The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is hosting the IWA Water and Development Congress and Exhibition in Bangkok, 8–12 December 2025.

• Event details and agenda:
  • Dates: 8 December 2025 – 12 December 2025
  • Daily times: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Asia/Bangkok)
  • Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, 60 Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Theme / subject: “Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future”
• Background and logistics:
  • The 2025 edition builds on the resounding success of the 2023 edition, described as a landmark event for water, sanitation and climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Calendar and registration resources are provided (ICS, Google Calendar, iCalendar, Office 365 / Outlook links) on the IWMI event page.

Jodi Schwan reflects on the 20th anniversary of the “Big Boom” demolition and emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships—particularly Pendar Properties’ redevelopment of the Zip Feed Mill into Cherapa Place—in driving downtown Sioux Falls’ riverfront revitalization and subsequent city investments.

• Main announcement/action: The article marks the 20th anniversary of the Dec. 3, 2005 demolition and highlights the ongoing downtown transformation led by Pendar Properties/Cherapa Place, noting the upcoming Dec. 12 opening day for Pomegranate Market, ongoing use of the Cherapa Place parking garage for the 605 Made Holiday Market (hosting more than 50 area makers), and the city’s follow-on riverfront and downtown projects.
• Background and additional details: The piece cites comments from Jeff Scherschlight, Mike Cooper, Mayor Dave Munson, and Mayor Paul TenHaken on public-private partnerships; references an Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns Study for Nov. 1, 2024–Oct. 31, 2025 showing South Dakota among the top 10 states with net out-migration; notes South Dakota was ranked 35th by CNBC this year and No. 46 by WalletHub for tax burden; and mentions Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a state budget funding schools, Medicaid providers and state employees without an increase next year.

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon issued a statement marking International Civil Aviation Day on behalf of Transport Canada.

• Statement issued: On December 7, 2025, Minister Steven MacKinnon marked International Civil Aviation Day, reaffirming Canada’s support for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and highlighting commitments to reduce aviation emissions, enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, ensure safer skies over or near conflict zones, and support aircraft accident victims and their families. The statement also notes that Canada hosts ICAO in Montréal and referenced the successful 42nd ICAO Assembly (September 2025) with a record number of Member States.
• Background and details: The release comes from Transport Canada and the Office of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon; it reiterates Canada’s long-standing role as a founding member of ICAO (over 80 years) and affirms continued collaboration with ICAO initiatives including No Country Left Behind. Contact points listed: Marie-Justine Torres, Press Secretary (marie-justine.torres@tc.gc.ca, 613-327-5918) and Media relations, Transport Canada (media@tc.gc.ca, 613-993-0055).

Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on his first international mission since assuming office to deepen bilateral relations.

• Main announcement/action: The two presidents committed to deepen Seychelles–UAE cooperation, reaffirming a personal connection and pledging to advance collaboration in Infrastructure Development, Renewable Energy, Health and Education, and Maritime Security; President Herminie also congratulated the UAE on its 54th National Day.
• Background and details: The UAE President outlined the country’s modernization since its founding fathers; both leaders agreed to further cooperation in Nation Building, Education, Maritime Security, and Technological Development, but the statement does not specify financial amounts, concrete project timelines, or implementation schedules.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain and wind for late Monday into Tuesday across parts of the UK as a deep area of low pressure approaches from the North Atlantic.

• Main announcement: Yellow warnings for rain and wind are in place for late Monday into Tuesday for parts of southern and central England, South Wales, north west England and Scotland; a separate yellow rain warning is in place for Northern Ireland (today). Forecast details include 15-20 mm of rain widely and 25-30 mm within six hours in some locations (particularly County Down and higher ground), with impacts expected on travel and potential flooding due to saturated ground.
• Additional / background details: The low-pressure system will arrive after a showery start on Monday and may pass close to western Scotland on Tuesday (track and intensity uncertain). Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley is monitoring developments and may update warnings; the Met Office directs users to its forecast pages, mobile app, Twitter and Facebook for updates.