Source: US Geological Survey
USGS researchers at the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit are working with University of Idaho, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and other partners to assess how cattle grazing impacts sage-grouse population rates. Many additional groups have provided resources to this decade-long research effort.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
HOUSTON — An illegal alien from Nigeria and his wife have both been sentenced for operating a nationwide fraud ring that targeted elderly victims and other vulnerable populations using romance scams and other financial schemes.
The investigation that exposed and dismantled the scheme was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston.
Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Nigeria, and his wife Jasmin Sood, a 37-year-old Houston resident, were sentenced June 24 to 188 months and 121 months in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Akporugo pleaded guilty earlier this year on Feb. 28, while Sood pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and are required to pay full restitution of $3,123,073.
“Romance scams and other financial schemes like this exploit our nation’s elderly and vulnerable populations out of their hard-earned retirement savings and other critical funding that they need to survive,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “As a result, they are often left emotionally devastated and financially ruined with limited options for recovery once the money has been laundered out of the U.S. Thanks to the courage of the victims in this case who came forward quickly to report it to law enforcement, we were able to successfully track down the two criminals responsible and hold them accountable before they could take advantage of additional victims.”
At the hearing, four victims testified about the couple’s persistent lies and false promises, which led them to send large sums of money. One victim told the court how the pair coerced her into buying a luxury vehicle and renting a mansion for them. Authorities arrested the couple while they were driving the victim’s vehicle and living in her rented home. In handing down the sentence, the court described the scheme as heartless and far-reaching, noting Akporugo and Sood deliberately targeted older women, including several widows.
Akporugo admitted to leading the long-running romance scheme based in Houston that targeted victims from Chicago to Kentucky. He and others lured victims through online romances and convinced them to send money to bank accounts he controlled. Sood created fake businesses and bank accounts under aliases and used disguises to deposit the funds.
To carry out the scheme, Akporugo and his co-conspirators used fake names on social media to gain victims’ trust and persuade them to invest in nonexistent businesses or provide funds for invented personal circumstances. Akporugo admitted to directing victims — mostly older individuals — to send money through platforms like Facebook. The funds were spent extravagantly or passed to co-defendants.
He also admitted to having victims open lines of credit in his name and, in one case, having the victim purchase a luxury vehicle for his personal use. Authorities identified over 25 victims during the multiyear scheme.
Losses from the fraud ring’s operation total more than $3 million.
Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
For more news and information on how ICE HSI combats financial crimes and other transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @HSIHouston.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the Havasupai Tribe of the July 25, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by flooding occurring Aug. 22–23, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Havasupai Tribe as well as the Arizona county of Coconino.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 25.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: US State of Vermont
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
“Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Source: US State of California
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.
“President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”
Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.
This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.
Read the full Complaint HERE.
Source: United States Attorneys General
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
“Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Source: United States Attorneys General
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
“Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Source: United States Attorneys General
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.
“President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”
Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.
This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.
Read the full Complaint HERE.
Source: United States Attorneys General
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.
“President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”
Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.
This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.
Read the full Complaint HERE.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
Contributors interested in submitting abstracts for the conference should choose from one of the following topics:
–Regulatory competence: the essential qualities regulators need to work effectively, with emphasis on regulatory culture and workforce development.
–Agility in regulation: strategies and approaches for regulators to enhance agility and effectively respond to and anticipate changes driven by innovation and new technologies.
–Strengthening connections: the role of regulators in strengthening connections within their ‘ecosystem’ to be part of an enabling environment and support the sustainable use of nuclear and radiation technologies.
“Contributions will be essential in driving discussions among nuclear and radiation safety and security regulators to review, identify and propose paths forward for the issues that are crucial in the regulatory field,” said Fuming Jiang, Director of the IAEA’s Office of Safety and Security Coordination, adding that “contributors will have the chance to engage directly with the global regulatory community.”
Abstracts up to 600 words, should be submitted electronically through the IAEA web-based submission system (IAEA-INDICO). Guidelines for abstracts submission are available on the conference website.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
Operation reveals growing demand for semaglutides and peptides as ‘lifestyle enhancers’
SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 90 countries has resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, highlighting the alarming scale of the global trade in unapproved and counterfeit medicines.
Operation Pangea XVII, which took place from December 2024 to May 2025, saw the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal groups worldwide.
The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.
Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines, the second highest.
Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.
David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:
“Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.
“The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.
“Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”
The operation revealed growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, driven by increasing self-medication, among other factors.
This trend is being driven by the widespread promotion and availability of these medicines across social media and online marketplaces, creating lucrative and relatively low-risk opportunities for criminal networks selling low-quality or counterfeit products.
Data from participating countries indicate increasing circulation of illicit anti-diabetic medicines globally due to their off-label weight loss effects, with unapproved and potentially fake drugs seized in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
Estimates suggest that a single semaglutide pen may sell for several hundred US dollars on the secondary market.
The seizures corroborate recent alerts from the World Health Organization and various national health regulatory agencies warning of emerging risks associated with GLP-1-related injectable drugs.
Operation Pangea XVII revealed another emerging trend – growing demand for peptide supplements for their perceived cosmetic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially in high-income countries across Europe, North America and Oceania.
These supplements, such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan, remain unapproved in many regions due to potential health risks and the lack of sufficient human trials, and until recently, seizures of such peptide-based biologically active substances were rare.
In total, law enforcement agencies worldwide launched 1,728 investigations and issued 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks engaged in the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products.
93 per cent of the illicit pharmaceuticals seized lacked regulatory approvals from national health authorities.
Such products may contain counterfeit, substandard or falsified substances which have not been identified.
The remaining seven per cent were confirmed as either counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded products.
Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. This was followed by anti-smoking pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.
Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said:
“During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.
This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community, and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”
Large seizures of various illicit pharmaceuticals were similarly reported in Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries.
Operation Pangea XVII also saw the shutdown of approximately 13,000 criminal-linked websites, social media pages, channels, and bots used to market and sell illegal or falsified medicines.
Malaysia removed the greatest number of online listings (7,000), followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran. The five countries collectively accounted for 96 per cent of all listings taken down.
In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets including analgesics and anti-inflammatories were discovered hidden in vehicles.
In Mexico, authorities intercepted 27,000 clonazepam tablets and 20,000 alprazolam tablets passing through a courier facility in Tijuana.
In Portugal, anabolic steroids were discovered in eight prisons across the country, unveiling evidence of a criminal network smuggling illicit substances into correctional facilities.
Notes to Editor
Operation Pangea is an annual INTERPOL operation targeting the online sale of illicit pharmaceuticals. The 17th edition of the operation marked a departure from previous iterations with enforcement action taking place over six months instead of the traditional one week. This extended duration allowed for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to disrupt criminal networks.
Additional support was provided by national health regulatory agencies, Europol, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Universal Postal Union, the World Customs Organization and the World Health Organization.
The following countries participated in Operation Pangea XVII: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Democratic Rep. of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rep San Marino, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Source: US Department of Homeland Security
Colorado Rapid Response Network helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist and criminal illegal alien, evade ICE law enforcement
WASHINGTON – After an anti-ICE activist group helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted child rapist, evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning the public to be on the lookout for this criminal illegal alien.
On June 20, 2025, ICE attempted to arrest Leon-Deras and members of the Colorado Rapid Response Network alerted Leon-Deras of ICE’s presence and facilitated his escape. The Colorado Rapid Response Network is known for protesting with bullhorns to warn illegal aliens and shouting profanities at ICE law enforcement officers attempting to arrest dangerous criminal illegal aliens.
Leon-Deras remains at large and is a public safety threat.
Criminal illegal alien: Jose Reyes Leon-Deras
“The Colorado Rapid Response Network and its 760 members disrupt ICE operations targeting dangerous criminal illegal aliens. In this case, they helped Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an international fugitive and convicted child rapist, flee law enforcement— this dangerous monster is on the loose on American streets and could harm more innocent children,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “To report sightings of Leon-Deras, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) — help President Trump, Secretary Noem, and our brave law enforcement remove this public safety threat from our communities and make America safe again.”
If you know or suspect Leon-Deras’ whereabouts, do not approach. If seen, anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.
###
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Camerino Perez Perez, a/k/a “Squirrel,” 41, of Levy County, FL, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Perez is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry on July 1, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, Perez faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Kashone Demetrious Bing, 20, of Levy County, FL, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Bing is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry on July 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, Bing faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)
Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) introduced the Cutting Copays Act, which would cut the cost of generic prescription drugs to $0 for over 270,000 Kentucky seniors and people with disabilities.
“The cost of prescription drugs is out of control and far too often, Americans have to choose between paying for the medication they need and putting food on the table,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “My bipartisan bill cuts the cost of these life-saving drugs for 14 million Americans, including over 270,000 Kentucky seniors and people with disabilities.”
“Record inflation has driven up the cost of everyday essentials, hitting those on fixed incomes the hardest,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Research shows that we can improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable seniors by eliminating barriers to disease management and medication adherence. Removing cost-sharing for generic medications in Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy Program is a commonsense step. It encourages the use of lower-cost, equally effective alternatives to expensive brand-name drugs—ultimately lowering overall healthcare costs. No senior should ever have to choose between buying groceries and affording their prescriptions. Eliminating these copayments will help ease that burden and ensure better access to essential care.”
The bipartisan Cutting Copays Act would eliminate all copays on generic drugs for seniors and people with disabilities on the Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help. Over 14 million Americans rely on the LIS program, including over 270,000 Kentuckians.
In addition to reducing costs for seniors, the bill incentivizes generic use instead of more expensive brand-name drugs.
###
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 19, 2025
No. 214
The Philippine government indicated on June 19 that Taiwanese passport holders would be granted visa-free entry to the Philippines for stays of up to 14 days beginning July 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes this announcement.
Improving the convenience of Taiwanese nationals traveling overseas for business or tourism and promoting interactions and exchanges between Taiwan and friendly countries are among the key priorities for MOFA and Taiwan’s overseas missions. At a reception to mark Philippine Independence Day on June 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung announced on behalf of the Taiwan government that visa-free treatment for Philippine nationals would again be extended for an additional year. The Philippines will now grant visa-free entry to Taiwanese nationals on the principle of reciprocity, facilitating the deepening of exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, and tourism.
This fruitful outcome follows years of active coordination and negotiation between both governments and was made possible through the joint efforts of relevant government departments, the people of Taiwan, and MOFA’s concrete implementation of integrated diplomacy. Minister Lin recognizes the Philippine government’s pragmatic promotion of Taiwan-Philippines relations.
MOFA reminds Taiwanese nationals to abide by local laws and regulations while in the Philippines and to be mindful of personal safety. In case of an emergency, Taiwanese nationals can call the emergency hotline of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines at +63-917-819-4597 or ask friends or relatives in Taiwan to call MOFA’s emergency hotline at 0800-085-095. (E)
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 20, 2025
No. 216
On the afternoon of June 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung took a delegation of journalists from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to visit the cast of Zeelandia, a Taiwan original musical. Minister Lin spoke about Taiwan’s leading technology and rich culture and expressed hope that the cultural activities being held as part of the 2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe would help the nations of Europe see a side of Taiwan other than technology.
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had partnered with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum (NPM) to put together the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. In September and November, pieces from the NPM collection would be exhibited in the Czech Republic and France, respectively, he stated, while other performing arts activities would be held across Europe. Minister Lin continued by expressing hope that this would help European nations better understand Taiwan’s rich culture. He stressed that while Taiwan was a technology island, it was also a culture island that married cultural assets with a creative spirit, which would be highlighted by the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe.
The minister then explained that the events were being held under the banner “From Tech to Culture, Taiwan Leads the Future,” while the logo for the event was inspired by Roman columns and bore the word Taiwan symbolizing an IC design. Minister Lin said that this was an expression of how Taiwan and Europe were inextricably linked via cultural exchanges.
Musical cast members then led Minister Lin and the visiting journalists in singing a traditional Siraya song to experience for themselves the beauty of Taiwan’s culture. The musical Zeelandia takes as its backdrop Fort Zeelandia in the 17th century. The performance tells the story of how the cultures of Han, Siraya, and Dutch people came together, underscoring the unbreakable cultural and historical bonds linking Taiwan and Europe. The musical is being performed from June 20 to 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center.
In the future, MOFA will continue to promote cultural diplomacy to highlight Taiwan’s core values of freedom, openness, and inclusion. It will use culture as a bridge linking Taiwan to the world’s democracies, so as to jointly encourage the greater cultural flowering of free and democratic societies. (E)
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 24, 2025
No.218
The government of Brunei Darussalam indicated on June 23 that, beginning that day, holders of a Taiwan passport valid for six months or longer would be granted visa-free entry into Brunei Darussalam for stays of up to 14 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes this announcement.
Brunei Darussalam’s visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals will further deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanges in such fields as tourism, trade, culture, and education. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses appreciation for the Brunei Darussalam government’s pragmatic measures to enhance Taiwan-Brunei Darussalam relations.
Since August 2016, Taiwan has been endeavoring to offer visa-free entry to travelers from Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam and actively seeking to secure similar treatment from these three New Southbound Policy partner countries based on the principle of reciprocity. Following a sustained campaign by MOFA and its missions abroad, Thailand (from July 15 last year), the Philippines (from July 1 this year), and Brunei Darussalam (from June 23 this year) have now accorded visa-free entry to Taiwanese nationals. These achievements can be attributed to the combined efforts of relevant government departments and the people, as well as Taiwan’s active implementation of integrated diplomacy.
Improving the convenience of overseas travel for Taiwanese businesspeople and tourists is a key goal of MOFA and its overseas missions. Looking ahead, MOFA will continue to strive to obtain visa-free treatment from even more countries. In the meantime, MOFA reminds Taiwanese nationals traveling in Brunei Darussalam to respect local customs and culture, abide by local laws and regulations, and be mindful of personal safety. In case of an emergency, Taiwanese nationals can call the emergency hotline of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam at +673-895-6338 or ask friends or relatives in Taiwan to call MOFA’s emergency hotline at 0800-085-095. (E)
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 24, 2025
President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 23 in Brussels for the 20th European Union-Canada summit. In a joint statement released afterward, the two sides declared that security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions was increasingly interconnected and reaffirmed a shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, including in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait. The two sides added that they would continue working with regional partners to uphold a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and affirms this expression of staunch support for cross-strait security and stability by the European Union and Canada.
This follows on the release of joint statements after the G7 foreign ministers meeting and G7 leaders’ summit in March and June, respectively. These statements also expressed support for cross-strait peace, thus demonstrating that maintaining a peaceful, stable Taiwan Strait is an international consensus. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners around the world to defend the rules-based international order and ensure the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan Strait.
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 25, 2025
The UK Cabinet Office issued National Security Strategy 2025 on June 24 following a comprehensive review of relevant issues, including the China audit, that was launched by the Labour government after it assumed office. The strategy noted the centrality of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait in global trade and supply chains and underscored the importance of regional stability to the United Kingdom. It also indicated that there was a risk of escalation around Taiwan and reiterated that issues regarding Taiwan should be resolved peacefully through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. It further stated that the United Kingdom did not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and that the United Kingdom would continue to strengthen its cooperative relationship with Taiwan in a wide range of areas based on shared democratic values.
The day the national security strategy was issued, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy briefed the House of Commons on the China audit and the government’s China policy, emphasizing that the United Kingdom’s long-standing position on Taiwan remained unchanged and that it would continue to deepen its vibrant ties with Taiwan in such domains as trade, education, and innovation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes these statements.
Following the release of the Strategic Defence Review on June 2, the national security strategy serves as another integrated policy document of the UK government. In addition to reaffirming the United Kingdom’s staunch position on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the strategy once again highlighted the fact that there is a high degree of international consensus on cross-strait peace and stability and that Taiwan plays an indispensable role in the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and the world.
Source: City of Derby
Inclusion is at the heart of our work at the council, and this week we’ve published our new Local Area Inclusion Plan, setting out clearly how we’re tackling important issues such as health, community, and job opportunities for Derby’s children and young people, particularly for those who with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Alternative Provision (AP).
Following consultation with over 2,000 Derby stakeholders, including schools, children and young people, parent/carers and families, we’ve set out three core aims, underpinned with objectives and practical plans to make sure that children and young people ages 0-25 are supported to achieve strong outcomes and positive destinations.
The three interconnected aims are:
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, describes the importance of this collaborative approach to strategy:
Our children and young people deserve the very best from those who are making decisions on their behalf. Through co-production with these youngsters, this plan sets out how we effectively prepare them for the future and get them closer to the labour market, developing clear pathways with support from businesses.
This ensures that Derby’s young people feel supported, empowered and included, and that their voice has been heard and acted upon.
At its core, the Local Area Inclusion Plan promotes inclusion across the community and in mainstream settings, finding ways to support young people earlier and reducing the pressures on specialist services. In consultation with young people, the plan sets out six key outcomes that Derby’s young people have stated are vital to living their best life.
These are:
Andy Smith CBE, Strategic Director of People Services, explains:
Every child in Derby deserves to be seen, heard, and supported to thrive. This plan is our commitment—to work together across services so children, young people, and their families get the right help at the right time, for the brightest futures possible.
Sharon Buckby, Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills, is confident that this plan will lead to better outcomes for Derby’s children and young people. She said:
Our holistic approach to inclusion means that we are supporting children and young people at the right time, in the right place with a focus on early intervention.
We do also understand that there is a need for specialist intervention in some cases, and this plan looks to address some of those challenges with long waits for assessment. We are passionate about supporting every young person to achieve their potential.
Jo Hunter, Deputy Chief Nurse, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work:
Collaborative working across the local area, knowledge exchange and an understanding of experiences of the system has really strengthened our approach to inclusion.
Taking a multi-disciplinary approach to areas of need means our response can be strengths based, insightful and targeted, leading to the effective use of resources and best possible outcomes for young people with physical disabilities and special educational needs.
The Local Area Inclusion Plan is available to read on our website, in an easily digestible, at-a-glance format.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on children and armed conflict.
The UK remains committed to supporting Syrians as they rebuild after years of suffering, with an inclusive transition that reflects a wide range of voices, including those of Syria’s youth.
I will make three points today.
First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world.
The Secretary-General’s report highlights a shocking 25% increase in grave violations against children in the past year.
We call on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children. Perpetrators need to be held to account.
We also echo the Secretary-General’s call for all listed parties to engage with the United Nations to develop and implement action plans to end and prevent grave violations.
Second, as we’ve heard today, cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children have increased by over a third in the past year.
In Sudan, children as young as one are reportedly subject to sexual violence.
The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns sexual violence against children and has championed the rights of child survivors and rallied global action through the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
Third, in too many conflicts, children are bearing the brunt of violence.
The conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is having a catastrophic impact on children, with thousands killed and maimed as a result of Israeli military action.
Palestinians, desperate to feed their families, have been killed as they try to reach the few aid sites permitted by Israel.
This is unacceptable.
We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children and urgently lift restrictions to enable aid to enter Gaza at scale.
Israeli children have also suffered as a result of Hamas’ despicable crimes, with children killed and taken hostage on 7 October.
The UK repeats its call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
And Russia continues to kill and maim children and attack schools and hospitals in its illegal war in Ukraine.
We call on Russia to cease this unprovoked war and return forcibly deported children to Ukraine.
President, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to the Children and Armed Conflict mandate and ending grave violations against children.
We need to do more to protect children. They are the next generation of leaders and peacebuilders. They are our future.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
At the beginning of June Faculty of Computer Science HSE held its fifth anniversary Fintech School, organized basic department of PJSC Sberbank “Financial technologies and data analysis”More than 200 students, teachers and practitioners gathered in the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard to listen to presentations by experts from major companies.
On the first day, Yevgeny Solovyov, Deputy Director of the Innovation Department of the National Payment Card System, and bachelor’s degree graduates presented their reports. “Software Engineering” Timofey Looze, Head of Product Analytics Group for Factoring at Ozon Bank, and Ekaterina Karavaeva, Research Intern Cloud and Mobile Technologies Labs Faculty of Computer Science at the Higher School of Economics, engineer-developer of the platform solutions department at T-Bank.
The second day of the school was opened by Sber’s Senior Vice President, Head of the Risks Block, Dzhangir Dzhangirov. He told how Sber makes decisions around the clock, what technologies operate “under the hood” of the company and what role AI plays in this. Sber was also represented by Evgeny Sokolovsky, Executive Director, Leader of the Antifraud in Lending to Individuals product and a Master’s degree teacher “Financial Technologies and Data Analysis” HSE Faculty of Computer Science. He gave a lecture entitled “Antifraud in the Age of AI Accomplices.”
At the end of the school, the participants listened to lectures from Fedor Pakhurov, a research intern project-training laboratory “Artificial Intelligence in Mathematical Finance” HSE Faculty of Computer Science, and speakers from Alfa-Bank – Victoria Baykova, head of the LLM development projects program, and Artem Karavaev, head of advanced analytics projects.
The presentations focused on the most relevant topics — financial innovations and technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and APIs in fintech. Experts spoke about low-code solutions for accelerating business processes and data approaches that transform traditional banking. Special attention was paid to combating fraud in the AI era, as well as diffusion generative models and RAG systems. Automatic machine learning and its role in automating data analysis for business monetization were also discussed.
During the breaks between lectures, participants had the opportunity to get to know each other better, discuss the knowledge they had gained, and ask questions to industry experts.
Speakers and participants shared their impressions of the school.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to G7 reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait
Date：2025-06-18
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
June 18, 2025
The 2025 G7 leaders’ summit was held in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17. The chair’s summary published following the summit emphasized G7 members’ ongoing and serious concerns about China’s destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and highly appreciates these remarks.
The summary once again clearly underlined G7 members’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the international rule of law. In addition, G7 leaders expressed concern over China’s use of such comprehensive nonmarket policies and actions as market distortion and overcapacity.
Minister Lin sincerely appreciates that G7 members, following joint statements by G7 foreign ministers in March and April, once again conveyed support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which highlights the international consensus on this matter. Maintaining the cross-strait status quo is indispensable to global security and prosperity. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with global society to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to UK naval vessel transiting Taiwan Strait
Date：2025-06-19
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
June 19, 2025
On June 18, the UK Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey transited the Taiwan Strait. Through this concrete action, the United Kingdom further defended freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait and demonstrated its firm position that the strait constitutes international waters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms the transit.
MOFA continues to encourage the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability, promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and maintain the rules-based international order.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between Central Asian nations and China
Date：2025-06-19
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs
June 19, 2025
Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan from June 16 to 18 at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Following the summit, these nations and China jointly issued the Astana Declaration, which contains the spurious claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly refutes this statement and sternly protests against the Chinese communist regime for its repeated use of meetings with other nations’ leaders to publicly undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty as well as central Asian nations for uncritically accepting China’s statements that run contrary to the facts in downgrading Taiwan’s sovereignty.
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, that the Chinese communist regime has never governed Taiwan, and that no nation has the right or power to deny Taiwan’s existence via so-called joint statements. MOFA calls on Kazakhstan and other central Asian nations not to support false statements and endorse China’s aggressive intentions to disrupt regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to its people, and it is the people of Taiwan who will determine Taiwan’s future. Moreover, peace, stability, and prosperity must be jointly upheld by all nations of the world. Taiwan is a force for good in the international community and will continue to staunchly defend the values of freedom and democracy as it strengthens collaboration with democratic nations to halt authoritarian expansionism, defend cross-strait peace and security, and maintain a free and stable Indo-Pacific region.
Source: US State of Oregon
ith fireworks sales beginning today, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly and legally. The 2025 fireworks retail sales season in Oregon runs from June 23 through July 6, and the agency’s message is clear: “Keep it legal. Keep it safe.”
As Oregonians make plans for the holiday, they’re urged to check local rules and restrictions on both the sale and use of fireworks—whether celebrating at home or traveling.
“Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you know what’s allowed where you are,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but it’s critical to follow the law and avoid actions that could cause a fire or injury.”
Local governments across Oregon may set additional restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires. It’s the responsibility of those using fireworks to understand and follow local laws.
Fireworks safety and legal reminders
Consumer-legal fireworks may be purchased only from permitted retailers and stands. These fireworks may not be used on:
Public lands and parks
National parks and forests
Bureau of Land Management lands
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties
Oregon state beaches, parks, and campgrounds
Private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry
To help reduce the risk of fire and injury, fire officials urge Oregonians to follow the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
Be prepared: Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
Be safe: Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
Be responsible: Do not relight duds. Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.
Be aware: Use only legal fireworks and only where they are allowed.
Illegal fireworks and consequences
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit from the state fire marshal. This includes items such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers.
Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or are found to be responsible for them causing damage may be held financially responsible for fire suppression and other costs. Parents can also be held liable for damage caused by their children.
Learn more
The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers resources on fireworks laws, retail sale permits, and safety tips on its fireworks webpage. For a safe celebration this Fourth of July, know the law, check local restrictions, and always keep it legal and safe.
Source: Tasmania Police
Issued: 24 Jun 2025
A new Containers for Change transfer station will be part of improved waste and recycling infrastructure for the Cooloola and Inskip Peninsula recreation areas.
From 30 June 2025, all waste bins along Teewah Beach and at the Freshwater camping area will be relocated to two new transfer stations at Noosa North Shore and on Rainbow Beach Road.
Principal Ranger Danielle Mansfield said the new Containers for Change pod will be located at the Noosa North Shore waste transfer station.
“Campers and day visitors will now be able to drop off their empties at the Containers for Change pod, and the funding can be donated to Cooloola Coast Care,” Ms Mansfield said.
“This funding is important for Cooloola Coast Care and will be used to help manage stranded sea life, beach clean-up activities and pest management programs.
“Having less bins near the camping areas will ensure a cleaner, nature-based holiday, a reduction in smells and less rubbish dumped in the dunes.
“The improvements to waste management will help protect the stunning natural environment and will boost the visitor experience.
“Our protected areas are not just destinations. They are living, breathing areas that our community love.
“By removing waste from the beach and donating their empties, people can ensure the Cooloola recreation area remains pristine for future generations.”
The new Noosa North Shore waste transfer station will also include large bins for solid waste and infrastructure for portable toilet waste. The waste transfer station on Freshwater Road (off Rainbow Beach Road) will take solid and recyclable waste.
Bins will continue to be available for Inskip campers at Sarawak West, M.V. Sarawak, M.V. Beagle, M.V. Natone and S.S. Dorrigo camping areas. Bins are not provided at Dorrigo South and Pelican Bay camping areas.
Source: South Africa News Agency
G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development
The third Sherpa meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) kicked off on Wednesday, focusing on global collaboration, sustainable development, and addressing new international challenges.
The Sun City Convention Centre was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.
The meeting, which will run for three days, brings together international representatives to discuss critical global challenges and explore potential collaborative solutions.
The meeting will take place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.
Dangor announced that the Foreign Ministers will lead detailed discussions on global geopolitical issues, focusing on international law and mutual accountability while emphasising the need to prioritise substantive matters.
“The meeting also provides an opportunity for Sherpas to have a discussion, dare I say it, on the geopolitical issues as part of the agenda.
“And I think, we’ve always shied away from geopolitical issues, but given the events not only of the last two years but particularly of the last month, we’re going to have some discussion in a measured but robust way,” he told delegates.
He recognised that the G20 serves as a platform for international economic cooperation, making it a crucial focus.
“But the ongoing conflict worldwide, as it has been pointed out before, is definitely now even more detrimental not just to peace and security but economic development and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.
“So, we will discuss it, but we will also make sure it doesn’t hold us back.”
However, he said, only the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ultimately the leaders will engage in the geopolitical issues, following the example set by Brazil, while the working groups will concentrate on the technical issues.
Today’s meeting marked the beginning of a series of 10 sessions, during which Dangor announced leadership changes, including the appointment of several new Sherpas and representatives from Brazil, India, China, and the United Kingdom.
This shift indicates a new approach to international cooperation.
“The discussions will provide us with the opportunity to refine objectives. We will report back from some of the working groups and task teams, and we’ll look at how they align with the priorities we’ve set up to ensure that we do reach out to inclusivity and that also reflect our own collective aspirations.”
Dangor stressed the importance of creating actionable, measurable declarations that go beyond aspirational statements, with a commitment to reducing global inequalities.
“It is our responsibility, collectively as Sherpas, to resolve the challenges that are being presented to us within the working groups or task teams, even the new emerging challenges, and there are many new emerging challenges. I do think that we should work to ensure that none of the working group fails to reach consensus.”
According to South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, the gathering also aims to shape a clear and actionable G20 Leaders’ Declaration, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and achieving measurable goals.
Dangor said he hoped that the G20 Leaders’ Declaration has concrete, measurable, and time-bound actions, not just aspirational statements.
He announced that, out of the 132 planned meetings, the Presidency has already hosted 70, and most of the working groups have completed their third sessions.
The Sherpa also announced the upcoming social summit.
He concluded the opening remarks, expressing confidence in the fruitful deliberations over the next three days. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Operation Pangea brings together health regulators, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners to tackle the threat posed by global criminal networks
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized almost eight million doses of illegal medicines as part of an annual global coordinated operation to tackle the illegal online sale of medicines and medical devices.
Operation Pangea, coordinated by Interpol and involving around 90 countries, is the world’s largest initiative of its kind. It brings together health regulators, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners to tackle the threat posed by criminal networks operating in the global supply of illegal medicines.
This year’s operation took place between December 2024 and May 2025. Working with law enforcement partners, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) seized 7.7 million doses of illicit medicines with an estimated value of £17.2m. Among the products seized in the UK were various prescription-only medications including powerful painkillers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills.
The CEU also coordinated several arrest operations, denied gangs access to almost £1.4m in criminal profits, and removed 367 websites and social media accounts offering medical products to the public illegally.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication can be very dangerous. If you have a concern about your health, seek advice from a healthcare professional and only obtain medicines from a trusted source.
Visit the #FakeMeds website for tools and resources to help people purchase medication or medical devices safely online.
Andy Morling, who heads the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), said:
Criminals trade in illegal medicines for no other reason than to make money. Not only are these people breaking the law, but they also have no regard for your health.
Buying medicines from unverified sources, online or elsewhere, means there is no guarantee that the products are safe or effective. Some can contain dangerous or illegal ingredients that could result in severe illness, addiction or even death.
People also need to be aware that turning to illegal online sellers can leave them exposed to bank fraud and identity theft.
This year’s operation is another example of how the MHRA and its international partners are joining forces to tackle the criminal gangs causing so much misery and harm around the world.