state law enforcement officers are carrying out their missions to protect the public amid ongoing immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. We strongly oppose this deployment and request you clarify the legal authority that purports to grant the President and you the ability to deploy active-duty personnel on American streets under these circumstances.
A decision to deploy active-duty military personnel within the United States should only be undertaken during the most extreme circumstances, and these are not them. That this deployment was made over the objections of state authorities is all the more unjustifiable. In this instance, this extraordinary action was also irresponsibly rushed and lacked clear communication to government officials or the U.S. public. The notification from NORTHCOM did not provide critical information to understand the legal authority, mission, or rules of engagement for Marines involved in this domestic deployment. As such, we ask that you provide immediate answers to the following questions:
What is the legal authority for the Marine deployment and any activity they will be authorized to undertake? Please provide any Department of Defense analysis on the legal authority for this action. What is the specific mission for the Marine deployment and how has that mission been communicated to the Marines?
Will the Marines engage in, and have legal authority to engage in, law enforcement activities?
Please also clarify any requests made of the Department of Defense by other federal entities, such as the White House and the Department of Homeland Security, regarding the scope of the Marines’ mission and duties.
What are the rules of engagement for the Marines while deployed to Los Angeles? The NORTHCOM notification indicates that “Task Force 51 forces have been trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and standing rules for the use of force.” How much training was provided to the Marines involved and at what time? What crowd control equipment was issued to the Marines prior to or during their deployment, and what training have they received on proper use of that equipment? Given that the Marines, who are trained to be among the most lethal forces in the U.S. military, may have direct contact with U.S. civilians as part of the domestic deployment, please clarify the precise rules of engagement that have been provided to them or under which they are expected to operate.
Given the significant questions about the role of the Marines as part of this operation, we respectfully request answers to these questions within 48 hours or a stand down of their mobilization.
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WATCH: Padilla Slams Trump’s Unprecedented Mobilization of Marines and National Guard in LA, Pushes for Permanent DACA Protections
WATCH: Padilla: “Immigrants are not political pawns for his agenda. Just as servicemembers … are not political pawns for his agenda.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, spoke on the Senate floor to condemn President Trump’s move to federalize the California National Guard and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, sending 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. Padilla delivered remarks ahead of the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, pushing for permanent protections for Dreamers rather than indiscriminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Padilla called out President Trump for trying to scapegoat immigrants to distract from Republicans’ unpopular billionaire-first budget bill, which would deliver tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working families. As part of this manufactured crisis, Trump has caused a chaotic escalation of the conflict in Los Angeles while ignoring fundamental due process rights.
“Time and time again, we’ve seen one of the most frequently called plays out of the Trump playbook. When everything else is going wrong, shift the narrative, scapegoat immigrants, blame immigrants for whatever your failure is at the moment.”
“Well today, between his failing trade wars that are raising the cost of living on working families across the country, to his losses in federal court and delays in Congress on their efforts to give billionaires even bigger tax breaks, and even the embarrassing breakup recently with his former BBFF, billionaire best friend forever, Elon Musk, it’s safe to say that Donald Trump is grasping for anything he can do to change the narrative, to distract us of the damage that his political agenda is going on.”
“In order to distract the country from his failures and his efforts to ‘flood the zone,’ Donald Trump is expanding his deportation agenda far beyond the focus and targeting of violent and dangerous criminals that he claimed would be the strategy.”
“He’s so desperate to show quick results that he’s even throwing due process rights out the window for so many. The due process rights, by the way, that I know most of you, if not all of you, should agree are paramount, foundational to our democracy.”
Padilla emphasized that the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration enforcement in Los Angeles is deeply personal for him, and that he would keep fighting against Trump’s mass deportation agenda and demonizing of immigrant communities.
“It’s personal for me not just because Los Angeles is home — I was born and raised in Los Angeles — but as a proud son of immigrants, I know the true story of the vast majority of immigrants and immigrant families in Los Angeles, throughout California and throughout the country.”
“But instead of honoring those contributions … Donald Trump is manufacturing a crisis to once again, not just distract us, but divide us. And just as he’s always done, he’s using immigrants to do it.”
“So I can’t help but speak up and remind us, immigrants are not political pawns for his agenda. Just as servicemembers — women and men — are not political pawns for his agenda.”
As the nation approaches the 13th anniversary of the DACA program, Padilla pushed his Republican colleagues to finally pass permanent protections for DACA recipients, including over 160,000 in California alone. He highlighted that most Dreamers have been contributing to our communities and economy for years, and underlined that if DACA ended, it could cost the country nearly $650 billion while potentially cutting over 400,000 workers.
“As we should be celebrating the 13th anniversary of DACA this week, hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and Dreamers are actually now worried that they are at risk, at further risk. That they could be next as President Trump struggles to find enough violent criminals to detain and deport to meet a campaign promise. Since he can’t get his numbers there, he’ll look elsewhere. So I want to take this moment to make very clear: Dreamers are our neighbors. Dreamers are our loved ones.”
“These are young people who are Americans in every sense of the word, except for one important piece of paperwork. … Yet because of Congressional Republicans’ refusal to act, Dreamers live at a minimum in a constant state of uncertainty, but oftentimes in a constant state of fear. They deserve better. Mr. President, they deserve permanent protections.”
“If through the President or through Republicans’ actions in Congress, you were to take away work authorization for hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients, that’s reducing our workforce at a time when we’re trying to grow the workforce and grow the economy.”
“I’m talking about Dreamers who work as teachers, as caregivers, as nurses and doctors, as construction workers, as food service workers, and so many other key industries for our economy. And they’re hardworking community members who pay taxes just like the rest of us and just want a chance to work hard and raise a family in the country that they love. They deserve peace of mind, the piece of mind to know that they are safe here at home.”
Padilla concluded by pushing his colleagues to pass the DREAM Act to finally provide permanent protections for Dreamers who have long contributed to our economy and communities, yet are forced to live in uncertainty.
“For my Republican colleagues who may be caught up in the heat of the moment and trapped in this anti-immigrant rhetoric in our current political climate on the right, I’ll say this: Dreamers make our communities better. Dreamers make our economy stronger. And Dreamers make our nation stronger.”
“The DREAM Act is a commonsense bill that has enjoyed bipartisan support. So I urge you to join me in supporting the DREAM Act now and giving these young people the certainty and the protections that they deserve, and strengthen our nation in the process.”
Video of Padilla’s full remarks is available here.
Senator Padilla has been outspoken in calling out the Los Angeles ICE raids and Trump’s misguided mobilization of the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. Earlier today, Padilla and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) demanded answers regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to deploy approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Padilla also spoke on the Senate floor today to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate ICE raids across Los Angeles and deploying the National Guard and active-duty servicemembers to the region. Yesterday, Padilla, Schiff, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded answers from top Trump Administration officials regarding the arrest and detention of David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California and SEIU-United Service Workers West. Padilla has joined national and local TV and radio broadcasts in the past few days to condemn the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and across the country.
Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress for immigration reform. To commemorate the 12th anniversary of DACA, Padilla joined immigration advocates, DACA recipients, and other lawmakers to urge Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and call on former President Biden to protect Dreamers and long-term undocumented communities through executive action. He previously joined his Senate colleagues and directly impacted immigrant youth leaders for a press conference calling on Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats to pass permanent protections for DACA recipients after the 5th Circuit’s 2022 ruling left these recipients in limbo.
