Greening Malawi: A new season of growth unfolds

Phalombe-(MaraviPost)-Second Vice President Enock Chihana is presiding over the launch of this year’s 2025/2026 tree planting season at Mpata Primary School in Phalombe District, under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience.”

The event marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Chihana has planted fruit trees in Karama Village to mark the official launch, setting an example for others to follow.

He is accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources, Alfred Gangata, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Other dignitaries include the Democtric Progressive Party Regional Governor for the South, Charles Mchacha, Mayor of Blantyre City, Isaac Jomo Osman, and senior government officials, underscoring the collaborative effort to promote tree planting.

The Department of Forestry says it has planned to plant over 41 million trees during the season, which started on 15 December and will end on 15 April, a ambitious target that requires collective action.

This initiative aims to make a tangible impact on Malawi’s environment and communities, promoting a greener future for all.

The Maravi Post

Trump and Minnesota, Venezuela’s Opposition, Trump’s Healthcare Plan

Protests intensify in Minneapolis after a second ICE-related shooting, as President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.
Venezuela’s top opposition leader brings her Nobel Peace Prize to Washington to press her case with President Trump, even as the U.S. signals support for an interim leader.
And President Trump unveils what he calls a new healthcare plan, leaning on cheaper insurance with limited benefits as Congress debates the future of ACA subsidies.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Cheryl Corley, Tara Neill, Diane Webber, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:57) Trump and Minnesota
(05:29) Venezuela’s Opposition
(09:20) Trump’s Healthcare Plan

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