Latest news with #ChrisHill
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
EPA Approves Two Biological Controls To Combat Noxious Weed
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin's barberry, a spiny invasive shrub. Environment Canterbury, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to use two biological control agents to combat Darwin's Barberry ( Berberis darwinii) in New Zealand. Those biocontrol agents are a rust fungus ( Puccinia berberidis-darwinii) and the Darwin's barberry flower weevil ( Anthonomus kuscheli). Darwin's barberry is a resilient noxious weed found in disturbed forests, pastures, shrubland and short tussock-land. It is a threat to indigenous ecosystems throughout the country, as well as to pastures where livestock graze. Standard control methods such as herbicides or weeding are often costly, impractical and harmful to the environment. It is native to Chile and Argentina and was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand as a garden plant in the 1940s. Fruit-eating birds deposit seeds far from the parent bush, increasing its spread. The plant can be found throughout New Zealand - particularly in the Canterbury, Otago, and Wellington regions. These biocontrol agents could also be used to target Darwin's barberry elsewhere in the country. Both the flower weevil and the rust fungus proposed for introduction are native to South America. All organisms new to New Zealand must receive approval from the EPA before being released into the New Zealand environment. "The independent decision-making committee approved the introduction of these two organisms following a rigorous, evidence-based assessment," says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms at the EPA. "The applicant's risk assessment showed that these agents are highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. The weevil does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people, and the rust fungus is also benign." Dr Hill says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice. "New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems," he says. In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as purple loosestrife, old man's beard, Sydney golden wattle and moth plant.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Collin County approves hand-marked paper ballots for in-person voting
The Brief Collin County will switch to hand-marked paper ballots for in-person voting starting with the November 2025 election. Voters will hand-mark their choices, but ballots will still be scanned and tabulated by machine. The change, costing approximately $2.3 million, aims to increase transparency, security, and voter confidence. COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The Collin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the purchase of equipment on Monday to implement hand-marked paper ballots for in-person voting, effective with the November 2025 election. Big picture view In-person votes will continue to be scanned and tabulated using the same DS200 ballot scanners at each polling location. However, instead of using a machine to mark their choices, voters will now mark their ballots by hand. The county will continue to provide accessible ballot-marking devices for voters with disabilities, ensuring private and independent ballot casting as required by law. The approximately $2.3 million in approved funding will cover voting booths, printers, laptops and other materials necessary for the transition. The change, which the court said reflects an ongoing commitment to transparency, security and voter confidence, will not affect how ballots are counted. What they're saying "This is about restoring trust and strengthening the integrity of our elections," Collin County Judge Chris Hill said. "Hand-marked paper ballots provide a voter-verifiable record while still benefiting from the accuracy and efficiency of machine tabulation." "The Collin County Elections Department and its staff are fully committed to the successful implementation of the in-person ballot-on-demand (BOD) method of voting," said Collin County Elections Administrator Kaleb Breaux. "We look forward to educating the voters of Collin County on the details of this process so they can show up and vote with confidence during the November 2025 election." Collin County had more than 750,000 registered voters in the November 2024 election. The Source Information in this article is from Collin County.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Chris Hill blasts the player welfare given to Salford's stars in cash crisis
CHRIS Hill has blasted the 'atrocious' player welfare he and his Salford team-mates are having to endure through their financial crisis. Bridging finance is expected to see a winding up petition brought by HMRC, scheduled for today, adjourned and the £626,000 debt paid off. 3 Whether wages will be paid tomorrow, as is normal, or by the end of the month, as it contracted, is anyone's guess. But England prop Hill is in no doubt about one thing – the support Paul Rowley's players have received from the governing body is nowhere near good enough. He said: 'The player welfare's atrocious. It's atrocious. 'It's good within the club. Chris O'Connor's led that, but a bit wider. Putting restrictions on us, making lads roll out with injuries, it's poor. 'You saw it against Hull FC. Cain Robb gets knocked out, he stands up, blood pouring off and lets him play on. It's poor and that's just one part of it. 'When you're playing with young lads, they know you're playing with injuries and they're letting it carry on. What would you expect us to do? 'There are still lads playing with injuries now and while Sam Hill's a great prospect, he shouldn't be playing week in, week out. 'That's not because he's noy been playing well. That's just for his welfare. 'Youngsters like him and Nathan Connell are taking the chances and they'll learn a lot from this experience but there are a lot of lessons to be learned from this. 'They'll learn from the experience but they shouldn't be going through it.' Hill also vented at the lack of clarity over who to tell at the Rugby Football League, adding: 'Who do we feed back to? I've not a clue.' Eight senior stars have left Salford amid months of wage dramas as owners Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown scramble to pay players and staff. Hill, who moved from Huddersfield for this season, has not thought about shipping out but he cannot blame those who had enough. 3 The 37-year-old told SunSport: 'I've always said I understand those who've left. 'You've got to think of your family and what's best for you at the end of the day. If that was leaving, good on them. 'But I want to stay and that's what I'll do. 'Hopefully it does turn around and if it does happen, we can build off this. 'There's belief and I want to play for these boys, young lads coming through and stuff like that. I've always said that and I want to help them in as many ways as I can. 'If that means sticking it out and really grinding it out, I will do. I've stuck to my guns. 'I've stuck to what I've done throughout my career. I'll fight to the death for my team. The minute you stop enjoying it, the minute you retire. 3 'We're still here, we're still believing and we'll fight for everything.' Regarding the Cain Robb incident, a Rugby Football League spokesperson said it was managed between the Salford medical staff and the match officials – as suggested by post-match comments from the Salford head coach, the incident was not immediately clear. They added: "The match officials stopped play as soon as they became aware (the tackle following), and they took appropriate action." On the player welfare point, they commented: 'Player welfare has been a key consideration throughout the RFL's approach to the issues at Salford this season. 'The stated priority of doing all possible to support the club through their financial problems has had a focus on ensuring players and staff being continued to be paid and maintaining the sporting integrity of the Super League competition. 'The decision to limit the club's salary cap was made in an effort to help the club address their financial issues. The RFL holds regular meetings with RL Cares and the GMB Union which would be forums for concerns to be raised.'
Malaysian Reserve
25-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
CORE LABORATORIES ANNOUNCES TIMING OF SECOND QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS RELEASE AND CONFERENCE CALL
HOUSTON, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Core Laboratories (NYSE: 'CLB') will host its second quarter 2025 conference call for investors and analysts at 7:30 a.m. CDT / 8:30 a.m. EST on July 24, 2025. Larry Bruno, Chairman and CEO, Chris Hill, CFO, and Gwen Gresham, SVP Corporate Development and Investor Relations, will discuss financial and operational results. An earnings press release will be issued after market close on July 23, 2025, and may be accessed through the Company's website at To register for the listen-only webcast, log on to at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call. For those not available to listen to the live webcast, a replay and transcript will be available on the Company's website shortly after the call. For conference call information, please contact Jenna Palfrey at for the dial-in number. Core Laboratories Inc. ( is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of south east London's biggest pub gardens reopens after £1million renovation
Following a £1 million, six-week overhaul, one of Camberwell's favourite locals is poised to raise the shutters once more. The Sun of Camberwell, on Coldharbour Lane, will reopen today (June 6) boasting a brand-new kitchen, refreshed interiors, and landscaped outdoor spaces after the major investment from Urban Pubs and Bars. Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs and Bars, said: "The Sun is one of our most cherished neighbourhood pubs, and we're excited to be investing in its future. "The upgraded kitchen and garden areas, alongside a strong food-led offer, reflect our commitment to providing great hospitality in great spaces. "We're looking forward to welcoming our guests back this June." A key feature of the renovation is the expanded rear garden, now one of the largest pub gardens in Camberwell. It has been designed for outdoor dining, socialising, and weekend drinks. The front terrace has also been redesigned to create a more welcoming, street-facing space. Inside, the upgraded kitchen will serve a seasonal British menu focused on quality ingredients. The Sun remains open seven days a week and is also home to The Parlour, a private hire space, which can host up to 40 guests and includes access to the main bar and garden. Urban Pubs and Bars is London's largest independent pub and dining group, known for managing neighbourhood venues across the capital.
