Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Today — 5 July 2025News

Oasis kick off their comeback: The best they've been since the 90s

5 July 2025 at 06:46
Getty Images Liam and Noel Gallagher raise their hands together as they took to the stage in Cardiff's Principality StadiumGetty Images
Liam and Noel Gallagher raised their hands together as they took to the stage in Cardiff's Principality Stadium

Oasis blew off the cobwebs and swept away the doubters as they kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.

Taking to the stage after a 16-year break, the band sounded refreshed and rejuvenated, tearing into classics like Cigarettes and Alcohol, Live Forever and Slide Away - as 70,000 fans clasped each other and spilled beer all over themselves.

They opened with Hello, with its chorus of "it's good to be back", following up with Acquiesce - one of the few songs that features vocals from both Noel and Liam Gallagher.

The lyric "we need each other" felt like a reconciliation - or a sigh of relief - as the brothers buried the hatchet of a decades-long feud and reconnected with their fans.

Liam, in particular, attacked the gig with wild-eyed passion - stalking the stage and biting into the lyrics like a lion tearing apart its prey.

The audience responded in kind. A communal fervour greeted songs like Wonderwall and Don't Look Back In Anger, both pulled from Oasis's 1995 masterpiece, (What's The Story Morning Glory) - one of the biggest selling British albums of all time.

All night, it was one singalong after another: Some Might Say, Supersonic, Whatever, Half The World Away, Rock 'n' Roll Star.

During Live Forever - which they dedicated to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota - the audience even sang Noel's guitar solo.

"You sound like a load of Charlotte Churches," said Liam, impressed, after Stand By Me.

The frontman sounded fresh and powerful himself, putting to rest the vocal issues that had plagued him on previous tours - a result of Hashimoto's disease, an auto-immune condition that can affect the voice.

Getty Images Liam Gallagher holds a tambourine in his mouthGetty Images
Liam was in fine form throughout the night

As fans will know, Oasis were never the most dynamic act on stage. Noel, in particular, wears the studious look of a man trying to remember his National Insurance number - but somehow, it's impossible to take your eyes off them.

Although they came out hand in hand, there were few other signs of chemistry between the brothers, who never addressed one another during the two-and-a-quarter hour show.

But just hearing them harmonise again, after all the animosity, and the turbulent waters under the bridge, was hugely emotional.

"Nice one for putting up with us over the years," said Liam, introducing the night's last song, Champagne Supernova. "We are hard work, I get it."

As they left the stage, the Gallaghers shared a brief hug.

Getty Images Oasis fans at the Principality StadiumGetty Images
Fans paid hundreds of pounds to see the band kick off their reunion tour

But the band's volatility was always part of the appeal.

Their off-stage antics made the headlines as often as their music: They missed their first European gig after getting arrested on a cross-channel ferry, Liam lost two front teeth in a fight with German police, and later abandoned a pivotal US tour go house-hunting.

Half the fun was working out which act of the Shakespearean drama was being enacted in front of you.

Still, Liam’s antics often frustrated his brother.

"Noel is the guy who's chained to the Tasmanian devil," Danny Eccleston, consultant editor of Mojo, once said. "A lifetime of that would wear you down."

It all came to a head at a gig in Paris in 2009. Oasis split up after a backstage altercation that began with Liam throwing a plum at his older brother's head.

In the intervening years, they engaged in a long war of words in the press, on stage and social media.

Liam repeatedly called Noel a "massive potato" on Twitter and, more seriously, accused him of skipping the One Love concert for victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Noel responded by saying Liam was a "village idiot" who "needs to see a psychiatrist".

But relations thawed last year, with Liam dedicating Half The World Away to his brother at the Reading Festival last August.

Two days later, the reunion was announced, with the band declaring: "The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised."

A scramble for tickets ensued, with more than 10 million people applying to see the 19 UK dates alone.

Those who succeeded were shocked by the high prices - especially when standing tickets advertised at £155 were re-labelled "in demand" and changed on Ticketmaster to £355 plus fees.

On stage, Liam made light of the scandal, asking the audience: "Is it worth the £4,000 you paid for a ticket?"

Getty Images Liam GallagherGetty Images
The band stuck to their 1990s output for the majority of the setlist

For many, the answer was yes. Cardiff was awash with Oasis fanatics from all over the world - including Peru, Japan, Argentina, Spain and South Korea.

An Italian couple had "live forever" inscribed in their wedding rings. A British woman, expecting her first child, had scrawled "our kid" - Noel's nickname for Liam - across her baby bump.

The city was awash in bucket hats and branded tracksuit tops. Outside the stadium, an enterprising busker drew a massive crowd by playing a set of Oasis songs. Everyone joined in.

Inside, the band stuck to the classics, with a setlist that only strayed out of the 1990s once, for 2002's Little By Little.

The songs held up remarkably well.

The youthful hunger of tracks like Live Forever and Supersonic crackled with energy. And Cigarettes and Alcohol, written by Noel in 1991, about the discontent of Manchester's working classes after 15 years of Conservative rule, sounded as relevant in 2025 as it did then.

"Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?" snarled Liam. Fans, young and old, roared along in recognition and approval.

I have seen Oasis many, many times and this was the best they've been since 1995, when I caught them supporting REM at Ireland's Slane Castle, as they limbered up for the release of (What's The Story) Morning Glory.

The Manchester band blew the headliners away - instantly making them seem dated and irrelevant - in a show that threatened to devolve into chaos after Liam threatened a fan who'd thrown a projectile on stage.

They might not have that sense of danger in 2025, but there was a hunger and a passion that was missing from their last shows in 2009.

Fans, and some parts of the British press, are already speculating over whether Liam and Noel's rapprochement will hold – but from the evidence on stage in Cardiff, the Gallaghers are finally, belatedly mad fer it once more.

Getty Images Noel GallagherGetty Images
Noel Gallagher performed several songs solo during the set

Oasis setlist - 4 July 2025

  • Hello
  • Acquiesce
  • Morning Glory
  • Some Might Say
  • Bring it on down
  • Cigarettes & Alcohol
  • Fade Away
  • Supersonic
  • Roll With It
  • Talk Tonight (Noel sings)
  • Half the World Away (Noel sings)
  • Little by Little (Noel sings)
  • D'You Know What I Mean
  • Stand By Me
  • Cast No Shadow
  • Slide Away
  • Whatever
  • Live Forever
  • Rock and Roll Star

Encore

  • The Masterplan (Noel sings)
  • Don't Look Back in Anger (Noel sings)
  • Wonderwall
  • Champagne Supernova

Raducanu out of Wimbledon after falling agonisingly short against top seed Sabalenka

5 July 2025 at 06:29

Raducanu falls short of Sabalenka shock

Emma Raducanu looks dismayed against Aryna SabalenkaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Emma Raducanu was aiming to reach the Wimbledon last 16 for the third time

British number one Emma Raducanu is out of Wimbledon after falling agonisingly short of top seed Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping third-round match on Centre Court.

Raducanu, 22, put the three-time Grand Slam champion - and clear title favourite - under extreme pressure before succumbing to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.

"Emma played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win," said 27-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka.

"I had to fight for every point to get this win."

Raducanu, ranked 40th in the world, played with clarity and confidence throughout most of a captivating contest on Centre Court.

Had the 2021 US Open champion served out the opening set at 6-5, or converted a set point in the tie-break, the momentum of the lead might have carried her to a notable victory.

However, the deficit proved too much to overturn - even though Raducanu broke to lead 4-1 in the second set.

The long rallies she needed to break down Sabalenka eventually took their toll and Raducanu began to look fatigued as the favourite fought back.

Sabalenka, who is aiming for a first SW19 title, goes on to face Belgian 24th seed Elise Mertens in the fourth round on Sunday.

Related topics

Palestine Action banned after judge denies temporary block

5 July 2025 at 07:07
Getty Images Royal Courts of JusticeGetty Images

Palestine Action will be banned from midnight after a judge refused its request to temporarily block the government from proscribing it as a terror group.

On Friday, a High Court judge refused the group more time to pursue legal action against the government's decision.

The proposed ban, which amends the Terrorism Act 2000, will come into force after being approved by both the House of Commons and House of Lords earlier this week.

It means supporting Palestine Action will become a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for the direct action group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The move was taken to ban the group after an estimated £7m of damage was caused to planes at RAF Brize Norton last month, in action claimed by Palestine Action.

At a hearing earlier on Friday, Raza Husain KC, barrister for Palestine Action's co-founder Huda Ammori, told the court banning the group would be "ill-considered" and an "authoritarian abuse" of power.

"This is the first time in our history that a direct action civil disobedience group, which does not advocate for violence, has been sought to be proscribed as terrorists," he said.

Is it OK to cry at work?

5 July 2025 at 07:11
House of Commons via PA Media Rachel Reeves crying in the House of CommonsHouse of Commons via PA Media

Pictures of a weepy Rachel Reeves dominated the newspaper front pages and TV news after her tearful appearance at Prime Minister's Questions earlier this week.

The markets were spooked so much by her emotional appearance that the cost of government borrowing immediately jumped and the pound took a dive.

The sight of most of us crying in the workplace is unlikely to move financial markets, but does it matter if you do?

Does it show weakness, or strength, or simply that you're in touch with your emotions?

Anecdotally, it's not unusual to have a bit of a sniffle at work. Several people got in touch with the BBC to say they had let it all out.

Clara, 48, from Lancaster, said she had become emotional when she was a young graduate getting a "blasting", and years later "in frustration".

"I've also cried after receiving bad news from home and left work immediately."

Emma, meanwhile, felt she had to keep her emotions under wraps because she worked in "a tough male-dominated environment" and would give herself a hard time for "showing emotion or 'weakness'."

Although some research has suggested women are more likely than men to cry, plenty of men told us they had also shed tears in front of colleagues.

Guy Clayton, a doctor, said he had often cried "with patients, colleagues and families over the years, when I've shared their sadness".

A 38-year-old from London who works in finance said he had become emotional at work when dealing with personal issues and felt it showed "a professional dedication" to still turn up.

'Strength, not a liability'

So is crying a strength or a weakness? Executive coach and success mentor Shereen Hoban says it's old-fashioned to think weeping at work is unacceptable.

"We've moved beyond the old-school idea that professionalism means leaving emotion at the door," she says. "In today's world, emotional intelligence is a strength, not a liability."

Career coach Georgia Blackburn says it's not unusual for people at work to be upset, so firms need to know how to handle and support staff who are feeling a bit fragile.

Ultimately, she says it will mean workers get more done.

"An employer that truly listens, shows compassion and understanding, is so much more likely to keep their staff motivated and happier in the long run," she says.

Amanda Amanda, who has blonde hair, smiles at the camera with her head tilted slightly to one sideAmanda
Amanda cried during an interview - and still got the job

That's been the case for Amanda in Stockport who contacted the Jeremy Vine show on BBC Radio 2.

She cried at a job interview at the University of Manchester 17 years ago, just after her father had been diagnosed with cancer.

She got the job and is still there.

"I cried every day for about nine months until my dad sadly passed away. It just made me realise what an amazing person I work for, and what an amazing place I work at, where that was OK."

'Bring back crying'

Getty Images Amy Powney, dressed in black, with long brown hair and red lipstick, stands in front of a red backgroundGetty Images
Amy Powney thinks showing your emotions at work has become demonised

Fashion designer Amy Powney was having a bit of a rough time at the end of last year.

She was having an "intense" time leaving a job, and it coincided with traumatic things happening in her life.

Amy, who founded sustainable fashion brand Akyn earlier this year, also felt pressure to be a "poster child" for ethical fashion.

"My to-do list at that time was: feed the kids, pick them up from school, sort that nursery thing out, design the next collection, make sure the staff are OK, sort out that VAT return... and then save the world," she told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

"I went through this period of time where I just could not stop crying and I was doing it in public places, I was doing it on stage."

She thinks that showing emotion at work has been "demonised" and is unapologetic about breaking down.

"I just think bring back the crying, bring back the emotions," she says.

"Women in leadership should be able to show their emotion. I think it's a superpower. I think it's a strength."

Men v women, staff v bosses

But not everybody thinks that way. Some people are still a teensy bit judgemental, says Ann Francke, chief executive at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Women who weep are seen as "too emotional" while men who mope can be shamed for being soft and vulnerable, she says.

Junior staff can get away with it more than their bosses, but this shouldn't necessarily be the case, she adds.

"When a senior leader cries, it can be seen as shocking or even inappropriate. But when handled with authenticity, it can also be powerful. It shows that leaders are human and care deeply about what they do," she says.

But if you want to climb the greasy pole, it could be best to keep a stiff upper lip, at least in some organisations, says executive coach Shereen Hoban.

Crying could affect your promotion prospects, she says. "Let's be honest. There's still a bias in some workplaces that sees composure as strength and emotion as instability."

But she says some organisations see things differently, and value leaders who are "real, self-aware, and able to navigate complexity, including their own emotions".

She adds that if you break down once at work it "won't ruin your career", and that what matters more is the bigger picture:

"Your performance, your presence, and how you bounce back or move forward with intention," she says.

What to do if you become tearful at work

  • Give yourself permission to step back and take a moment
  • You don't need to hide your emotions, it often shows you care deeply about your job – that's not a bad thing
  • But you should feel supported, so maybe talk to a trusted colleague, take a short break or ask for support from your manager or HR
  • Managers and colleagues need to acknowledge when their staff are crying – offer a tissue to them, don't pretend it's not happening

Provided by the CMI

Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me

5 July 2025 at 07:08
Abbie Abbie standing in a garden in front of a house. She has long brown hair and is wearing a white vest topAbbie
Abbie first began using ketamine when she was 16

Abbie was 16 years old when she started using ketamine. It was the first time she had felt in control.

The negative thoughts that had swamped her mind since a young age began to dissipate.

Twelve years later and fresh out of rehab she's still battling with the addiction that almost took her life.

She wants to speak out to explain why ketamine has become such a popular drug - especially among young people with mental health problems - and to talk about the damage it can do long term.

Abbie's warning comes as the first NHS clinic in the UK - dedicated to helping children struggling with ketamine use - opens on Merseyside, with patients as young as 12 needing help.

Ketamine is unlike many other street drugs due to the way it interacts with the brain.

Small amounts of the Class B drug can give a sense of euphoria and excitement, while large amounts can lead to a state known as the "K-hole," where users feel detached from reality - an out-of-body-type experience.

The number of under 16s reporting a problem with the drug has nearly doubled over the past two years, overtaking cocaine in popularity with children and young people.

Nearly half those (49%) who started treatment for drug misuse in 2023-24 said they had a mental health problem, with more than a quarter not receiving any treatment for the latter.

Details of help and support with addiction are available in the UK at BBC Action Line

Experts are warning that some young people are taking dangerous amounts of ketamine not only due to it's low price and ease of availability, but also because of the dissociative feelings it brings.

"What we are seeing is a perfect storm," David Gill, the founder of Risk and Reliance, a company which trains front-line workers on emerging drug trends.

"We have more young people struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, a lack of services - and we have a very cheap street drug that helps them disconnect."

Abbie's first line of ketamine did exactly that. She says it "felt like such a powerful place to be".

"My thoughts no longer had a negative effect on me - life was passing me by, but I didn't have to engage with it."

Abbie's childhood had been hard. Struggling with mental health problems and undiagnosed ADHD, she had left school at 14 and found herself in a whirlwind of drink, drugs and unhealthy relationships.

Abbie Abbie's selfies Abbie
Abbie's weight dropped during the course of her addiction

Although addiction cast a long shadow throughout her 20s, Abbie managed to secure a place at university, staying clean throughout, and obtained a healthcare degree.

She is smart, articulate and wants to do well, but after two abusive and controlling relationships ketamine became the only means she had to block out the trauma.

Yet when she went to her GP to seek help she was prescribed sleeping tablets and told to "come off the ket".

"The withdrawals were so bad I would be shaking and vomiting," she says, "it wasn't that easy to just come off it."

Then a deeper level of addiction took hold.

"I always prided myself in the early stages of addiction of keeping my morals and my values and not lying to people," Abbie says, "but I couldn't stop the drugs and I found myself hiding my use to my friends."

Things escalated. Eventually Abbie was taking ketamine every day - incessantly. The only time she would take a shower, she says, would be when she went out to meet her dealer on the street.

The physical effects of overuse began to kick in - horrific abdominal pains, known as K-cramps, would leave her screaming in agony. She would place boiling hot water bottles on her abdomen - burning her skin. And then she would take even more ketamine to numb the pain.

What is ketamine?

  • Often referred to as ket, Special K or just K, ketamine is a powerful horse tranquilliser and anaesthetic. It is a licensed drug and can be prescribed medically
  • When misused, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder
  • It is currently a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
  • The penalty for possession is up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine - or both
Abbie's TikTok posts
Abbie documents her recovery on TikTok and gives support to other young people

This cycle of drug abuse is something public health consultant Professor Rachel Isba also sees in her new clinic for under 16s experiencing the physical side effects of ketamine use.

Chronic use of the drug can cause ketamine-induced uropathy, a relatively new condition, which affects the bladder, kidneys and liver. The bladder lining becomes so inflamed it can result in permanent damage and it has to be removed.

Prof Isba says the first signs of ketamine bladder are severe abdominal pains, urinating blood and jelly from the damaged bladder lining.

"Patients referred to the clinic will receive a holistic approach," she says, "care from the specialist urology team to treat the physical effects of the drug, and then they will be supported - and referred if necessary - to community services who can help with the often complex reasons behind their drug use."

'Completely helpless'

Maisie Maisie with long blonde hair staring confidently at the cameraMaisie
Maisie started taking ketamine at festivals - but her use spiralled out of control

Sarah Norman, from St Helens, says she felt like a "silent watcher" as her daughter began to "fade in front" of her eyes.

Last September she discovered that Maisie, 25, was addicted to ketamine, which had caused potentially irreversible damage to her kidneys.

"We are just an average family," Sarah says. "I never thought Maisie would have ended up addicted to any drugs - she doesn't even drink alcohol."

Maisie had kept it quiet - ashamed of the stigma attached to her ketamine use. But what had started as a party drug she'd take at festivals had become a substance she couldn't function without.

In the end her partner moved out with their three-year-old son.

"I had nothing left to live for," Maisie says. "It got to the point I was doing bump after bump [snorting small amounts of it].

"For a short time I would be knocked out of reality - then I would take more."

Sarah Norman Sarah's TikTok posts about daughter MaisieSarah Norman
Sarah documents her daughter's addiction and offers advice to other parents online

Eventually, Maisie's mum and sister carried her into hospital - she weighed just five stone (32kg).

"The doctors said her body was failing her," Sarah says. "We thought we might lose her."

As a parent, she says, she felt completely helpless.

"It's hell on earth, there is nothing you can do. You ask yourself what you should have done."

Maisie's kidneys were fitted with nephrostomy tubes, which drain the urine out into two bags - which she now carries around with her.

Yet even this major operation didn't end Maisie's addiction. But finally, after fighting for a place in rehab she has now been clean for five months.

Sarah posts about her daughter's drug journey on Tik Tok where many parents reach out to her for help and advice with their own children.

"This drug is just horrific, so many other young people are struggling with it," Sarah says. "I am so proud of Maisie though, she's going to Narcotics Anonymous meetings every night.

"The pain she must have been through - and still goes through - I'm not sure if I'd have been as resilient and strong as she is."

Maisie Two pictures of Maisie, the one on the left is showing her eating some food, very poorly and the one on the right is showing the tubes coming out of her kidneysMaisie
Maisie's kidneys were badly damaged and she needed two tubes fitted to drain the urine

Abbie was rejected from NHS rehabilitation services twice, and reached a point where she considered taking her own life.

"There was so much chaos around me and the services weren't going to help me, I just wanted to end it all," she says.

But after sending a five-page letter to the panel that decides on eligibility she finally managed to access a detox and rehabilitation service.

"I had three choices," Abbie says, "rehab, section - or in a coffin."

Abbie was treated in the same rehabilitation unit as Maisie. She is now out, clean and proud of herself but says the treatment she received failed to deal with her trauma.

"I can look after myself on a daily basis and I'm doing OK. The real work starts now I'm out of rehab," she says, " and now I am clean, hopefully I can get the mental health support I so desperately needed when I was using."

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said that as part of its 10 Year Health Plan to reform the NHS, it was going to be much "bolder in moving from sickness to prevention".

"This government is driving down the use of drugs like ketamine, ensuring more people receive timely treatment and support, and making our streets and communities safer."

Tiny creatures gorge, get fat, and help fight global warming

5 July 2025 at 07:10
Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton A close-up of the head of the copepod, Calanus propinquus, showing its bright red antennae and hair-like feeding appendages.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton

A tiny, obscure animal often sold as aquarium food has been quietly protecting our planet from global warming by undertaking an epic migration, according to new research.

These "unsung heroes" called zooplankton gorge themselves and grow fat in spring before sinking hundreds of metres into the deep ocean in Antarctica where they burn the fat.

This locks away as much planet-warming carbon as the annual emissions of roughly 55 million petrol cars, stopping it from further warming our atmosphere, according to researchers.

This is much more than scientists expected. But just as researchers uncover this service to our planet, threats to the zooplankton are growing.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton Female copepods (Calanus simillimus) displaying variable quantities of lipid (fat) reserves – the clear cigar shaped ‘bubble’ within their bodies. Body length approximately 4mm.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton
Female copepods (4mm) with cigar-shaped fat stores in their bodies

Scientists have spent years probing the animal's annual migration in Antarctic waters, or the Southern Ocean, and what it means for climate change.

The findings are "remarkable", says lead author Dr Guang Yang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, adding that it forces a re-think about how much carbon the Southern Ocean stores.

"The animals are an unsung hero because they have such a cool way of life," says co-author Dr Jennifer Freer from British Antarctic Survey.

But compared to the most popular Antarctic animals like the whale or penguin, the small but mighty zooplankton are overlooked and under-appreciated.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton A close-up of the head of the copepod, Calanus propinquus, showing its bright red antennae and hair-like feeding appendages.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton
This copepod has hair-like arms for feeding

If anyone has heard of them, it's probably as a type of fish food available to buy online.

But their life cycle is odd and fascinating. Take the copepod, a type of zooplankton that is a distant relative of crabs and lobsters.

Just 1-10mm in size, they spend most of their lives asleep between 500m to 2km deep in the ocean.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton The Southern Ocean copepod, Calanoides acutus, with their green pigmented guts and lipid sacs clearly visible inside its transparent body. Body length approximately 4mm.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton
Sacs of fat, or lipids, form in Southern Ocean copepods' bodies and heads after they eat phytoplankton (the green material in the bodies in this image)

In pictures taken under a microscope, you can see long sausages of fat inside their bodies, and fat bubbles in their heads, explains Prof Daniel Mayor who photographed them in Antarctica.

Without them, our planet's atmosphere would be significantly warmer.

Globally the oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat humans have created by burning fossil fuels. Of that figure, the Southern Ocean is responsible for about 40%, and a lot of that is down to zooplankton.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton A close-up of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, showing its specialised front limbs (the ‘feeding basket’) that help them harvest microscopic phytoplankton (algae) from the water. Its green gut demonstrates their effectiveness. It has orange patches in his body and front legs, with a large black eye at the top of its body. Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton

Millions of pounds is being spent globally to understand how exactly they store carbon.

Scientists were already aware that the zooplankton contributed to carbon storage in a daily process when the animals carbon-rich waste sinks to the deep ocean.

But what happened when the animals migrate in the Southern Ocean had not been quantified.

The latest research focussed on copepods, as well as other types of zooplankton called krill, and salps.

The creatures eat phytoplankton on the ocean surface which grow by transforming carbon dioxide into living matter through photosynthesis. This turns into fat in the zooplankton.

"Their fat is like a battery pack. When they spend the winter deep in the ocean, they just sit and slowly burn off this fat or carbon," explains Prof Daniel Mayor at University of Exeter, who was not part of the study.

"This releases carbon dioxide. Because of the way the oceans work, if you put carbon really deep down, it takes decades or even centuries for that CO2 to come out and contribute to atmospheric warming," he says.

Jennifer Freer Dr Jennifer Freer stands on deck of the Sir David Attenborough polar ship wearing orange high-vis safety clothing, a red hat and sunglasses. She is holding on to the rope railing next to the ocean. Close to the ship is the tip of an iceberg visible at the water surface. The sky is blue with some clouds.Jennifer Freer
Dr Jennifer Freer analysed the zooplankton on board the Sir David Attenborough polar ship

The research team calculated that this process - called the seasonal vertical migration pump - transports 65 million tonnes of carbon annually to at least 500m below the ocean surface.

Of that, it found that copepods contribute the most, followed by krill and salps.

That is roughly equivalent to the emissions from driving 55 million diesel cars for a year, according to a greenhouse gas emissions calculator by the US EPA.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton Five scientists wearing high-vis orange jackets and dark trousers on board the Sir David Attenborough polar ship. They are working with a fishing net equipped with 9 closing nets and has a 1 × 1 m mouth.  There is a large yellow crane above them.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton
Plankton sampling often happens at midnight when the animals are closest to the ocean surface.

The latest research looked at data stretching back to the 1920s to quantify this carbon storage, also called carbon sequestration.

But the scientific discovery is ongoing as researchers seek to understand more details about the migration cycle.

Earlier this year, Dr Freer and Prof Mayor spent two months on the Sir David Attenborough polar research ship near the South Orkney island and South Georgia.

Using large nets the scientists caught zooplankton and brought the animals onboard.

"We worked in complete darkness under red light so we didn't disturb them," says Dr Freer.

"Others worked in rooms kept at 3-4C. You wear a lot of protection to stay there for hours at a time looking down the microscope," she adds.

Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton A collection of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba. The guts of many of these specimens are green, indicating that they have recently been feeding on microscopic algae (phytoplankton). Body lengths approximately 50-60mm.Prof Daniel J Mayor @oceanplankton
Antarctic krill (50-60mm) with green guts showing they've recently eaten algae

But warming waters as well as commercial harvesting of krill could threaten the future of zooplankton.

"Climate change, disturbance to ocean layers and extreme weather are all threats," explains Prof Atkinson.

This could reduce the amount of zooplankton in Antarctica and limit the carbon stored in the deep ocean.

Krill fishing companies harvested almost half a million tonnes of krill in 2020, according to the UN.

It is permitted under international law, but has been criticised by environmental campaigners including in the recent David Attenborough Ocean documentary.

The scientists say their new findings should be incorporated into climate models that forecast how much our planet will warm.

"If this biological pump didn't exist, atmospheric CO2 levels would be roughly twice those as they are at the moment. So the oceans are doing a pretty good job of mopping up CO2 and getting rid of it," explains co-author Prof Angus Atkinson.

The research is published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography.

Thin, green banner promoting the Future Earth newsletter with text saying, “Get the latest climate news from the UK and around the world every week, straight to your inbox”. There is also a graphic of an iceberg overlaid with a green circular pattern.

Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to get exclusive insight on the latest climate and environment news from the BBC's Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, delivered to your inbox every week. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here.

'Do they have gold in them?': The Indian artisans up in arms over Prada's sandals

5 July 2025 at 07:12
BBC The image shows Kolhapuri sandals in different shades of brown displayed at a shop. BBC
The earliest records of Kolhapur sandals date back to the 12th Century.

The Western Indian town of Kolhapur has found itself in an unlikely global spotlight, as thousands of local artisans who hand-craft traditional leather footwear are mounting a collective attack on luxury fashion label Prada for plagiarising their designs without credit.

The rhythmic pounding of the hammer in 58-year-old Sadashiv Sanake's dimly lit workshop bears witness to the hard grind behind handcrafting the iconic Kolhapuri leather sandals.

"I learnt the craft as a child," he tells the BBC. A day's toil goes into making just "eight to 10 pairs" of these sandals he says, that retail at a modest $8-10

Barely 5,000 artisans in Kolhapur are still in the profession – a cottage industry that struggles to compete in a mechanised world, caught in the funk of dismal working conditions and low wages.

It's no surprise then that when Italian luxury brand Prada released a new line of footwear that bore a striking resemblance to the Kolhapuri sandals - but didn't mention the design origins - local artisans were up in arms.

Reuters A model wearing Prada walks on the runway at the Milan Fashion Week in June.Reuters
Prada's leather footwear at the Milan Fashion Week sparked a major controversy

The backlash was swift. Social media was flooded with accusations of cultural appropriation, prompting Prada to issue a statement acknowledging the sandals' roots.

Now local politicians and industry associations have thrown their weight behind the artisans who want better recognition of the craft and its cultural legacy.

Mr Sanake was not aware of Prada's show until the BBC showed him a video of it. When told that that the sandals could retail for hundreds of pounds in luxury markets, he scoffed. "Do they have gold in them?" he asked.

Prada hasn't revealed the price tag but its other sandals retail at between £600 to £1,000 in the UK as per its website.

Women browse through Kolhapuri sandals at a store in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Women try on Kolhapuri sandals at a store in Kolhapur

The earliest records of Kolhapur sandals date back to the 12th Century.

"These sandals were originally crafted by members of the marginalised Charmakar (cobbler) community, also known as chamars," said Kavita Gagrani, a history professor at the New College in Kolhapur.

Chamar is a pejorative caste term used to describe Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) who work with animal hides.

"But in the early 20th Century, the craft flourished when the then ruler of Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj granted royal patronage to this community," Ms Gagrani said.

Today, nearly 100,000 artisans across India are engaged in the trade with an industry worth over $200m, according to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA), a prominent industry trade group.

Yet, most of them continue to work in unorganised setups under dismal conditions.

"I was never educated. This is all I know, and I earn about $4-5 a day, depending on the number of orders," said 60-year-old Sunita Satpute.

Women like her play a critical role, particularly in engraving fine patterns by hand, but are not compensated fairly for their long hours of labour, she said.

That's why Sunita's children don't want to continue the craft.

A short distance away from her workshop lies Kolhapur's famous chappal gully, or sandal lane, a cluster of storefronts - many of them struggling to stay afloat.

"Leather has become very expensive and has pushed up our costs," said Anil Doipode, one of the first sellers to open a shop here.

Traditionally, artisans would use cow and buffalo hide to make these sandals. But since 2014, when the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, there have been several reports of vigilantes - self-appointed protesters or activists - cracking down on alleged cow slaughter, sometimes with physical violence. The cow is considered sacred by Hindus.

In 2015, Maharashtra state banned the slaughter of cows and the sale and consumption of beef, forcing artisans to rely on buffalo leather sourced from neighbouring states, pushing up their production costs.

Traditional sellers are also struggling to compete with synthetic copies flooding the market.

"Customers want cheaper sandals and can't always tell the difference," said Rohit Balkrishna Gavali, a second-generation Kolhapuri sandal seller.

A women threads a needle through a leather Kolhapuri slipper in a workshop in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Women artisans engrave fine patterns in the leather sandals by hand

Industry experts say the controversy highlights the need for a better institutional framework to protect the rights of artisans.

In 2019, the Indian government had awarded Kolhapuri sandals the Geographical Indication (GI) - a mark of authenticity which protects its name and design within India, preventing unauthorised use by outsiders.

Globally, however, there is no binding law that stops other countries or brands from aesthetic imitation.

Aishwarya Sandeep, a Mumbai-based advocate, says that India could raise the issue at the World Trade Organization under its TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) agreement, of which it is a signatory.

But the system is cumbersome, expensive and often lacks enforceability, both in India and abroad, she adds.

Lalit Gandhi, the president of MCCIA, says his organisation is planning to patent the Kolhapuri sandal design, hoping to create a legal precedent for future cases.

But some say real change can only happen when India starts seeing its traditional heritage in a different light.

"It's about ethical recognition. India must push for royalty-sharing and co-branding," says Ritu Beri, a renowned designer. "The more we take pride in our culture, the less we will be exploited."

Two artisans make leather sandals at their workshop in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Kolhapur is home to thousands of artisans who have been making these sandals for generations

Of course, this isn't the first time a global fashion brand has been accused of appropriating Indian handicrafts.

Many big labels have featured Indian fabrics and embroidery work with little to no artist collaboration. "Take Chikankari (a delicate hand-embroidery style from the northern Indian city of Lucknow), Ikat (a cloth-dyeing technique), mirror work; they've all been used repeatedly. The artisans remain invisible while brands profit from their inspiration," Ms Beri says.

Mr Gandhi, however, says that Prada's endorsement of Kolhapuri sandals could also be beneficial for artisans.

"Under their label, the value [of Kolhapuri sandals] is going to increase manifold," he says. "But we want some share of that profit to be passed on to artisans for their betterment."

Rohit Balkrishna Gavali, a sandal-seller in Kolhapur, agrees - he has already begun to see the difference.

"The design Prada used wasn't even very popular, but now people are asking for it, with clients from Dubai, the US and Qatar" placing orders, he says.

"Sometimes, controversy can help," he adds. "But it would be nice if it also brought respect and better prices for those keeping this tradition alive."

The issue is unlikely to die down soon.

For now, a plea has been filed in a high court, demanding Prada pay damages and compensation to artisans, along with a court-supervised collaboration between the luxury label and artisan associations.

Prada has told BBC in a statement that it is in talks with the MCCIA on this matter.

Mr Gandhi, its chief, says a meeting between the two sides is going to take place next week.

Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

States Brace for Added Burdens of Trump’s Tax and Spending Law

With the president’s domestic policy law signed, states will have to administer many of the cuts and decide how much they can spend to keep their citizens insured and fed.

© Rob Schumacher/Imagn Images

The Arizona House of Representatives in Phoenix during budget negotiations last month. Gov. Katie Hobbs of Arizona called the federal budget bill “devastating” for her state.

Camp Mystic in Texas, Where 20 Children Are Missing, Is Nearly a Century Old

Camp Mystic, on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, has been operated by generations of the same family since the 1930s.

© Carter Johnston for The New York Times

The flooded Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday. At least 20 girls were missing from Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old girls camp in nearby Hunt, Texas.

Elephant kills British and New Zealand tourists in Zambia

4 July 2025 at 18:09
Getty Images Elephant walking in South Luangwa National Park in eastern ZambiaGetty Images
The elephant was shot and wounded, but still attacked the two women, police said (file photo)

Two female tourists, including a British pensioner, have been killed by a charging elephant while on safari in Zambia, police have told the BBC.

The pair were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at the South Luangwa National Park, said local police chief Robertson Mweemba.

The two tourists were trampled to death by the nursing elephant after efforts by tour guides to stop it by firing shots failed. Both women died at the scene, he said.

The BBC has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.

Mr Mweemba said the two women were part of a guided safari group who were walking in the park when the elephant charged towards them at high speed.

The two tourists had stayed for four days at the Big Lagoon Camp, about 600 km (370 miles) from the capital, Lusaka, where the attack happened.

Female elephants are very protective of their calves and Zambian authorities have previously called on tourists to exercise extreme caution while observing wildlife around the country.

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate attacks by elephants in the southern African country. Both cases involved elderly tourists who were in a safari vehicle when they were attacked.

You may also be interested in:

Getty Images/BBC A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News AfricaGetty Images/BBC

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts

Court Rejects Effort to Keep Migrants From Being Sent to South Sudan

5 July 2025 at 07:50
After the Supreme Court ruled that the deportations could move forward, a last-ditch attempt to block them with a new lawsuit faltered.

© Getty Images

Camp Lemonnier, the U.S. military base in Djibouti, last year. The eight men the government hopes to deport to South Sudan have been held at the base for several weeks.

Federal judge again halts deportation of eight immigrants to South Sudan

5 July 2025 at 04:27
Seen from behind, man wearing vest that says Police Ice

A federal judge has briefly halted the deportations of eight immigrants to war-torn South Sudan, the latest twist in a case that came hours after the supreme court cleared the way for the Trump administration to deport the men to a country where almost none of them have ties.

On Thursday, the nation’s highest court affirmed that US immigration officials can quickly deport people to countries to which they have no connection. Then on Friday afternoon, in an extraordinary Fourth of July hearing, the district judge Randolph Moss sent the case north from Washington to another judge in Boston. Moss concluded that the judge best equipped to deal with the issues was Brian Murphy, whose rulings led to the initial halt of the Trump administration’s effort to begin deportations to the eastern African country.

Moss extended his order halting the deportation until 4.30pm Eastern time, but it was unclear whether Murphy would act on the federal holiday to further limit the removal. Moss said new claims by the immigrants’ lawyers deserved a hearing.

The eight men awaiting deportation are from countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba and Myanmar. Just one is from South Sudan. All have been convicted of serious crimes, which the Trump administration has emphasized in justifying their banishment. Many had either finished or were close to finishing serving sentences, and had “orders of removal” directing them to leave the US.

A lawyer for the men have said they could “face perilous conditions” upon arriving in the country. South Sudan is enmeshed in civil war, and the US government advises no one should travel there before making their own funeral arrangements.

The administration has been trying to deport the immigrants for weeks. The government flew them to the US naval base in Djibouti but couldn’t move them further because Murphy had ruled no immigrant could be sent to a new country without a chance to have a court hearing.

The supreme court vacated that decision last month, and then Thursday night issued a new order clarifying that that meant the immigrants could be moved to South Sudan. Lawyers for the immigrants filed an emergency request to halt their removal later that night.

The case was assigned to Moss, who briefly barred the administration from moving the immigrants from Djibouti to South Sudan until his afternoon hearing concluded. He slightly extended that bar after he sent the case to Murphy. The administration has said it expected to fly the immigrants to South Sudan sometime on Friday.

Joseph Giordano, Surgeon Who Helped Save Reagan’s Life, Dies at 84

5 July 2025 at 05:58
He had built one of the country’s leading trauma centers in Washington, which made it possible for his team to respond quickly after the president was shot.

© Photo treated by The New York Times; photography by Bettman, via Getty Images

Dr. Joseph Giordano (seated at the table at far left) appeared with other surgeons at a news conference at George Washington University Hospital on April 3, 1981, four days after President Ronald Reagan had been admitted there for gunshot wounds.

Hamas says it delivered 'positive response' on Gaza ceasefire plan

5 July 2025 at 04:21
Reuters A Palestinian looks on at the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed residential buildings at al-Shati refugee camp, in northern Gaza (4 July 2025)Reuters
A Palestinian man looks at buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes in al-Shati refugee camp, northern Gaza

Hamas says it is consulting other Palestinian groups before giving a formal response to the latest proposal for a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal put forward by the US.

President Donald Trump said on Friday morning that expected to know within 24 hours whether Hamas has agreed to the plan.

On Tuesday, Trump said Israel had accepted the conditions necessary for a 60-day ceasefire, during which the parties would work to end the 20-month war.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military is continuing to bomb targets across the Gaza Strip.

Local journalists reported hearing explosions and gunfire as Israeli helicopter gunships and artillery struck the southern Khan Younis area on Friday morning.

Overnight, at least 15 Palestinians were killed in strikes on two tents housing displaced people in Khan Younis, the local Nasser hospital said.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strikes, but it did say its forces were "operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities".

In a statement issued early on Friday, Hamas said it was discussing with the leaders of other Palestinian factions the ceasefire proposal that it had received from regional mediators Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas said it would deliver a "final decision" to the mediators once the consultations had ended and then announce it officially.

The proposal is believed to include the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 other hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Fifty hostages are still being held in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

One of Hamas's key demands is the resumption of unrestricted food and medical aid into Gaza, and the proposal reportedly says sufficient quantities would enter the territory immediately with the involvement of the United Nations and Red Cross.

It is said the plan would also include a phased Israeli military withdrawal from parts of Gaza.

Above all, Hamas wants a guarantee that Israeli air and ground operations will not resume after the end of the 60-day ceasefire.

The proposal is believed to say that negotiations on an end to the war and the release of the remaining hostages would begin on day one.

Donald Trump told reporters early on Friday that he expected to know "over the next 24 hours" whether the proposals would be accepted by Hamas.

The hope then would be the resumption of formal, indirect, talks ahead of a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington next week.

"We sure hope it's a done deal, but I think it's all going to be what Hamas is willing to accept," US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Israel's Channel 12 TV on Thursday.

"One thing is clear: The president wants it to be over. The prime minister wants it to be over. The American people, the Israeli people, want it to be over."

Netanyahu meanwhile promised to secure the release of all the remaining hostages during a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the Israel-Gaza border where a total of 76 residents were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war.

"I feel a deep commitment, first of all, to ensure the return of all of our hostages, all of them," he said. "We will bring them all back."

He did not, however, commit to ending the war. He has insisted that will not happen until the hostages are freed and Hamas's military and governing capabilities are destroyed.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 57,130 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

Raducanu falls agonisingly short against top seed Sabalenka

5 July 2025 at 05:51

Raducanu falls short of Sabalenka shock

Emma Raducanu looks dismayed against Aryna SabalenkaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Emma Raducanu was aiming to reach the Wimbledon last 16 for the third time

British number one Emma Raducanu is out of Wimbledon after falling agonisingly short of top seed Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping third-round match on Centre Court.

Raducanu, 22, put the three-time Grand Slam champion - and clear title favourite - under extreme pressure before succumbing to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.

"Emma played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard to get this win," said 27-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka.

"I had to fight for every point to get this win."

Raducanu, ranked 40th in the world, played with clarity and confidence throughout most of a captivating contest on Centre Court.

Had the 2021 US Open champion served out the opening set at 6-5, or converted a set point in the tie-break, the momentum of the lead might have carried her to a notable victory.

However, the deficit proved too much to overturn - even though Raducanu broke to lead 4-1 in the second set.

The long rallies she needed to break down Sabalenka eventually took their toll and Raducanu began to look fatigued as the favourite fought back.

Sabalenka, who is aiming for a first SW19 title, goes on to face Belgian 24th seed Elise Mertens in the fourth round on Sunday.

Related topics

Trump signs sweeping tax and spending bill into law

5 July 2025 at 05:48
Anthony Zurcher: Passage of megabill is big win for Trump

US President Donald Trump is to sign his landmark policy bill into law, a day after it was narrowly passed by Congress.

The signing event at the White House on Friday afternoon, coinciding with 4 July celebrations, enacts key parts of the Trump agenda including tax cuts, spending boosts for defence and the immigration crackdown.

Trump began his victory lap at an Iowa rally on Thursday night, telling supporters it will unleash economic growth, but he must now convince sceptical Americans as polling suggests many disapprove.

Several members of his own Republican party were opposed because of the impact on rising US debt and Democrats warned the bill would reward the wealthy and punish the poor.

The 870-page package includes:

  • extending 2017 tax cuts of Trump's first term
  • steep cuts to Medicaid spending, the state-provided healthcare scheme for those on low incomes and the disabled
  • new tax breaks on tipped income, overtime and Social Security
  • a budget increase of $150bn for defence
  • a reduction in Biden-era clean energy tax credits
  • $100bn to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The bill signing will precede 4 July American Independence Day fireworks and a military picnic attended by the pilots who recently flew into Iran to try to dismantle three nuclear sites.

The celebratory mood follows days of tense negotiations with Republican rebels in Congress and days of cajoling on Capitol Hill, sometimes by the president himself.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delayed the final vote in the lower chamber of Congress on Thursday by speaking for nearly nine hours.

He called the bill an "extraordinary assault on the healthcare of the American people" and quoted testimony from individuals anxious about its impact.

But his marathon speech only postponed the inevitable. As soon as he sat down, the House moved to a vote.

Getty Images U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) celebrates with fellow House Republicans during an enrollment ceremony of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act at the U.S. Capitol on July 3, 2025 in Washington, DC.Getty Images
Republican lawmakers celebrated after narrowly passing Trump's sweeping budget bill before a self-imposed deadline of 4 July

Only two Republicans went against, joining all 212 Democrats united in opposition. The bill passed by 218 votes to 214.

Earlier this week, the Senate passed the bill but US Vice-President JD Vance was required to cast a tiebreaking vote after three Republicans held out.

Hours after the House passed the bill, the president was in a triumphant mood as he took to the stage in Iowa to kick off a years long celebration of 250 years since American independence.

"There could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago," he told supporters in Des Moines.

"Very simply the One Big, Beautiful Bill will deliver the strongest border on Earth, the strongest economy on Earth [and] the strongest military on Earth."

The White House believes the various tax cuts will help stimulate economic growth, but many experts fear that will not be sufficient to prevent the budget deficit - the difference between spending and tax revenue in any year - from ballooning, adding to the national debt.

Analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) suggests the tax cuts could produce a surplus in the first year but will then cause the deficit to rise sharply.

Chart showing steep rises in US budget deficit each year

According to the Tax Policy Center, the tax changes in the bill would benefit wealthier Americans more than those on lower incomes, About 60% of the benefits would go to those making above $217,000 (£158,000), its analysis found.

The BBC spoke to Americans who may see a cut in the subsidies that help them pay for groceries.

Jordan, a father of two, is one of 42 million Americans who benefits from the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) scheme targeted by the bill.

He and his wife get about $700 a month to feed their family of four and the 26-year-old said if this bill reduces what he can claim he would get a second job. "I'm going to make sure that I can do whatever I can to feed my family," he says.

Watch: what will Trump’s tax and spending bill do to the US national debt?

Along with cuts to SNAP, the changes to Medicaid - a programme that covers healthcare for low-income, elderly and disabled Americans - would result in nearly 12 million losing coverage in the next decade, the CBO estimates.

Republicans defend their changes to Medicaid, saying that by toughening up work requirements they are tackling abuse and fraud.

Polling taken before the bill passed in Congress suggests public support is low and dwarfed by numbers opposed. A recent Quinnipiac University survey pointed to only 29% endorsing the legislation, which rose to two-thirds among Republicans.

But knowledge of the bill may be low too. Reuters reported there was little awareness of the legislation among Trump supporters they spoke to at the Iowa rally on Thursday night.

Weekly quiz: Who threw a star-studded wedding party in Venice?

4 July 2025 at 00:56

What to Do When There’s a Flash Flood Warning

5 July 2025 at 05:14
Fast rising water can be deadly. Here’s what to do if you’re caught off guard, and how to prepare for a future flooding event.

© Salgu Wissmath/San Francisco Chronicle, via Associated Press

Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related, experts say, which is why you should never drive into a flooded street.

Fatally Injured Teenager Is Discovered on Top of a N.Y.C. Subway Car

5 July 2025 at 05:37
A 15-year-old boy could be the latest victim of subway surfing, a dangerous practice of riding on the roofs of train cars that has lured New York City youth for decades.

© Dakota Santiago for The New York Times

In recent years, the number of fatalities linked to subway surfing, which may have led to the death of a 15-year-old boy in Queens on Friday, has risen. The unidentified minor, who was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital, left behind a shoe at the subway station where he was recovered.

鸡蛋bot|公益人坚果兄弟、郑宏彬遭榆林警方行拘20日,曝光环保问题属寻衅滋事?

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:55
CDT 档案卡
标题:公益人坚果兄弟、郑宏彬遭榆林警方行拘20日,曝光环保问题属寻衅滋事?
作者:卫子游
发表日期:2025.7.4
来源:鸡蛋bot
主题归类:坚果兄弟
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

近日,网传艺术家“坚果兄弟”、策展人郑宏彬近期走访陕西小壕兔乡,并公开反映当地环保问题后,疑遭警方带走“失联”。

据悉,异地传唤坚果兄弟、郑宏彬的是陕西榆林警方。目前,榆林市公安局榆阳区分局以涉两起寻衅滋事案为由,对二人采取了行政拘留措施,拘留期限合并执行20日。

案发前一周,坚果兄弟等人曾走访陕西小壕兔乡。该乡镇位于陕西榆林市榆阳区,地处陕蒙边界、毛乌素沙漠南缘。2018年,此地因水污染问题备受舆论关注,当地环保部门曾介入调查,生态环境部亦表态,“将持续关注小壕兔乡水污染问题”。

对于污染问题,村民当年曾多次反映未果,转折点正是坚果兄弟等人的污染调查及行为艺术。据北青深一度报道,2018年,行为艺术家坚果兄弟将来自小壕兔乡的一万瓶生活用水,拿到北京和西安展览,引发广泛关注。在榆林环保部门对小壕兔乡多个村庄进行的水质检测中,多份水样铁、锰等指标不合格。“事后,内蒙古的多家煤矿企业,因矿井水存放、外渗等问题,遭到了罚款查处。”

近年来,坚果兄弟对小壕兔乡环境污染问题保持着持续关注。2025年6月22日,其发帖称,将重访小壕兔乡,搜集当地环境污染相关线索,“自2018年始,在媒体、环保工作者、律师、网友、村民、艺术工作者和地方政府的戏剧性的联合行动下,小壕兔啃了不少硬骨头,有一些环境问题得到基本的解决,还有一些环境问题还在暗流涌动。”

7月1日,网上曝出坚果兄弟及其合作伙伴郑宏彬失联的消息。网传消息称,6月30日,坚果兄弟在昆明与亲友失联,不知下落。同晚,与坚果兄弟共同参与小壕兔环境污染公共艺术行动的策展人郑宏彬,“也在西安被警方带走,目前无法取得联系。”

img

图源:坚果兄弟公众号

网传消息显示,二人被迫失联,疑与近期陆续曝光小壕兔乡环境污染问题有关。

此前,笔者从多位知情人士处获悉,坚果兄弟与郑宏彬此次前往小壕兔乡,停留了一周左右,“主要是走访‘癌症村’情况,挂白旗(行为艺术),在小壕兔的时候都正常。”

二人此次被拘,或与2024年8月的“吴彦荣寻衅滋事案”有关联。

公开信息显示,吴彦荣为小壕兔乡掌高兔村一村民,多年前即开始调查、曝光当地企业违规排污等问题,于2018年因小壕兔乡水污染事件与坚果兄弟相识;2024年8月23日,吴彦荣因陕蒙交界煤矸石路污染事件而遭行拘15日。

img

据坚果兄弟此前发帖,吴彦荣2024年夏天在当地煤矸石污染路段用红漆刷“拆”字的行为,后被警方定性为寻衅滋事。

据悉,坚果兄弟、郑宏彬亲属已委托刑辩律师介入此案,当事人已向办案机关申请暂缓执行,律师已递交行政复议申请。

此前,笔者曾多次致电榆林市公安局、榆阳区公安分局及榆阳区政府办公室,询问涉事二人情况,均未果。

水瓶纪元|失联艺术家下落:陕西榆林警方行拘20日

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:42
CDT 档案卡
标题:失联艺术家下落:陕西榆林警方行拘20日
作者:胡安 刘壤歌
发表日期:2025.7.4
来源:水瓶纪元
主题归类:坚果兄弟
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

7月1日传出“失联”的艺术家坚果兄弟和郑宏彬,已确认被陕西榆林市公安分局榆阳分局处以行政拘留20日处罚,目前正关押在榆阳区拘留所。水瓶纪元从双方家属处获悉,他们被执行行拘的事由是“寻衅滋事”,涉及他们在小壕兔乡发起的两次社会性艺术项目,分别给予行拘10日处罚,合并执行20日,属于违反《治安管理处罚法》的“顶格处罚”。

image

郑宏彬(左)与坚果兄弟(右)(图:网络)

其中一次是去年8月在全乡大量煤矸石路段上涂巨型“拆”字,反映多家风电巨头企业涉嫌违法使用未处理的纯煤矸石铺路,表达村民治理污染、修水泥路的诉求;另一次是今年6月在小壕兔村6组,给一群羊绑白旗,反映住户紧邻四处天然气井,近五年来癌症、脑梗、心梗等重症疾病患者呈多发趋势,27户常住居民中已有7人死亡,15人患病。

据二人家属透露,他们对案件事实没有异议,但对其被定义为寻衅滋事,并不认可,目前均已委托律师提交了行政复议材料并被接收。郑宏彬坚持认为,两次行动是独立的艺术表达,是对环境污染的披露,只会让大众更关注环境问题和因污染而受难的村民,这也是他和坚果兄弟七年来不断回访小壕兔的初衷,相信不会给当地带来不良影响。

此前,坚果兄弟也曾公开表示,“我们不是跟政府对立,我们真正的目标可能是一致的:解决污染问题,调查谁污染的,谁来治理,重新恢复小壕兔生态系统。”

小壕兔乡位于陕西、内蒙交接地带,蕴藏着丰富的煤、天然气资源,乡委西北方向30公里范围内,聚集了中石化大牛地气田和巴彦高勒煤矿、母杜柴登煤矿、门克庆煤矿三座煤矿。随着这些项目相继投产,小壕兔乡村民饱受多种污染源影响,包括:气田钻井就地掩埋毒泥浆、压裂液,偷排气体,煤矿违法排放废水等,大批树木、羊群死亡,村民也相继发病。

此次事件中的小壕兔村6组,因气井建设最早、与住户距离最近不到200米、患病人数明显高于其他村组,表达了更强烈的诉求,希望政府对村中水、土、空气质量进行检测,为村民提供包括癌症筛查在内的免费身体检查,如确实存在问题与村民协商搬迁安置。

image

坚果兄弟曾在自己的公众号“情况有点复杂”与视频号“坚果兄弟nut”上发布这次艺术行动:“一个癌症村的举白旗投降”。目前内容皆被审查删除。(图:视频截图)

“我们听说榆林公安把给羊绑白旗理解为‘披麻戴孝’,在当地民俗中不吉利,而他们的创意表达其实是‘投降’。幽默、好玩,一直是他们的艺术行动能够吸引人、促进解决社会问题的关键要素。”熟悉坚果兄弟的友人介绍,’举白旗投降的羊’,象征着多年来小壕兔村6组村民受天然气井污染影响申诉无门的处境,“村民们的病痛和高额医药负担、对污染可能引发疾病的恐慌都是真实的,应当获得政府部门的回应。这里面也隐含着坚果兄弟和郑宏彬自身对于近年来艺术行动空间越发收窄的无奈。”

水瓶纪元了解到,在坚果兄弟和郑宏彬被带走前,也有与两人多年保持联络的小壕兔村6组村民遭警方搜查手机和问话。该村民称,办案人员谈及两人行动“损害政府形象”,询问他的看法,他直言道,“他们是为我们发声的,从内心来说特别感谢人家”,反问乡和区政府互相推诿不作为。

坚果兄弟和郑宏彬对小壕兔污染问题的关注,缘起于2018年5月,郑宏彬作为策展人发起了艺术行动项目“九个发布会”,邀请艺术家以“艺术即媒体”的方式介入社会议题。坚果兄弟应邀参与,启动了针对小壕兔乡水污染的“带盐计划”:用1万瓶村民受污水置换“农夫山泉”纯净水,并于北京798与西安展出“农夫山泉超市”展览,引发极大公众关注,推动榆林市环保局介入调查,涉事矿企停产整治,深水井与净水设施启动,基本解决小壕兔乡饮用水安全问题。此后,他们还发起了“重金属音乐专场”“环保英雄评选”“羊羊山泉新闻发布会”等行动,持续为小壕兔乡争取关注与环境污染治理改善。

郑宏彬曾在一篇文章中解释“艺术即媒体”的含义:“不是说艺术可以代替媒体,而是从十几年前的‘公民记者’与‘公民调查’等个人行动的意义上,说艺术家要面对人的具体处境,并可以像媒体人那样去工作,调查、信源互证、挖掘真相、权力监督等。”坚果兄弟在小壕兔乡挨家挨户走访,收集受损害村民讲述,列成一张长长的表格。郑宏彬评价坚果兄弟:“此次的艺术行动经验了与独立媒体人近乎一样的工作。”而在集中的媒体关注消散后,他们也继续承担着独立媒体人的工作——多次回访小壕兔乡。

2024年8月,他们因煤矸石污染事件重返小壕兔。据了解,2019年开始,中广核、陕投集团、国家能源集团、中国华电为运输巨型风力发电机组,使用内蒙煤矿固体废物煤矸石在小壕兔铺设道路。村民反映因煤矸石污染,耕地严重退化,农田无法种植;羊群死亡率提高;鸟类死亡增多,土壤植被大面积死亡,潜在重金属通过地下水或尘埃进入农业和牧业系统。2023年,内蒙警方抓捕铺设煤矸石路的民营企业负责人及多名司机,分别关押1-3个月,罚没金额超6100万,却并未用于清理受污染道路。坚果兄弟发起大地艺术,在全乡各路段写满大大的红色“拆”字,呼吁相关责任方清理污染物。而至今,村民们“要水泥路,不要煤矸石路”的诉求仍未得到落实。

旧闻评论|不服从可能是所有人的退路

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:38
CDT 档案卡
标题:不服从可能是所有人的退路
作者:照相的宋师傅
发表日期:2025.7.3
来源:旧闻评论
主题归类:公民不服从
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

上海发往湘西怀化的K1373次普速列车,于7月2日夜间8点多,在浙江境内被上行货运列车剐蹭,前者机车前车脱线,瞬时停电停空调。在K1373成为闷罐火车的2小时左右,一名穿黑T恤的乘客小伙砸破3号车厢车窗。广铁公安后来对他批评教育,予以放行。

在众多电影中,从《东方快车谋杀案》到《雪国列车》,密闭飞驰的列车都承载着巨大隐喻。K1373列车青年的砸窗举动,让本次事件超越一般事故,具备了极大的象征寓意。破窗之举是对低效的铁路救援的不服从,而这一“不服从”成为所有人的退路。

这里说的“所有人”包括砸窗透气的小伙本人,也包括其他数百名乘客,同样包括那些与车站领导通联却不得其法的乘警乘务员,甚至还包括那些不在列车上,可假如发生次生灾害必定会波及的其他人员。小伙破的不只是窗户,还是一个僵局与危局。

在长达两个小时的时间里,数百号人无所作为,只能忍受酷热。夜里八九点钟,车外可能漆黑一片,在这种情况下,如果开门通风万一乘客跳车,列车员及其领导无法承担。所以,在拿到更高层级的担保前,忍受似乎是唯一的选择。

象征意味首度显现,被事故耽搁的乘客与乘务班组虽然同在一列破损列车上,可他们不在同个权力层面上,同舟却无法共济。列车员在情绪逐渐失控的乘客前,一切安抚都没有效果。在信息壁垒之下,车厢里的升温让矛盾尖锐起来。

一个很明显的办法是,打破窗户通风,可对乘务员来说,在列车危情下,这是比打开车门通风更严重的问题,他们担不起,也或者完全超出了他们的应急预案——也许根本就缺乏这样的预案。破窗就成了列车里所有人都能想到,却踌躇的决定。

在小伙甩开乘务员劝阻前,K1373次列车弥漫着服从,是乘务员前后胸被汗水湿透的服从,是老年人与幼童出现中暑征兆的服从,是一种让所有人陷入进一步险情的服从心态。如果在这个情势下,有谁享受这种服从,那他一定是变态了。

在小伙奔到车窗的过程中,他身前身后有数名乘务员在,这都让人怀疑,他作势阻拦小伙没有用上全力。在那种必须接受车外指令才能行动的受制状态,让作为乘客的小伙破窗或许可以甩掉一切有形与隐性的责任,所以小伙成功站在了车窗那。

小伙用安全锤击打车窗,猛击数下即成功破窗,小伙随即闪开,乘务员易位,站在破损的车窗前挡住,防止有人跳车,另有乘务员迅速打扫碎玻璃——肉眼可见地,小伙的不服从让乘务员有了恪守职责的新机遇,不服从犹如春风,让车厢里活了起来。

得益于小伙的不服从,其他乘客获得了新鲜的空气,孤勇者给更多人换来了喘息之机,也或者说是生机。这是一个富有意味的时刻,小伙砸碎车窗的不服从,升级了整个列车事故,同时却让事故的危险性下降了,不服从不是挑衅,而是解放。

小伙在金华站被带去铁路派出所问话,在长达十几个小时的时间里,及至微博上此时发酵,人们都认为他会受到不公正待遇。紧急避险——一种看起来不会挑衅警方的定性,在公众的谈论中彼此传递,这是一个修饰“不服从”的安全词。

摆在铁路警方面前的,随着舆情变强烈,也明朗起来。如果对小伙处以任何处罚,都将为广铁集团招致更猛烈的非难。轻拿轻放,似乎是明智的选择。“批评教育”,既保证了官方在处置列车遇险时的权威,也顾全了舆论的风向。

这就是从不服从视角看到的整个事件,它昭示了两个处境:一是紧急状况下的不服从可以自救,也可以救人,但不服从的公众意识显然处于自我松绑的限制级别;二是“不服从”被“紧急避险权”所取代,是一种话语上的虚与委蛇,却呼应并强化了上一条的现实。

基本常识|砸开火车窗户的,是一位漂亮的中国人!

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:34
CDT 档案卡
标题:砸开火车窗户的,是一位漂亮的中国人!
作者:项栋梁
发表日期:2025.7.3
来源:基本常识
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

这阵子广州都是桑拿天,在没有空调的地方待上五分钟就会满身大汗,就算坐着不动也会心跳加快头晕脑胀。

想象一下,118个人,闷在K字头绿皮火车的一节车厢里,在气温33度的浙江金华,没有空调,没有风扇,门窗紧闭,停留3个小时……

请问乘客会被蒸到几成熟?

关键在于,这不是凭空想象,而是昨天一火车上千名旅客真实的遭遇。

img

7月2日晚,K1373次旅客列车在浙江金华与一辆货运列车发生侧面碰撞事故,万幸没有造成人员伤亡。但列车因此停在铁轨上3个多小时,期间空调关闭,门窗紧闭。

设身处地想一下,刚刚经历了撞车惊魂的一车乘客待在这闷罐车里会有多热,多闷,多烦躁,多害怕……

据媒体报道,车上旅客多次和列车乘务人员沟通,希望开门或者破窗(列车固定车窗无法打开)来透气,均被乘务人员坚决拒绝。

不开门这一点是完全可以理解的,列车因故停在半路上,黑咕隆咚的铁道上,把乘客放出去也太危险了。

但不允许破窗就完全不可理解了。说得轻一点,这是工作方法僵硬死板,说得重一点,这是拿一车乘客的生命安全在开玩笑!

30多度的气温,这么多人挤在狭窄封闭的车厢里呼吸,体感温度很快会超过40度,再加上缺氧的环境,极有可能导致乘客中暑或热射病,代谢旺盛的儿童更是首当其冲的高风险。

毫不夸张地说,这真的是能热死人的场景。

可是,列车员就是不给开门,不让砸窗,那怎么办呢?一整车上千名乘客,居然真就老老实实在那儿憋着、闷着、等着……

直到3号车厢一名黑衣乘客挺身而出,用硬物砸开一扇车窗,为车上乘客争取到了氧气,争取到了一丝晚风,争取到了呼吸的自由。

img

这是什么行为?这特么就是活生生的英雄主义救苦救难行为啊!

铁路公司完全应该给这名乘客送上嘉奖与感谢费,嘉奖他在危急时刻打破教条解决问题,感谢他及时破窗避免了更多乘客的生命危险。要是由我来办这事,高低也要给他奖励一张五年免费乘坐火车的至尊VIP金卡。

img

然而现实中,这位黑衣乘客破窗后居然是被乘警带走了……

管辖这趟列车的怀化铁路公安接受媒体采访时表示:

并没有对砸窗的男乘客进行拘留,仅对其批评教育后放行。

仅对其批评教育……意思是破例开恩放他一马没有拘留罚款是吧?

能要点儿脸吗?!

真正应该拘留和批评教育的,是操作不当致列车相撞的货运列车司机,是不近人情拿乘客生命冒险的列车乘务人员,是置乘客危难于不顾等着平民百姓来冒砸窗风险的列车乘警。

勇敢砸窗让一车人得以透气保命的英雄被你们带走,还被你们批评教育,是不是该道歉补偿?

我实在忍不住还要再表扬一下那位勇敢砸窗的黑衣大哥,实在是一位漂亮的中国人!

作为一名中国人,我们完全可以想象到砸窗之前他经历过的内心挣扎:

这一锤下去,会不会被抓走?要赔多少钱?会不会留下案底将来影响孩子考公考编?

这些在中国都是完全有可能发生的后果,也是整趟列车上千人只有他一个人敢于砸窗的直接原因。

中国人,千百年来一以贯之,太温驯了……

设身处地想一想,如果是我在那趟列车上,我肯定会想到要去砸车窗透气,会动那个心思。但我真的不能肯定,换作是我,到底有没有足够的勇气挥动那柄小小的破窗锤。

由此,我对这位黑衣大哥的崇敬之情又多了三分。

向您致敬!

王子任|南航机长伤人后跳楼身亡,错的却是这个社会

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:32
CDT 档案卡
标题:填入标题
作者:作者名
投稿人:匿名读者(选填)
发表日期:2025.7.3
来源:王子任
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

没有带着乘客走,已是不幸中的万幸,要是真把飞机带下去,那就是另一个东航MU5735事件了,后果不堪设想。

但这事哪怕只发生在地面,也已经够震撼。

一个飞了多年、能开A321的机长,拿着刀子砍人,最后从15楼跳下去,这不是情绪崩溃那么简单,是制度一路把人逼到墙角。

这事发生在2025年7月1日上午,长春南航吉林分公司。

李某某,31岁,是一名A321机长。

根据通报,当时他正接受一个叫“资质能力排查”的内部考核,结果被定为“不合格”。

谈话中情绪激动,动手伤了人,最后跑到15楼一跃而下。

排查的内容,说白了就是对飞行员的规章掌握、程序熟练度、飞行状态进行评估。

报告上写着李某某“通讯失效程序掌握不准确”、“驾驶舱门电子锁密码不熟”,怎么看都是基础性失误。

但一个飞了几千小时、能升A321机长的人,会不记得密码?

不会应急程序?

大家心里清楚,飞行员圈子里也都心知肚明,这份报告的背后,是另一套逻辑。

这套逻辑,不是看你会不会飞,而是看你是不是“自己人”。

这事要说透,得从中国民航这几十年的发展说起。

早些年,中国民航是个严肃行业,属于国家战略部门。

培养一个飞行员周期长、成本高,一个飞行员至少得练个三四年。

那时候飞行员叫“空中铁饭碗”,入行不易,淘汰率也高。

所有飞行员统一由中飞院等几所航校培养,选拔严格、流程规范。

但到了2000年以后,情况变了。

民航放开,民营航司一个接一个冒出来,比如春秋、吉祥、奥凯等。

市场大了,但飞行员供应不上。

于是出现一个潮流:高薪挖角。

从三大航里掏人,直接开高价,结果三大航飞行员跳槽成风。

这时三大航坐不住了,他们就联合起来,搞出了一个“飞行员有序流动协议”。

这个协议说白了,就是限制飞行员自由跳槽。

你想走?

可以,交几百万违约金,原单位还得点头。

最狠的是,档案和执照验证资料都在原单位手里,不点头你什么也干不了。

就这样,飞行员开始被“锁死”在原单位,变成了“航空农奴”。

那时候大家还安慰自己:至少飞得多,收入也高,忍一忍还可以过下去。

但真正把整个系统搞坏的,是“自费飞行员”这件事。

2007年以后,三大航开始搞自费招飞,名义上是缓解飞行员紧缺,实际上是打开了一条“关系户快车道”。

不用走中飞院那种选拔流程,航司内部自己面试自己选。

那考什么?考你爸是谁。

于是各路“飞二代”“烟二代”“电二代”纷纷涌入。

你看电力系统、烟草系统、铁路系统,哪个不是被关系户塞满?

本来一个技术岗位,最后变成圈子里的“传承职位”。

有的岗位上一个家族能连着干三代。

现在好了,这套东西也传进了民航。

他们进来以后呢?

飞得少、挣得多。

宽体机、大航线、好班次,一排就是几年。

有人飞完一个月只做几次起落,年终奖金却是满打满算。

甚至不少人还搭配了“固定教员”,你放心飞,真出事有老飞兜底。

而真正靠自己熬上来的普通飞行员,飞737、飞320,飞红眼、飞偏远线,一天飞四段,风里雨里,挣的还不如人家坐着喝茶的“二机长”。

李某某就属于那种靠自己一点点熬上来的。

他不是“圈里人”,更不是“谁谁谁的儿子”。

他熬到机长已经算幸运,可就在最关键的节点,一个资质排查把他从空中打回地面。

资质排查这几年成了航司手里的“万能钥匙”。

你想处理谁,搞一个排查就够了。

哪怕你飞得好,也能在“态度问题”“程序不熟练”“沟通不足”里找到理由。

一旦你被贴上“不合格”的标签,后面的程序就是降级、停飞、重新培训、带飞50小时、再复飞……

但你要知道,这个“50小时”从哪儿来?

靠排班。

排班权在谁手里?

在领导、在机队。

那谁先排上?

当然是圈子里的。

你不是圈子里的,你就慢慢等。

等个半年一年,飞行资质早就废了。

你想走人?

不好意思,合同还在,违约金四五百万,还欠公司培训费。

想去国外?

民航局不给你出具飞行记录验证,你连资料都带不走。

出不去、留不下,还被贴着“情绪问题”的标签,你说人会不会疯?

这时候公司还会搞一套心理“疏导”,让你签文件、谈感受,一旦你表达不满,说“最近压力很大”,就会被定义成“心理状态不稳定,可能影响飞行安全”,直接停飞。

这套流程,表面是管理,其实是清洗。

李某某的故事,其实不是特例,而是一个典型。

他一步一步走到机长,却在制度里被一步一步逼回底层。

他最后没有带着飞机走,已经是克制。

他如果真的情绪完全崩溃了,把整架航班带走,后果不堪设想。

但他没这么干,他只对这个系统里压在他头上的几个节点“爆发”了,然后自己走了。

从某种意义上说,他是用命把问题摆到台面上。

但这系统回应了吗?

没有。

民航局没有回应,南航没有说明,连个公开的追责都没有。

更没有人站出来说:是不是制度出了问题?

是不是排查流程太随意?

是不是对普通飞行员的保护机制太弱?

没有。

只有一句“刑事案件正在侦办”。

可是,我们都知道,这不是普通的刑事案件。

这是一个被体制架死的人,在最后时刻做出的极端回应。

而这套体制已经不仅仅是民航的问题。

你去看看电力系统,有多少岗位是“儿子接父亲班”的;

你看看烟草系统,有多少领导的子女进了“非卖品”办公室;

你再看铁路、电信、甚至银行、石油、广电……

只要是体制内,只要是资源型岗位,关系户早就排满了。

现在,这个风终于吹到了民航。

而不同的是,民航不是地面单位,它是一架一架的飞机,是几百条乘客的命,是每天几千次的起飞降落。

你可以用关系进别的系统混日子,但你不能在天上混。

可现在的系统,连“飞得稳”都开始向“站队稳”倾斜,那离出事也就不远了。

李某某的事情,只是一个开端。

如果这个系统再不动手术,再不清理掉那些混进来的、靠背景吃饭的人,再不恢复飞行员自由流动的职业权利,那么,这样的事不会是最后一起。

这不是个体的崩溃,这是整个行业的警告。

你可以堵消息、删评论、开会维稳,但现实不会跟着你演戏。

飞行员不是机器,不是随时替换的零件,他们是真正掌握几百人生命的人。

他们的崩溃,不是情绪的问题,是制度早就裂开口子,只是没人敢看。

李某某已经没了,希望大家别再把问题推回他身上,说“他不适合飞行”。

真正不适合飞行的,是这个制度。

九死还魂|星星野火:我们的朋友坚果兄弟和郑宏彬

By: unknown
5 July 2025 at 04:28
CDT 档案卡
标题:星星野火:我们的朋友坚果兄弟和郑宏彬
作者:九死还魂
发表日期:2025.7.2
来源:九死还魂
主题归类:坚果兄弟
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

2025年6月30日晚,我们的朋友坚果兄弟和郑宏彬分别失联了,因为他们近期对7年来持续关注的陕北榆林小壕兔持续污染地回访、发声。

具体事件已有一些文章,微博上也可搜索——

回访小壕兔 / 2025

寻人启事|行为艺术家坚果兄弟和郑宏彬失联

关注艺术家坚果兄弟失联:他曾帮助深圳城中村儿童、北京雾霾、LGBTQ+群体、冤案受害者、陕西小壕兔乡水污染受害者…

李宇琛|我的朋友坚果兄弟失联了,他也是我们每一个人的朋友

情况又有点复杂

(坚果兄弟和郑宏彬这些年做了什么,随便搜索一下,可以看到大量的内容。)

image

image

榆林是我的出生地,是我度过童年的地方,是我母亲的故乡。小时候的印象里,那里是贫穷的蓝天白云黄沙的一个世界。除了沙尘,没有别的什么污染。陕北虽然缺水,水却是很好的,甘甜养人。我母亲从小在榆林沙漠中种树,年年种年年活不了。她曾说每年都在同一个树坑种树。我二姨是林场的工人,一辈子固沙种树。90年代左右,因为种树和绿化技术与政策的发展,树可以种活了。现在榆林周边一片绿色,小时候出门满眼无垠的沙漠的景象已经不存在了。

但也是在90年代,因为油气发现,陕北变成了能源开发的热地。像早一些时候的山西,数千年的半耕半牧半行商的贫穷之地,变成了有资源就有钱的地方,诞生了无数富豪。90年,陕西各种人和机构,凡是能插上手的,都纷涌到陕北去挖油井挣钱。我当时所在的单位也动员所有员工集资去买了口井,还准备发行股票。但是吃皇粮的人干了一阵儿看没有什么收获就撤了,转手后的油井很快出了油,我们单位一无所获。90年,我舅舅在正在开发的神木大柳塔找到了一个会计工作。那个夏天,我坐长途车去大柳塔看望他。和舅舅在大柳塔漫步的时候,已经看到,那里的地表和水都已经被污染了。黑污污油腻的排泄物肆意在大地上蔓延。当时年少的我感到触目惊心,这种急迫的开发和发财,是完全不需要承担责任和义务的。

我去过的大柳塔离小壕兔是两小时车程。

对于10岁就离开榆林的我来说,陕北是我生命中最深的、最亲的、魂牵梦萦的所在。我为家乡很多人摆脱贫穷而感到幸福。很多年,我母亲攒下每一分钱,攒每一件衣物,寄回给榆林的弟妹。就像我院子里的植物用尽所有生命的力量开花一样,我的两个姨姨,为了给我和妹妹做一件衬衣作为礼物,也要想尽所有的办法。不曾指望,但是因为整体经济的改变,终于他们摆脱了作为普通工人的贫穷,过上不缺衣少食的生活。然而,我的故乡发生的许多事情,仍然让我心痛。贫瘠没有污染,到污染和不负责任的唯利是图,转变太快。受罪的受活的,拼命挣扎或抗争,但是大多数人视而不见,也不关心。所以,知道坚果、宏彬和许多他们的同伴在小壕兔所做的事情,我对他们有无以言表的感激。他们是我的朋友,也是我的家乡的恩人。

image

坚果2024年年底的诗

坚果和我讲过,他投身到环保行动中,是因为他儿时生活世界和现在世界的巨大反差。他在湖北一个青山绿水的乡村度过童年。他的父母恬淡而温柔。他儿时的世界人与自然是和谐的。成年后到大城市,在中国各地飘荡,到处看到的是污染、暴力、不公。他义无反顾投入环保行动和其他社会正义的行动,毋宁说是拒绝他的童年世界的彻底消失,在人世间争取哪怕一点点可能的生活和生存的健康世界。坚果从小梦想过做诗人和小说家,他开过十多个奇特的书店。他学的是文学。但他没有进入文学界,不是因为缺少才华,而是因为那是一个与世隔绝醉生梦死没劲的地方。看看文学界,除了前几年王敖为#MeToo行动,有谁放下身段舍身上场行动过?坚果和艺术圈发生关系,是因为这个圈子里还有人和他一样,有心、有志气、有奇思妙想,能够到任何地方和任何人一起行动。

宏彬和许多艺术圈的人有过相似的经历。从小学画上美术班,考学进入学院或美院。然而他的艺术和个人觉醒,是2008年汶川地震之后,他当时的艺术史老师李公明将课堂变成一节事件新闻报道和艺术行动课那个时刻。之后他做过雅昌的艺术报道,做过策展人,混迹于浮华喧嚣的艺术现场,也活跃于当时刚刚兴起的自组织实践中。15年因为在西安的“副馆长计划”转而投入社会实践。与刘伟伟的接触,之后的西三艺术群体、“居民”计划、“清水河”社区等等,和许多同伴形成了艺术即是媒体,是社会参与、行动和发生的现场这条路径。

坚果、宏彬和许多他们的同伴选择的道路,让他们享受不到艺术圈闭圈取暖自high的温暖和红利,也日渐危路难行。去年策划儿童艺术节的时候,我曾邀请坚果他们为我们构想一个动员更广泛的社会参与的方案。坚果想出了一个让家长和孩子互换位置游戏的方案,非常巧妙。但是没有采用这个方案,甚至都没有提到他们。因为我收到各方面的提醒,不要让他们影响“祸害”了整个艺术节,最好连他们的名字都不要提。他们完全理解并接受,我也完全理解并接受。但是就像在许多、持续发生、都不再会惊讶的事情之后,只有羞耻和惭愧硌硬在心里。

从巴西到印尼、加拿大,世界上各地的环境污染,都和不负责任的、权、利、暴力勾结有关。发声和抗争从来都是螳臂当车的拼命。天下之事,天下人受之,天下人为之。

也许这次他们也不会受到太大伤害。也许他们会很快得到自由。也许我们稍微勇敢一点为他们发声传播,知道的人越多,他们会越安全。

下面这些图片,来自宏彬和坚果分享的一个演示文档。

image

image

image

image

image

Madre Fire Grows to 70,800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations in California

The blaze is burning in a rural area of San Luis Obispo County, in the central coast, but its smoke has spread to nearby counties.

© Noah Berger/Associated Press

Firefighters scrambling to keep the Madre fire from crossing a firebreak along Highway 166 in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., on Thursday.
❌
❌