## Leinster Reign Supreme Again with Crushing URC Final Victory

Leinster cemented their status as the premier force in the United Rugby Championship, dismantling the Bulls 36-7 in the grand final at Croke Park, Dublin, to become the first side to successfully defend the URC crown since the competition's 2021 rebrand.

The emphatic victory — sealed through five tries — offered some consolation for the Irish province following their heartbreaking defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles in the European Champions Cup final in Bilbao just weeks prior. With this triumph, Leinster have now claimed the league title in its various formats on ten separate occasions.

## A First Half of Total Domination

Leinster wasted absolutely no time asserting their authority, racing into a commanding 22-0 lead by the interval and leaving the Bulls with an almost impossible task heading into the second period.

The South African outfit's miserable opening 40 minutes were compounded by a chronic lack of discipline. Centre Canan Moodie was shown a yellow card inside the opening two minutes for a deliberate knock-on that halted a promising line-break, and the Bulls were reduced to 14 men for a second time before the break when Willie le Roux received the same punishment as Leinster bore down on their opponents' try line.

The home side capitalised ruthlessly on every advantage. Tommy O'Brien opened the scoring when he capitalised on a wayward pass from Handré Pollard near halfway, collecting the loose ball around 30 metres out before sprinting clear and dotting down beneath the posts.

Rieko Ioane extended the lead shortly after, touching down in the corner following a slick passing sequence that featured sharp hands from Jamison Gibson-Park and a powerful surging run from Hugo Keenan, who shrugged off multiple would-be tacklers before releasing the ball to the left.

Jack Conan — introduced early as a replacement for the injured captain Caelan Doris — rounded off a relentless first-half display by powering over from close range, making it three tries before the interval.

Sam Prendergast added three points from the tee when the Bulls infringed at the breakdown, giving Leinster a 25-point cushion at half-time.

## Leinster Press Home Their Advantage

The second half picked up precisely where the first had left off, with Prendergast darting over from the base of a ruck just a metre out to dot down and nudge Leinster further ahead at 29-0. It was a score that all but killed off any lingering hope the Bulls harboured of a comeback.

The visitors were denied what appeared to be a legitimate try when Harold Vorster seemed to ground the ball over the line, only for referee Andrea Piardi — following consultation with the television match official — to rule the score out in a decision that stirred significant controversy.

Leinster themselves were momentarily reduced to 14 players when James Lowe, in his final appearance for the province, was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on. The Bulls attempted to make their numerical advantage count, but a superb turnover by Joe McCarthy on the line denied them what looked a certain score.

The Pretoria side eventually broke through when Moodie accepted an offload and stretched over the whitewash, with Pollard converting to make it 29-7 and briefly raising Bulls spirits.

However, any hopes of a dramatic recovery were swiftly extinguished. A further Bulls effort from Ruan Mortje was disallowed after the TMO adjudged that Moodie had thrown a forward pass in the build-up, leaving the visitors frustrated once again by the officials.

## Byrne Puts the Finishing Touch on a Historic Night

Replacement out-half Harry Byrne brought the curtain down on a memorable evening for Leinster when he bundled over between the posts in the closing minutes and calmly converted his own try to set the final score at 36-7.

For the Bulls, it was another chapter of final heartbreak — their fourth defeat in the last five URC deciders — leaving them still searching for a breakthrough on the biggest stage.

Leinster, meanwhile, head into the off-season as the undisputed kings of the United Rugby Championship, with a historic back-to-back title to their name and a squad that shows little sign of relinquishing their grip on the throne.

Leinster claimed back-to-back URC titles with a dominant 36-7 victory over the Bulls at Croke Park, becoming the first side to defend the championship.

Leinster Retain URC Title with 36-7 Win Over Bulls

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Leinster Crown Themselves Back-to-Back URC Champions with Dominant Bulls Demolition

## Major Errors Discovered in Al Gore's Climate TRACE Emissions Database

A groundbreaking study from Northern Arizona University (NAU) is casting serious doubt on the accuracy of one of the world's most prominent greenhouse gas tracking tools. Researchers have concluded that the Climate TRACE database — developed by a consortium co-founded by former Vice President Al Gore — is significantly underreporting carbon dioxide emissions produced by vehicles in American cities, sometimes missing the mark by more than 90%.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal *Environmental Research Letters*, reveal that across 260 U.S. cities, the Climate TRACE database underestimates vehicle-related CO2 emissions by an average of **70%**. The implications for climate policy and emissions reduction strategies could be substantial.

## What the Research Found

The study was led by Kevin Gurney, a professor in NAU's School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS). His team specifically examined how Climate TRACE reports carbon dioxide output from cars and trucks in urban environments — a critical category of fossil fuel emissions that plays an outsized role in city-level climate planning.

To benchmark the Climate TRACE figures, researchers cross-referenced them with data from **Vulcan**, an independent onroad emissions database developed by Gurney's own laboratory. The Vulcan system draws on verified traffic records and official energy consumption data to generate reliable emissions estimates, carrying an uncertainty margin of roughly 14%.

The contrast between the two datasets was stark.

"The Climate TRACE CO2 emissions were, on average, 70% lower than those same emissions in the Vulcan onroad CO2 emissions database," said Bilal Aslam, a SICCS postdoctoral researcher and co-investigator on the study.

### Some Cities Showed Gaps Exceeding 90%

The discrepancies weren't uniform. Certain cities revealed dramatically larger gaps between the two data sources. According to Pawlok Dass, a research associate at SICCS, cities like **Indianapolis and Nashville** showed Climate TRACE figures that fell more than 90% below what Vulcan recorded — a difference so large it raises fundamental questions about the database's methodology.

The research team also believes these inaccuracies are unlikely to be limited to the United States. They suspect similar underestimates may exist in Climate TRACE data for cities around the world, potentially undermining global climate accountability efforts.

## A Pattern of Concern

This is not the first time Climate TRACE's accuracy has been questioned by NAU researchers. An earlier study from the same team identified comparable problems in how Climate TRACE estimates emissions from **power plants**, another major source of fossil fuel-based CO2.

Taken together, Gurney says the two studies suggest that Climate TRACE may be significantly underreporting more than half of U.S. fossil fuel CO2 emissions in urban settings — a troubling pattern for a tool used to inform climate decisions at the highest levels.

"Given the importance of vehicle CO2 emissions in cities, we carefully examined the Climate TRACE data which relied on promising new artificial intelligence-based approaches," Gurney explained. "Our results suggest that the Climate TRACE data significantly underestimate over half of U.S. fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions in cities."

## AI Promise vs. Scientific Rigor

Climate TRACE employs artificial intelligence to monitor and estimate greenhouse gas emissions globally — an innovative approach that researchers acknowledge holds genuine promise for environmental tracking. However, the NAU team argues that technological ambition must be paired with rigorous scientific standards.

In their view, transparency, independent expert review, and methodological integrity are non-negotiable when producing data that feeds directly into climate legislation and public policy. Without these safeguards, even well-intentioned tools can mislead the decision-makers who rely on them.

The published study includes a set of concrete recommendations designed to help Climate TRACE improve its accuracy, providing a constructive path forward for the consortium's ongoing work.

"We will never estimate emissions with perfect accuracy, but we must ensure that the data shared with policymakers and the public is unbiased and meets best practices and the most rigorous scientific standards available," Gurney stated. "Without this, we mislead decision makers and potentially lose public trust in our ability to tackle climate change."

## About the Lead Researcher

Kevin Gurney brings more than two decades of expertise to this field, working at the intersection of atmospheric science, ecology, and public policy. His federally supported **Vulcan and Hestia projects** map greenhouse gas emissions at extraordinary resolution — from individual roadways and power plants down to neighborhood-level detail — helping identify emissions hotspots across the country.

With over 180 published scientific papers and more than 20,000 citations to his name, Gurney is a recognized authority in the field. He has participated in United Nations climate negotiations for over 25 years and serves as a lead author for the **Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)**. His work also contributed to a recent U.S. National Academy report titled *Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Decisionmaking*.

A new NAU study finds Climate TRACE, co-founded by Al Gore, underestimates urban vehicle CO2 emissions by 70% on average across 260 U.S. cities.

Climate TRACE Database Undercounts Vehicle CO2 by 70%

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Climate TRACE Emissions Database Undercounts Vehicle CO2 by 70%, Study Warns

## France XV Overwhelm England in Summer Warm-Up Fixture

A talented France XV showcased their considerable depth by comfortably overcoming England in a non-Test summer warm-up match held in Vannes, handing Steve Borthwick's side a sobering reality check ahead of a demanding Nations Championship campaign.

### England's Flying Start Quickly Extinguished

England could hardly have asked for a better opening, with wing Cadan Murley dotting down inside the first minute after a beautifully constructed first-phase move. Seb Atkinson's hard carry created the initial breach, his offload finding Harry Randall and Noah Caluori, who transferred swiftly wide for the Harlequins flyer to outmuscle Theo Attisogbe in the corner — all within just 50 seconds of kick-off.

However, that electric beginning proved a false dawn. France gradually imposed their trademark quick-hands game, and England struggled to maintain their early momentum. Nicolas Depoortere, returning from a shoulder dislocation suffered during the Six Nations, crashed over on eight minutes, before the lively Gregoire Arfeuil glided onto Yoram Moefana's clever inside pass to push France into a 14-5 advantage.

### Half-Time Drama Sets Up Tense Second Period

England's reshuffled lineup — missing key figures including Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Ollie Chessum, and Ben Spencer — showed understandable rustiness through a series of handling errors. Nevertheless, there were genuine bright spots, particularly in the wide channels where Max Ojomoh and Murley combined well, and where full-back Marcus Smith linked intelligently with fly-half and captain George Ford.

A composed finish from Smith right on the stroke of half-time, stepping off his left foot to leave the covering defence flat-footed and touching down beneath the posts, reduced France's lead to just two points at 14-12, briefly reigniting English hopes heading into the break.

### France Pull Clear With Clinical Second-Half Display

Any expectation of an English comeback was swiftly dismantled after the restart. Scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, playing on his home ground, darted over for a crowd-pleasing score, before Antoine Hastoy added a fourth try at the end of another sweeping French move that England's defence simply could not contain.

A dismal defensive lapse then allowed replacement Baptiste Jauneau to exploit a gaping hole through the heart of England's defence, sending fellow substitute Fabien Brau-Boirie under the posts to extend France's lead to 33-12 with just two minutes remaining. A consolation try from Ojomoh off a smart flat pass from Ford in the final play amounted to little more than a footnote in France's convincing 35-17 victory.

### Context and Positives for Borthwick

Both nations were operating with reduced squads due to domestic play-off commitments. England were without their Northampton and Exeter players ahead of the Premiership final, while France also lost several internationals to Top 14 semi-final preparations, with Toulouse, Racing 92, Stade Francais, and Montpellier all retaining their stars.

However, France's seven starters from European champions Bordeaux-Bèglesgles provided a cohesion that England's patchwork side simply could not match.

Borthwick will nonetheless find encouragement in the performances of Caluori and Murley on the wings, Ted Hill's tireless work at forward, and a lively cameo from replacement scrum-half Raffi Quirke. South African-born Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg also caught the eye despite agonisingly spilling the ball over the try line after cutting a sharp line from inside centre.

### England's Summer Schedule Ahead

England's attention now turns to a formidable Nations Championship campaign, beginning with a daunting away fixture against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July, followed by further tests against Fiji and Argentina on successive weekends.

France XV comfortably defeated England in a non-Test summer warm-up in Vannes, highlighting their squad depth ahead of the Nations Championship.

France XV Beat England in Summer Warm-Up Match

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France Outclass England XV in Comfortable Pre-Season Victory

## England Struggle as New Zealand Build Commanding Lead at The Oval

England's second Test against New Zealand took a dramatic turn for the worse on day three at The Kia Oval, as a combination of costly dropped catches from debutant wicketkeeper James Rew and an outstanding unbeaten century from Henry Nicholls handed New Zealand firm control of the match.

By the close of play on the third day, New Zealand had reached 252-3 in their second innings, establishing an imposing lead of 352 runs and positioning themselves to level the five-match series at 1-1.

## Scoreboard Summary

**New Zealand:** 391 (Phillips 100, Blundell 51; Bethell 3-26) & 252-3 (Nicholls 119*, Ravindra 76)

**England:** 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*; Henry 5-80)

## Rew's Drops Prove Decisive

Rew was handed his Test debut largely because first-choice wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is currently on paternity leave. England also had the option of handing the gloves to fellow debutant Jordan Cox or recalling Ollie Pope, but they chose Rew, a player widely regarded as a promising batting talent despite some pre-match concerns about his keeping.

Those concerns proved well-founded. Rew put down two crucial chances that effectively ended England's hopes of staging a meaningful comeback.

The first came when Rachin Ravindra had scored only seven runs — Rew dived to his left but was unable to hold on. The second was arguably even more damaging: with Nicholls on 42, the New Zealand batter gloved an attempted hook shot down the leg side, and Rew could only parry the ball high to his right rather than take the catch cleanly.

Given a lifeline, the third-wicket partnership between Nicholls and Ravindra flourished, adding 161 valuable runs before Ravindra was dismissed lbw off the bowling of Jacob Bethell for 76. Nicholls, however, continued to bat with authority and ended the day unbeaten on 119.

## England's First Innings Collapse

England's fragile position was set in motion earlier in the day when they were bowled out for 291 in their first innings — a total that surrendered a potential lead of 100 runs on what was considered a good batting surface.

From a relatively steady overnight position of 222-6, England's lower order crumbled under a fierce spell from New Zealand seamer Matt Henry, who claimed a five-wicket haul to reduce the hosts to 238-9. A spirited last-wicket stand of 53 between number nine Matthew Fisher, who made a maiden unbeaten half-century, and tail-ender Sonny Baker gave England's total some respectability.

## The Stokes Shadow Looms Large

The match unfolded against a backdrop dominated by the absence of England captain Ben Stokes, who was simultaneously making his return to cricket for Durham following an incident at a London nightclub. The sense that the real drama was happening 280 miles away rather than at The Oval was difficult to shake.

Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson are both expected to be considered for the third Test at Trent Bridge next week, and day three served as yet another reminder of just how much England miss their captain — both as a cricketer and as a leader.

Without Stokes, England opted to field a team lacking a frontline spinner, a decision that appeared questionable as the pitch began to show signs of turn. Stand-in captain Joe Root also came under scrutiny for some puzzling tactical decisions, and the inexperience throughout the lineup was evident on multiple occasions.

## Nicholls Steps Into Williamson's Shoes

While England struggled, Nicholls provided a masterclass in composed, pressure-free batting. The 33-year-old left-hander brought up his 11th Test century, stepping confidently into the role left vacant by the retirement of the legendary Kane Williamson.

England had early encouragement when Jofra Archer had Tom Latham edging behind and Josh Tongue dismissed Devon Conway with his very first delivery, leaving New Zealand wobbling at 28-2. However, Rew's subsequent drops allowed Nicholls and Ravindra to rebuild emphatically and extinguish any flicker of hope for the home side.

With a crucial deciding Test potentially on the horizon at Trent Bridge, England will be desperate to see Stokes return to lead the charge — though the scale of the recovery required may test even his renowned fighting spirit.

Henry Nicholls hits 119* and debutant James Rew drops two catches as New Zealand build a 352-run lead in the second Test at The Oval.

Nicholls Century and Rew Drops Hurt England at The Oval

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Henry Nicholls Century and Rew's Costly Drops Leave England in Deep Trouble at The Oval

## Canada Makes History, But at a Painful Cost

What should have been an unbridled celebration of Canadian football history was instead a bittersweet evening filled with tears, tension, and tremendous resilience. Canada delivered a dominant 6-0 thrashing of Qatar at a packed Vancouver Stadium, securing the nation's first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup finals — a full four decades after their debut appearance at the tournament. Yet the magnitude of this milestone was tragically overshadowed by a severe leg injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone.

## The Injury That Stopped a Nation Celebrating

Eight minutes into the second half, with Canada already commanding a 3-0 lead, Kone received the ball and was immediately caught by a dangerous, late challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo. The impact was devastating. The 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder — formerly of Watford and Marseille — crumpled to the ground with a visibly broken leg, his expression one of shock and agony.

Team-mates swarmed around him instantly, their distress clear for all to see. The referee halted play to allow medical staff onto the pitch, while Madibo stood motionless with his hands cradling his head. The emotional charge in the stadium was palpable, and tensions between the two squads boiled over into a brief but heated scuffle on the pitch.

Despite the severity of his injury and the knowledge that his World Cup campaign was over before it had truly begun, Kone showed extraordinary character. As he was carried off on a stretcher, he raised his thumb to the roaring crowd — a small gesture that spoke volumes about the young player's spirit.

## Marsch and the Team Rally Around Their Fallen Team-Mate

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was visibly moved throughout the remainder of the match. During the second-half hydration break, the former Leeds United manager was seen in tears on the touchline. He later spoke with deep admiration for Kone and the collective strength of his squad.

"You saw that he was waving to the crowd and almost making everyone at ease," Marsch said after the final whistle. "It is a statement about Ismael, but also this is an incredible team. I have been telling people for years about the character of this group."

Nathan Saliba, who came on as Kone's replacement, paid tribute to his injured team-mate in the most fitting way possible — scoring Canada's fourth goal of the night and holding up Kone's shirt in celebration, a moment that brought the Vancouver crowd to its feet.

### A Brotherhood Tested and Proven

Marsch confirmed that Kone had been taken to hospital following the match, but also revealed a moment of sportsmanship from the player responsible for the tackle. Madibo visited the Canadian dressing room after the game to personally apologise.

"I don't think he meant such a gruesome tackle, I don't fault him for that," Marsch acknowledged. "But I don't understand their reaction from their bench."

Madibo was shown a red card for the challenge, leaving Qatar to play out the final stages with just nine men. Qatar had already been reduced to ten players in the first half, when Homam El Amin was dismissed for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan.

## Historic Achievement Puts Canada on the Brink of the Last 32

With this emphatic victory, Canada now stand within a single point of guaranteed qualification for the Round of 32 — a remarkable accomplishment for a side that had never previously earned a single point at a World Cup before drawing 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening fixture.

Next up for Canada is a crucial clash with Switzerland. A win would confirm top spot in their group and allow them to continue their knockout campaign on home soil — a prospect that has energised both the squad and the entire nation.

"You can see the brotherhood," Marsch reflected. "It is one of the first things I noticed when I took on this role — how close they are and how connected they are. In a moment like this, I don't think they need me so much. They have each other."

## A Lap of Honour and a Promise to Kone

At the final whistle, Canada's players gathered in a tight huddle before Marsch led them on an emotional lap of honour around the jubilant stadium. The iconic riff of Seven Nation Army rang out over the speakers as the coach punched the air in triumph — a moment of hard-earned joy, tempered by the thought of one man who could not be there to share it fully.

Kone, for his part, was described as being in "decent spirits" despite his ordeal. His coach and team-mates made clear that he remains very much part of this journey.

"He will be back stronger than ever and he will continue to have a great career," Marsch pledged. "I said at the water break that he would want us to finish this game — and that is exactly what the guys did."

Canada beat Qatar 6-0 for their first World Cup win, but joy was overshadowed by Ismael Kone's serious leg injury in a dramatic Vancouver clash.

Canada's Historic World Cup Win Marred by Kone Injury

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Canada's Historic World Cup Win Tainted by Heartbreaking Kone Injury

## A Small Change Making a Big Difference Beneath the Waves

A straightforward engineering tweak to lobster pots used by fishermen along the East Yorkshire coastline is proving to be a powerful tool in the fight against one of the fishing industry's most persistent environmental problems — bycatch.

By incorporating a small **escape hatch** into the side of traditional lobster pots, fishermen are now allowing juvenile lobsters, fish, and other unintended marine life to swim free before ever reaching the surface. The modification is simple, low-cost, and increasingly seen as essential to the long-term sustainability of the shellfishing industry.

## What Is Bycatch and Why Does It Matter?

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of marine species that were never the intended target of a fishing operation. It is a growing source of alarm among marine conservationists worldwide.

A recent report published by Wildlife and Countryside Link revealed the alarming scale of the problem in UK waters alone:

- **Thousands of protected seabirds** are killed annually through bycatch
- **More than 1,000 porpoises and dolphins** lose their lives each year
- **Dozens of whales** are also affected

One particularly striking incident occurred three years ago on a Bridlington beach, where dozens of seabirds perished after becoming entangled in an abandoned fishing net — a tragic example of the real-world consequences of inadequate gear management.

## Fishermen Speak Out on the New Design

Grant Watson, a crew member aboard the Bridlington-based fishing vessel *Dylharis*, has witnessed the benefits of the redesigned pots firsthand. He describes the escape hatches as a genuine step forward for both the environment and the industry's future.

*"It's letting the smaller stuff get out. It reduces fighting in the pots between species and it's cutting down on deaths inside the pots,"* Watson explained.

He emphasized that fishermen are far from indifferent to the health of the ocean ecosystem around them.

*"Marine life needs to be there for our future as well, and if we can help it, then it also helps our industry. We're all conscious of nature as fishermen, and there's some amazing wildlife out there."*

The report also highlighted the efforts of fisherman Rex Harrison, who independently redesigned his own nets specifically to reduce the number of seabirds accidentally caught — a testament to the growing environmental awareness within the fishing community.

## Conservation Groups Call for Government Action

While the fishing industry is taking meaningful steps at a grassroots level, marine conservation organizations are urging the government to go further and faster.

**Yorkshire Wildlife Trust**, alongside several other marine conservation bodies, is pressing ministers to implement a formal national strategy to tackle bycatch head-on.

Andy van der Schatte Olivier, Marine Programme Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, described government intervention as *"vital"* for the survival of numerous species. Although he acknowledged that the trust was collaborating productively with local fishermen to raise awareness and reduce accidental capture, he stressed that policy-level action was urgently needed.

*"We are calling for the government to immediately put in a bycatch action plan,"* he stated.

A spokesperson for Wildlife and Countryside Link added that the government had been slow to formulate concrete plans, noting that existing regulations even prevent fishermen operating near UK shores from attaching acoustic deterrent devices to their nets — tools that could help keep dolphins at a safer distance.

## The Government's Response

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed its commitment to ocean health and outlined existing initiatives aimed at addressing the bycatch problem.

A departmental spokesperson stated: *"This government is committed to restoring our oceans to good health and we are taking action to reduce the bycatch of marine species."*

Key government measures currently in place or in development include:

- **The Clean Catch Programme** — a flagship initiative using electronic monitoring technology to gather bycatch data and assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies
- **A new Seabird Bycatch Action Plan** — designed to reduce the number of seabird deaths occurring in and around English waters
- **Deterrent trials** — ongoing since 2019, testing various methods to reduce accidental marine mammal capture

## An Industry and Environment That Must Coexist

The story unfolding along the East Yorkshire coast reflects a broader truth about the relationship between commercial fishing and marine conservation — they are not mutually exclusive. The growing adoption of escape hatches in lobster pots demonstrates that even modest innovations can yield meaningful environmental benefits while simultaneously supporting the long-term viability of the fishing industry itself.

As pressure mounts on governments to act decisively, the collaboration between local fishermen and conservation organizations offers an encouraging model for how industry and ecology can work hand in hand toward a healthier ocean future.

Fishermen on England's East Yorkshire coast are using redesigned lobster pots with escape hatches to reduce bycatch and protect marine wildlife.

Lobster Pot Escape Hatches Help Reduce Marine Bycatch

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How Simple Escape Hatches in Lobster Pots Are Saving Marine Life

## A Historic Step Forward for River Conservation

A pioneering water quality monitoring initiative has been launched along the entire length of Hampshire's River Test, marking what is believed to be the first scheme of its kind anywhere in the United Kingdom. The project deploys nearly 20 specialist sensors — known as sondes — directly into the chalk stream to deliver continuous, real-time readings of critical water quality indicators.

### Why the River Test Needed Protection

Concern over the health of the River Test reached a tipping point in 2024, when a period of heavy rainfall caused sewage overflow outlets to discharge into the river. Southern Water described the events as "exceptional circumstances," but the incident triggered widespread public outrage. In March of that year, hundreds of residents and environmental campaigners gathered outside the company's Fullerton Waste Water Treatment Works to demand action.

According to local Liberal Democrat councillor and Pan Parish River Pollution Forum member Geoff Cooper, that demonstration proved to be a turning point in how Southern Water engaged with the community.

"That made Southern Water realise just how angry people were," Cooper said. "They opened their doors to us and gave us the opportunity to work collaboratively to find solutions and better understand the quality of our rivers."

## How the Monitoring System Works

The sondes, positioned from the river's source all the way to its mouth — including coverage of major tributary areas — provide automated updates every 30 minutes. Each sensor tracks dissolved oxygen levels, ammonia concentrations, and water temperature, offering an unprecedented, continuous picture of the river's health.

Currently, this data is accessible to environmental campaigners and riverkeepers. Plans are in place to make the information publicly available within the next 12 months.

### Insight From the Riverbank

Seth Crosswaite, who has served as riverkeeper at Houghton Lodge in Hampshire for a decade, explained just how transformative the technology could be in responding to pollution events.

"All those monitors down that river will measure it in real-time," he said. "If we get a pollution incident, we can look upstream to identify where it's coming from and downstream to assess the impact it's having on the river."

Crosswaite noted that clean gravel beds — essential for fish spawning — are the hallmark of a healthy chalk stream, and that protecting that environment is central to the initiative.

## A Collaborative Effort With Wide-Reaching Goals

The project is the result of a collaborative partnership between Southern Water, local community groups, and environmental advocates. The water company says it is investing £84 million in improving water quality across the River Test catchment, with £28 million specifically allocated to upgrades at the Fullerton Waste Water Treatment Works.

Joff Edevane, Southern Water's Environment and Water Quality Lead, emphasised that the monitoring scheme extends beyond the company's own infrastructure.

"The sondes give riverkeepers joined-up daily insight into what's affecting water quality," Edevane explained. "This isn't just about our outfalls — numerous factors affect water quality, from agricultural runoff to illegal connections. But we know we need to do better when it comes to discharges and storm overflows."

The company also noted that the voluntary scheme positions it ahead of upcoming environmental legislation, with the sensor network designed to capture inputs from agricultural and other sectors operating along the river corridor.

## Protecting a National Treasure for Future Generations

Chalk streams are exceptionally rare ecosystems, with the majority of the world's examples found in England. The River Test is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of this habitat type — celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage as one of England's most prized fly-fishing rivers.

Geoff Cooper believes the monitoring network represents not just a technological achievement, but a statement of intent from all those who care about the river's future.

"The River Test is the gold standard of chalk streams," he said. "It's crucial that we, as custodians of it, do everything we can to protect it for future generations."

With real-time data now flowing as freely as the river itself, conservationists hope this initiative will set a new benchmark for freshwater protection across the country.

A network of 20 real-time water quality sensors has been deployed along Hampshire's River Test in a UK-first initiative to combat pollution and protect this rar

Real-Time Sensors Now Monitoring River Test Water Quality

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Groundbreaking Real-Time Monitoring System Launched to Safeguard England's Precious Chalk Stream

## Bellingham Thrives Under Pressure as England Open World Cup Campaign

Jude Bellingham has revealed that the public debate surrounding his position in the England squad could actually work in his favor, suggesting that a little extra motivation goes a long way when it comes to his on-field performances.

The Real Madrid midfielder, 22, has been at the center of selection discussions heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with England manager Thomas Tuchel weighing up whether to deploy Bellingham or Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in the creative number 10 role sitting just behind captain Harry Kane.

### Bellingham Answers His Critics With a Crucial Goal

Tuchel ultimately handed Bellingham the starting berth for England's opening Group Stage fixture against Croatia in Dallas — and the decision paid immediate dividends. Bellingham broke the deadlock for the third time in the match just after the interval, collecting a well-timed pass from Elliot Anderson on the right flank before cutting inside and drilling a composed low finish into the far corner past the Croatian goalkeeper. Marcus Rashford then wrapped up the contest late on, securing an entertaining 4-2 victory for the Three Lions.

Speaking to BBC Sport following the win, Bellingham acknowledged the outside commentary but made clear it only sharpens his resolve.

"For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my team-mates how committed I am to helping us win football matches," he said. "To contribute and help my country is one of the biggest honours, and regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn't change for me at all."

## A Difficult Season Makes Way for World Cup Redemption

Bellingham openly admitted that the 2025-26 club campaign had been a challenging chapter in his career. A disrupted pre-season caused by injury, Real Madrid finishing eight points adrift of eventual La Liga champions Barcelona, and mounting questions about his international future all combined to create a difficult backdrop heading into the tournament.

Nevertheless, the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund star insisted he arrives at the World Cup feeling "fresh and sharp," and drew encouragement from the words of teammate Jordan Henderson, who publicly described Bellingham as England's "X-factor" in the lead-up to the tournament.

When asked whether he had channeled any added edge heading into the competition, Bellingham responded with a knowing smile: "A little bit — I think I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, haven't I?"

### Using Adversity as a Competitive Tool

Bellingham went on to explain how that sense of being underestimated or questioned actually sharpens his mental focus once he steps onto the pitch.

"I think that helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game and find that intensity," he said. "I know that it's part of being a footballer and I don't hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me — because sometimes I do deserve it. Today, it was nice to try to show people and remind them what I'm about."

This is not the first time Bellingham has made an early World Cup statement. He famously scored against Iran in England's 2022 tournament opener in Qatar, and has now replicated that feat on the grandest stage four years later, cementing his reputation as a player who rises when the stakes are highest.

## Pundits Back Bellingham as the Difference-Maker

Former England defender and BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards was quick to praise Bellingham's impact following the Croatia match, highlighting the midfielder's ability to deliver in defining moments.

"Bellingham is a big-game player," Richards said. "Rogers is fantastic as well, but in the moment where you needed him, he comes up trumps — and that is the difference."

With England through to the next stage of group play and Bellingham already on the scoresheet, the 22-year-old looks primed to be one of the tournament's standout performers — and if a chip on his shoulder is what it takes, England fans will be hoping it stays firmly in place.

Jude Bellingham says the scrutiny over his England role gives him extra motivation, after scoring in a 4-2 World Cup opener victory over Croatia.

Bellingham's World Cup Chip on Shoulder Fuels England Win

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Bellingham's 'Chip on His Shoulder' Could Fuel an Explosive World Cup Run

## Devon Fabric Firm Takes Center Stage in Global Space Industry

A specialist textile manufacturer tucked away in the English countryside has quietly become one of the most important suppliers in the global space industry — and the world's leading space giants have taken notice.

Heathcoat Fabrics, based in Tiverton, Devon, recently hosted a high-profile parachute engineering conference that drew representatives from NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin, underscoring the company's critical role in some of humanity's most ambitious missions beyond Earth.

## A Historic Factory With an Out-of-This-World Portfolio

The Tiverton-based firm has a remarkable heritage in parachute fabric manufacturing that stretches back to before World War Two. Decades later, that same expertise is being applied to some of the most advanced spacecraft ever built, helping to safely slow down rockets, rovers, and capsules as they return from the cosmos.

Peter Hill, Director at Heathcoat Fabrics, expressed his pride in the company's achievements and its broader impact on the region.

"We're proud to be putting Devon on the map as a hub for space innovation," Hill said. "This is a chance to showcase the incredible work our team does to support missions that push the boundaries of human achievement."

Hill highlighted the growing demand for the company's materials, noting that an increasing number of organisations are sending payloads into space and require reliable systems to bring them safely back to Earth.

### From Mars Rovers to Pharmaceuticals

The scope of Heathcoat Fabrics' work extends well beyond traditional aerospace. Hill revealed that pharmaceutical companies are now manufacturing drugs in microgravity conditions aboard spacecraft, with the finished products then parachuted back to Earth — a process that depends on the Devon firm's high-performance materials.

Additionally, the company is collaborating with both the UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Department of Defense on advanced projects including chemical warfare protection gear, protective clothing, and lightweight parachute systems.

"More and more companies are taking things to space and need to bring them back again," Hill explained, adding that the firm remains committed to innovation in order to "meet the needs of an evolving market."

## Industry Leaders Speak Out

### Blue Origin Praises Devon-Made Parachutes

Rob Sinclair, representing Blue Origin — the space company behind the celebrated all-female spaceflight in April 2025 — attended the conference and spoke glowingly about the Devon manufacturer's contribution to that historic mission.

"We've had Gayle King and Katy Perry come back safely to Earth with parachutes using fabric that was made right here in Devon," Sinclair said.

### NASA's Mars Mission Connection

Clara O'Farrell from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory also attended, emphasising just how pivotal Heathcoat Fabrics has been to the agency's deep-space endeavours.

O'Farrell described having the "great fortune" of being part of the team that successfully landed the Mars Perseverance Rover — a mission that relied directly on fabric produced in Devon.

"We partnered with the team here to manufacture the fabric that we used to assemble the parachute that successfully landed that Rover on Mars," she said. "We hope to continue that partnership in future space missions."

## A Small Town With a Giant Footprint in Space

The conference serves as a powerful reminder that cutting-edge space exploration is not confined to Silicon Valley or Cape Canaveral. A centuries-old textile town in the heart of Devon is helping to write the next chapter of human achievement among the stars — one parachute at a time.

Heathcoat Fabrics in Devon hosted NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin reps at a parachute engineering conference, celebrating its role in landmark space missions.

NASA and SpaceX Visit Devon Factory Behind Space Parachutes

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NASA and SpaceX Descend on Devon Factory Behind Space Parachute Technology

## Danny Rohl Exits Rangers as Red Bull Salzburg Appoints German Coach

Danny Rohl has brought his tenure at Rangers to a close after just eight months at the helm, departing Ibrox to take on the head coaching role at Red Bull Salzburg. The Scottish club confirmed the news, stating that an announcement regarding his replacement would be made in due course.

The 37-year-old German coach had stepped in as Rangers manager back in October, replacing Russell Martin. Despite steering the club into a genuine three-way title race, a dramatic post-split collapse — which included four defeats in their final five league outings — left Rangers finishing third in the Scottish Premiership, behind both Celtic and Hearts. The club also exited both domestic cup competitions at the hands of Celtic, a campaign that ultimately ended without a single piece of silverware.

## Chairman Cavenagh Thanks Departing Coach

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who had publicly stood behind Rohl as recently as last month amid reported interest from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, paid tribute to the outgoing manager.

"I'd like to thank Danny for his service and commitment to Rangers," Cavenagh said in an official statement. "He and his staff put in a significant amount of hard work during his time in charge, which we are greatly appreciative of. We wish them the best of luck moving forward."

Rohl, who had two years remaining on his contract, now heads to Austria to resurrect a Salzburg side that endured their worst domestic finish in twenty years, ending last season in third place. The club will compete in the Europa League third qualifying round — the same stage as Rangers — after Daniel Beichler was dismissed as Salzburg's head coach last month following just 14 matches.

## A Coaching Career Built at Europe's Elite Clubs

Rohl's rise through the coaching ranks is notable. He joined Ralph Hasenhuttl's backroom staff at Southampton in 2018 before moving to Bayern Munich as an assistant to Hansi Flick, where he played a part in the club's Bundesliga title triumph. He later made his managerial debut with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023 before eventually taking the Rangers job — a position he initially turned down before having a change of heart when the club could not land first-choice targets Steven Gerrard or Kevin Muscat.

Across all competitions during his time at Ibrox, Rohl recorded 22 victories, 11 defeats, and seven draws from 40 matches — a record that tells the story of a promising start ultimately undermined by a failure to close out the season.

## Derek McInnes Emerges as Frontrunner

With Rangers set to appoint their third manager in just twelve months, Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has quickly emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner for the vacancy. The experienced Scottish football figure is regarded by many as a natural fit for the Ibrox job.

### Why McInnes Makes Sense for Rangers

BBC Scotland's chief sports writer Tom English described the appointment as a straightforward decision for the club. "For Rangers, McInnes is a no-brainer, an obvious call," English wrote. "He's very experienced, a gnarled pro in Scotland — there's nothing he doesn't know about this league. His work ethic is through the roof. He would be a very good fit for Rangers."

McInnes, who guided Hearts to a second-place Premiership finish ahead of Rangers this past season, brings deep familiarity with Scottish football and a proven track record at the top level of the domestic game.

## Urgent Rebuild Ahead at Ibrox

The managerial transition comes at a particularly pressured time for the club. Rangers' playing squad is scheduled to return to pre-season training imminently, leaving little room for delay in the recruitment process. Rohl had already overseen the January signing of four new players and secured Scotland international striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts — the very club his likely successor currently manages.

The planned overhaul of the Rangers squad that Cavenagh had promised would now fall to whoever steps into the dugout next, with a busy summer of transfer activity expected ahead of a crucial campaign.

Danny Rohl departs Rangers after eight months to join Red Bull Salzburg, with Hearts boss Derek McInnes widely tipped to take over at Ibrox.

Danny Rohl Leaves Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg Role

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Danny Rohl Departs Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg as McInnes Eyes Ibrox Role

## When Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story

Delhi has been enduring a punishing heatwave for weeks, with daytime temperatures regularly climbing above 40°C. Weather apps dutifully display a "feels like" figure a few degrees warmer — but even that fails to capture what life is actually like for the millions navigating the city's streets every day.

On a recent Tuesday, India's Meteorological Department officially logged the capital's peak air temperature at 43.5°C. Yet when Greenpeace India researchers took to those same streets armed with a thermal imaging camera, the readings told a dramatically different story — surface temperatures reaching as high as 64°C in certain locations.

## Air Temperature vs. Surface Temperature: Understanding the Gap

The distinction matters enormously. Official meteorological readings measure ambient air temperature under carefully controlled, standardized conditions. Thermal cameras, by contrast, capture the heat radiating from physical surfaces — roads, concrete footpaths, parked vehicles, and open ground baking under relentless sunlight.

On intensely hot days, these surfaces absorb enormous amounts of solar energy and can become far hotter than the surrounding air. That radiant heat transfers directly to the human body, making urban environments feel significantly more oppressive than official figures suggest — especially in areas stripped of shade or greenery.

## What the Thermal Camera Revealed Across Delhi

### IIT Flyover: A Traffic Junction Turned Heat Trap

The first stop was the IIT flyover in south Delhi, one of the city's most heavily trafficked intersections. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass through this junction daily, and during peak hours, commuters can sit idle for up to ten minutes.

Greenpeace researcher Nibedita Saha swept her thermal camera across the scene just after midday. In the shaded areas beneath the flyover structure, the reading settled at 42°C — uncomfortable, but manageable. Panning to bikers waiting at red lights under direct sunlight, the figure jumped to 64°C. The surface where the team stood registered 61°C. Moving fewer than ten feet to stand beneath a single tree brought the reading down to 39.8°C.

"Consistent exposure to temperatures this high can trigger serious health complications," Nibedita noted. "But sometimes, just a few feet makes all the difference. That's the impact one tree can have."

### The Human Body Under Extreme Heat

Dr. A. Fathahudeen, a pulmonologist, explains that the human body's normal core temperature sits at 37°C. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat forces that number upward, and once it surpasses 40°C, the body begins to malfunction.

"The most immediate sign is heat exhaustion — intense sweating, pounding headaches, and deep fatigue," he said. In more severe cases, individuals can experience confusion, disorientation, and seizures. Left untreated, the consequences escalate to multiple organ failure and, ultimately, death.

His guidance for surviving a heatwave: drink water consistently even without feeling thirsty, choose loose and light-coloured clothing, and carry an umbrella. He also urged the government to formally restrict outdoor labour between 10:30am and 3:00pm during extreme heat events.

## Delhi's Working Poor Have No Choice But to Stay Outside

### Red Fort's Street Vendors: Surviving on the Pavement

The team made their way to the iconic Red Fort in Old Delhi, expecting quiet streets. Instead, they found vendors who had no option but to remain at their posts, hoping for customers despite the brutal conditions.

Sanjana Ben, who sells dry fruits from a pavement stall, sat on a makeshift cushion assembled from spare clothing, her wares — cashews, almonds, raisins, walnuts, dried figs — arranged before her. The thermal camera recorded approximately 40°C near her face. Angled toward the ground at her feet, it read 51.4°C, rising to 57°C just inches further away.

"Sometimes my head spins and my vision goes blurry," she told the BBC. "When the ground becomes unbearably hot, I stand up for a while — but I can't do that forever, so I sit back down."

Nearby, footwear vendor Mohammad Mahfouz Alam described the relentless assault of heat rising from below and beating down from above simultaneously. "There's no relief, day or night. I feel drained, my legs ache, and I arrive home exhausted. Even after bathing, I can't sleep — the fan just pushes hot air around."

He gestured toward the tree shading his stall. "If that tree weren't here, I couldn't survive this spot. The day it's gone, everything ends for me."

The thermal camera confirmed his words — readings around him ranged from 40°C to 58.5°C, with his own shoulder registering 44.8°C.

### Chandni Chowk: A Pedestrian Zone Without Shade

A short walk away, the historic Chandni Chowk boulevard — redesigned as a pedestrian-friendly zone in recent years — offered stone seating pillars intended as rest stops. But with zero overhead shade, not a single person was using them. One young toy vendor, absorbed in his phone, sat unknowingly on a concrete pillar that the thermal camera recorded at 56.9°C.

### Sundar Nagri: Evening Heat That Refuses to Relent

By the time the team reached Sundar Nagri, a lower-middle-class neighbourhood in east Delhi's Seelampur district, the clock had passed 5pm and the sun's intensity was beginning to ease. Still, a concrete bench at the colony's entrance — partially exposed to remaining sunlight — read 51.6°C.

## The Bigger Picture: A City Heating Beyond Its Limits

Mahfouz Alam's observation that Delhi's seasons have grown increasingly unpredictable echoes what climate scientists have been warning for years. Summers are hotter and longer, monsoons less reliable, and the urban heat island effect amplifies every degree. For those with the means to stay indoors with air conditioning, heatwaves are an inconvenience. For the city's vast outdoor workforce, they are a daily threat to life.

The thermal camera made visible what official statistics cannot — the lived, surface-level reality of heat in one of the world's most populous capitals.

Delhi's official temp hit 43.5°C, but thermal cameras recorded surfaces above 60°C. Discover why the city feels far hotter and what it means for residents.

Why Delhi Feels Hotter Than 43.5°C: Thermal Camera Data

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Why Delhi's Streets Feel Far Hotter Than the Official Temperature Suggests

## Welsh Daredevil Takes Centre Stage at Take That's Circus Live Revival

When Take That decided to resurrect their legendary Circus Live tour after 17 years, they needed more than just music to fill the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Enter Ellis Grover — a Carmarthen-born tightrope walker who describes performing alongside the iconic British band as nothing short of an honour.

### Walking the Wire Six Metres Above the Crowd

Grover, who has spent 15 years mastering the art of high wire walking, traverses a tightrope stretched between two stages with a stomach-dropping six-metre (19ft) void beneath him — and he does it completely unstrapped. His inclusion in the show is part of Take That's ambitious reimagining of their beloved Circus Live concept, which also features acrobats, ringmasters, and even a mechanical elephant.

"It is just a process of trust really. We've all got this ability in us," Grover told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, speaking ahead of the group's Cardiff performance on Tuesday.

Ever the comedian, he also revealed his attempts to bring a certain bandmember into the fold. "Gary [Barlow] is a lovely chap, I've been trying to get him a tightrope," he quipped.

### A Reunion 17 Years in the Making

Take That — comprised of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald — originally brought the Circus Live spectacle to Wales back in 2009, performing three consecutive nights at what was then known as the Millennium Stadium. The tour left such a lasting impression on the trio that they spent years discussing a potential return.

"The Circus tour was one of our favourite experiences as a band and, in the years since, we've talked many times about how much we'd love to do it again one day," the group previously stated.

That day has finally arrived. The Cardiff show marks a one-night-only Welsh engagement on the rebooted tour, which serves as a warm-up of sorts ahead of the band's highly anticipated 10th studio album, expected to drop towards the end of 2026.

### On the Road and Feeling It

By the time the tour rolled into Cardiff, it had already made stops in Southampton, Sunderland, Coventry, and Glasgow. Grover admitted the relentless schedule had taken its toll.

"I'm quite tired after a month on the road," he confessed, though he was quick to add with a laugh, "but the knees are feeling fine."

Keeping his body in peak condition is a non-negotiable part of the job. Grover credits an extensive routine of warm-ups, stretching, and strategic rest periods for keeping him performance-ready night after night. "It's all about body maintenance," he explained.

He also shared one slightly unexpected pre-show ritual: eating a full meal before stepping onto the wire. "I do like to have a full stomach on a tightrope — it's less distractions, you know," he said.

### A Career Built on Beautiful Risk

As one of only a handful of professional high wire walkers currently active in the UK, Grover acknowledged that opportunities like this don't come along often. "It just came across my desk, so to speak," he said of how he landed the role.

Once the Circus Live tour wraps up, Grover has his sights set on a new kind of canvas. He hopes to take his craft into expansive natural environments, blending physical daring with breathtaking scenery.

"I adore the art form for its ability to create beautiful pictures out of beautiful stages," he said. "As I progress, I want to do more and more wire walks in large natural spaces."

For now, though, all eyes — and nerves — are focused firmly on Cardiff.

Ellis Grover walks unstrapped six metres above Cardiff crowds as Take That's rebooted Circus Live tour hits the Principality Stadium after 17 years.

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