Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Over 3,300 respond to SIA Get Licensed consultation
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) public consultation on proposed changes to licensing criteria receives over 3,300 responses.
The consultation was centred around a number of proposed changes to further strengthen the criteria that determines what makes someone eligible to hold an SIA licence.
This included changes to the criteria on criminality and providing greater transparency on the wider ‘fit and proper’ test that all applicants and licence holders must meet. When implemented, the changes would also update the list of relevant offences the SIA takes into consideration in licensing decisions.
Tim Archer, SIA Director of Licensing and Standards, said:
We were very happy to see such a strong level of response to our consultation. The proposed changes are designed and intended to further enhance public protection. Whilst we now need to undertake a detailed analysis of the responses, it looks like our proposals have been strongly supported by those working in the industry.
Based on the feedback received from the consultation, the SIA will finalise its recommendations and seek ministerial approval in the autumn. If the proposed changes are agreed by ministers, the SIA will update Get Licensed and the new rules will come into effect.
Background
The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Quiz the water experts about Taunton’s bathing water quality
Fancied a dip in the River Tone but unsure about its water quality? Come and ask your questions and share any concerns about the French Weir Park bathing water.
Water quality experts will be at COACH, French Weir Park, Taunton on Saturday 21 June from 10am to 1pm
Experts from the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Friends of French Weir Park will be ready to answer questions about the River Tone bathing water at the COACH Community Hub in French Weir Park on Saturday 21 June 2025 from 10am to 1pm.
These are just a few representatives of the steering group formed to improve bathing water quality at this site, which was officially designated in 2024.
Being designated means regular and consistent water samples are taken for analysis at set times of the year to check the levels of bacteria like E. Coli and intestinal enterococci. However, being ‘designated’ doesn’t automatically mean water meets public hygiene standards for activities like swimming – a problem the new group is tackling.
Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said:
There are strict standards on what goes into rivers to protect wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers. But the standards to protect human health are higher.
A lot of investigation will be needed to uncover what sources of pollution feed into the River Tone. The public can help speed that up by eliminating the most obvious sources like picking up dog poo or looking after their septic tanks. This will free up people to focus on more serious issues.
Results of all samples taken during the current round of monitoring will be available online at Swimfo to help inform public choice before taking a dip, Environment Agency officers will patrol the surrounding area, looking for obvious sources of pollution entering the watercourse as well as inspecting water company pipes and other types of equipment that discharges water into the river.
Background
450 bathing waters in England were sampled last year and classified as either Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor. These classifications and information about water quality will be displayed at each bathing water and on bathing water profiles available to access on the Environment Agency’s Swimfo website.
The Environment Agency took 7,420 samples during the 2024 bathing season. The Environment Agency takes up to 20 water samples at each of England’s designated bathing waters during the season.
Our standards for bathing waters come from guidelines produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and are science based. They have been adopted by many countries through the EU Bathing Water Directive, which England’s Bathing Water Regulations are based on.
The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators along the route through the city centre.
Final preparations are underway for the People’s Parade, one of the flagship events of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year, set to take place this Saturday (7 June).
Working in partnership with Stoke Creates, the parade is set to bring all communities together to showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit.
The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators along the route through the city centre.
Access to some roads will be affected by short road closures to allow the People’s Parade to safely follow their route. Some parking bays along the route may also be briefly suspended:
12.30pm – 1.30pm: College Road from Avenue Road to A5006 Broad Street. Access to adjoining roads will be affected.
The Parade has been planned so only small areas will be closed for a short period of time and immediately reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “Stokie’s unite! The icing on the Centenary cake will be taking place this weekend, with the People’s Parade. It is a monumental time for the city, and we hope you can all come out in force and share that passion and pride for our great city.
“The streets will be lined with people, all coming together to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent and the salt of the earth folk who make it what it is.”
Following the parade, a free public event – Party in the Park – will take place at Hanley Park from 1pm to 6pm. The event will feature live music, food vendors, community and charity stalls, and a bar. The celebration is expected to draw large crowds to one of the city’s most historic green spaces.
Regular updates will be available on Stoke-on-Trent City Council official social media channels, and supported by @StokeCreates.
Police have door knocked homes and businesses in the Bellerive area this afternoon looking for information that might help their investigations into the discovery of a man’s body in an industrial-sized garbage bin. The body of a 45-year-old man was discovered about 9am on Monday (June 2) by a garbage contractor, with the bin located at the rear of a business in Percy Street. Uniform officers from Bellerive Station, members of the South East Criminal Investigation Branch and Forensics have been gathering evidence at the scene and surrounds. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage. Police have confirmed the man was last seen alive about 7pm on Saturday, by members of his family. “Investigations are at an early stage, but right now the scene suggests this could be a case of death by misadventure or alternatively, foul play, or possibly a combination of both,” Detective Inspector David Gill said. “At this time there is no evidence of any injuries to the man and an autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow morning.” Police have appealed for anyone with information about movements in the Percy Street area from Saturday night to Monday morning to contact them on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to crimestopperstas.com.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police have arrested a 44-year-old female and a 25-year-old male in relation to an incident that occurred in Alice Springs on Saturday evening.
Around 7:20pm, police received reports of a disturbance occurring at a licensed premises on Todd Street after a group were asked to leave.
During the altercation, it is alleged that members from the group assaulted 2 employees before damaging property within the premises.
Police attended a short time later and a 44-year-old female and a 25-year-old male were arrested nearby.
The female has been charged with:
Assault on Police
Offensive Behaviour in a Public Place
Fail to Leave Licensed Premises
Damage to Property
The male has been charged with:
Breach of Bail
Assault a Worker – Victim Suffers Harm
Assaults on Worker
Fail to Leave Licensed Premises
Threats of Injury or cause Detriment
Offensive Behaviour in a Public Place
Damage to Property
Disorderly Behaviour in Police Station
Both alleged offenders were remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25147763. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
A New Zealand-born Niuean educator says being recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list reflects the importance of connecting young tagata Niue in Aotearoa to their roots.
Mele Ikiua, who hails from the village of Hakupu Atua in Niue, has been named a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to vagahau Niue language and education.
She told RNZ Pacific the most significant achievement in her career to date had been the promotion of vagahau Niue in the NCEA system.
The change in 2023 enabled vagahau Niue learners to earn literacy credits in the subject, and receive recognition beyond “achieved” in the NCEA system. That, Ikiua said, was about continuing to increase learning opportunities for young Niue people in Aotearoa.
“Because if you look at it, the work that we do — and I say ‘we’ because there’s a lot of people other than myself — we’re here to try and maintain, and try and hold onto, our language because they say our language is very, very endangered.
“The bigger picture for young Niue learners who haven’t connected, or haven’t been able to learn about their vagahau or where they come from [is that] it’s a safe place for them to come and learn . . . There’s no judgement, and they learn the basic foundations before they can delve deeper.”
Her work and advocacy for Niuean culture and vagahau Niue has also extended beyond the formal education system.
Niue stage at Polyfest Since 2014, Ikiua had been the co-ordinator of the Niue stage at Polyfest, a role she took up after being involved in the festival as a tutor. She also established Three Star Nation, a network which provides leadership, educational and cultural programmes for young people.
Last year, Ikiua also set up the Tokiofa Arts Academy, the world’s first Niue Performing Arts Academy. And in February this year, Three Star Nation held Hologa Niue — the first ever Niuean arts and culture festival in Auckland.
Niuean community members in Auckland . . . Mele Ikiua with Derrick Manuela Jackson (left) and her brother Ron Viviani. Image: RNZ Pacific
She said being recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list was a shared achievement.
“This award is not only mine. It belongs to the family. It belongs to the village. And my colleagues have been amazing too. It’s for us all.”
She is one of several Pasifika honoured in this weekend’s list.
Cook Islander, Berry Rangi has been awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to the community, particularly Pacific peoples.
Berry Rangi has been awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to the community, particularly Pacific peoples. Image: Berry Rangi/RNZ Pacific
Lifted breast screening rates She has been instrumental in lifting the coverage rates of breast and cervical screening for Pacific women in Hawke’s Bay.
“When you grow up in the islands, you’re not for yourself – you’re for everybody,” she said.
“You’re for the village, for your island.”
She said when she moved to Napier there were very few Pasifika in the city — there were more in Hastings, the nearby city to the south.
“I did things because I knew there was a need for our people, and I’d just go out and do it without having to be asked.”
Berry Rangi also co-founded Tiare Ahuriri, the Napier branch of the national Pacific women’s organisation, PACIFICA.
She has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer with the Red Cross in Napier since 1990 and has been recognised for her 34 years of service in this role.
Maintaining a heritage craft She also contributes to maintaining the heritage craft of tivaevae (quilting) by delivering workshops to people of all ages and communities across Hawke’s Bay.
Another honours recipient is Uili Galo, who has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Tokelau community.
Galo, of the Tokelau Aotearoa Leaders Council, said it is very gratifying to see his community’s efforts acknolwedged at the highest level.
“I’ve got a lot of people behind me, my elders that I need to acknowledge and thank . . . my kainga,” he said.
“While the award has been given against my name, it’s them that have been doing all the hard work.”
He said his community came to Aotearoa in the 1970s.
“Right through they’ve been trying to capture their culture and who they are as a people. But obviously as new generations are born here, they assimilate into the pa’alangi world, and somehow lose a sense of who they are.
“A lot of our youth are not quite sure who they are. They know obviously the pa’alangi world they live in, but the challenge of them is to know their identity, that’s really important.”
Pasifika sports duo say recognition is for everyone Two sporting recipients named as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours say the honour is for all those who have worked with them.
Pauline-Jean Henrietta Luyten with Eroni Clarke of the Pasifika Rugby Advisory group. Image: RNZ Pacific
Pauline-Jean Henrietta Luyten, who is of Tongan heritage, has been involved with rugby at different levels over the years, and is currently a co-chair of New Zealand Rugby’s Pacific Advisory Group.
Annie Burma Teina Tangata Esita Scoon, of Cook Islands heritage, has been involved with softball since she played the sport in school years ago.
While they have been “committed” to their sports loves, their contribution to the different Pasifika communities they serve is being recognised.
Luyten told RNZ Pacific she was humbled and shocked that people took the time to actually put a nomination through.
“You know, all the work we do, it’s in service of all of our communities and our families, and you don’t really look for recognition,” she said.
“The family, the community, everyone who have worked with me and encouraged me they all deserve this recognition.”
Luyten, who has links in Ha’apai, Tonga, said she has loved being involved in rugby, starting off as a junior player and went through the school competition.
Community and provincial rugby After moving down to Timaru, she was involved with community and provincial rugby, before she got pulled into New Zealand Rugby Pacific Advisory Group.
Luyten made New Zealand rugby history as the first woman of Pacific Island descent to be appointed to a provincial union board in 2019.
She was a board member of the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union and played fullback at Timaru Girls’ High School back in 1997, when rugby competition was first introduced .
Her mother Ailine was one of the first Tongan women to take up residence in Timaru. That was back in the early 1970s.
As well as a law degree at Otago University Luyten completed a Bachelor of Science in 2005 and then went on to complete post-graduate studies in sports medicine in 2009.
Pauline-Jean Henrietta Luyten with Sina Latu of the Tonga Society in South Canterbury. Image: RNZ Pacific
She is also a founding member of the Tongan Society South Canterbury which was established in 2016.
Opportunities for Pasifika families On her rugby involvement, she said the game provides opportunities for Pasifika families and she is happy to be contributing as an administrator.
“Where I know I can contribute has been in that non-playing space and sort of understanding the rugby system, because it’s so big, so complex and kind of challenging.”
Fighting the stereotypes that “Pasifika can’t be directors” has been a major one.
“Some people think there’s not enough of us out there. But for me, I’m like, nah we’ve got people,” she stated.
“We’ve got heaps of people all over the show that can actually step into these roles.
“They may be experienced in different sectors, like the health sector, social sector, financial, but maybe haven’t quite crossed hard enough into the rugby space. So I feel it’s my duty to to do everything I can to create those spaces for our kids, for the future.”
Call for two rugby votes Earlier this month the group registered the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council, which moved a motion, with the support of some local unions, that Pasifika be given two votes within New Zealand Rugby.
“So this was an opportunity too for us to actually be fully embedded into the New Zealand Rugby system.
“But unfortunately, the magic number was 61.3 [percent] and we literally got 61, so it was 0.3 percent less voting, and that was disappointing.”
Luyten said she and the Pacific advisory team will keep working and fighting to get what they have set their mind on.
For Scoon, the acknowledgement was recognition of everyone else who are behind the scenes, doing the work.
Annie Scoon, of Cook Islands heritage, has been involved with softball since she played the sport in school years ago. Image: RNZ Pacific
She said the award was for the Pasifika people in her community in the Palmerston North area.
Voice is for ‘them’ “To me what stands out is that our Pasifika people will be recognized that they’ve had a voice out there,” she said.
“So, it’s for them really; it’s not me, it’s them. They get the recognition that’s due to them. I love my Pacific people down here.”
Scoon is a name well known among the Palmerston North Pasifika and softball communities.
The 78-year-old has played, officiated, coached and now administers the game of softball.
She was born in the Cook Islands and moved with her family to New Zealand in 1948. Her first involvement with softball was in school, as a nine-year-old in Auckland.
Then she helped her children as a coach.
“And then that sort of lead on to learning how to score the game, then coaching the game, yes, and then to just being an administrator of the game,” she said.
Passion for the game “I’ve gone through softball – I’ve been the chief scorer at national tournaments, I’ve selected at tournaments, and it’s been good because I’d like to think that what I taught my children is a passion for the game, because a lot of them are still involved.”
A car accident years ago has left her wheelchair-bound.
She has also competed as at the Paraplegic Games where she said she proved that “although disabled, there were things that we could do if you just manipulate your body a wee bit and try and think it may not pan out as much as possible, but it does work”.
“All you need to do is just try get out there, but also encourage other people to come out.”
She has kept passing on her softball knowledge to school children.
In her community work, Scoon said she just keeps encouraging people to keep working on what they want to achieve and not to shy away from speaking their mind.
Setting a goal “I told everybody that they set a goal and work on achieving that goal,” she said.
“And also encouraged alot of them to not be shy and don’t back off if you want something.”
She said one of the challenging experiences, in working with the Pasifika community, is the belief by some that they may not be good enough.
Her advice to many is to learn what they can and try to improve, so that they can get better in life.
“I wasn’t born like this,” she said, referring to her disability.
“You pick out what suits you but because our island people — we’re very shy people and we’re proud. We’re very proud people. Rather than make a fuss, we’d rather step back.
“They shouldn’t and they need to stand up and they want to be recognised.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laurence Orlando, Senior Lecturer, Product Formulation and Development, Analytical Methods, Monash University
Retinol skincare products suddenly seem to be everywhere, promising clear, radiant and “youthful” skin.
But what’s the science behind these claims? And are there any risks?
You may have also heard retinol can increase your risk of sunburn and even make acne worse.
For some people, retinol may help reduce the appearance of fine lines. But it won’t be suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to know.
What is retinol?
Retinol is part of a family of chemical compounds called retinoids. These are derived from or related to Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healthy skin, vision and immune function.
You can buy retinol in creams and other topical products over the counter.
These are often promoted as “anti-ageing” because retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even out skin tone (for example, sun spots or acne scars).
It also has an exfoliating effect, meaning it can help unclog pores.
Stronger retinoid treatments that target acne will require a prescription because they contain retinoic acid, which is regulated as a drug in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Australia.
With age, the skin’s barrier becomes weaker, making it more prone to dryness, injury and irritation.
Retinol can help counteract this natural thinning by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocytes – cells that form the outer skin layer and protect against damage and water loss.
Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen (a key protein that creates a scaffolding that keeps skin firm and elastic) and fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and support skin structure).
It also increases how fast the skin sheds old cells and replaces them with new ones.
Over time, these processes help reduce fine lines, fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It can also make skin appear clearer.
While effective, this doesn’t happen overnight.
You may have also heard about a “retinol purge” – a temporary flare of acne when you first start using topical retinoids.
Studies have found the skin may become irritated and acne temporarily worsen in some cases. But more research needs to be done to understand this link.
The idea of a retinol purge is popular on social media. TikTok, CC BY-NC-ND
So, is retinol safe?
At typical skincare concentrations (0.1–0.3%), side effects tend to be mild.
Most people who experience irritation (such as redness, dryness, or peeling) when starting retinol are able to build tolerance over time. This process is often called “retinisation”.
However, retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation (known as photosensitivity). This heightened reactivity can lead to sunburn, irritation and an increased risk of hyperpigmentation (spots or patches of darker colour).
For this reason, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) is strongly recommended while using retinol products.
Who should avoid retinol?
Teenagers and children generally don’t need retinol unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, for example, for acne treatment.
People with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema (dry, itchy and inflamed skin) and rosacea (chronic redness and sensitivity) may find retinol too irritating.
Using retinol products alongside other skincare treatments, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, can over-exfoliate your skin and damage it.
Importantly, the active form of retinol, retinoic acid, is teratogenic (meaning it can cause birth defects). Over-the-counter retinol products are also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Choose and store retinol products wisely
Since retinol is classified as a cosmetic ingredient, companies are not required to disclose its concentration in their products.
These are precautionary measures aimed to limit exposure for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, given the risk of birth defects.
It’s therefore recommended to use products that clearly state the retinol concentration is between 0.1% and 0.3%.
Retinol is also a notoriously unstable molecule that degrades with exposure to air, light or heat.
Choosing a product with airtight, light-protective packaging will help with potential degradation problems that could lead to inactivity or harm.
What’s the safest way to try retinol?
The key is to go low and slow: a pea-sized amount of a low-concentration product (0.1%) once or twice a week, preferably at night (to avoid UV exposure), and then the frequency and concentration can be increased (to a maximum of 0.3%) as the skin adjusts.
Wearing sunscreen every day is a must when using retinol to avoid the photosensitivity.
If you experience persistent redness, burning, or peeling, it’s better to stop using the product and consult your doctor or a dermatologist for personalised advice.
Laurence Orlando is affiliated with the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
Professor Ademi currently serves as a member of the Economics Sub Committee of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee within the Department of Health, Australia which assesses clinical and economic evaluations of medicines submitted for listing on the PBS. She leads the global economics initiative for the Lp(a) International Task Force and Member of Professional Advisory Board of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Australia. Zanfina Ademi receives funding from FH Europe Foundation to understand the population screening for LP(a), globally. Received funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund not in relation to to this work, but work that relates to health economics of prevention and cost-effectiveness.
Zoe Porter 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.
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash near the intersection of Clyde and Fox Streets, Hamilton East, involving a car and a pedestrian.
Police were called about 7.12pm.
Initial indications are the pedestrian has received critical injuries.
A team effort in the west today (2 June) saw local Trentham Fire Brigade members work with CFA’s Oscar 1 rescue team to safely rescue a dog from an eight-metre-deep mine shaft.
Having wandered off from their owners’ property on Thursday afternoon, Labradoodle Penny and Labrador Ted were found on Pronk Track in Trentham at around 11.43am this morning, with Penny above the mine and Ted sadly within it.
While extensive social media posts were placed online to help locate the dogs over the weekend, and hopeful sounds of barking were heard in the distance by neighbours, the pair were still unable to be located.
Trentham Fire Brigade Captain David Wheeldon said it wasn’t until today that the neighbours fortunately crossed paths with Penny and Ted on their walk and called Triple Zero.
“When we arrived, as you would expect, Penny was quite agitated, but luckily one of our firefighters knew the owners because they lived next door to them,” David said.
“We were able to get a hold of them to come down before Bendigo’s Oscar 1 crew started the rescue process.
“Throughout the morning, we were providing Ted with plenty of food and water.
“The members of Oscar 1 descended down the 8m shaft to safely extricate Ted and hand him back into the arms of his owners at around 2.53pm, happy, healthy and well.”
While on scene Trentham Fire Brigade members worked with Forest Fire Management Victoria to track their location with pink ribbon and red taped a number of open mine shafts nearby to prevent future incidents.
Hepburn Shire Council were also on scene for wellbeing support.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force have concluded Operation FROME, a high-visibility road safety operation along some of the Territory’s most remote areas between 6am Thursday 22 May to 6am Saturday 24 May 2025.
The operation, led by the Territory Road Policing Division, was developed to reduce the incidence of serious and fatal crashes through enforcement, education, and engagement, while targeting the movement of illicit substances and alcohol into the Northern Territory.
Operation FROME involved a coordinated effort with officers from the Northern Command, Southern Command, Southern Investigations, Northern Investigations, Dog Operations Unit and the Drug and Organised Crime Division, delivering roadside enforcement and engagement at strategic locations including Timber Creek, NT/QLD Border and south of Alice Springs, in cooperation with Queensland Police.
Operational outcomes included:
1974 breath tests conducted, with 1 positive result for drink driving.
297 drug driver tests, resulting in 30 positive detections.
4 arrests and 22 Notices to Appear in court.
48 Traffic Infringement Notices issued, and 11 vehicles defected.
16 Drug Infringement Notices issued.
Drugs, alcohol, and cash seized included: 3.22kg of cannabis, 2.3g methamphetamine, 22g cocaine, 1.5g MDMA, 1.1g ketamine, 2.5kg of kava, 1 litre of alcohol, $31,428 in cash, and 3 imitation firearms (2 replica pistols and 1 replica AR-15)
The Territory Road Policing Division Superintendent Richard Magree said, “Overall we were very pleased with the majority of drivers, particularly commercial operators. It is, however, disappointing to see some individuals continuing to drive under the influence of drugs and attempting to traffic illicit substances across our borders.
“Driving under the influence remains a leading causal factor in fatal crashes across the Northern Territory. Police will continue to target this behaviour through operations like FROME.
“This remote operation is another reminder that Territory Road Policing can be anywhere at any time, and we continue to urge all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to the Fatal Five.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police are calling for information in relation to an altercation that occurred in Nhulunbuy early Saturday morning.
Around 12:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a security officer had allegedly been stabbed during an altercation with a male in the carpark of a lodge on Westal Street.
It is alleged the male was previously banned from the location and when security officers approached him and asked him to leave an altercation occurred resulting in injuries to the male and the security officer being stabbed with a pair of scissors.
Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the male allegedly punched one of the officers in the face.
Both the security officer and the male were conveyed to Gove District Hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries. The police officer did not require medical treatment.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500055868. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
I want to share a writer’s journey — of living and writing through the Genocide. Where I live and how I live could not be further from the horror playing out in Gaza and, increasingly, on the West Bank.
Yet, because my country provides military, intelligence and diplomatic support to Israel and the US, I feel compelled to answer the call to support Palestine by doing the one thing I know best: writing.
I live in a paradise that supports genocide I am one of the blessed of the earth. I’m surrounded by similarly fortunate people. I live in a heart-stoppingly beautiful bay.
Even in winter I swim in the marine reserve across the road from our house. Seals, Orca, all sorts of fish, octopus, penguins and countless other marine life so often draw me from my desk towards the rocky shore. My home is on the Wild South Coast of Wellington. Every few days our local Whatsapp group fires a message, for example: “Big pod of dolphins heading into the bay!”
I live in Aotearoa New Zealand, a country that, in the main, is yawning its way through a genocide and this causes me daily frustration and pain. It drives me back to the keyboard.
I am surrounded by good friends and suffer no fears for my security. I am materially comfortable and well-fed. I love being a writer. Who could ask for more?
I write, on average, a 1200-word article per week. It’s a seven days a week task and most of my writing time is spent reading, scouring news sites from around the world, note-taking, fact-checking, fretting, talking to people and thinking about the story that will emerge, always so different from my starting concept.
I’m in regular contact with historians, ex-diplomats, geopolitical analysts, writers and activists from around the world and count myself fortunate to know these exceptional people.
This article is different, simpler; it is personal — one person’s experience of writing from the far periphery of the conflict.
I don’t want to live in a country that turns a blind or a sleep-laden eye to one of the great crimes against humanity. I have come to the hurtful realisation that I have a very different worldview from most people I know and from most people I thought I knew.
Fortunately, I have old friends who share in this struggle and I have made many new friends here in New Zealand and across the world who follow their own burning hearts and work every day to challenge the role our governments play in supporting Israel to destroy the lives of millions of innocent people. To me, these people — and above all the Palestinian people in their steadfast resistance — are the heroes who fuel my life.
Writing is fighting Most of us have multiple demands on our time; three of my good writer friends are grappling with cancer, another lost his job for challenging the official line and now must work long hours in a menial day job to keep the family afloat. Despite these challenges they all head to the keyboard to continue the struggle. Writing is fighting.
There’s so little we can all do but, as Māori people say: “ahakoa he iti, he pounamu” – it may only be a little but every bit counts, every bit is as precious as jade.
That sentiment is how movements for change have been built – anti-Vietnam war, anti-nuclear, anti-Apartheid — all of them pro-humanity, all of them about standing with the victims not with the oppressors, nor on the sideline muttering platitudes and excuses. As another writer said: “Washing one’s hands of the struggle between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” (Paolo Friere) Back to the keyboard.
My life until October 7th was more focussed on environmental issues, community organisation and water politics. I had ceased being “a writer” years ago.
One day in October 2023 I was in the kitchen, ranting about what was being done to the Palestinians and what was obviously about to be done to the Palestinians: genocide. My emotions were high because I had had a deeply unpleasant exchange with a good friend of mine on the golf course (yes, I play golf). He told me that the people of Gaza deserved to be collectively punished for the Hamas attack of October 7th.
I had angrily shot back at him, correctly but not diplomatically, that this put him shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nazis and all those who imposed collective punishment on civilian populations. My wife, to her credit, had heard enough: “Get upstairs and write an article! You have to start writing!”
It changed my life. She was right, of course. Impotent rage and parlour-room speeches achieve nothing. Writing is fighting.
’40 beheaded babies survived the Hamas attack’ My first article “40 Beheaded Babies Survived the Hamas Attack” was a warning drawn from history about narratives and what the Americans and Israelis were really softening the ground for. Since then I have had about 70 articles published, all in Australia and New Zealand, some in China, the USA, throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and on all sorts of email databases, including those sent out by the exemplary Ambassador Chas Freeman in the US and another by my good friend and human rights lawyer J V Whitbeck in Paris.
As with historians, part of a writer’s job is to spot patterns and recurrent themes in stories, to detect lies and expose deeper agendas in the official narratives. The mainstream media is surprisingly bad at this. Or chooses to be.
Just like the Incubator Babies story in Iraq, the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in Vietnam, reaching right back to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana in 1898, propaganda is often used as a prelude to atrocities. The blizzard of lies after October 7th were designed to be-monster the Palestinians and prepare the ground for what would obviously follow.
The narrative of beheaded babies promoted by world leaders, including President Biden, was powerfully amplified by our mainstream media; journalists at the highest level of the trade spread the lies.
I have to tell you, it was frightening in October 2023 to challenge these narratives. Every day I pored through the Israeli news site Ha’aretz for updates. Eventually the narrative fell apart — but by then the damage was done. Thousands of real babies had been murdered by the Israelis.
Never before have so many of my fellow writers been killedFollowing events in Palestine closely, it still comes as a shock when a journalist I have read, seen, heard is suddenly killed by the Israelis. This has happened several times. When it does I take a coffee and walk up the ridiculously steep track behind my house and sit high above the bay on a bench seat I built (badly).
That bench is my “top office” where I like to chew thoughts in my mind as I see the cold waves break on the brown rocks below. High up there I feel detached and better able to ask and answer the questions I need to process in my writing.
Why does our media pay little attention to the killing of so many fellow writers? Why don’t they call out the Israelis for having killed more journalists than any military machine in history? Why the silence around Israel’s “Where’s Daddy?” killing programme that has silenced so many Palestinian journalists and doctors by tracking their mobile phones and striking with a missile just when they arrive back home to their families? Why does “the world’s most moral army” commit such ugly crimes? Where’s the solidarity with our fellow journalists?
Is it because their skin is mainly dark? Is that why, according to Radio New Zealand’s own report on its Gaza coverage, New Zealanders have more in common with Israelis than we do with Palestinians? RNZ refers to this as our “proximity” to Israelis. They’re right, of course: by failing to shoulder our positive duty to act decisively against Israel and the US we show that we share values with people committing genocide.
Is this why stories about our own region — Kanaky New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and so on, get so little coverage? I have heard many times the immense frustration of journalists I know who work on Pacific issues. The answer is simple: we have greater “proximity” to Benjamin Netanyahu than we do to the Polynesians or Melanesians in our own backyard. Really?
Such questions need answers. Back to the keyboard.
Solidarity I try not to permit myself despair. It’s a privilege we shouldn’t allow ourselves while our government supports the genocide. Sometimes that’s hard.
There’s a photo I’ve seen of a Palestinian mother holding her daughter that haunts me. In traditional thobe, her head covered by her simple robe, she could easily be Mary, mother of Jesus. She stares straight at the camera. Her expression is hard to read. Shock? Disbelief? Wounded humanity? Blood flows from below her eyes and stains her cheek and chin. Her forehead is blackened, probably from an explosive blast. She holds her child, a girl of perhaps 10, also damaged and blackened from the Israeli attack. The child is asleep or unconscious; I can’t tell which. The mother holds her as lovingly, as poignantly, as Mary did to Jesus when he came down from the cross. La Pietà in Gaza.
Why do some of us care less about this pair? Where is our humanity that we can let this happen day after day until the last syllable of our sickening rhetoric that somehow we in the West are morally superior has been vomited out.
I’ll give the last word to another writer:
“Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
Until now, Victorians believed their state was the sole home for Leadbeater’s possum, their critically endangered state faunal emblem. This tiny marsupial is clinging to life in a few pockets of mountain ash and snow gum habitat in the Central Highlands of Victoria.
But a few days ago, seven grainy photos taken by a trail camera in New South Wales revealed something very unexpected: a Leadbeater’s possum hundreds of kilometres away in the wet forests of Kosciuszko National Park.
For decades, we and other researchers have sought proof this possum existed in these forests. Now we have it. This is a moment of celebration. But it also signals the importance of well-resourced biodiversity surveys in uncovering our most threatened species and large national parks for conserving them.
While this newly discovered population reduces the risk of extinction, it doesn’t change the decline and risk of extinction of its Victorian relatives – or the steps needed to safeguard them.
These photos from Kosciuszko National Park are the first proof that Leadbeater’s possum has a NSW population. NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, CC BY-NC-ND
Detected entirely by chance
In 2024, New South Wales threatened species ecologists Fred Ford and Martin Schulz set about looking for an entirely different species, the endangered smoky mouse. To find it, they set up a wide array of camera traps throughout wet forest areas of Kosciuszko National Park. A year later, they collected them and trawled through millions of photos.
Among all these images (including of smoky mice), there were seven which stunned them. A camera deployed near Yarrangobilly Caves captured a tiny possum scampering through leaf litter, holding its distinctive club-shaped tail erect. The possum looks around the monitoring site, showing its back and face stripes and heart-shaped face.
Experts at The Australian National University and Zoos Victoria verified the photos, setting the ecology world abuzz.
While we are delighted at this remarkable discovery, the detection is not a complete surprise.
Over three decades ago, this article’s lead author searched for Leadbeater’s possum around Yarrangobilly and many other parts of Kosciuszko National Park, guided by a bioclimatic model suggesting the cool wet forests in Kosciuszko National Park should suit the possum.
But detection cameras were not available then, and this possum is notoriously hard to spot. It’s tiny, nocturnal and spends its waking hours dashing through the dense understory of some of the world’s tallest forests looking for nectar, sap and insects.
Species experts from Zoos Victoria and Deakin University have also scouted parts of Kosciuszko National Park over the past decade, identifying potentially promising habitat.
In 2010 we got confirmation the possum had once occurred in the area, when jaw bones were identified among bones regurgitated by owls on the floor of a nearby cave.
But other bones from the cave floor date back an estimated 140–200 years. The bones were far from proof of a living population.
The possum’s existence remained an open question until these photos.
What does this mean for this possum?
We don’t know anything about this newly discovered Leadbeater’s possum population in NSW, other than the fact that it exists. Given the distance from the Victorian populations, we suspect that they may be genetically distinct.
In theory, the existence of a separate population 250 km away from the Victorian populations cuts the risk a single megafire or other catastrophe could push the species to extinction.
But while welcome, the discovery doesn’t reduce the need to urgently protect surviving Victorian populations, which remain highly threatened by bushfire, climate change, predation by cats, and the legacy of logging and land clearing.
In Victoria, some populations have dwindled as low as 40 animals and inbreeding is now a concern.
The possum typically relies on large old trees with hollows where it can breed and den. But these trees have substantially declined in Victoria over the past 150 years. Leadbeater’s possum also needs smaller trees for feeding and movement.
Surveys across the historical range of the species in Victoria since 2017 have failed to find any other hidden populations. Most surveys have found the habitat highly degraded from logging and fire.
In welcome news, the NSW Environment Minister announced the possum’s state conservation listing will be fast-tracked.
Of surveys and parks
Why did it take so long to find the possum? The main reason: a lack of resources preventing targeted investigations.
Even basic inventories of species have not been done across many of Australia’s important conservation areas.
Without well conducted surveys and monitoring, we are left overly reliant on chance detections for critical information. There could be other populations of imperilled species waiting to be rediscovered.
Properly managing our growing number of threatened species shouldn’t be based on luck. It should be enabled by adequate resources for threatened species recovery teams to discover, map, protect and manage threatened species and their habitat.
Trail cameras, call playback and environmental DNA sampling mean we can now survey large and remote natural areas with relatively little effort for long periods of time.
Big parks are essential
Kosciuszko National Park supports much more than Australia’s highest mountains. The huge park spans 690,000 hectares, much of it forest.
Many of our most imperilled species are hard to detect. Protecting extensive areas of good-quality habitat boosts the survival chances for these species, even if we don’t yet have proof of life.
With so little high-quality habitat left in Australia, proper protection through new national parks (including in Victoria) is vitally important for the possum and many other species.
Passive protection isn’t enough either – adequate funding is critical to stop the environmental condition of parks from declining, due to threats like invasive species and extreme fires.
The world still contains wonder
These seven photos have given ecologists and nature lovers a real boost to their spirits. As detection techniques improve, what else is out there waiting to be found?
The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Leadbeater’s possum experts Dan Harley, Arabella Eyre, John Woinarski and Brendan Wintle to this article.
David Lindenmayer receives funding from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government. He is a Councillor with the Biodiversity Council and a Member of Birds Australia.
Darcy Watchorn works for Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit zoo-based conservation organisation. He is a member of the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Mammal Society, the Society for Conservation Biology, and the Royal Society of Victoria.
Jaana Dielenberg was employed by the now-ended Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program, which conducted research on the Leadbeater’s possum in Victoria. She is a Charles Darwin University Fellow and is employed by the University of Melbourne and the Biodiversity Council.
A West Lakes man was charged with serious drug offences following an investigation into the cultivation of cannabis at multiple residential properties across the western suburbs.
Between 27 and 28 May 2025, Western District CIB detectives and police officers searched six properties in Woodville South, Seaton, Flinders Park, West Croydon and Ridleyton and found cannabis grow houses.
Five of the properties were found to have an electrical diversion.
As a result of the searches, a combined total of 305 cannabis plants, 30 kilograms of dried cannabis and a trafficable quantity of cocaine was located. A large quantity of prescribed equipment was also seized.
A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, trafficking in a controlled drug, possess prescribed equipment and five counts of diverting electricity.
He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 10 September.
South Koreans will go to the polls in a snap election on Tuesday, voting for a president to replace Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office in April after his brief martial law attempt sent shockwaves through the country.
Here are key events from martial law to Yoon’s impeachment, arrest, and indictment, and election day.
December 3, 2024: Shortly before 10:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), Yoon declares on national television he is imposing martial law to root out “anti-state forces” and overcome political deadlock.
An hour later the military issues a decree banning activity by political parties and lawmakers, and troops and police descend on the opposition-controlled parliament. Staffers use barricades and fire extinguishers to ward off special operations soldiers who arrive by helicopter and break windows as they enter parliament.
Lawmakers hop fences to avoid the security cordons and crowds of protesters gather.
December 4: Defying the military’s order, 190 lawmakers in the early hours unanimously vote to reject Yoon’s declaration and troops begin to leave.
About three and a half hours later, Yoon gives another televised speech, announcing he is lifting martial law. The decree was in effect for about six hours.
Opposition parties submit motion to impeach Yoon.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says Yoon “badly misjudged” his decision to declare martial law, which was “deeply problematic” and “illegitimate.”
December 5: Yoon’s People Power Party, although divided, decides to oppose his impeachment.
Yoon accepts the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Police investigate Yoon, Kim and the interior minister on accusations of treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints.
December 6: PPP leader Han Dong-hoon says Yoon must be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members urge Yoon to resign.
December 7: Yoon addresses the nation to apologise, saying he will put his fate in the hands of the PPP but not saying he will resign.
A vote to impeach Yoon fails as the PPP boycotts, depriving parliament of a quorum.
December 8: Prosecutors name Yoon as the subject of a criminal investigation over the martial law attempt. Ex-Defence Minister Kim is arrested.
December 9: The justice ministry bars Yoon from leaving South Korea.
December 10: Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, tells a parliamentary committee that Yoon gave an order to “drag out” lawmakers from parliament after declaring martial law.
Ex-Defence Minister Kim attempts suicide in jail.
December 11: Police try to search Yoon’s office but are blocked from entering the building.
December 12: Yoon says in another televised speech he will “fight to the end”, alleging North Korea had hacked South Korea’s election commission and expressing doubt over his party’s landslide election defeat in April. The National Election Commission denies the claim.
December 14: Parliament impeaches Yoon with the support of 204 of the 300 lawmakers in the one-chamber parliament. At least 12 PPP members vote to impeach.
Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president.
December 16: The Constitutional Court begins reviewing the impeachment case.
December 27: Parliament impeaches and suspends acting President Han, less than two weeks after suspending Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumes the position of acting president.
The court holds first public hearing in Yoon’s impeachment case.
December 31: The Seoul Western District Court approves an arrest warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) after Yoon failed to appear for questioning over insurrection allegations.
Yoon’s lawyers say the arrest warrant is illegal and invalid because the CIO does not have the proper authority.
January 3: Presidential guards and military troops prevent authorities from arresting Yoon in a tense six-hour stand-off inside his compound in the heart of Seoul.
January 7: The Seoul Western District Court approves an extension of the arrest warrant after the CIO’s failed attempt.
January 14: The Constitutional Court adjourns the opening session of Yoon’s impeachment trial within minutes, after the embattled leader did not attend court.
January 15: Yoon agrees to leave his compound after around 3,000 police arrive for a second arrest attempt. Yoon says in a message he only submitted to avoid bloodshed, and the CIO says he refuses to answer questions. He is the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.
January 19: Hundreds of Yoon supporters storm a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside. Yoon continues to refuse to answer questions.
January 21: Yoon attends his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court for the first time. When questioned by a justice, he denies ordering military commanders to drag lawmakers out of parliament.
January 23: The CIO transfers its case to prosecutors and asks them to indict Yoon for insurrection and abuse of power.
January 24-25: A court twice rejects requests by prosecutors for an extension of Yoon’s detention while they do further investigation.
January 26: Prosecutors indict Yoon on insurrection charges and ask that he be kept in custody.
February 4-18: Constitutional Court holds five hearings in Yoon’s impeachment trial.
February 20: Seoul Central District Court questions Yoon concerning lawyers’ request to cancel his arrest as “unlawful”, holds preparatory hearing for insurrection trial.
Constitutional Court holds 10th hearing in Yoon’s impeachment trial.
February 25: Court holds final hearing in Yoon’s impeachment trial. In his closing statement, Yoon defends his decisions as lawful and necessary to protect the country.
Yoon attended eight of the 11 hearings.
March 9: Yoon walks free after prosecutors decide not to appeal a court decision to cancel his arrest warrant on insurrection charges. He spent 54 days in jail.
April 4: The Constitutional Court rules to remove Yoon permanently from office.
April 8: Government sets June 3 as date for snap election.
April 27: The liberal Democratic Party names its former leader and 2022 presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung as its candidate.
May 1: Acting president Han steps down to launch presidential run. Finance minister Choi resigns after Democratic Party vows to start impeachment proceedings, leaving education minister Lee Ju-ho as the country’s third acting president since December.
The Supreme Court reverses an appeals court ruling that cleared Lee of criminal violations of election law, and ordered a new sentence, threatening his eligibility to run for office.
May 3: Yoon’s former labour minister, Kim Moon-soo, wins the main conservative People Power Party primary. Kim and Han spend the next week clashing over plans for a unity ticket.
May 7: Appeals court delays ruling on Lee until after election.
May 11: Han drops presidential bid after PPP confirms Kim as nominee.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Telangana on the occasion of the state’s Foundation Day, acknowledging its cultural legacy and strides in development.
In a post on X, President Murmu lauded Telangana’s cultural richness and its progress in economic and technological fields. “Warm greetings to the people of Telangana on Statehood Day! This young State has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant modern ecosystem of economic and technological development. I wish that the people of Telangana march ahead on the path of progress and prosperity,” she said.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his best wishes on the platform, applauding Telangana’s role in India’s development. “Greetings to the wonderful people of Telangana on their Statehood Day. The state is known for making innumerable contributions to national progress. Over the last decade, the NDA Government has undertaken many measures to boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of the state. May the people of the state be blessed with success and prosperity,” said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister J.P. Nadda also marked the occasion with messages honouring the state’s cultural identity and aspirations for growth.
“On Telangana Statehood Day, warm greetings to our brothers and sisters of the state. With its rich culture, heritage, and hardworking people, Telangana shines brightly on India’s ethno-cultural map. May the state reach new heights of prosperity,” Amit Shah posted on X.
J.P. Nadda noted the vibrancy of Telangana’s festivals and the warmth of its people. “On Telangana Statehood Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brothers and sisters of this beautiful state. Telangana stands out for its unique culture, vibrant festivals and above all, the warmth and kindness of its people. May the state and its people continue to progress with prosperity and happiness,” he said.
Telangana, India’s youngest state, was formed on June 2, 2014, after a prolonged movement demanding a separate state to ensure better governance and development. The state was officially carved out from Andhra Pradesh as the 29th state of India.
Two men have been arrested for drug charges and money laundering following the search of a western suburbs home over the weekend.
On Saturday 31 May, Western District Detectives searched a property at Ridleyton where they located approximately 2.5kg of methamphetamine, and approximately 400grams of ecstasy and more than $50K in cash.
A 55-year-old man and a 27-year-old man both from Ridleyton, were arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug and money laundering. Both men were refused police bail and will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Monday 2 June).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement on the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
“I am shocked and saddened by the deadly act of antisemitic violence near the Capital Jewish Museum, where an engaged couple—two young Israeli Embassy staffers—were senselessly murdered after attending an event.
As we await further details, one thing is clear: antisemitism has no place in our country. It must be confronted—boldly and urgently—by all people of conscience.
I stand with the families of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, and the Jewish community during this painful moment.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles Rangel:
“I mourn the loss of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel—a giant in Congress, a civil rights champion, and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. As the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, former Congressman Rangel broke barriers and paved the way for generations of leaders. His decades of service were marked by courage, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to justice.
My heart is saddened like all of my colleagues who were blessed to have sat with this giant. We learned from one of the best, stood on his shoulders, and now walk forward carrying his legacy. I will always cherish his words, his stories, and the joy of being—what he called me—‘the girl from Ohio.’
May we honor former Congressman Rangel by continuing to advance the values for which he stood so powerfully.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Congressman Gerry Connolly.
Known for his kind spirit and steadfast leadership on the House Oversight and House Foreign Affairs Committees, Congressman Connolly was a passionate advocate for Americans and Virginians, alike, and a champion for government accountability.
A protector of integrity and a proponent of transparency for the American people, Connolly was also a voice for America’s federal workforce, leading legislation that protected jobs and pushed back against partisan attempts to politicize civil servants.
Connolly was also a democracy defender, leading domestic investigations into political interference in the 2020 Census, the January 6th insurrection, civil service regulations, and more. Internationally, on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he condemned authoritarian regimes and advocated for free and fair elections, holding world leaders accountable for their anti-democratic efforts, and keeping the U.S. at the forefront of human rights advocacy.
Connolly’s 30+ year career in public service has left an indelible mark on Congress and our country. His courage, leadership, and integrity will be sorely missed. My heart and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) testified before the House Rules Committee in support of her amendment to the Republican budget reconciliation bill, which would strip away critical health and food assistance from millions of Americans—all to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires.
Congresswoman Beatty arrived at the The Rules Committee hearing at 3:00 a.m. She remained in the hearing room for nearly nine hours before delivering her testimony just before12:00 p.m., underscoring her unwavering commitment to standing up for working families in Ohio and across the country.
Beatty’s amendment—Amendment #280—would block the implementation of the Republican bill’s tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy if any of its provisions result in cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“Despite what the title of the Republican budget reconciliation bill would have you believe, it is not ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’”Beatty testified. “It’s a big billionaire bankroll bill. And it is one of the biggest and most reckless and heartless attacks on American families.”
Beatty warned that the bill would rip away health care from nearly 14 million Americans and deny food assistance to 11 million children, with the savings used to bankroll tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans—averaging $278,000 a year, or $762 per day.
“The worst part is that none of this is necessary,” she continued. “It is only being done to bankroll a billionaire’s tax cut.”
In her testimony, Beatty grounded her remarks in the real-life impact of these proposed cuts, highlighting Arnishia, an Ohio mother of two and recent cancer survivor who depends on Medicaid for ongoing care and is scheduled for foot surgery that would only be affordable with Medicaid. Her family also relies on SNAP to put healthy food on the table.
“I’m offering this amendment for the 2.4 million Ohioans who rely on Medicaid to access critical health care services like blood pressure, diabetes screenings, mammograms, mental health services, and other life care situations,” Beatty said.
“I’m offering this amendment for the more than 42 million Americans without federal food assistance, that they might not eat tomorrow. I’m offering this amendment for Americans who are struggling to get by and counting on us to lower their costs, not enrich billionaires.”
Beatty concluded by emphasizing that if Republicans are confident their bill doesn’t cut Medicaid or SNAP, she argued, they should have no problem supporting it.
“If you believe that is true, then you should have no problem supporting my amendment,” she said. “It would make no changes if the bill does not cut Medicaid or food assistance.”
Watch Rep. Beatty’s testimonyHERE.
See Rep. Beatty’s delivered statement to the Rules Committee HERE
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to take from the poor to give to the rich—advancing a budget that slashes essential services to fund billionaire tax breaks.
I voted NO. “In the early hours of this morning, while working families across Ohio were getting ready for their day, House Republicans passed One Big Ugly Bill—a cruel and catastrophic budget that rips healthcare, food, and opportunity from Ohioans and millions of other Americans just to bankroll bigger and better tax breaks for billionaires.
Let me be clear: this bill isn’t about fiscal responsibility or tax relief for the working class. If Republicans truly wanted to help everyday people, they could have—without gutting Medicaid, slashing food assistance, or ballooning the deficit by nearly $4 trillion. But they didn’t. They made a choice. And they chose the yacht owners over the lunchroom workers—and the children in those lunchrooms.
This bill includes the largest cut to Medicaid in American history—$698 billion—and guts $267 billion from the SNAP program. In Ohio, that means potentially substantial new costs shifted onto our state, and fewer hospitals, fewer nursing homes, fewer services for our most vulnerable neighbors.
It’s not just bad math—it’s moral failure. It’s cruel, catastrophic, and bought by billionaire donors.
Democrats fought this bill through the night, but Republicans pushed forward anyway—protecting the wealthiest one percent while punishing everyone else.
Every single House Democrat voted against this outrageous bill—and we’re not done fighting. We will continue using every tool we have to stop this assault on working families and protect the people we were sent here to serve.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Japan’s Hokkaido early Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The earthquake occurred at 3:52 a.m. local time (1852 GMT Sunday) at a shallow depth, measuring 4 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in areas such as Taiki and Urahoro in the eastern region of Hokkaido Prefecture, the agency said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Hamas said on Sunday that it affirms its readiness to begin indirect negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire immediately.
In a press statement, Hamas expressed its appreciation for the continued efforts by Qatar and Egypt to broker a ceasefire agreement.
The movement said that it is ready to “immediately begin a round of indirect negotiations” to address the outstanding issues with “the other party.”
Hamas said the objective of the talks would be to end the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, ensure the delivery of relief aid to the Palestinian people, and achieve a permanent ceasefire accompanied by the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli side regarding the Hamas announcement.
However, Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir has ordered the expansion of the ground operation into additional areas in both the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip, according to a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces.
He stated that the expansion of activity will continue until conditions are created for the return of the Israeli hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A Hezbollah member was killed Sunday evening in an Israeli strike targeting a vehicle in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from the Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health.
Security sources told Xinhua that the slain Hezbollah member was Mohammad Ali Srour, from the village of Aita al-Shaab, located in the central sector of southern Lebanon. He was on the Debel road in Bint Jbeil district when the strike targeted him.
The airstrike came despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. The deal ended more than a year of cross-border hostilities triggered by the war in the Gaza Strip.
Nevertheless, the Israeli military continues to carry out occasional strikes inside Lebanon, which it says are aimed at neutralizing “threats” posed by Hezbollah.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Ukraine on Sunday carried out drone attacks targeting airfields in multiple Russian regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, the attacks were repelled in the regions of Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. In the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions, drones launched from areas near the airfields caused several aircraft to catch fire.
The ministry added that there were no casualties among military personnel or civilian staff.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles 4th round match between Liudmila Samsonova of Russia and Zheng Qinwen of China at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has set up a quarterfinal clash with top seed Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open.
Less than a year after her historic Olympic triumph on the Paris clay, the Chinese sensation recorded her best result at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-3 victory over Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova on Sunday.
The Australian Open finalist battled for nearly three hours to secure the win.
The first set stayed on serve through six games before the players exchanged breaks in the next four. Tied at 5-5 in the tiebreak, Zheng held her nerve, striking a patient inside-in forehand winner and forcing Samsonova to net a shot to close out the grueling 76-minute set.
Samsonova responded strongly in the second, breaking Zheng twice and serving out the set. Zheng struggled with the Russian’s wide angles and squandered seven break point opportunities.
Regrouping in the final set, Zheng broke Samsonova in the sixth game when the Russian sent a backhand down the line long.
Serving for the match at 5-3, the 22-year-old Zheng fell behind 0-30 but reeled off four straight points, sealing victory after a forehand error from Samsonova.
“I am super happy, honestly,” Zheng said. “There are not many words that can describe my emotions, because I’ve been trying every year, and that’s the real first time for me to be in quarterfinals in Roland Garros.”
Sabalenka continued her consistency at the majors with a 7-5, 6-3 win over American 16th seed Amanda Anisimova to reach her third straight French Open quarterfinal.
Sabalenka won her first six meetings with Zheng, including the 2024 Australian Open final. However, Zheng earned her first victory over the Belarusian last month – on clay – in Rome.
“It’s always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka noted. “She’s a great player. Of course, I expect a great battle, and I’m super excited to face her in the quarterfinals, and I want to get my revenge. I want to get this win after Rome, so I’m happy to face her in the quarters.”
Four-time winner Iga Swiatek had to dig deep to extend her 24-match winning streak in Paris, overcoming No. 12 seed Elena Rybakina 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
“It means a lot,” said the fifth-seeded Pole. “I think I needed that kind of win to feel these feelings that I’m able to win under pressure, and even if it’s not going the right way, you know, still turn the match around to win it.”
Swiatek will next face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who outplayed Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1.
On the men’s side, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz clinched a hard-fought 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over American Ben Shelton after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach his fourth straight quarterfinal in Paris.
“Today I fought against myself, against the mind,” second seed Alcaraz said. “I just tried to calm myself. In some moments I was mad, I was angry with myself. Talking not really good things, but I am really happy to not let those thoughts play against me. I tried to calm myself down, and I tried to keep going. That is what I tried.”
The Spaniard will next face Tommy Paul, after the 12th seed defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti brushed aside Holger Rune of Denmark 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a last-eight meeting with American Frances Tiafoe, who overcame Daniel Altmaier of Germany 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4).
A 59-year-old man from the eastern suburbs has been further charged with indecent assaults on three women.
The man was arrested in January and charged over an alleged sexual assault that occurred in January in the western suburbs.
Following investigations, the man was arrested last week and charged with three counts of indecent assault. It will be alleged these indecent assaults occurred while he was working as a massage therapist in the western suburbs.
He was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 8 July.
On the eve of peace talks, Ukraine and Russia sharply ramped up the war with one of the biggest drone battles of their conflict, a Russian highway bridge blown up over a passenger train and an ambitious attack on nuclear-capable bombers deep in Siberia.
After days of uncertainty over whether Ukraine would even attend, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would meet Russian officials at the second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday.
The first round of the talks more than a week ago yielded the biggest prisoner exchange of the war – but no sense of any consensus on how to halt the fighting.
Amid talk of peace, though, there was much war.
At least seven people were killed and 69 injured when a highway bridge in Russia’s Bryansk region, neighbouring Ukraine, was blown up over a passenger train heading to Moscow with 388 people on board. No one has claimed responsibility.
Ukraine attacked Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers at a military base deep in Siberia on Sunday, a Ukrainian intelligence official said, the first such attack so far from the front lines more than 4,300 km (2,670 miles) away.
Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service, the SBU, acknowledged it carried out the attack, codenamed “Operation Spider’s Web,” planned for more than a year and a half.
The intelligence official said the operation involved hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roofs of wooden sheds and loading them onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases.
A total of 41 Russian warplanes were hit, the official said. The SBU estimated the damage at $7 billion and said Russia had lost 34% of its strategic cruise missile carriers at its main airfields.
Zelenskiy expressed delight at the “absolutely brilliant outcome,” and noted 117 drones had been used in the attack.
“And an outcome produced by Ukraine independently,” he wrote. “This is our longest-range operation.”
RUSSIA SAYS AIRCRAFT FIRES PUT OUT
A Ukrainian government official told Reuters that Ukraine did not notify the United States of the attack in advance.
Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged on the Telegram messaging app that Ukraine had launched drone strikes against Russian military airfields across five regions on Sunday.
Air attacks were repelled in all but two regions — Murmansk in the far north and Irkutsk in Siberia – where “the launch of FPV drones from an area in close proximity to airfields resulted in several aircraft catching fire.”
The fires were extinguished without casualties. Some individuals involved in the attacks had been detained, the ministry said.
Russia launched 472 drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukraine’s air force said, the highest nightly total of the war. Russia had also launched seven missiles, the air force said.
Russia’s military reported new drone attacks into Sunday evening, listing 53 attacks intercepted in a period of less than two hours, including 34 over the border Kursk region. Debris from destroyed drones triggered residential fires.
Russia said it had advanced deeper into the Sumy region of Ukraine, and open source pro-Ukrainian maps showed Russia took 450 square km of Ukrainian land in May, its fastest monthly advance in at least six months.
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Russia and Ukraine make peace and he has threatened to walk away if they do not – potentially pushing responsibility for supporting Ukraine onto the shoulders of European powers – which have far less cash and much smaller stocks of weapons than the United States.
According to Trump envoy Keith Kellogg, the two sides will in Turkey present their respective documents outlining their ideas for peace terms, though it is clear that after three years of intense war, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart.
Russia’s lead negotiator, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, was quoted by TASS news agency as saying the Russian side had received a memorandum from Ukraine on a settlement.
Zelenskiy has complained for days that Russia had failed to provide a memorandum with its proposals.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on prospects for a settlement and the forthcoming talks in Turkey, Lavrov’s ministry said.
Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. The United States says over 1.2 million people have been killed and injured in the war since 2022.
In June last year, Putin set out opening terms for an immediate end to the war: Ukraine must drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the territory of four Ukrainian regions claimed and mostly controlled by Russia.
According to a copy of the Ukrainian document seen by Reuters with a proposed roadmap for a lasting peace, there will be no restrictions on Ukraine’s military strength after a deal is struck. Nor will there be international recognition of Russian sovereignty over parts of Ukraine taken by Moscow’s forces, and reparations for Ukraine.
The document also stated that the current front line will be the starting point for negotiations about territory.
