Defendant is an alleged gang associate who sold four pistols – two with defaced serial numbers – and more than one hundred rounds of ammunition to gang members over the course of a month
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea was charged with allegedly making multiple illegal firearms sales.
Melbi Ovidio Ortez, 40, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Ortez was arrested this morning. Following an initial appearance this afternoon, he was ordered detained pending probable cause and detention hearings scheduled for July 18, 2025.
According to charging documents, Ortez was identified as an 18th Street Gang associate who supplied firearms and controlled substances to gang members. On four different occasions between April 3, 2025 and May 2, 2025, Ortez allegedly sold firearms and ammunition behind his Chelsea residence. It is alleged that Ortez sold a Glock 9mm caliber pistol; a Sturm and Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Glock .40 caliber pistol; a Colt .380 caliber pistol; magazines; and over one hundred rounds of ammunition. It is further alleged that the serial numbers on both the Glock 9mm pistol and the Colt .380 pistol had been defaced, and that the Glock 9mm pistol had been purchased only 20 days earlier from a licensed firearms dealer in New Hampshire. Ortez also allegedly sold suspected cocaine on two times during that same period.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Boston Division; and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Unit; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On Wednesday (11 June 2025) at the Brussels Forum, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska underlined the relevance of the transatlantic bond throughout the Alliance’s 75 year history.
In a session titled “Transatlantic Defence: Who Pays? Who Acts?,” moderated by Claudia Major, Senior Vice President of the GMF, the Deputy Secretary General emphasised that European and US defence efforts must remain transatlantic and complementary. In addition, Ms Shekerinska highlighted that European Allies and Canada are “taking more responsibility and this will make the Alliance a more formidable military partnership.”
She outlined that the upcoming Summit in the Hague will create the grounds for a stronger, better, fairer and even more lethal NATO.
The Brussels Forum is an annual event organised by the German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States. The Deputy Secretary General participated in an on-stage conversation with other panellists, including Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space at the European Commission, Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank.
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Specifically, the complaint challenges a law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, that purposefully shields dangerous aliens from being lawfully detained at or on their way to or from a courthouse and imposes criminal liability for violations of the shield. This law and accompanying polices violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they obstruct the execution of federal immigration authorities.
“Lawless sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the violence that Americans have seen in California, and New York State is similarly employing sanctuary city policies to prevent illegal aliens from apprehension,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest lawsuit in a series of sanctuary city litigation underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and aggressively enforcing the law.”
New York’s law comes after Executive Order 10866, Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border, which directs the Department of Homeland of Security to issue guidelines for the safe and effective enforcement of immigration laws around the country, specifically at or near courthouses. As is true in all types of law enforcement, conducting an arrest at or near a courthouse often reduced the risk of flight and potential safety risks to the public, law enforcement officers, and targets themselves due to the enhanced security screenings in place at courthouses. New York’s law runs counter to common sense and endangers communities by eliminating safe places for law enforcement officers to act.
As explained in the complaint, filed by newly confirmed Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, “Through these enactments, New York obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates the evasion of federal law by dangerous criminals, notwithstanding federal agents’ statutory mandate to detain and remove illegal aliens.”
This is the latest in several lawsuits the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement. In May, the Department sued several New Jersey cities who had enacted sanctuary policies.
Many people thought that the close relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk would end badly, since they both have the hubris that comes from success and power. One is arguably the most powerful politician in the world and the other the richest man.
That said, most people were not prepared for the rapid breakdown in their relationship and the slanging match that took place after Musk spectacularly fell out with the US president. This was magnified by the fact that both have their own influential social media sites (X and Truth Social) and so the divorce was very, very public.
More recently Musk has rowed back on the comments he made about Trump after leaving his role as a “special government employee” of the administration, and says he went “too far”. But Trump might have a long memory for grievances, so it remains to be seen if the relationship can be patched up.
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What do the American people think? The chart below shows the percentage of respondents with favourable and unfavourable opinions of Trump and Musk in the most recent US Economist/YouGov poll completed on June 9 after the row blew up.
It is clear that the most people think that Trump won the contest, giving him a favourability gap (% favourable minus % unfavourable) of minus 10% compared with Musk’s gap of minus 23%.
What Americans think of Trump and Musk after their row:
Author’s graph based on Economist polling., CC BY-SA
The demographics of these favourability judgements are particularly interesting. After the row, around 49% of men thought favourably of Trump, compared with 38% of women, continuing a trend that shows more male than female support for the president. But the gender gap for Musk is even wider with 43% men and only 27% women having a favourable view of the billionaire, making the gap 11% for Trump and 16% for Musk.
Another interesting demographic is age. Some 35% of 18-to-29 year olds favour Trump (the lowest number of any age group), compared with 30% who favour Musk. The equivalent figures for the over 65s are 45% favouring Trump and 37% Musk. The age divide is wide, with young Americans disliking both more than older Americans, but it is not as wide as the gender gap.
The income figures and attitudes to both are surprising. A total of 38% of those with incomes less than US$50,000 (£36,700) a year favour Trump, compared with 51% of those with incomes between US$50,000 and US$100,000. The surprise is that only 42% of those with incomes greater than US$100,000 favour Trump, making affluent Americans closer to the low-income group than to the middle-income group in attitudes to the president.
The equivalent figures for Musk are 32% favourable in the US$50,000 group, 39% in the US$50,000 to US$100,000 group and 36% in the US$100,000+ group, which gives a similar picture.
If we look at the voting record of the survey respondents in the presidential elections last year, 86% of Trump voters still have a favourable view of him, compared with only 5% of Harris voters. In comparison 67% of Republican voters are favourable to Musk, compared with 10% of Democrats. Equally, 81% of Conservatives favour Trump compared with 67% who favour Musk.
Looking at the overall picture Musk is the loser in the row as far as the American public are concerned, and this may in part explain his apparent contrition.
The price of Tesla shares (US$) since the presidential election:
Author’s graph based on data from Yahoo finance., CC BY
Overall though, Trump has been gradually losing support on his job approval since the election and the polling shows that 43% of respondents approve and 52% disapprove of his performance as president.
We don’t have equivalent figures for Musk, but if we take the stock market price of Tesla shares as a guide to his approval ratings this has declined rapidly over time as the chart shows. On December 17 last year the price was US$480 (£353) per share, compared with US$332 per share on June 11 2025. This represents a fall of about 30%. The dramatic dip at the end of the series is an indicator of how markets have reacted to the spat between them.
Following his public break-up with Trump, Musk’s other major company, Space X, is also likely to face fallout. It is a private company and so does not have a share price, but it is heavily dependent on contracts from the US government to keep going. It seems likely that the flow of contracts for space projects is likely to dry up following the row with Trump, as the president has suggested.
Overall, Musk has paid a heavy price for becoming such a visible Trump supporter and subsequently falling out with him. And, so far, the public appears to be on Trump’s side.
Paul Whiteley has received funding from the British Academy and the ESRC.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Louisa Bowen, Head of Animation at the Northern Film School, Leeds Beckett University
The original DreamWorks animated feature film, How To Train Your Dragon, was released in 2010 to widespread critical acclaim. Praised for its innovative 3D animation, emotional depth and stunning flying sequences, spectacle converged with identity, inclusion and a story of generational change that adhered to a reassuringly traditional narrative structure. Fifteen years later, in a world more politically fractured, the live-action remake has been released.
The original film confidently mastered the uncanny valley issues of early 3D animation. This new live-action version builds on its success and presents a spectacular photo-realistic fantasy world.
Hyper-real flight sequences offer immersion in ways that have appealed to audiences since the inception of cinema when phantom rides simulated the thrill of speed and continuous movement from a first person perspective.
There are references to other films throughout, including Titanic (1997), Saving Private Ryan (1998) and the Alien and Harry Potter franchises. But even with its extensive use of CGI and visual effects, the differences between the live-action and animation are not as pronounced as might be expected in films made 15 years apart.
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Significant differences are apparent when it comes to the characters, however. The 2025 reinterpretations of Hiccup (Mason Thames), Astrid (Nico Parker) and Stoic (Hiccup’s father, played by Gerard Butler) seem less nuanced than the original versions. With animated characters, the audience accepts a stylised story world and character motivation more readily. But translated to live action, their motivations now feel as though they turn on a sixpence. As such they come across more as narrative devices than psychologically developed characters.
The story centres on a young Viking named Hiccup. He looks older here than the original animated 15-year-old, but like most heroes heading off for a rite of passage, he is still awkward, cerebral and caught in the space between boyhood and an adult masculinity.
Hiccup is expected to kill a dragon as his initiation into adulthood. Instead, he bonds with the fearful Night Fury Dragon (which he names Toothless), and relates to the creature’s feelings of exclusion. This furthers his understanding of the creature he has injured and leads him to question the beliefs of his community.
The trailer for How to Train Your Dragon.
When Hiccup reaches out (a moment of welcome respite in the relentless musical score) to Toothless, the most feared dragon, becomes puppy-like with exuberance, gratitude and goodwill. This underlines the film’s themes of empathy over power and a vision for a world that is remade through connection. As such, Hiccup’s mastery of Toothless, through mutual trust and consent, belongs to a cinematic lineage of children and their animal companions.
American exceptionalism
The film begins with an introduction to the village of Berk that is under aerial bombardment from dragons. The plucky island community endures the raids with a grit and stoicism that is reminiscent of cinematic representations of the British during the blitz.
If the dragons are stand-ins for the German Luftwaffe Messerschmitt, then Toothless is all RAF Spitfire. The aerial combat takes a new direction when the attacking dragons are revealed to be controlled by tyrannical alpha dragon, The Red Death.
The voice casting of the villagers distracts from the action, however. The established Viking community is represented by a range of identities. All the adults speak with British accents while their children, the future inheritors, have an American lilt.
Tradition versus modernity is one of the themes of the film.
The implication is that the old Viking community is blinkered by tradition while the American youths represent modernity through reason and inclusion. This hackneyed trope of a traditional community stuck in the past until the Americans drive progress remains in this live-action version. It contradicts the film’s themes of inclusion and understanding by perpetuating an American exceptionalism that resonates with cultural shifts in the aftermath of the second world war.
As such, the choice of accents is not merely a concession to the market but a continuation of the cultural hegemony of US war narratives. Even though the Battle of Britain was mostly a British, European and Commonwealth effort, it’s the legacy of the Eagle Squadrons, those rule-breaking Americans, who are alluded to here.
This live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon is therefore refreshed in its visuals only. The dreams, cultural anxieties and post-war allusions remain. The question then is this: after Trump’s reshaping of America’s relationship with the UK and Europe, is a second world war meta-narrative still going to fly?
Sarah Louisa Bowen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The high school prom, an American institution, has now been a mainstay in UK culture for over 25 years. A prom heralds the end of exams and the end of school altogether – and the beginning of a new chapter of life. It’s an opportunity for teens to dress up in glamorous dresses and smart tuxedos, and maybe arrive in style in the back of a limo.
It’s an adolescent ritual that might be seen as a one-off, frivolous event. But a prom is much more important than that.
The research for our forthcoming book chapter has shown that organising and attending proms build teenagers’ leadership skills, creativity, practical and life skills, as well as social and emotional skills. It also boosts positive emotions, such as enthusiasm and pride: something teenagers emerging from a gruelling summer of exams need.
For teens involved in organising the event, there is scope to develop leadership skills. Making group decisions about where to hold the event and how to fund it requires bargaining with other organising committee members, as well as reasoning with fellow students and navigating school rules.
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Trying to please everyone, including teachers, parents and host venues can be a steep learning curve. And dealing with disappointment when compromise is required is an important life skill.
For teenagers with limited involvement in organising the event, attending prom can still help boost their learning. Having a party to look forward to can increase teens’ diligence and commitment to their schoolwork as they revise for their exams. Some schools capitalise on this by offering “passports” to prom. This scheme could involve students earning a free ticket to prom by attending a set number of revision classes.
Emerging adult selves
Prom is more than an opportunity for dressing up. Teenagers can also use this event to present a new or altered self, using a coming-of-age celebration as a platform to convey who they are or who they want to be. In some cases, this can involve young people making their own clothing and accessories. Such types of activity afford practical and life skills.
And any prom look requires organisation: budgeting, researching what’s available. Finances, limited or otherwise, may constrain or restrict choice and result in problem solving or trade-offs. As the high school prom occurs within a particular time frame, time management and the (online) ordering of products can contribute – or not – to the success of a desired prom outfit.
Friends are keen to share their prom experience with others, but attending the high school prom can be prohibitively expensive. Our research has shown that in these situations, teens can develop their social and emotional skills as well as effectively communicating and negotiating with school staff in more equal, adult ways than they may have before.
For example, some teens in our research secured their friend’s attendance at prom by buying her a dress for her birthday and asking their teacher if she could have her prom ticket for free.
There remains opportunity to use the high school prom as means to develop a wider range of diverse skills. Equality, diversity and inclusion could be better embedded in prom activities to make them accessible to all, and teenagers can be part of this. To ensure widening participation, creating high school proms that reflect a range of cultures and identities could further enhance learning opportunities for those taking part.
High school proms involve not only teenagers but also their families, friends and the wider community. Schools especially have an important role to play in this coming-of-age celebration, often going further than simply supporting its organisation. Teachers, for example, can help facilitate the supply of dresses and other resources to guarantee inclusion at this end of school celebration, ensuring that those who want to attend this event can do so.
Our research shows that teenagers actively participate in a learning journey while preparing for this ritual and develop life skills that they can build on in work, further education and volunteering. A high school prom is more than just one night to remember.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Labour government has made economic growth its top priority, committing to planning reforms, business partnerships and millions of pounds of investment in science and technology.
But economic growth is not just about innovation, investment and businesses. How the law functions is of fundamental importance for economic growth. The UK’s highly-regarded system of justice plays an important role in creating the environment of trust that underpins commerce and investment.
The legal system should be regarded as part of the national infrastructure, just as much as rail or electricity networks, or health and education. But like them, it has suffered a sustained drop in funding. And with the civil courts now in a state of neglect, their reputation – and the trust placed in them – is at risk of crumbling.
For both people and businesses, the forum for resolving disputes and securing rights against one another, or against the state, involves the legal system. County courts, tribunals and bodies such as Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) are just a few of the bodies involved in civil and administrative law, employment law, tax law and corporate law.
The Ministry of Justice budget for England and Wales, which funds courts and tribunals, started to fall in real terms in the 2011-12 financial year. This has led to under-resourcing, underequipping, and understaffing of services. Justice is an “unprotected” government department, and continues to be a low priority compared to others such as health and education.
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The chancellor’s spending review announced “up to £450 million additional investment per year for the courts system by 2028-29, compared to 2025-26”, which the government says will help tackle court backlogs. But years of decline have already deteriorated the system significantly.
The key question to measuring the success of publicly-funded legal systems is, are they fast, fair and predictable? It would be difficult today to answer positively.
There are large backlogs due to staff shortfalls compared to caseloads. When it comes to civil claims in the courts, aside from the very smallest claims, the average period from a claim to a hearing is now 77 weeks. This is an increase from 48 weeks pre-austerity. In either case, it’s plenty of time for a small business or startup to go under while trying to reclaim a debt.
The position in the tribunals is not much better. According to the latest Ministry of Justice statistics, the backlog of open tribunal cases rose by 4% overall in the quarter to June 2024, to 668,000. There was a 17% jump in employment tribunal open cases, and a huge surge in appeals to the special educational needs and disability tribunal, taking the backlog up 61% to 9,200.
Another example is the 79,000 appeals outstanding at the social security and child support tribunal, where eligibility for personal independence payments for disabled people is determined. This was up 12% on the year in mid-2024, causing a large number of mostly financially struggling people to wait too long for the money they are due. This has the effect of draining spending power in the local economies that need it most.
So much for speed. What about whether people and businesses can rely on justice that is fair and predictable? Unfortunately, the tribunal statistics contain worrying signs that this is not reliably happening. For instance, with the social security and child support tribunal, three-fifths of hearings resulted in administrative decisions being overturned in favour of the claimant.
Effect on the economy
The economic impact of fraying civil justice is hard to discern. The academic and policy literature alike tend to focus on the high-profile areas of law that affect corporations, such as property and contract disputes.
Yet there are assuredly costs across the system. Employers may be unable to recruit staff until a tribunal case is settled; meanwhile, employees can’t find a new job. And small businesses may be unable to get bills paid, even for large amounts well over what their cash flow can sustain.
For countries where slow and unpredictable justice has long been acknowledged as a problem, there is solid evidence of its detrimental effect on the economy. For example, Italian growth has been shown to be hampered by the uncertainty around civil law processes, increasing the risks involved in business decisions. Economists – including Nobel prizewinners Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson – have identified the legal system as essential underpinning for the economy.
The justice system needs to be regarded as part of national infrastructure, the collection of physical and institutional systems and networks without which the economy cannot function. People do not want courts any more than they want bridges or cables for their own sake, but for all the indispensable activities they enable.
The value of the courts is indirect but fundamental. If they crumble, the economic transactions and investment enabled by a predictable, rapid justice system are held back.
Civil and administrative justice does not leap to mind when contemplating the demands of the growth mission: battery factories, graphene labs and building sites all provide ministers with better photo ops. But unless there is improvement in the timeliness of decisions by courts and tribunals, growth in the UK will be facing yet another powerful headwind.
Diane Coyle has received funding from the Nuffield Foundation’s Public Right to Justice programme.
The hardest part of any workout regime is sticking with it. Around half of those who start an exercise programme stop within six months.
But our recent study found that using wearables (such as a smartwatch) not only makes people more likely to start working out, they’re also seven times more likely to still be active after six months compared to those who didn’t use a smartwatch.
Our study focused specifically on adults who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Physical activity is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management, as it helps regulate blood sugar, supports cardiovascular health and improves quality of life.
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Our study tested a new approach using wearable technology and remote coaching to overcome these barriers. We found that people who followed a smartwatch-supported remote coaching programme were ten times more likely to start a workout regime than those who received remote coaching alone.
The study involved 125 adults aged between 40 and 75 from the UK and Canada who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. All participants worked with an exercise specialist to co-design a personalised six-month physical activity plan. The focus was on gradually increasing both moderate-to-vigorous exercise (with a target of 150 minutes per week) and daily lifestyle activity. Support was delivered remotely through phone or video calls.
Half of the participants were randomly assigned to use wearable technology to support their personalised activity plans. The smartwatch had movement and heart rate sensors, a mobile app to track activity and personalised text messages based on their recent progress. They could also message their coach, receive real-time feedback and adjust their activity plans accordingly.
The results were striking. Compared to the control group, those who were given a smartwatch were ten times more likely to start working out regularly, seven times more likely to still be active after six months and three times more likely to remain active one year later – even after support had ended.
At the end of the programme, over 50% of the smartwatch group were meeting recommended activity levels. In comparison, only 17% of the control group were.
Feedback from participants showed that the flexibility of plans, personalised messages and smartwatch data were key motivators. While some faced early challenges with the technology, most adapted quickly.
These findings support growing evidence that wearable technology can help people become – and stay – more active. While our study focused on people with type 2 diabetes, similar benefits have also been observed in the general population.
For example, one trial found that inactive adults (aged 45-75) who were given pedometers and walking advice increased their daily step count by around 660 steps after 12 weeks compared to a control group. Those given a pedometer were also more active three years later.
Since then, wearable technology has advanced. Modern smartwatches now capture a wider range of metrics beyond steps – such as heart rate and activity intensity. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis, which analysed more than 160 randomised controlled trials, found that fitness trackers and similar devices were effective at increasing physical activity by an average of around 1,800 steps per day. Importantly, the most sustained improvements occurred when wearables were paired with personalised feedback or behavioural support.
Together, these studies suggest that wearables can be powerful tools for long-term behaviour change and may help us better stick to our fitness goals.
Wearable fitness trackers can extremely helpful – but only if you use them purposefully. Our research, along with findings from other studies, shows that wearables are most effective when they help you apply proven behaviour-change strategies.
Here are some evidence-based tips to help you get the most out of your device:
1. Set realistic, specific goals
Plan exactly when and how you’ll move. Apps can help you set daily or weekly targets. Research shows that breaking down big, vague intentions – such as “get fit” – into small, concrete steps makes it easier to stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Schedule activity and stick to it
Use reminders or calendar prompts to build a regular routine. Consistency builds habits, and scheduled activity reduces the chance of skipping workouts due to forgetfulness or lack of planning.
3. Track your progress
Monitoring your activity helps you stay motivated and accountable. This feedback boosts motivation by showing that your efforts are making a difference, increasing your sense of control and accountability.
4. Use small rewards
Many devices include features such as badges or streaks, which reinforce progress. Celebrating small wins triggers feelings of accomplishment, which encourages you to keep going and helps build long-term habits.
5. Share with others
Whether it’s a friend or coach, sharing your progress can boost commitment. Knowing others are aware of your goals can increase motivation, provide encouragement, and help you overcome challenges.
6. The tracker is a tool, not the solution
It won’t change behaviour on its own. Its value lies in how it supports your goals and helps you build lasting habits.
Our research shows that when wearable tech is used as part of a structured, supportive programme, it can make a real difference – especially for people managing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. By combining wearable technology with personalised coaching and proven behaviour change techniques, you might just have a better chance of sticking with your physical activity goals.
Matthew Cocks receives funding from the Medical Research Council.
Katie Hesketh receives funding from Diabetes UK and NIHR.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Did you catch our latest highlight from Lords questions?
Members pressed the government on its plans to protect young people from online harms. In this new episode of Inside Lords Questions, we catch up with Baroness Berger to hear why she raised the issue and what action she wants to see the government take to better protect young people online.
Watch the question in full, hear questions from other Lords members on the topic and see how the government responded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5BJ9_WbZEY
Look out for future episodes of Inside Lords Questions where we’ll speak to different members about the questions they raise to government. Catch up on previous episodes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilBYVf0P9abs7iH2ILMKNy1zWa5xHFB5
Lords questions takes place every sitting Monday to Thursday, and gives members a chance to check and challenge government decisions and actions. We share a highlight from Lords questions every week on our YouTube channel. Check out the playlist to watch other highlights from the chamber https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilBYVf0P9aZoiEwSE6UPEONWXhEkqmdc
Catch-up on House of Lords business:
Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
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How long will it take to achieve global gender parity? At the current pace: 123 years.
In this episode of The Briefing Room, leaders from the World Economic Forum, LinkedIn and the World Bank come together to explore the findings from the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 — the definitive benchmark tracking gender equality across 148 economies.
The conversation examines this year’s parity score and why, despite some progress, the world remains generations away from full gender equality. It explores the persistent gaps in women’s political and economic participation, the role of smart policy over national wealth in driving change, and the growing economic imperative to accelerate progress. The panel also reflects on what countries can learn from one another and how gender parity is becoming central to long-term growth and resilience.
Host: Stephanie Holmes, Head of Public Engagement at World Economic Forum Guests: Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum
Sue Duke, Head of Global Public Policy at LinkedIn
Norman Loayza, Director of the Global Indicators Group at the World Bank
Access the full Global Gender Gap 2025 report and explore the data here:
This is the full audio from The Briefing Room, a video recorded a the World Economic Forum. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/videos/the-briefing-room-global-gender-gap-report-2025/
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Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Security underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach
Panelists at the OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Security in Espoo, 11 June. (Finland Ministry for Foreign Affairs/Markku Pajunen) Photo details
ESPOO, 12 June 2024 ― The OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Security concluded yesterday in Espoo, Finland. The conference focused on the urgent need to act on the pressing national, regional and global security challenges posed by climate change.
“Addressing environmental problems and climate change needs to be part of comprehensive security, as these pose a threat to global security,” said OSCE Chair-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, in her opening remarks. “We need strategic foresight, multilateral co-operation, adaptation, and a whole-of-society approach for better preparedness and stronger resilience. Building resilience against climate shocks will provide a buffer against other risks.”
The Conference brought together around 250 participants from OSCE participating States, Partners for Co-operation, international organizations, local administrations, businesses, civil society, and academia. It addressed a wide range of specific challenges, from the environmental and climate impacts of the war in Ukraine to strategies for strengthening responses to climate related threats to security. It also promoted public-private partnerships and inclusive, whole-of-society approaches.
The OSCE’s unique capacities to support commitments and strengthen resilience were key topics of the event. Discussions focused in particular on the role of the comprehensive approach to security.
“Climate change is a threat multiplier. It aggravates existing vulnerabilities, fuels instability, and undermines the foundations of peace and prosperity,” said Sari Multala, Finnish Minister of the Environment. “We must recognize that climate change is part of a broader triple planetary crisis — alongside biodiversity loss and pollution, accelerating land degradation and desertification.”
Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, echoed concerns over the adverse effects of climate change on stability and stressed that women and youth are affected disproportionally. Recalling the 2021 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Strengthening Co-operation to Address the Challenges of Climate Change and corresponding activities of his Office, he stressed the need for collaborative, holistic responses.
While the Conference reiterated the urgent need for collective action to tackle climate risks and its related security implications, it also underscored the current obstacles to co-operation.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the post Cold-War stability, altering the European security landscape. The war has caused immeasurable damage to the environment,” said Minister Valtonen.
The outcomes of the Conference will contribute to an upcoming study on the OSCE’s role and work related to the climate, peace and security agenda. The study, to be publish later in 2025, will take stock of progress and initiatives since the adoption of the 2021 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision
This year’s conference was the third conference on climate change and was organized by the 2025 Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship in collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, WWF Finland, Hanaholmen and the city of Espoo. It built on earlier OSCE discussions on climate and security, particularly drawing on the 2024 Climate Conference organized by the Maltese Chairpersonship and the inaugural OSCE Secretary General High-Level Conference convened in Vienna in 2023.
Further discussions on practical solutions for strengthening climate resilience are also planned to continue in September in Prague. This event will provide a platform for OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to exchange views on foresight mechanisms, technological solutions, inclusive approaches, and policy frameworks aimed at securing a sustainable and safe future for all.
The summary document of the OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Climate and Security is available here: https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship/592996.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Montenegrin MPs sign Declaration committing them to enhanced co-operation with youth
Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Jan Haukaas, and Head of RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, Edin Koljenović, with part of Montenegrin MPs after signing the Declaration of Commitment to Youth Regional Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue and Reconciliation, supported by the Mission, Podgorica, 12 June 2025. (M Film) Photo details
Montenegrin MPs have committed to establishing regular dialogue with youth and youth-focused organizations across the country in order to support youth as actors in building a democratic, inclusive, and peaceful society. They also aim to ensure that the needs of young people are adequately addressed in decision-making processes, particularly within the framework of parliamentary work.
This commitment is outlined in the Declaration of Commitment to Youth Regional Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue and Reconciliation, which was signed today by a group of 12 Montenegrin MPs from all parliamentary clubs. The Declaration was signed during the Youth, Peace and Security Conference titled “Regional Cooperation and Youth Participation in the Process of Reconciliation”, organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) with support from the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
Opening the conference, Minister of Sports and Youth, Dragoslav Šćekić, emphasized that the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda is not merely a document for international conferences. “If we take it seriously, it is a very practical framework that says: include young people in decision-making processes. Hear them before decisions are made. Give them space in institutions, not only on social networks. Not as decoration, but as equal partners,” said Minister Šćekić.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ervin Ibrahimović, stated that the Declaration sent a clear signal that the Montenegrin legislative body is genuinely committed to developing policies in accordance with the needs and expectations of youth, through dialogue and collaboration with young people. “The issue of youth inclusion is not the responsibility of a single institution, but of the entire system. Therefore, closer co-operation between all actors in society is necessary,” said Minister Ibrahimović, emphasizing the importance of continuing collaboration with international partners such as the OSCE and RYCO.
Head of Mission, Jan Haukaas, stated that “today, we take the opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for young people and to highlight a fundamental principle: nothing about youth should be decided without youth”. “Turning this principle into practice, requires more than political declarations – it demands inclusive platforms, consistent engagement, and cross-sectoral partnerships. It is only through close co-operation among youth, government representatives, educators, and practitioners that we can ensure young people are not merely consulted after the fact, but truly empowered to be part of the decision-making process,” said Ambassador Haukaas.
Head of RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, Edin Koljenović, stated that this was a very important moment for Montenegro, not only because the highest legislative body formally supported the Youth Peace and Security Agenda, but because the text of the Declaration was shaped directly by young people across the country. “This declaration was created as a result of consultations with more than 150 young people throughout Montenegro. Their voices, suggestions and expectations were translated into a document that today receives institutional confirmation,” said Koljenović.
One of the panellists at the conference was Santeri Leinonen, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth, Peace and Security.
In late 2024, the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro initiated a dialogue on youth participation in decision-making processes, cross-border youth exchange programmes, and implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in Montenegro. This led to the Declaration signed today by 12 MPs dedicated to youth issues. It will serve as a sustainable mechanism for continuous communication between Parliament and young people, and for promoting of the values of dialogue, regional co-operation and reconciliation.
SIRIUS is an EU-funded project that helps law enforcement and judicial authorities access cross-border electronic evidence in the context of criminal investigations and proceedings. Co-implemented by Europol and Eurojust, the SIRIUS project is a central reference point in the EU for knowledge sharing on cross-border access to electronic evidence.The meeting in Warsaw focused on the impact of the recently adopted…
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
AAIB Update: Air India flight AI171, Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
Update on the fatal accident which occurred in Ahmedabad, India on 12 June 2025
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation. This is in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 because UK citizens were on board the aircraft.
We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident.
British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): 020 7008 5000.
The Leaders of Hertfordshire’s 11 councils have agreed to rule out the option of a single unitary authority for the county as part of ongoing discussions on local government reform proposals.
In response to the Government’s invitation to councils in all two-tier areas to submit an interim plan for moving to a single tier of unitary councils providing all services, Hertfordshire’s interim submission outlined a number of options for further consideration ranging from one to four unitary councils.
Following the election of a new County Council administration in May, there will be no further work to develop the business case for one unitary council covering the whole of Hertfordshire. This reflects a shared view that a single unitary council covering Hertfordshire’s 1.2m residents would be too remote from the county’s diverse communities.
Leaders’ shared priorities remain ensuring any changes benefit residents and businesses, that excellent local government services are maintained, residents are kept safe, and strong democratic accountability is available to communities across the county. They will continue to explore the evidence and refine the options to be considered ahead of submitting final proposals to the Government by 28 November for Ministers to consider.
A team of officers drawn from the County Council and all 10 District & Borough Councils has been established to develop the options and make recommendations for Leaders to consider. Key considerations will include ensuring value for money in any new structures; understanding the impact of any changes to key services like social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); how proposals support future devolution; and making sure communities continue to have a strong say in local decisions. The Government will provide £378,077 funding to support this project.
Councils will also continue to prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to people and communities during this period of transformation.
The views of residents, businesses, local government partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as proposals develop and significant engagement will take place over the coming months.
Councillor Helen Campbell, Deputy Leader of St Albans City and District Council, said:
The eleven local authorities in Hertfordshire are of one mind, namely that one unitary body for the whole of the county is not in the best interests of residents. This unanimous view follows the Hertfordshire County Council elections last month which saw a change in its political leadership.
Now the single unitary option has sensibly been scrapped, we will all work together to carefully assess the pros and cons of the other three options we have collectively decided to put on the table. Firmly at the forefront will be what is best for residents across the county. In addition, we will focus on continuing to deliver the quality services our residents need and the facilities they value.
Notes to editors
Leaders have also agreed that £378,077 Government funding provided to Hertfordshire to support the development of local government reorganisation proposals will be held by Watford Borough Council with the Hertfordshire Leaders Group collectively agreeing how it should be spent.
(l-r) Nick Nackson, Executive Director of Business Services and Development at PCH; Neil Mawson, Housing Delivery Mananger; Carly Francis, Area Planning Manager and Paul Barnard, Service Director for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure collect the awards
A bold regeneration project in Plymouth has been crowned Best Project at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence — and has also taken home the coveted Overall Best in Region title.
Delivered in partnership between Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) and the Council, the transformational regeneration of North Prospect, the largest scheme of its kind in the South West, began in 2012 and has completely reshaped the area.
Over the course of the project, nearly 800 homes in poor condition were demolished and replaced with more than 1,100 high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
The new neighbourhood offers a better variety of house types, sizes, and tenures, creating a more inclusive and sustainable community.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities at Plymouth City Council, said: “This award is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of everyone involved in the North Prospect regeneration.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a thriving, inclusive community where people are proud to live. “We’re thrilled to see this project recognised at a regional level and excited to see it go forward to the national stage.”
In total, the project has delivered 491 new homes for affordable and social rent, and 195 homes for shared ownership, creating a total of 686 affordable homes—exceeding the 605 socially rented homes previously in the area.
In addition, PCH refurbished a further 300 social rented homes, ensuring that existing residents also benefited from the improvements.
The project’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and long-term vision in urban planning. It now advances to the national RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, with finalists to be announced in October.
ARU students Lisa-Marie Soulier, left, and Claudia Vogt at the awards ceremony
Two Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) students have won a national award run by Kodak for a “bold” and “funny” commercial, beating off entries from 17 other universities and film schools from across the UK and Ireland.
Director Claudia Vogt and producer Lisa-Marie Soulier, both 22-year-old third year BA (Hons) Film and Television Production students at ARU, collected the award for best overall film at a ceremony held at the historic Regent Street Cinema in London.
The Kodak Student Commercial Awards is an annual competition run by Kodak and Nahemi, the national association for higher education in the moving image. The competition, which has been running for nearly 40 years, received a total of 61 entries this year.
Students were provided with a 10 minute roll of Kodak 16mm film to make a 30 second commercial based on one of four live briefs set by advertising agencies McCann, Libertine and TBWA. Representatives from the national agencies were on the judging panel.
The ARU students’ live brief was for the sexual health and wellbeing charity Brook, and their winning film, Eros – The Myth Buster, is a light-hearted commercial to promote the use of condoms.
The judges described the commercial as “a film that really stood out with its original storytelling and bold, funny approach. The sharp writing had us laughing throughout, and it felt more like an entertaining story than an ad, in the best possible way.”
In addition to Claudia and Lisa-Marie, the cinematographer for Eros – The Myth Buster was Jack Bryant and it was edited by Karina Bhojwani, who are also both third year BA (Hons) Film and Television Production students at ARU.
“We didn’t expect to win first prize at all, so this is such a surprise. It’s also incredibly rewarding because it was quite a complicated shoot, using cameras we don’t use on a day-to-day basis, so this recognition from Kodak and the judges is fantastic.”
Student Claudia Vogt, who directed the film
“The brilliant thing about the Film and TV Production course at ARU is that it’s so hands-on and practical.
“We have access to the very best equipment, such as ARRI Alexa Mini LF cameras, which are the same cameras used in Hollywood, and our tutors have been amazing. They’ve provided opportunities for us during the course to work with high-profile organisations such as the Imperial War Museum and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, which is great for our portfolios.”
Producer Lisa-Marie Soulier, who came to study at ARU from Montreal in Canada
The pair also combined for their graduation film Saturday Night Butch, which is on show at the ARU Creative Showcase, and plan to continue working together after graduation.
Claudia added: “We’ve made documentary, fiction and now adverts together, and we plan to expand on all of these and continue to focus on opportunities and projects that feel relevant to us.”
Under the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completes 11 years in office, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore within the first 10 months of Fiscal Year 2024-25. This feat, announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, reflects a nearly 50% growth compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, cementing GeM’s role as a cornerstone of India’s digital procurement revolution.
Launched in August 2016, GeM has emerged as a trusted platform for transparent and efficient public procurement, serving over 1.6 lakh government entities and 22.5 lakh sellers and service providers. The platform’s GMV for FY 2024-25, achieved by January 23, 2025, outpaces last year’s historic high of ₹4 lakh crore, driven significantly by the services segment, which accounted for ₹2.54 lakh crore (62% of total GMV). The product segment contributed ₹1.55 lakh crore (38%). The services segment’s near-100% growth, fueled by the addition of 19 new service categories, has enabled government entities to procure specialized services like debit card printing, bulk email services, dark fiber leasing, and data center operations management with enhanced efficiency.
Central government entities, particularly the ministries of Coal, Defence, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Power, and Steel, have been pivotal in this surge. The Ministry of Coal led as the top procurer, with a transacted order value of nearly ₹1.63 lakh crore, including over 320 high-value bids worth approximately ₹42,000 crore for handling and transport services by Coal PSUs. GeM’s versatility is evident in its facilitation of both everyday essentials, such as rations and stationery, and high-end, complex items like advanced technology systems and missile components.
The platform’s operational excellence was further highlighted by processing 49,960 orders in a single day during FY 2024-25, showcasing its robustness and widespread adoption. Since its inception, GeM has facilitated over 2.59 crore orders, amassing a cumulative GMV of more than ₹11.64 lakh crore. Continuous reforms, including simplified processes and reduced transaction charges, have made GeM more accessible, particularly for Micro and Small Enterprises, startups, and women-led businesses.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)
Washington, D.C. –The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, was designed to protect areas of cultural, historical, and scientific significance. Its purpose is to preserve these vital resources for the public and for future generations.
The Trump Administration’s efforts to undermine this law will set a dangerous precedent. Rolling back protections not only disregards the intent of the Antiquities Act, it puts at risk the very lands and resources this law was meant to safeguard.
This action would harm veterans, tribal communities, working families, and endangered species. It strips away protections that uphold our responsibility to leave the earth better than we found it, for the benefit of generations to come.
This is yet another attack in a long line of actions targeting California. I will not stand by while our public lands, communities, and future are under threat. I will keep fighting to protect what belongs to all of us.
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received on Thursday a written message from HE President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message during his meeting on Thursday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Qatar Adish Mammadov.
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Dr Pedro Sanchez, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message during his meeting on Thursday with HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar Alvaro Renedo Zalba.
Cabinet has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families that lost their loved ones during the devastating storms and heavy floods that claimed the lives of 57 people in the Eastern Cape.
Due to the recent adverse weather conditions in the province, several families have been displaced and infrastructure was damaged.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government is coordinating rescue and support operations through the inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Disaster Management.
“Emergency teams have also been deployed from Gqeberha, East London and the Chris Hani District to the affected areas to support local first responders. Cabinet extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the flooding across various areas in the Eastern Cape,” Ntshavheni said in Cape Town, during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
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Earlier this week, a severe winter weather system resulted in a significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures in all provinces. This resulted in severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall.
The Eastern Cape was the hardest hit by the severe weather conditions.
A scholar transport minibus transporting children was swept by water near Mthatha, leading to the loss of life.
Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is visiting flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to assess the impact of the recent floods and evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts.
Cabinet has assured South Africans that government, through the Department of Health, is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1.
“Cabinet calls on all citizens to ensure good hygiene practices, including avoiding unnecessary hand shaking, washing hands with soap, covering the mouth when coughing, using a mask when one has flu and staying home when one is not feeling well,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.
This as the virus is associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated that through these simple measures we could reduce the spread of respiratory illness.”
The Minister was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
According to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa has robust surveillance systems that is managed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
The NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. –SAnews.gov.za
Cabinet has welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
“Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province of Gauteng,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.
The department has ordered over 900 000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon.
“All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms.
“Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks,” Ntshavheni said.
She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 co-organised by the Highways Department and the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation opened today (June 12). Themed on “Building Smart and Green Transport Infrastructure”, the conference takes place on two consecutive days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with over 30 Mainland, overseas and local experts in road and railway development and industry leaders leading nearly 700 participants to jointly explore the latest worldwide practices and technological advancements of smart and green transport infrastructure, as well as the development direction of future major transport infrastructure in Hong Kong through thematic speeches and panel discussions. Representatives from various consulates, industry leaders, scholars and government officials also attended the conference this morning.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, officiated at the ceremony and said that roads and railways have long been the backbone of economic growth and social advancement. In the era of rapid technological advancement and growing climate urgency, the infrastructure has to be built smarter and greener, and the key strategy amidst is the planning approach of transit-oriented development which integrates high-density urban development with efficient public transport systems. Mr Chan also said that Hong Kong is happy to share the experiences on professional knowledge and expertise in transport infrastructure with the world. Taking the Northern Metropolis as an example, he mentioned that the development of this future major innovation and technology hub of Hong Kong with a projected population of 2.5 million and over 650 000 new jobs will be “infrastructure-led” and “capacity-creating”. He indicated that Hong Kong is committed to making the transport systems smarter and greener, and the Government also invests heavily in technology areas, including AI and robotics, new energy and new materials, and more; they will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the transportation system. He also pointed out that Hong Kong is Asia’s leading green bond market, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total issuance. The city is also pioneering innovative financing models to unlock capital for global infrastructure development.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today officiated at the opening ceremony of the “5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition” at the Museum of History.
Mr Lam reiterated the three “must-nots” – must not forget history, turn a blind eye to reality and stand idly by.
He said traditional Chinese wisdom has it that “history, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future”.
“We all surely remember the 2019 legislative amendment turmoil, which posed a grave threat to national security and severely undermined the peaceful and stable environment we took for granted.”
Mr Lam also stated that “remain vigilant in times of peace” is another traditional Chinese wisdom.
“Although Hong Kong society has restored stability and national security, threats are often not immediately visible. It is obvious that hostile states and forces continue to try to suppress our country’s development.
“Since national security is closely related to individuals’ well-being, people must naturally take concrete steps and shoulder responsibilities in safeguarding national security.”
Mr Lam pointed out that a robust legal system has long been the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success. It is the prerequisite for the city to thrive as an international financial, trade, and shipping centre.
On the foundation of three “must-nots”, Hong Kong must uphold the rule of law in safeguarding national security, he added.
Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is not only a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, but also a fundamental obligation of every citizen.
Mr Tang further stated that hostile forces have not given up and he reminded citizens to remain vigilant against the risks.
The security chief explained that external hostile forces continue to attempt to undermine national security through smears and “sanctions” while anti-China destabilising elements in the city who have fled overseas continue to engage in activities and behaviours that threaten national security.
Local terrorism and “soft resistance”, where individuals with ulterior motives exploit fake news and misinformation to divide society and incite hatred are the other risks, Mr Tang added.
The exhibition is now open, with the aim to facilitate the public’s understanding of and appreciation for the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying, and to motivate all to work together to help the city shine on the global stage.
They’re everywhere you look, trotting on the sidewalk, bounding on the trail, pacing on the treadmill.
Runners.
On any given day, millions of people around the world are hitting the pavement, logging miles, and pushing for personal bests. With a low barrier to entry and near universal access, it’s easy enough to get started, but for most people, making gains is not so straightforward.
Samsung Health, together with powerful Galaxy Wearables like Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring offer runners of all levels an incredible set of tools to monitor progress and improve — including automatically tracking runs, keeping tabs on heart rate zones1, and evaluating their daily Energy Score2.
Even so, one of the most overlooked aspects of improving performance has nothing to do with racking up steps: getting quality rest. Your downtime provides an important window into your overall health and directly impacts running performance. That’s why Samsung Health also features extensive sleep analysis1 to help runners understand their sleep patterns3 and build better habits. All data and insights captured on compatible Galaxy Wearables are integrated into the Samsung Health app which generates detailed reports across a range of health metrics.
Throughout the summer, Samsung will be bringing its expertise to runners across New York City through partnerships with some of the city’s largest run clubs, collaborations with fitness creators, and race activations. The collaborations will emphasize the importance of rest and recovery, and how Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearables can play a vital role in the training and recovery process.
Samsung is working with two of New York City’s largest run clubs — Almost Friday Run Club and Midnight Runners New York — empowering select participants with Galaxy technology to help them reach their goals and better understand the importance of rest as part of their training.
Samsung will also be activating at select New York City races in partnership with NYCRuns, providing interactive rest stations for racers. The experience will include a hydration station and stretching area, as well as opportunities to learn about how runners can use Samsung Health’s Energy Score and sleep data insights to improve their running performance.
The first sponsored run takes place July 13, 2025 at the NYCRuns Queens Ice Cream Social 5K. The event is open to the public, and those interested can register here.
Stay tuned throughout the summer for more updates!
To learn more about Samsung Health, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring or how Samsung can help power your runs and catch some Z’s visit Samsung.com.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a 10-count indictment against Robert John May III, 38, of West Columbia, for distributing child sexual abuse material.*
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber-tip from the social messaging app Kik. Kik flagged several videos from the username “joebidennnn69” as containing child sexual abuse. Investigators connected the account to the home IP address and mobile device of May and identified at least 10 videos depicting child sexual abuse that were shared from the account.
May faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison with a minimum of five years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of at least five years of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Dean Secor are prosecuting the case with Austin M. Berry of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation & Obscenity Section.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”
SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Lamont Victor Garrett, age 52, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 11, 2025.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garrett was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
On August 21, 2024, law enforcement searched a residence in Sioux Falls where Garrett was residing. In his bedroom, a black Sig Sauer magazine with 9mm ammunition and .22 caliber ammunition were found. Garrett is a felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department Violent Crimes Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Owensboro, KY – A Muhlenberg County, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 10, 2025, to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, James Matthew Rosenkranz, 41, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of distribution of child pornography.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI Owensboro Resident Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
