80 jili Transitional Spaces: Transforming Communities Through Skateboarding and Art'Bit late for apology': Opposition criticise Harris's tense encounter with carer

In a sharp political confrontation, R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, dismissed the Congress party's triumph in recent bypolls as a clean chit to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amidst ongoing legal cases. Ashoka emphasized that only courts, not election results, can clear Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam allegations. During a public gathering in Taggalli, Ashoka alleged that the bypoll victories in Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur were fueled by financial influence rather than genuine support for Congress. He accused the ruling party of corruption and pledged that BJP's fight against such practices would persist. Addressing reporters, Ashoka questioned Siddaramaiah's transparency, referencing alleged misappropriations in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation and the return of sites by the CM's wife in the MUDA scam, while also highlighting the necessity of court-led investigations into these matters. (With inputs from agencies.)What to know about Linda McMahon, the ECU grad Trump nominated for education secretaryREFORM, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge ruled that the family of former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr., who died in law enforcement custody in Alabama, can pursue a lawsuit alleging his death was the result of excessive force. Foster, a former New Orleans Saints defensive end, died on Dec. 6, 2021, three days after being arrested and taken to jail in rural Pickens County for alleged speeding and attempting to elude police. A judge ordered Foster taken to a medical facility in Tuscaloosa for a mental evaluation. Foster was found unresponsive in the back of a law enforcement vehicle when he arrived at the facility. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later. His widow, Pamela Foster, filed a lawsuit against officers at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and jail saying Foster had been beaten, shocked with a Taser and strangled while at the jail. The defendants then asked a federal judge to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon ruled Thursday refused to dismiss allegations of excessive force and failure to intervene. Axon dismissed other portions of the lawsuit. The ruling came a day before the third anniversary of Foster’s death. Foster appeared in 17 games for the Saints in 2013 and 2014.

Andrew Tate's site ransacked, subscriber data stolenPune, Dec 3 (IANS): Former champion U Mumba scored a comprehensive 43-29 win against the Puneri Paltan in a Maharashtra Derby in Match 90 of Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) here on Tuesday. Puneri Paltan’s fans turned up in huge numbers in the Badminton Hall at the Balewadi Sports Complex but had to return disappointed. Ajit Chauhan scored 12 points for U Mumba, along with Manjeet, who added five more to the cause. Defenders Sunil Kumar and Sombir registered High-5s for the U Mumba as well. For the Puneri Paltan, Pankaj Mohite had the best outing with 9 points to his name. The win now gives U Mumba bragging rights in the Maharashtra Derby as they have 11 wins from 24 games against Puneri Paltan. The Season 10 champions, Puneri Paltan, have registered 10 victories in the fixture, while three games have been tied. Sombir and Manjeet picked up the first points for the U Mumba, but along expected lines, the Puneri Paltan roared back in the early exchanges. U Mumba though kept up their intensity and very soon, they were all scoring important points in the first quarter of the contest. Sushil Kumar, Manjeet and Ajit Chauhan were leading the charge for U Mumba, who were looking to pull away with an early lead. Neither side was allowing the opposition an inch on the mat. For the Puneri Paltan, Akash Shinde and Abinesh Nadarajan were having the most impact in the first half, despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline. Manjeet and Ajit Chauhan though were causing the Puneri Paltan plenty of problems as U Mumba were looking to go through the gears. In the final minutes of the first half, Pankaj Mohite ran through the U Mumba defence with a three-point raid, giving the Puneri Paltan an important but slender lead. Pankaj Mohite’s onslaught continued, and with a bit of help from the defenders, the Puneri Paltan landed an emphatic All Out on U Mumba and snatched the lead just before the break. At half-time, the Puneri Paltan led by 19-16, and the Pune crowd were understandably delighted. Chauhan wiped out the lead with the first play of the second half, as he landed an impressive Super Raid on the Puneri Paltan. And then he came back for more, to restore U Mumba’s lead. Before the first six minutes of the second half were over, Chauhan completed his Super 10 and also inflicted an All Out on the Puneri Paltan. The U Mumba were dominant, but the defending champions weren’t throwing in the towel. With the game approaching the half-hour mark, the U Mumba side led by 8 points, and had managed to thwart the likes of Pankaj Mohite and V Ajith. As the contest went into the final phase, the Puneri Paltan started to mount one last fight back. Pankaj Mohite had a couple of successful moments, but Sunil Kumar, and Sombir, both of whom had completed their High-5s were having none of that. Manjeet then picked up an All Out at the expense of Puneri Paltan, which all but sealed the fate of the game. Eventually, U Mumba walked off the mat with a resounding win in the derby.

BOSTON — A spike in whooping cough and pneumonia cases has prompted public health officials to closely monitor case levels at the local and state levels and emphasize the importance of vaccinations. Robert Goldstein, commissioner of the Department of Public Health, said these infectious bacterial respiratory illnesses are mostly affecting children and adolescents, adding that pneumonia-related emergency room visits are at increased levels over the past several weeks, especially among these age groups. However, medical professionals stress that whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, and a solution to counteract the current high rates of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, within Massachusetts. Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sundeep Shukla attributes the increases in rates of pertussis to various causes, among them fewer people being vaccinated, more social interactions and the lack of mask wearing. “We’re amplifying the message that getting vaccinated today will benefit you, your family, your friends and your community in the future,” Goldstein said, highlighting that whooping cough cases are at pre-pandemic levels, with 75% of cases from this year being children. According to data collected by the state’s Department of Public Health, there have already been more than 250 pertussis patients through July, which had been approximately a yearly average before the pandemic. However, from 2021-2023, the recorded number of pertussis patients numbered 24 in total, according to the state’s data. Goldstein also said that while cases of other respiratory illnesses — such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV — remain low, they are expected to increase in the winter season. This occurs mainly because people gather together inside more as outdoor temperatures drop, he said. People who have contracted whooping cough can start by experiencing mild symptoms, Goldstein said. However, those symptoms can progress to a severe cough, or a whoop, and even vomiting in some cases. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess Gasping for air, said Shukla, is often the telltale sign of pertussis, and preventions include hand washing, being vaccinated and being conscientious about the spread of saliva droplets. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially during the first two weeks of symptoms when the risk of contagion is severe. In particular, Shukla recommends pregnant mothers and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses seek help. Shukla strongly recommends pregnant mothers be vaccinated since immunity is shared with the unborn baby — a vital measure to ensuring the safety of an infant that is at acute risk for hospitalization if it catches the bacterial disease. Adults in general should be regularly updating their TDAP vaccine every 10 years, which can alleviate the severity of infection if pertussis is contracted, and can minimize the risk of pneumonia after having contracted whooping cough, said Shukla. TDAP protects against tetanus, diptheria and whooping cough. As for bacterial pneumonia, which is also called mycoplasma pneumoniae, symptoms may begin with a cough, fever and fatigue, said Goldstein. People who are experiencing mild symptoms may not need hospitalization, but antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce symptoms and decrease outbreaks. For those who do get sick, Paxlovid can help treat COVID-19 cases within five days of developing mild symptoms, he said. Free telehealth services are also offered by the state’s Department of Public Health. Goldstein noted the Department of Public Health is echoing the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services’ “Risk Less. Do More” nationwide campaign to promote vaccinations for respiratory viruses. Getting vaccinated for respiratory illnesses can “significantly cut the risk of getting really sick or being hospitalized,” he said. Residents can get vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV at various sites across the state, including pharmacies, community health centers and mobile vaccination clinics. In-home vaccination programs for COVID-19 and influenza are also viable options for people who can’t get to community vaccination centers. Staff writer Samuel Gelinas contributed to this report. Sophia Falbo writes for the Greenfield Recorder as part of the Boston University Statehouse Program.

An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron.WVU coach Rich Rodriguez gets Backyard Brawl '25 off to a thunderous startThe ability of the right diet to prevent illness has prompted some health insurers to pay for "food ... [+] as medicine." (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) During the holiday season, Americans’ charitable impulses are repeatedly highlighted in stories about donating food or feeding meals to the less fortunate. Not discussed are the many poor and/or elderly Americans who are being fed by their health insurance plan based on the cold-eyed calculation that doing so will reduce their future medical costs. Although the prophet Isaiah promised that if “you offer your compassion to the hungry,” then “the Lord will guide you always,” the “Food is Medicine” movement (also known as “Food as Medicine”) focuses on a more tangible reward. Tufts University researchers found that providing medically tailored meals to the 6.3 million Americans with diet-sensitive conditions could net $13.6 billion in savings annually from averted hospitalizations and other medical issues. A separate Food is Medicine Landscape Survey , examining how poor diet is linked to heart disease, stroke, breast and colorectal cancer and other illnesses, concluded, “The current trend of poor health conditions associated with one’s dietary intake, combined with an aging U.S. population, increases the financial burden on Medicare, Medicaid and other federal programs...Improving the nation’s dietary intake has significant health benefits and, therefore, cost implications.” Since 2020 Medicare Advantage plans have been allowed by the government to offer extra benefits such as food. According to KFF (previously the Kaiser Family Foundation), 72 percent of MA plans offered meal benefits such as meal delivery in 2024. Interestingly, among those who qualify for what’s called Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill, just 13.9 percent of individual plans offered food and produce, but 60 percent of “special needs plans” did. If, on the other hand, an elderly individual needing food or nutritional assistance chooses traditional Medicare, he or she is on their own to find help. In 2023 the federal government began approving requests by states that wanted to use Medicaid funds on food-related programs including vouchers for groceries, stocking pantries with healthy food for children and pregnant women and nutritional counseling. A Wall Street Journal article noted widespread bipartisan support for the effort and sketched out initial food efforts in states as diverse as Massachusetts and Arkansas. 70+ Early Black Friday Deals: Save Up To 50% On Beauty, Tech And More The 116 Best Black Friday Deals So Far, According To Our Editors Unsurprisingly, however, when good intentions involve ungodly amounts of money, both abuses and opportunities arise. For instance, an investigation by STAT News found that one food company that was paid millions of dollars annually by state Medicaid programs to deliver “medically tailored” meals to those suffering from illnesses such as cancer or diabetes is delivering salty, fad-laden fare such as cheeseburgers. Another company sold a version of biscuits and gravy loaded with sodium and saturated fat. On the other end of the scale (as it were), a company called Foodsmart has raised investment capital for a telenutrition platform which, according to a Forbes.com post , enables primary care providers to refer Medicaid patients to a network of “virtual dieticians” who provide “personalized, condition-specific nutritional guidance.” More in the holiday spirit, perhaps, is a New York-based organization active in the “food as medicine” movement that embodies both ethics and economics. The organization, which provides medically-tailored meals, Is called “God’s Love We Deliver.”

Lebawit Lily Girma | (TNS) Bloomberg News When winter rolls around, travelers predictably turn their attention to beaches. And this year, it’s the destination that comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean” that’s experiencing outsize demand from Americans planning a warm island vacation. Talk about trashing stereotypes. Related Articles Travel | Would you pay $700 a night to sleep under the stars at this Colorado resort? Travel | Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off Travel | 5 under-the-radar travel destinations the UN says you should visit Travel | Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Travel | Lights and decor, réveillon meals make Christmastime special in New Orleans Puerto Rico has recovered overseas visitors (excluding those from Canada and Mexico) faster than any U.S. state or territory — a staggering 85% increase over its 2019 overseas inbound visitor levels as of 2023, according to an October study from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. There are now more daily flights from the U.S. West Coast, and hotel bookings are 6% higher so far in this last quarter of 2024 year-over-year. It’s a trifecta of tourism growth: more visitors, but also longer stays and a higher spend that reached a record $9.8 billion in 2023, boosting small businesses as well as major brands. “We don’t have a slow season in Puerto Rico anymore,” says Brad Dean, chief executive officer at Discover Puerto Rico. Even if they’re not booking, people are dreaming about “La Isla.” By tracking flight searches for trips between November 2024 and February 2025, a measure of “inspirational” demand, tourism intelligence company Mabrian Technologies reports Puerto Rico is up 9% compared with the same period last year and leads Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas in the Caribbean proper. Only Costa Rica ranked higher in the wider region. Dean attributes Puerto Rico’s ongoing tourism growth to a strategic effort to reposition the island’s brand as more than a sun-and-sea destination, starting back in 2018. That led to the Live Boricua campaign, which began in 2022 and leaned heavily on culture, history and cuisine and was, Dean says, “a pretty bold departure” in the way Puerto Rico was showcased to travelers. He adds that at least $2 billion in tourism spend is linked to this campaign. “We (also) haven’t shied away from actively embracing the LGBTQ+ community, and that has opened up Puerto Rico to audiences that may not have considered the Caribbean before,” Dean says. Hotels are preparing to meet this growing demand: A number of established boutique properties are undergoing upgrades valued between $4 million and more than $50 million, including Hotel El Convento; La Concha, which will join the Marriott Autograph Collection; Condado Vanderbilt Hotel; and the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. That’s in addition to ultra-chic options that are coming online in 2025, including the adults-only Alma San Juan, with rooms overlooking Plaza Colón in the heart of Old San Juan, and the five-star Veranó boutique hotel in San Juan’s trendy Santurce neighborhood. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton San Juan in Isla Verde will also be reopening seven years after Hurricane Maria decimated the island. The travel industry’s success is helping boost employment on the island, to the tune of 101,000 leisure and hospitality jobs as of September 2024, a 26% increase over pre-pandemic levels, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Efforts to promote Puerto Rico’s provinces beyond the San Juan metro area — such as surfing hub Rincón on the west coast, historical Ponce on the south coast and Orocovis for nature and coffee haciendas in the central mountains —have spread the demand to small businesses previously ignored by the travel industry. Take Sheila Osorio, who leads workshops on Afro-Puerto Rican bomba music and dance at Taller Nzambi, in the town of Loíza, 15 miles east of San Juan; or Wanda Otero, founder of cheese-producing company Vaca Negra in Hatillo, an hour’s drive west of Old San Juan, where you can join a cheese-making workshop and indulge in artisanal cheese tastings. “The list of businesses involved in tourism has gone from 650 in 2018 to 6,100, many of which are artists and artisans,” Dean says. While New Yorkers and Miami residents have always been the largest visitor demographic, Dean says more mainland Americans now realize that going to Puerto Rico means passport-free travel to enjoy beaches, as well as opportunities to dine in Michelin-rated restaurants, hike the only rainforest in the U.S. and kayak in a bioluminescent bay. Visitors from Chicago and Dallas, for example, have increased by approximately 40% from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, compared with the same period in 2022-2023, and more travelers are expected from Denver now that United Airlines Holdings Inc. has kicked off its first nonstop service to San Juan, beginning on Oct. 29. Previously, beach destinations that were easy to reach on direct flights from Denver included Mexico, Belize and California, but now Puerto Rico joins that list with a 5.5-hour nonstop route that cuts more than two hours from the next-best option. Given United Airlines’ hub in San Francisco, it could mean more travelers from the Golden State in the near future, too. In December, U.S. airlines will have 3,000 more seats per day to the territory compared with the same period last year, for a total of 84,731 — surpassing even Mexico and the Dominican Republic in air capacity, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the island’s primary gateway, is projecting a record volume of 13 million passengers by year’s end — far surpassing the 9.4 million it saw in 2019. As for Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” line, Dean says it was “a terribly insensitive attempt at humor” that transformed outrage into a marketing silver lining, with an outpouring of positive public sentiment and content on Puerto Rico all over social media. Success, as that old chestnut goes, may be the best revenge. “It was probably the most efficient influencer campaign we’ve ever had,” Dean says, “a groundswell of visitors who posted their photos and videos and said, ‘This is the Puerto Rico that I know.’” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.With recent happenings, those calling for monitoring and regulating the use of social media may, after all, be right. It has become the vogue to use social media to tarnish hard-earned reputations under the guise of freedom of speech, forgetting that where your freedom ends is where someone else’s begins. A recent report in the media space asking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to probe his appointment of a veterinarian as the permanent secretary of the FCTA Health and Environment Secretariat is laughable and a desperate craving for cheap publicity. There is no rule that says only medical doctors must head the secretariat. It will be recalled that similar opposition arose during the Ibrahim Babangida era when Pharmacist Julius Adelusi was appointed as minister of health. Medical doctors collectively opposed the appointment and called for his replacement with one of their own. However, the administration swiftly dismissed their claims, reminding them that pharmacists are also integral to the medical field and that the head of government reserves the right to appoint whomever he believes is most capable of delivering results. This resistance from medical doctors was not unique to the health sector. When the late Akinyele Benson was appointed minister of sports, critics questioned his qualifications because he openly admitted knowing little about sports. Despite this, his leadership proved exemplary, outshining expectations of professionals in the field. Similarly, there were murmurs when Prof. Dora Akinyuli, a pharmacist, was appointed as minister of information. However, she silenced critics by excelling in her role and leaving an indelible legacy. Thus, it is not surprising to see this pattern repeated with Dr. Baba-Gana Adam’s appointment, as critics, particularly some medical doctors, raise unnecessary concerns. Indeed, Wike deserves commendation for his judicious selection of permanent secretaries for the various Mandate Secretariats in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). For the first time under the Wike administration, permanent secretaries were appointed, and in his quest for excellence, he selected highly qualified individuals, ensuring most of them were square pegs in square holes, professionally suited for their roles. By appointing the first crop of permanent secretaries, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is firmly on the right track in the FCT. This baseless media war against selected permanent secretaries, including Dr. Baba-Gana Adam, is therefore unnecessary and inconsequential. Instead, there is a need to commend the minister for prioritising competence and for providing unwavering support to ensure a strong foundation for the secretariat’s operations. Under Wike’s leadership, the FCTA health sector has made remarkable progress in delivering healthcare services to grassroots communities in the nation’s capital. Competence, capability, and capacity should be the watchwords in public service, principles that Dr. Baba-Gana Adam has reinvigorated since his assumption of office. Under his leadership, the secretariat has witnessed the resuscitation of the Drug Revolving Services Fund monthly meeting, which had been abandoned prior to the appointment of Ezenwo Wike, CON, as FCT minister. Dr. Adam also initiated the review and enforcement of technical committees to ensure they function according to laid-out plans and guidelines. Furthermore, billions of naira owed to drug suppliers, which had been withheld by the previous administration, were approved for payment by the minister, showcasing the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and fostering trust in the system. For the purpose of this write-up, we shall focus on the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, where Dr. Baba-Gana Adam has been named the pioneer permanent secretary. Whatever anyone may say, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam came prepared for the job. As a seasoned veterinary doctor with over three decades of experience in public service, he has demonstrated competence and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the FCT. On assuming duty, Baba-Gana expressed gratitude to Wike for appointing him and vowed to make a difference by advancing the secretariat’s goals in alignment with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His proactive response to the cholera outbreak in parts of the city center is a testament to his focus and dedication. The federal government’s commitment to revitalising the health sector is evident from the launch of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the endorsement of the Sector-wide Compact by President Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and the FCT in December 2023. In line with this, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has emphasised the importance of medical palliatives, recognising their critical role alongside food palliatives in addressing the nation’s challenges amidst limited resources. Dr. Baba-Gana Adam also highlighted the significant achievements under Wike’s leadership, including improved funding, conducive work environments, and securing accreditation for Postgraduate Medical Residency Training Programmes. He commended the minister for his steadfast commitment to training a highly skilled health workforce, continuous hospital improvement and expansion, and the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which has significantly boosted staff morale and success rates in postgraduate medical training. Dr. Baba-Gana noted that Wike, often referred to as “Mr. Projects,” is focused not only on infrastructure but also on building sustainable systems to improve health outcomes. Who is Dr. Baba-Gana Adam? Born in Maiduguri, Borno state, he had his early education at Yerwa Central Primary School and Federal Government College, Maiduguri. Adam pursued tertiary education at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state and the University of Maiduguri. Dr. Adam is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience spanning over three decades in areas such as Logistics Planning, Research & Statistics, Project Monitoring & Evaluation, Outdoor Advertisement & Signage, and City Management. Since joining the FCTA in 2002, he has held several leadership roles, including at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the Parks and Recreation Department. As the immediate-past record-setting director of the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, he oversaw critical operations, including the one-stop-shop vetting and permit processing of Masts & Towers in the FCT. Dr. Adam’s contributions to urban renewal, beautification, and environmental services have been widely recognized. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the FCTA Merit Award for Outstanding Performance and the Nigerian Institute of Management Fellowship Award. Certainly, since his appointment as permanent secretary, the secretariat has raised its performance bar. Collaborating with the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Ayokunle Fasawe, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam is poised to make significant strides in advancing health services in the FCT. Indeed, Minister Wike deserves commendation for prioritising competence and for identifying the best talents from over 44,000 employees in the FCTA to lead its critical sectors.

How Adani's indictment rocked his empire and what comes nextTORONTO — Two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton isn’t too impressed with the way his Indiana Pacers have performed so far this season. “The product we’re putting on the floor right now as a group is embarrassing,” Haliburton said after Indiana lost 122-111 to the Toronto Raptors in an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night. Indiana is 2-10 on the road and has lost seven straight away from home since beating Dallas on Nov. 4. “There needs to be a reality check right now,” Haliburton said. “Individually and collectively, guys need to look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves what they can do better. And it starts with me. I have to be a better leader.” The Pacers finished 47-35 last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Indiana won playoff series over Milwaukee and New York before being swept by Boston in the the Eastern Conference finals. Earlier last season, the Pacers made a run to the championship game of the NBA’s first In-Season Tournament. They went winless in the event this year, losing their four group games by a combined 60 points. The Pacers were poor in the first half against Toronto, turning the ball over 17 times. Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes (left) drives as Indiana Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends during second half NBA basketball action in Toronto on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Credit: AP/Frank Gunn “We’ve had too many stretches like that,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We all own it and we need to fix it.” Indiana outscored Toronto 63-57 in the second half, but it wasn't enough. The Pacers were 10th in the East after Tuesday’s loss, one-half game ahead of Detroit. They get another chance to end their road skid when they play at Brooklyn on Wednesday night.

Worldscale Adopts ICE’s Benchmark EUA Carbon Pricing for its Tanker Freight RatesThanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, oddsEPL: Maresca confirms goalkeeper that will start against BrentfordA citizen feeds a black-headed gull at Cuihu Park in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. – Xinhua photo KUNMING (Nov 28): Each year from November to March, Cuihu Park in central Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, transforms into a haven for migratory birds. Thousands of black-headed gulls travel from far distant places, such as Siberia, and gather in a city famous for its all-year spring-like climate. The striking red-beaked, white-feathered gulls draw crowds of visitors to Kunming. For 58-year-old Lyu Guoqiang, this season marks his annual return to the park – not as a tourist, but as a volunteer bird protector. “Every morning, I patrol the lake, watching over the gulls,” Lyu said. “If we spot a sick bird, we take a boat to rescue it and send it to a wildlife rescue station. We also educate visitors on proper feeding practices – encouraging them to use grain formulated for the birds’ health.” Lyu has volunteered as a bird protector for six years. The park employs a seasonal team of six to 10 guards like Lyu to take care of the black-headed gulls, said Chen Wen, office director of Cuihu Park. A Kunming native, Lyu’s connection to the black-headed gulls runs deep. “I’ve loved these birds since childhood,” he said. “I used to photograph them, then I brought my children, and now I bring my grandchildren to see them.” The gulls began wintering in Yunnan in the 1980s. Lyu has noted a decline in their numbers at Cuihu Park over the past decade – but sees this as a positive sign. “The improved urban environment has created more habitats for them,” he explained. “Now, the gulls are also found in places such as Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake in Dali.” People view black-headed gulls at Cuihu Park in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. – Xinhua photo According to Chen, many residents share a deep affection for the gulls, much like Lyu. Among them, the story of an elderly man and the gulls that took place in the 20th century still resonates deeply. Wu Qingheng, a childless man who lived alone, developed a unique bond with the black-headed gulls. Each day, Wu walked more than 10 kilometres to the lake to feed the birds, dedicating over half of his monthly pension to buying their feed. He continued this routine for years, until his death. “Though the ‘seagull elder’ passed away more than 20 years ago, his connection with the gulls has become a cherished legacy,” Chen said. “In 2006, a statue was erected in the park in his honor.” According to Chen, Cuihu Park, known as the “eye of Kunming” to local people, is also home to a growing diversity of birds – including egrets, nightingales and common moorhens. The number of bird species observed in the park has increased from 25 three years ago to the current 95, and includes eight protected species. “Birds are the best indicator of the environment,” Chen noted, adding that the growing diversity of birds is a testament to the improvement of the local ecological environment. Notably, more bird lovers have joined in ecological conservation efforts. Li Weiwei, a researcher at the Kunming Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of those to contribute to this improved biodiversity. In 2021, she and her team worked with Cuihu Park staff in creating a floating bird island to provide roosting habitats for herons and other aquatic birds. They expanded this initiative in 2024, adding a nocturnal island for forest birds and herons. “The bird islands help counter urban wildlife habitat fragmentation. In the future, we will implement more ways of creating micro-habitats for birds in different ecological environments,” Li said, adding that they’ve also introduced many bird-friendly plants, like golden bell trees, to the park. Li believes that the protection of birds cannot rely solely on the efforts of scientists. Li said what is required is the raising of public awareness and the involvement of all citizens in the biodiversity conservation quest. In 2019, Li and other scientists took the lead in developing a portable device for environmental DNA collection. Using the device, scientists can infer the presence and diversity of organisms by collecting trace amounts of DNA present in the environment. “We hope to engage the public in joining testing efforts for biodiversity conservation,” she said. Li was also involved in the establishment of an on-site museum at the park, which features interactive exhibitions, science popularisation activities and AI-powered bird identification. Li revealed that they have established four high-definition cameras in the park that can be rotated 360 degrees to monitor the activities of birds in real time 24 hours a day, with footage displayed on a screen in the museum. “Visitors can watch live footage and learn about bird species through AI technology,” she said. “Public awareness is key to biodiversity conservation,” Li added. “By involving citizens, we can foster greater understanding and urgency for protecting these ecosystems”. – Xinhua