Source: United States Navy
The United States Navy and the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) and Marine Corps (KORMAR RI) commenced Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2025 with an opening ceremony June 23, 2025 at Madura Pier onboard the TNI-AL Second Fleet Command.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) recently reintroduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, legislation that would make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway.
The Safe and Open Streets Act is in direct response to radical tactics of anti-ICE protestors who have intentionally blocked roads and highways across the country, including in Los Angeles, stranding drivers and compromising the free flow of commerce. The Safe and Open Streets Act would penalize lawbreakers through fines or up to five years of imprisonment.
“The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed. It needs to be a crime throughout the country,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to introduce the Safe and Open Streets Act so that radical activists who resort to these reckless and dangerous tactics are held accountable under the full weight of the law for endangering public safety.”
“Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” said Senator Blackburn. “These activists are not only intentionally creating a dangerous situation for themselves, but perhaps for a citizen who is awaiting an ambulance or a hard worker who will lose their job for being late. The Safe and Open Streets Act is critical to stopping this reckless behavior, particularly by Hamas sympathizers, in our U.S. cities.”
“For nearly a week, we watched as domestic terrorists assaulted ICE and law enforcement officers, set fire to cop cars, and blocked the streets of Los Angeles—all while Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass sat on their tails and did nothing,” said Senator Tuberville. “This is a prime example of what happens when lawlessness goes unpunished. The First Amendment gives us the right to freedom of assembly, but it doesn’t give the right to block our streets and put American lives at risk. I’m proud to join the Safe and Open Streets Act that penalizes and holds radical protestors accountable who put citizens in danger by purposely blocking our roadways.”
“Protestors who willfully block traffic pose a serious threat to public safety by impacting the flow of emergency vehicles and personnel,” said Senator Budd. “They can also significantly inconvenience Americans trying to get to and from work, school, or important personal business. The First Amendment protects the right to assemble and protest peacefully, but it does not permit such behavior. I’m proud to join Sen. Tillis and our colleagues in ensuring America’s streets are kept clear for everyone.”
“In America, people have the right to peacefully gather and make their voices heard. They do not have the right to obstruct roads, riot, and undermine people’s livelihoods,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after voting to confirm Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Scott worked for 30 years in various capacities at CBP and the U.S. Border Patrol, and previously served as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.
“We congratulate Commissioner Scott on his confirmation,” said Hoeven. “When I met with Commissioner Scott he made clear his commitment to securing the border through additional personnel and technology and to ensuring that CBP manages the flow of goods and people through U.S. ports of entry safely and efficiently. Border security is national security, and the Trump administration has made good progress in stopping the flow of illegal immigration at our borders. We look forward to working with Commissioner Scott to secure our borders.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) in an effort to strengthen national security by ensuring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can effectively review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites.
“We must protect sensitive military and government sites from foreign adversaries pursuing intelligence activities on our own land,” said Senator Crapo. “Idaho has multiple military installations and the acclaimed Idaho National Laboratory conducting vital research, development and training of critical national security efforts right here in our backyard, and increasing accountability about land sales around these sites is of utmost importance.”
The Protect Our Bases Act, introduced by Senators Crapo, Scott, Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), would require CFIUS member agencies to annually update records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies. This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said Chairman Scott.
“We must address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes trying to get close to our most sensitive military and intelligence sites,” said Senator Tillis. “The Protect Our Bases Act ensures the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has the most up-to-date information on key U.S. national security locations so dangerous land purchases can be blocked well before they become security risks.”
“Ensuring the safety and security of our military and government installations is a national priority,” said Senator Hagerty. “For too long, foreign adversaries have tried to exploit America’s open real estate market and rule of law in an attempt to gain strategic footholds. The Protect Our Bases Act gives our nation the tools to identify who is buying land near sensitive sites and stop transactions that could put the security of Americans at risk.”
“As threats from our foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, Iran and Russia, continue to escalate, it’s paramount that we secure our intelligence,” said Senator Britt. “Allowing CFIUS to review foreign land purchases near sensitive military and government sites is just common sense. Proud to join this legislation that takes a crucial step toward strengthening our national security and safeguarding our strategic advantages.”
“There’s no reason why America’s adversaries should be able to buy land next to our military bases,” said Senator Ricketts. “Farmland adjacent to sensitive sites should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not Communist China. This commonsense bill will help to protect our troops, prevent espionage and counter our adversaries.”
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the U.S. Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot ensure an accurate review.
In addition to requiring agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites on an annual basis, the Protect Our Bases Act makes these records easier for CFIUS to use for national security reviews and requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.
For bill text, click here.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 23, 2025
A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.
The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Alexander Culiuc visited Guatemala City during June 10-20, 2025 for the 2025 Article IV consultation. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:
Recent Economic Developments, Outlook, and Risks
Guatemala’s economy remains resilient despite rising external risks and domestic challenges. Real GDP grew by 3.7 percent in 2024, supported by strong private consumption. Inflation has eased significantly, with headline inflation falling to 1.7 percent in May 2025, while core inflation remains near 4 percent, and inflation expectations are well anchored. The current account surplus narrowed to 2.9 percent of GDP in 2024 as imports picked up, while remittances stabilized at 19 percent of GDP and international reserves reached US$27.1 billion. Public debt remains low—under 27 percent of GDP—and Guatemala is now only one notch below investment grade. Banguat kept its policy rate unchanged at 4.5 percent since the 25bps cut in November 2024.
Guatemala endeavors an investment-biased fiscal expansion. The August 2024 supplementary budget prioritized infrastructure and social spending and targeted a deficit of 2.7 percent of GDP; the realized deficit was significantly lower at 1 percent of GDP. The 2025 budget continues this expansionary approach, with a further increase in infrastructure and social allocations. While the original budget targeted a deficit of 3.2 percent of GDP, a supplementary budget, specifying carryovers from 2024 and one-off pension payments, raised the budget deficit to a notably high 3.8 percent of GDP.
The outlook for 2025 is encouraging; sustaining the growth momentum over the medium term will require steadfast policy implementation. Real GDP growth is projected at 3¾ percent in 2025, with the fiscal impulse expected to help cushion the effects of softening global demand and high uncertainty. Beyond 2025, growth is projected to slightly exceed 3½ percent, although an acceleration in public infrastructure execution and structural reforms could push both actual and potential growth higher in the outer projection years. Headline inflation is expected to gradually converge toward the monetary policy target, while the fiscal deficit is projected to remain elevated by historical standards at just below 3 percent of GDP through the medium term. The current account surplus is expected to narrow and eventually close, while public debt is projected to climb above 30 percent of GDP in the medium term.
The balance of risks is tilted to the downside. On the domestic front, there is a risk that ongoing political tensions could impede progress on legislative initiatives. Nonetheless, important progress has been made over the past year—including the approval of the 2025 budget and the competition law—demonstrating the capacity for reform even in a complex environment. Externally, intensified and/or protracted global trade disputes would weigh further on investment sentiment, although Guatemala is somewhat better positioned to weather additional trade shocks than some regional peers. Further changes in U.S. migration policy—including the proposed 3.5 percent excise tax on remittances—could disrupt remittance-supported consumption. On the upside, lower net emigration also offers a window to boost domestic employment if accompanied by targeted efforts to expand job opportunities in the formal private sector.
Fiscal Policy
The 2025 expansionary fiscal stance is appropriate, as private demand is projected to soften in the remainder of the year. Structural bottlenecks and recently strengthened anti-corruption controls are likely to limit the execution of capital spending, with the deficit projected at around 2½ percent of GDP, well below the revised budget of 3.8 percent. The historically high (1.3 percent of GDP) transfers to Departmental Development Councils (CODEDEs) require close oversight and monitoring amidst concerns of elevated risks of misallocation and inefficient use. The authorities’ ongoing multi-institutional efforts to strengthen the transparency, accountability, monitoring of CODEDEs transfers and capacity of municipalities are welcome and should be sustained.
A combination of revenue and expenditure reforms is needed in the medium term. Authorities should seek ways of reverting fiscal deficits closer to historical levels (around 2 percent of GDP) without jeopardizing the much-needed surge in public infrastructure and social spending. The tax authority (SAT) has made commendable steps in strengthening compliance through the rollout of mandatory electronic invoicing, enhanced border enforcement to combat smuggling, and more robust audits of high-income individuals and large corporations. Efforts to improve mobilization—in line with the now-public 2024 TADAT report—should continue and be complemented in the medium term by comprehensive tax policy reforms. On the expenditure side, strengthening institutional capacity for systematic expenditure reviews and embedding the National Development Plan into annual and multi-year budgets would align public spending with strategic priorities. A new Public Procurement law—currently under consideration—could alleviate bottlenecks in the execution of capital spending. Improved targeting in social programs would further increase their effectiveness. Strengthening the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and multiannual budget planning underpinned by realistic, sector-informed projections will bolster confidence—including of market participants—in fiscal sustainability.
A well-calibrated financing strategy would help the macro-policy mix. While solid creditworthiness enables the government to borrow externally on favorable terms, greater reliance on domestic financing under a sound medium term debt management strategy (MTDS) would (i) reduce real appreciation pressures (which already weigh on Guatemala’s external competitiveness), (ii) help develop the domestic financial market, (iii) reduce currency risks, and (iv) lower costs of monetary policy operation incurred by Banguat to maintain price stability. The mission also encourages the Ministry of Finance to consolidate domestic issuances, introduce shorter-maturity instruments to help develop the yield curve, and regularly publish the MTDS and annual borrowing plans.
Monetary and Exchange Policies
The current monetary policy stance is broadly appropriate, but there is scope to further strengthen monetary policy transmission. The ex-ante real policy rate is at 1 percent, within the estimated range for the neutral real rate (1–2 percent). Given prevailing uncertainty regarding the inflationary impact of recent U.S. tariff measures and potential disruptions to global supply chains, there’s scope in maintaining the current policy stance and waiting for greater clarity before making further adjustments. Estimated passthrough of the policy rate to deposit rates has recently increased. More can be done, including by advancing financial market development and competition and reducing reliance on reserve requirements for liquidity management. These efforts should be underpinned by improvements in the legal framework and market infrastructure supporting monetary policy operations.
Banguat’s response to large remittances inflows is appropriate and requires closer coordination with MinFin to address ensuing sterilization costs. Banguat’s FX participation rule delivers a reasonable balance between enabling higher consumption and maintaining external competitiveness. The resulting external position is stronger than fundamentals and desirable policies, but this positive current account gap should be closed by raising investment. On the flip side, Banguat’s policy necessarily relies on costly liquidity sterilization operations to keep inflation in check. While recent international financial conditions have been supportive of Banguat’s profitability, these costs could be further reduced through higher reliance on domestic debt to finance the budget, and closer coordination with MinFin on liquidity management. In the long term, ensuring Banguat’s financial strength will require consistent enforcement of legal provisions mandating budget to cover central bank losses.
Financial Sector
Maintaining financial stability requires continued close monitoring of the system. Guatemala’s banking system remains sound, with solid capital and liquidity buffers and strong profitability. The authorities have made important progress in bolstering the regulatory and supervisory framework through enhanced credit risk regulations, more robust stress testing, broader regulatory coverage, and the inclusion—on a voluntary basis—of savings and credit cooperatives in the Credit Risk Information System. These efforts should be reinforced by expanding risk-based supervision and strengthening oversight of fintech and digital financial services. Adopting revisions to the 2002 Law on Banks and Financial Groups, transitioning to International Financial Reporting Standards, advancing the draft Secondary Market Law, approving the e-money law and continued implementation of other elements of the financial inclusion strategy are needed.
Governance and Structural Agenda
Strengthening governance and advancing structural reforms are critical to fostering inclusive growth and restoring public trust. Key legislative priorities include the adoption of a revised AML/CFT Law aligned with international standards, the Beneficial Ownership Law, the Public Procurement Law and the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers to ensure secure reporting channels and legal safeguards. With GAFILAT mutual evaluation expected in 2027, further delays with the AML/CFT law could complicate Guatemala’s path to investment grade. Institutional progress—such as the creation of the National Commission Against Corruption and the rollout of probity offices across executive institutions—should be consolidated through a medium-term anti-corruption strategy. Accelerating infrastructure investment through amendments to the law on Partnerships for Development of Economic Infrastructure, and a new law on ports is essential to close persistent gaps and crowd in private investment. Continued efforts to formalize the economy and improve the business environment will help prepare the economy for the impact of lower net emigration on the labor market.
The mission wishes to thank the Guatemalan authorities for their cooperation and openness in the exchanges throughout our visit and wishes them every success in their efforts to move the country towards a new equilibrium characterized by high, inclusive and sustainable growth.
Guatemala: Selected Economic Indicators
|
|
|
Projections |
|||||
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
|
|
(Annual percent change, unless otherwise indicated) |
|||||||
|
Income and prices |
|||||||
|
Real GDP |
3.5 |
3.7 |
3.8 |
3.6 |
3.6 |
3.7 |
3.8 |
|
Inflation (average) |
6.2 |
2.9 |
2.4 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
|
(In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated) |
|||||||
|
External Sector |
|||||||
|
Current Account Balance |
3.1 |
2.9 |
2.5 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.2 |
|
Trade Balance (goods and services) |
-15.1 |
-15.5 |
-15.9 |
-15.8 |
-15.4 |
-15.0 |
-14.7 |
|
Remittances |
19.0 |
19.0 |
18.8 |
18.0 |
17.1 |
16.3 |
15.5 |
|
Financial Account (“+” = net lending) |
2.7 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.2 |
|
Central Government Finances |
|||||||
|
Total Revenues |
12.5 |
12.4 |
12.4 |
12.4 |
12.4 |
12.4 |
12.4 |
|
Tax Revenues |
11.7 |
11.8 |
11.7 |
11.7 |
11.7 |
11.7 |
11.7 |
|
Total Expenditure |
13.7 |
13.4 |
15.0 |
15.1 |
15.3 |
15.2 |
15.2 |
|
Current |
11.2 |
11.0 |
11.8 |
11.7 |
11.9 |
11.9 |
12.0 |
|
Capital |
2.5 |
2.4 |
3.2 |
3.4 |
3.4 |
3.3 |
3.2 |
|
Primary Balance |
0.4 |
0.7 |
-1.0 |
-1.1 |
-1.2 |
-1.0 |
-1.0 |
|
Overall Balance |
-1.3 |
-1.0 |
-2.6 |
-2.8 |
-2.9 |
-2.8 |
-2.8 |
|
Central Government Debt |
|||||||
|
Gross Central Government Debt |
27.2 |
26.3 |
27.1 |
28.0 |
28.9 |
29.6 |
30.2 |
|
Source: Bank of Guatemala; Ministry of Finance; and Fund staff estimates and projections. |
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PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/23/guatemala-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 23, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the combined Third and Fourth Reviews of Bangladesh’s arrangements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The Executive Board also approved an augmentation of SDR 567.19 million (53.2 percent of quota) for the ECF/EFF arrangements and a six-month extension. Completion of these reviews allows the authorities to immediately withdraw SDR 650.5 million (about US$884 million) under the ECF/EFF, and SDR 333.3 million (about US$453 million) under the RSF.[1]
Further, the IMF Executive Board approved a modification of performance criteria and granted a waiver for the non-observance of the performance criterion related to the non-imposition and non-intensification of exchange restrictions, based on the temporary nature of the non-observance and the implementation of corrective measures.
Bangladesh’s arrangements under the ECF/EFF/RSF were approved on January 30, 2023, in an amount equivalent to SDR 2.5 billion (154.3 percent of quota or about US$3.3 billion) under the ECF/EFF and SDR 1 billion (93.8 percent of quota or about US$1.4 billion) under the RSF (PR no. 23/25)
The augmentation approved by the Executive Board today brings the total financial assistance under the ECF and EFF arrangements to SDR 3,035.65 million (about US$ 4.1billion), alongside concurrent RSF arrangements of SDR 1 billion (about US$1.4 billion). The enlarged enhanced ECF/EFF is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, promoting inclusive growth, and protecting the vulnerable. The RSF arrangement has secured fiscal space needed to build resilience against climate risks.
Bangladesh’s macroeconomic challenges have increased since the popular uprising in the summer of 2024, which led to the ouster of the previous government. The timely formation of an interim government has helped stabilize political and security conditions, fostering a gradual return to economic stability. However, the economic outlook has worsened due to persistent political uncertainty, continuation of tighter policy mix, rising trade barriers, and increasing stress in the banking sector.
Program performance for the third and fourth reviews remains broadly satisfactory despite the difficult political and economic context. The authorities are fully committed to implementing necessary policies under the program and have recently pressed forward with critical reforms to increase exchange rate flexibility and boost tax revenues.
The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]
Executive Board Assessment[3]
Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“Bangladesh’s economy continues to navigate multiple macroeconomic challenges. Despite a difficult environment, program performance has remained broadly on track, and the authorities are committed to implementing necessary policy actions and reforms. The IMF-supported programs are helping safeguard macroeconomic stability and protect the most vulnerable, while accelerating reforms to support resilient and inclusive growth.
“Near-term policies should prioritize rebuilding external resilience and reducing inflation. The authorities’ recent steps to implement a new exchange rate regime and include revenue-enhancing measures in the FY2026 budget are welcome. A balanced policy mix—anchored in maintaining a tight monetary policy stance, greater exchange rate flexibility, and revenue-based fiscal consolidation—will support efforts to restore both external and internal balances.
“Efforts to raise tax revenues and rationalize expenditures—including through subsidy reduction—are critical for creating the fiscal space needed to strengthen social, development, and climate initiatives. Sustained progress in reducing government subsidies to a fiscally sustainable level, along with enhanced public financial management, is essential to improving spending efficiency and mitigating fiscal risks.
“Financial sector policy should prioritize safeguarding stability and addressing rising vulnerabilities. Developing a comprehensive, sequenced strategy to guide reforms is an immediate priority, followed by the swift implementation of the new legal frameworks to enable orderly bank restructuring while protecting small depositors.
“Sustained structural reforms are essential for Bangladesh to achieve its goal of attaining upper middle-income status. Key priorities include diversifying exports, attracting greater foreign direct investment, strengthening governance, and enhancing data quality.
“Building resilience to natural disasters is essential for achieving high and inclusive growth. The RSF’s focus on strengthening institutions and policy coordination as well as on enhancing the efficiency of climate-related spending remains critical, including in helping mobilize climate finance.”
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Bangladesh: Selected Economic Indicators, FY2022-27 1/
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[1] SDR figures for the disbursed are converted at the market rate of U.S. dollar per SDR on the day of the Board approval.
[2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/bangladesh page.
[3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/23/pr-25213-bangladesh-imf-concludes-combined-3rd-and-4th-reviews-under-the-ecf-eff-and-rsf
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-321-9747
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after the House voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) to ensure no more U.S. tax dollars fall into the hands of the Taliban after the Biden administration paid the terrorist regime millions of dollars following the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“This bill makes sure not a single penny of American taxpayer money ends up in the hands of the Taliban—not directly, not through back doors, and not via weak-willed foreign governments or shady NGOs,” Chairman Mast said. “If you’re funding the Taliban, you’re no friend of the United States.”
This issue has been a key focus for House Republicans since last Congress when lawmakers were made aware that weekly cash shipments of nearly $40 million were being sent to Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled Central Bank.
Additionally, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction reported in May 2024 that more than $10 million had been paid to the Taliban in the form of taxes since they took over Afghanistan in August 2021. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later admitted that around $10 million had been paid to the Taliban in the form of taxes after testifying before the committee in December 2024.
Republicans, led by Rep. Burchett, introduced H.R. 6586 last Congress to oppose financial and material support from falling into the hands of the Taliban. The measure passed unanimously both in committee and on the House floor, but Senate Democrats refused to bring the bill up for final passage.
This Congress, Republicans introduced H.R. 260 – No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act which builds upon H.R. 6586 to ensure no U.S. taxpayer dollars end up in the hands of the Taliban.
The bill advanced to the House floor during the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s first full committee markup of the 119th Congress.
“I would like to thank Chairman Mast and the entire House Foreign Affairs Committee for their tireless work on this legislation,” Rep. Burchett said. “We are one step closer to ensuring that US dollars stop flowing to terrorist organizations.”
The measure now proceeds to the Senate for final passage.
###
Source: US State of Vermont
Sentence is the First Insider Trading Prosecution Based Exclusively on Use of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
The former CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Ontrak Inc., a Miami-based publicly traded health care company, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for engaging in an insider trading scheme using Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans to avoid losses of more than $12.5 million.
Terren Scott Peizer, 65, a resident of Puerto Rico and Santa Monica, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who also ordered him to pay a fine of $5.25 million and forfeit more than $12.7 million in ill-gotten gains.
“Terren Peizer betrayed the trust of Ontrak’s investors, trading on inside information to offload company stock before a substantial price decline,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s just sentence reflects the Criminal Division’s hard work and commitment to prosecuting frauds that harm American investors. The Criminal Division will use the tools at its disposal to combat sophisticated frauds that exploit our securities markets.”
“Insiders must not be allowed to put their thumbs on the scales of the stock market,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Individuals who impugn the integrity of our markets can and will face prison time for their crimes.”
In May 2021, Peizer entered into his first 10b5-1 trading plan shortly after learning that the relationship between Ontrak and its largest customer was deteriorating, and that the customer had expressed serious reservations about continuing its contract with Ontrak. Peizer later learned that the customer informed Ontrak of its intent to terminate the contract. In August 2021, Peizer entered into his second 10b5-1 trading plan minutes after Ontrak’s chief negotiator for the contract told Peizer that the contract likely would be terminated.
In establishing his 10b5-1 plans, Peizer refused to engage in any “cooling-off” period — the time between when he entered into the plan and when he sold stock — despite warnings from two brokers, a senior Ontrak executive, and attorneys. Instead, Peizer began selling shares of Ontrak on the next trading day after establishing each plan. On Aug. 19, 2021, just six days after Peizer adopted his 10b5-1 plan, Ontrak announced that the customer had terminated its contract and Ontrak’s stock price declined by more than 44%.
In June 2024, Peizer was found guilty after a 10 day jury trial of one count of securities fraud and two counts of insider trading. The case is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans.
The FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the substantial assistance of FINRA’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.
Trial Attorney Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Galatzan for the Central District of California assisted with the forfeiture proceedings.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Sergeant Shiou Deng:
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the loss of Sergeant Deng, who dedicated more than 26 years to serving the Los Angeles community with pride and purpose. We join his family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning, and in honoring his memory. May his service never be forgotten.”
On June 23, LAPD Sergeant Deng was fatally injured while assisting at a crash on southbound I-405 near Getty Center Drive. After stopping to help, he was struck by another vehicle that collided with the original crash. Despite lifesaving efforts by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Fire Department, Sergeant Deng succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Deng, 53, has been with the LAPD for over 26 years. During his career, he spent 17 years in the Mental Evaluation Unit, a specialized team within the LAPD that handles calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. Two years ago, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the West Los Angeles Division.
He is survived by his wife and parents.
In honor of Sergeant Deng, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Source: US FBI
SAN ANTONIO –United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 251 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from June 13 through 19.
Among the new cases, U.S. citizens Derrick Eugene Huntington, 39, and Michael Jerear Smith Jr., 39, of Arlington, along with Christina Elena Duggan-Rankin, 42, of Huffman, were arrested at an immigration checkpoint near Carrizo Springs after they were allegedly discovered conspiring to transport four illegal aliens concealed in two separate vehicles. A criminal complaint alleges that Huntington and Smith occupied a sedan carrying an illegal alien in the trunk, while Duggan-Rankin drove an SUV with one illegal alien hidden on the floorboard in the passenger compartment and two others in the rear of the vehicle. The complaint further alleges that the three Americans admitted to conspiring with a facilitator to transport the aliens to a location near San Antonio for monetary gain, and that cell phone evidence revealed photos of the smuggled aliens and communications with the facilitator, along with a pin-drop of the pick-up location. Huntington, Smith and Duggan-Rankin are each charged with bringing in and harboring aliens.
In a separate case, U.S. citizens Raul Hilario Alvarado, 24, and Timothey Nathan Easterling, 40, were arrested during a vehicle stop on Highway 85 near Big Wells for allegedly transporting two illegal aliens. During an immigration inspection, a criminal complaint alleges, one backseat passenger was determined to be illegally present in the U.S., while a second illegal alien was found in the trunk of the vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, both defendants admitted to conspiring with a facilitator and that they were going to be paid up to $2,500 for transporting the illegal aliens.
Mexican nationals Israel Moreno-Salgado, 38, and Jose Hector Ramirez Roman, 43, were arrested near Maverick and charged with illegal re-entry felonies. Moreno-Salgado has been previously removed from the U.S. eight times, the most recent being April 1. Ramirez Roman has been removed from the U.S. five times, the latest being Jan. 22. Honduran national Delmar Sanchez-Zuniga, 42, was also arrested near Maverick for illegal re-entry. The three-time felon, with convictions for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, and a previous illegal re-entry conviction, has been deported twice before, the last being Dec. 13, 2024.
Mexican national Jose Rodolfo Cruz-Lopez was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry in El Paso. Court documents reveal that, in May 2023, Cruz-Lopez was convicted of three felonies related to child abduction in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. He was removed from the U.S. to Mexico in October 2023. Also a Mexican national, Edwin Enrique Carpio-Lopez was arrested for illegal re-entry, having been removed from the U.S. five times, the last being on Feb. 11. Additionally, immigration records show Carpio-Lopez has been granted four voluntary returns and has been expelled 17 times under Title 42.
On June 14, U.S. Border Patrol agents in El Paso attempted a traffic stop after they allegedly observed multiple individuals enter a pick-up truck near the border. A criminal complaint alleges that the driver of the truck, identified as Mexican national Ruben Alfredo Carrillo-Castruita¸ fled at a high rate of speed in a reckless manner, running several red lights before exiting the vehicle at an intersection and fleeing on foot. An assisting Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was able to apprehend Carrillo-Castruita, while the two passengers who fled from the pick-up were located by Border Patrol agents. The complaint alleges that Carrillo-Castruita admitted to being hired by a smuggler and was going to be paid $300 per illegal alien. The defendant was previously convicted for transporting illegal aliens in New Mexico in May 2023.
Heriberto Betancourt-Morales, a Mexican national, was charged in a criminal complaint for conspiracy to bring in aliens as the result of a U.S. Border Patrol investigation that identified him as a person involved in human smuggling. The complaint alleges that Betancourt-Morales was previously removed from El Paso to Ciudad Juarez on Sept. 21, 2024, and had transported multiple illegal aliens in May 2025. In one victim account, Betancourt-Morales allegedly carried a makeshift ladder for an alien to climb the border fence and pushed them over the fence causing the alien to fall and sustain injuries. Another victim cited in the complaint alleged that Betancourt-Morales and other smugglers transported her to multiple stash houses in Mexico prior to making illegal entry using a makeshift ladder to climb the fence. A third victim also identified Betancourt-Morales as an individual who conducted random checkups and gave orders at a stash house in Ciudad Juarez, where she was harbored with more than 10 other subjects.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, 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).
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Source: United States Attorneys General
Sentence is the First Insider Trading Prosecution Based Exclusively on Use of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
The former CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Ontrak Inc., a Miami-based publicly traded health care company, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for engaging in an insider trading scheme using Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans to avoid losses of more than $12.5 million.
Terren Scott Peizer, 65, a resident of Puerto Rico and Santa Monica, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who also ordered him to pay a fine of $5.25 million and forfeit more than $12.7 million in ill-gotten gains.
“Terren Peizer betrayed the trust of Ontrak’s investors, trading on inside information to offload company stock before a substantial price decline,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s just sentence reflects the Criminal Division’s hard work and commitment to prosecuting frauds that harm American investors. The Criminal Division will use the tools at its disposal to combat sophisticated frauds that exploit our securities markets.”
“Insiders must not be allowed to put their thumbs on the scales of the stock market,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Individuals who impugn the integrity of our markets can and will face prison time for their crimes.”
In May 2021, Peizer entered into his first 10b5-1 trading plan shortly after learning that the relationship between Ontrak and its largest customer was deteriorating, and that the customer had expressed serious reservations about continuing its contract with Ontrak. Peizer later learned that the customer informed Ontrak of its intent to terminate the contract. In August 2021, Peizer entered into his second 10b5-1 trading plan minutes after Ontrak’s chief negotiator for the contract told Peizer that the contract likely would be terminated.
In establishing his 10b5-1 plans, Peizer refused to engage in any “cooling-off” period — the time between when he entered into the plan and when he sold stock — despite warnings from two brokers, a senior Ontrak executive, and attorneys. Instead, Peizer began selling shares of Ontrak on the next trading day after establishing each plan. On Aug. 19, 2021, just six days after Peizer adopted his 10b5-1 plan, Ontrak announced that the customer had terminated its contract and Ontrak’s stock price declined by more than 44%.
In June 2024, Peizer was found guilty after a 10 day jury trial of one count of securities fraud and two counts of insider trading. The case is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans.
The FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the substantial assistance of FINRA’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.
Trial Attorney Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Galatzan for the Central District of California assisted with the forfeiture proceedings.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
———————————
Highlights:
– 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)
– Guest Speaker Tomorrow Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
– Damascus Church Attack
– Security Council meeting on Iran, Secretary General Remarks.
Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20June%202025
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico Pablo José Hernández (D-P.R.) and 19 Members of Congress in a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright calling on the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to redirect funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund. In 2022, Congress approved $1 billion for the fund to improve the resilience of the Puerto Rican electric grid.
“We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to redirect funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund away from providing the most vulnerable citizens of Puerto Rico with backup power,” wrote the lawmakers. “As you know, these congressionally appropriated funds were intended to provide solar and battery storage at residential communities and health centers across the island. DOE has claimed that the funds will now be deployed to ‘support practical fixes that offer a faster, more impactful solution to the current crisis.’ We, however, remain greatly concerned that the people of Puerto Rico are being used as pawns in President Trump’s attack on clean energy, and fail to see a justification for this action.”
“The long-term recovery process of Puerto Rico’s electric grid has been marked by significant challenges, including recurring power outages that continue to impact the daily lives of Puerto Ricans, with one as recently as this past April,” continued the lawmakers. “We are concerned that redirecting this funding would restart the allocation process, delaying timely and needed resources to medically vulnerable populations. In addition, the legal justification for this “reallocation” of funds, with seeming disregard to congressional intent, remains unclear.”
In addition to Heinrich, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S.Representatives Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) also signed the letter.
Read the full letter here and below.
Dear Secretary Wright:
We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to redirect funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund away from providing the most vulnerable citizens of Puerto Rico with backup power. As you know, these congressionally appropriated funds were intended to provide solar and battery storage at residential communities and health centers across the island. DOE has claimed that the funds will now be deployed to “support practical fixes that offer a faster, more impactful solution to the current crisis”. We, however, remain greatly concerned that the people of Puerto Rico are being used as pawns in President Trump’s attack on clean energy, and fail to see a justification for this action.
The long-term recovery process of Puerto Rico’s electric grid has been marked by significant challenges, including recurring power outages that continue to impact the daily lives of Puerto Ricans, with one as recently as this past April. We are concerned that redirecting this funding would restart the allocation process, delaying timely and needed resources to medically vulnerable populations. In addition, the legal justification for this “reallocation” of funds, with seeming disregard to congressional intent, remains unclear.
We strongly urge you to reconsider this action.
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on U.S. military action in Iran.
“This strike ordered by President Trump is a reckless and dangerous escalation that puts American lives at risk and threatens our national security. It was carried out without congressional approval and with no clear plan for what comes next beyond more chaos and bloodshed.
“We’ve all seen what happens when the United States gets dragged into an endless war in the Middle East — lives lost, trillions spent, and no lasting peace or security. We cannot continue to repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
The inaugural meeting of Badenoch and Strathspey’s Local Transport Forum took place today in Grantown on Spey.
Representatives from community councils and partner organisations came together to discuss the scope and membership of the forum as agreed by the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee.
Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee, Councillor Russell Jones, said: “I’m pleased to see community groups coming together to take forward the newly established Local Transport Forum which was agreed in April. The forum provides an opportunity for local people to share concerns and ideas, engage directly with transport operators and build strong relationships with partner organisations.
“With many rural communities throughout Badenoch and Strathspey, transport is particularly important for this area and the forum will act as a central point of contact for transport issues and ensure that local people can be involved in the development of improved transport solutions, covering everything from active travel to buses and trains and linking all of these together. The aim is to support local people to move around our area more easily and when best suits them.
“‘My ward colleagues and I will be actively involved in this forum at all times, and we look forward to working with Community Council representatives, partner organisations and transport providers. We are determined to see results for local residents, and I look forward to working with the community on this as Chair of the new Transport Forum.”
Members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Committee agreed to establish the Local Transport Forum at the last committee meeting on 28 April. Regular meetings of the forum will take place after the summer recess, with venues alternating between Badenoch and Strathspey.
23 Jun 2025
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Whin Park, one of Inverness’s most cherished outdoor spaces, has officially reopened following a £500,000 transformation that has delivered a vibrant, inclusive, and modern play experience for children and families across the Highlands.
Marking the occasion at the end of May, pupils from St Joseph’s and Muirtown Primary Schools, students from Millburn Academy, and pipers from Inverness Royal Academy joined Highland Council representatives for a celebratory ribbon-cutting event led by City Leader Cllr Ian Brown.
“I’m delighted this project has been delivered,” said Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness and Area. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation, especially the young people. Their input has helped us create a sustainable, inclusive play space for all ages and abilities. We now have a park we can enjoy and be proud of.”
Shaped by extensive community engagement, the winning design received overwhelming support during public consultation, with over 77% of respondents favouring it. The new features include a Nessie-themed interactive sculpture, Legend Seeker play ship, swing area, climbing birds’ nest, adventure mound with scramble net and tube slide, and the Highlands’ first Sona Interactive Dance Arch, which uses audio and gaming technology to encourage active play outdoors.
Cllr Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, added: “Play and interaction are vital to the development of young people, and these much-needed upgrades ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of play in a safe and engaging environment.”
The winning design was delivered by Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd, with installation by Play Works Ltd.
Michael Hoenigmann, Managing Director of Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have designed and built the new play area at Whin Park. This was an ambitious project, completed on time and within budget. We’ve worked closely with The Highland Council team to create a unique play environment that is inclusive, resilient to the Scottish climate, and packed with high-quality equipment that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The project was funded by £234,988 from the Scottish Government Play Area Fund, £150,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund, and £102,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund.
Whin Park continues to offer the popular boating pond, miniature Ness Islands Railway, and on-site refreshments—now complemented by a modern, accessible, and exciting play area designed with children’s input at its heart.
In addition to the play area transformation, the park’s public conveniences have also recently undergone refurbishment, providing accessible toilet facilities to support visitors and complement the wider improvements across the park.
Highland Council would also like to thank local florist Flowers by Lee for kindly providing the ribbon used during the opening ceremony—adding a special finishing touch to the opening celebration.
See the new park and watch the opening ceremony on our YouTube channel.
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
David Cowie and Nicole Wallace pictured with the “Best Plan” category award
Planning for The Flow Country World Heritage Site has been recognised by an award from the Royal Town Planning Institute. The submission to RTPI’s Awards for Planning Excellence 2025 – Scottish round, submitted by The Highland Council, won against stiff competition in the ‘Best Plan’ category from National Planning Framework 4, the Hawick Place Plan and the Hagshaw Energy Cluster.
In July 2024, UNESCO inscribed The Flow Country as a World Heritage Site, marking the site as globally significant, as important as the Great Barrier Reef or the Serengeti and worthy of protection and restoration. Globally it is the first peatland World Heritage Site. It is also Scotland’s first World Heritage Site inscribed purely for natural criteria, and only the sixth natural site in the UK.
The award was presented to Highland Council representatives Nicole Wallace (Service Lead – Environment and Active and Sustainable Travel) and David Cowie (Principal Planner) at a ceremony held on Monday evening, 16 June at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.
Speaking after the event, Nicole Wallace said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition of planning for The Flow Country World Heritage Site. It is welcome acknowledgement of the planning position statement and heritage impact assessment toolkit published by the Council to guide development and protection. But it is also recognition of the efforts of the whole Flow Country Partnership that led the bid for UNESCO inscription of the site and the importance of addressing the challenges that lie ahead and maximising the opportunities to be gained from it.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Protecting The Flow Country is hugely important as part of the response to both climate and ecological emergencies. Planning has a key role in this protection, guiding decisions that protect the outstanding universal value of the site, whilst enabling appropriate development in light of community priorities. It’s great for the team to receive this award and the boost it provides.”
RTPI’s annual Awards for Planning Excellence showcase and celebrate the best plans, projects and people, recognising and highlighting the positive contribution planning professionals make in the communities they serve around the world. As one of the local winners, The Flow Country World Heritage Site will now be put forward for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence national awards that are judged later in the year.
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
The Highland Council will deliver a transformative programme of energy efficiency upgrades across Council housing supported by a £9.2 million Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding proposal secured by Union Technical.
The funding proposal will deliver approximately 1,000 individual energy efficiency measures to Council owned properties across the Highlands, and the upgrades will focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving thermal comfort, and lowering energy bills for tenants.
Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, Chair of Highland Council’s Housing and Property Committee, said: “This is a fantastic programme which will allow us to improve the quality and condition of our properties for tenants throughout the Highlands. The programme is a crucial step towards decarbonising Highland Council housing and will ensure our tenants benefit from warmer and more efficient homes.”
The programme includes:
The energy efficiency measures are also expected to significantly improve the Energy Performance Certificate ratings of properties, which will support the Council in meeting statutory targets such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing.
Additionally, the Council continues to deliver the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by the Scottish Government, which provides support for owner occupiers and private rented tenants. This programme offers funding for similar energy efficiency measures, subject to Scottish Government eligibility, and can help to lower fuel costs and improving living conditions for tenants.
The Council continues to explore various external funding streams to support the ongoing delivery of energy efficiency measures across Council housing.
More information is available on The Highland Council website.
23 Jun 2025
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South –
“This supportive living home with a focused model of support will meet the unique needs of people living with acquired brain injuries on Vancouver Island. The opening of Connect Saanich Peninsula represents hope and new opportunities for specialized community-based healing and support closer to home.”
Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –
“This new service aligns with Island Health’s goal to provide patient-centred, accessible and equitable care for Vancouver Island residents, and will address an identified gap in specialized brain-injury services on the south Island. By expanding and improving the services provided to people living with brain injuries, we can improve quality of life for clients, provide hope for improved wellness, support families and caregivers and reduce strain on hospitals and long-term care resources.”
Ashley Ormiston, regional program co-ordinator, brain injury program, Island Health –
“Living with a brain injury can be life-altering. With early intervention and focused, timely interventions, we know people with brain injuries can begin to recover, improve their health, gain independence and reintegrate into society.”
Patti Flaherty, CEO, Connect Communities –
“We are thrilled to partner with Island Health and expand Connect’s Life Redesign Model to Vancouver Island. Our team has more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals after brain injury and stroke in Langley, Kelowna and Ontario. Our south-Island location will help empower and coach the people we support to redesign their lives to find meaning and connection.”
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever.
Prime Minister Carney congratulated Prime Minister De Wever on taking office in February and emphasized the longstanding ties between Canada and Belgium.
The leaders discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on advancing clean energy solutions such as nuclear and hydrogen, strengthening critical minerals supply chains, and deepening co-operation on defence procurement.
They affirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and agreed on the imperative of achieving a just and lasting peace. The leaders also underscored their commitment to defence co-operation in support of security in Europe, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank.
Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister De Wever agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to continuing discussions at the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, later this week.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tourism Strategy Committee holds fourth meeting
Members expressed their recognition to the KTSP since its commissioning, which was well received by both the tourism industry and the visitors. Members put forward suggestions for optimising the transportation and catering arrangements during mega events as well as strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.
Regarding the preliminary land use proposal of the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, members considered that with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas were well-positioned to be re-planned and developed into a new harbourfront landmark that would integrate leisure and entertainment, dining and retail, and water-friendly elements. As for the utilisation of water body, members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site should be put to good use. The proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities to be provided thereat could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. Members also recommended the Government to provide space for setting up land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities. The DEVB is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal. The consultation period will end on July 5, 2025. The Government will take into account members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the development proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The target is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
In addition, members also exchanged views with Hong Kong Tourism Board’s representatives regarding Hong Kong’s latest tourism performance and relevant statistics. For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong received more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12 per cent increase year-on-year. Among the visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10 per cent rise year-on-year. Growth momentum is sustained across various non-Mainland markets, with around 5 million visitor arrivals in the first five months, an 18 per cent rise year-on-year. Number of visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan and increasing more than 20 per cent year-on-year respectively. For Australia, a significant growth of more than 30 per cent was recorded.
The Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Members include prominent figures and key leaders from the tourism and other related sectors such as culture, sports, retail and catering.
Issued at HKT 21:45
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH to launch final phase of HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme on June 26???
The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said, “In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common cancer among women in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the high-risk types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the DH launched the first phase of Programme in December last year to provide free vaccination for female full-time students studying in Secondary Five or above (including secondary sections of special schools). As of June 8, the coverage rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine in the first phase of the Programme has exceeded 80 per cent. The second phase has begun in mid-March this year, offering free HPV vaccination to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are currently studying at local post-secondary institutions. All post-secondary institutions have participated.”
Under the final phase of the Programme, all female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are not currently studying and have not completed their HPV vaccination only need to register with eHealth first, after which they can make an appointment through the website or telephone number of the WWS under the PHCC of the HHB for free vaccination at the WWS and its service points, or designated District Health Centre (DHC)/Express (E). Appointments can be made starting today by calling the WWS at 2855 1333 or through its website (www.wws.org.hk/vaccineIssued at HKT 17:55
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly promote Modular Integrated Construction development
The Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the MiC Laboratory of The University of Hong Kong, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Modular Integrated Construction Industry Alliance (Alliance) are co-organisers of the MiC Week.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively promoting the adoption of MiC to enhance the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the construction industry. As of now, over 100 government and private projects have adopted this advanced construction method. She said that the HKSAR Government is implementing a series of measures to strengthen the supply chain of MiC, including the release of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook, the accreditation of MiC manufacturers, the announcement of the MiC Annual Demand Forecast and the enhancement of relevant training on MiC, as well as the research and development of new technologies. Among which, the DEVB plans to announce a new requirement for public works projects later this year to require MiC manufacturers to be accredited before bidding for tenders of relevant projects, with a view to streamlining the vetting and approval process and ensuring quality. She said that the Guangdong Province is the main manufacturing base for MiC modules in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), while Hong Kong possesses advantages in research and development as well as overseas promotion. The DEVB will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government to build the GBA into a MiC technology and construction hub, and promote MiC to become a new quality productive force and a strategic industry that expands to the international arena.
The Director-General of the DHURDGP, Mr Zhang Yong, said in his speech that high-quality and reliable MiC products from Guangdong have been gradually applied in various projects in Hong Kong including office buildings, school dormitories, public housing and private buildings, making positive contributions to the urban development and the security of people’s livelihoods in Hong Kong. From January to May this year, Guangdong exported MiC modules with a total value of about $1.39 billion to Hong Kong, a year-on-year increase of 2.3 times, demonstrating strong technical and supply capabilities. Building on the development of a supply chain that fully supports Hong Kong, Guangdong has also progressively developed application scenarios such as schools, hospitals and talent accommodation, and explored MiC technology innovations for projects including super-high-rise buildings and in-situ redevelopment, advancing pilot modular projects for urban development.
The unveiling ceremony of the Alliance was also held during the launching ceremony. With membership comprising industry associations, higher education institutions, research institutes, enterprises, experts and scholars from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Alliance aims to promote the development of MiC in the GBA, aligning with the national strategies of high-quality development and green building.
In addition, the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook compiled by the DEVB was also released at the launching ceremony. The guidebook provides manufacturers with guidelines on application for bonded processing trade arrangements for MiC materials and cross-boundary tax declarations for exporting MiC modules to Hong Kong, enabling all parties in the MiC supply chain in the GBA to conduct MiC cross-boundary trade more conveniently and efficiently.
The Chairperson of the BTRi, Mr Hon Chi-keung, also presented accreditation certificates to the first batch of eight manufacturers accredited under the MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme
The Chairman of the CIC, Professor Thomas Ho, also announced the first MiC Annual Demand Forecast
The launching ceremony attracted over 1 000 participants who took part both online and offline. Other activities of the MiC Week include International Conference on Modular Integrated Construction, an enterprise forum, a design workshop, a site visit to a MiC project, a guided tour for public and more. Details are available on its websiteIssued at HKT 22:48
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Home Affairs Department Issues Statement on Impersonation Incident
The Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (June 23) noted an unidentified individual impersonating “Tai Po District Officer” posting a statement under the name of the “Tai Po District Care Teams Alliance” in a Facebook group named “Tai Po”. The HAD would like to point out clearly that the content of the aforementioned post and the so-called statement were false, and were not issued by Tai Po District Officer or District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams). In response to the post, the HAD has taken immediate action to report the case to the Police for investigation, and contact the relevant social media platform to request prompt removal of the false content.
The Government will take serious action in accordance with the law against impersonation of public officers or posting of any false information in the name of Care Teams. The HAD calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the HAD’s hotline at 2835 2500 or to the Police. The public is also reminded to obtain accurate information through official Government channels and to refrain from trusting or forwarding unverified online messages.
The formation of Care Teams aims to consolidate community resources to care for the community and strengthen district networks in support of district-based initiatives. Care Teams carry out caring activities, such as visiting those in need, and assist in handling incidents and emergencies. Care Teams also help the Government disseminate information and relay feedback of the community. For further details about the Care Teams, please visit the HAD website: www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Taxi fleet thematic job fair to offer one-stop platform to recruit fleet drivers
The Transport Department (TD) said today (June 23) that a taxi fleet thematic job fair will be held on June 25 (Wednesday) at the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices to enable taxi fleet operators to recruit fleet drivers.
The job fair is jointly organised by the Labour Department (LD) and three of the taxi fleet operators, namely Big Boss Taxi Company Limited (Big Boss Taxi fleet), CMG Fleet Management Limited (Amigo fleet) and Tai Wo Management Limited (Joie fleet). Job seekers can learn more about the details of job vacancies for fleet drivers, submit job applications on-site, and may also have the opportunity to attend on-the-spot interviews.
According to the operators, taxi fleets will offer various incentives to fleet drivers, such as a referral bonus for new drivers and safe driving bonuses. They will also provide flexible working hour arrangements. In addition, the operators will offer pre-service training to enhance drivers’ customer service skills. Online hailing platforms, including mobile applications and websites, will be available for passengers to schedule their trips, thereby increasing drivers’ income. Moreover, operators will implement systematic management to support drivers in handling customer enquiries and feedback, creating a better working environment for fleet drivers.
The TD will continue to introduce different measures to facilitate taxi fleet operations. These include setting up a few dozen designated fleet taxi stopping places at the airport, certain boundary control points such as Heung Yuen Wai Control Point, Shenzhen Bay Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station, certain Airport Express stations, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong Disneyland, etc, to provide convenience for fleet drivers in picking up passengers with pre-booked trips.
Different taxi fleet operators participated in the LD’s district job fairs earlier this month and received enthusiastic responses from job seekers. This thematic job fair aims to further enhance job seekers’ understanding of the advantages of taxi fleets and their employment modes, providing a one-stop platform for fleet operators to recruit fleet drivers in parallel.
The job fair will be held from 2.30pm to 5pm at the Kowloon West Job Centre, 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po. Admission is free.
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
This recall involves correcting certain devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.
Affected Product
• Product Names: Carestation 620/650/650c and 750/750c Anesthesia Systems
Full List of Affected Devices
Product
Ref Number
UDI Number
Carestation 620 A1
1012-9620-200
00195278439536
Carestation 650C A1
1012-9655-200
00195278439543
Carestation 650 A1
1012-9650-200
00195278439529
Carestation 620 A1
1012-9620-000
00840682103985
Carestation 650 A1
1012-9650-000
00840682103947
Carestation 650c A1
1012-9655-000
00840682103954
Carestation 620 A2
1012-9620-002
00840682124546
Carestation 650 A2
1012-9650-002
00840682124560
Carestation 650c A2
1012-9655-002
00840682124539
Carestation 650 SE A2
1012-9650-012
00195278569684
Carestation 620 SE A2
1012-9620-012
00195278569677
Carestation 750 A1
1012-9750-000
00840682145596
Carestation 750c A1
1012-9755-000
00840682146425
Carestation 750 A2
1012-9750-002
00840682146470
Carestation 750c A2
1012-9755-002
00840682146463
What to Do
On March 21, 2025, GE HealthCare sent all affected customers an urgent medical device correction notice recommending the following actions:
Ensure users are made aware not to use Volume Control Ventilation (VCV) mode on the device until the device has been corrected by GE HealthCare.
Ensure all potential staff in your facility are made aware of this safety notification and the recommended actions.
Complete and return the Medical Device Notification Acknowledgement Response Form.
Perform the Ventilation Screening Test for each affected Carestation system.
If the Carestation system passes the Ventilation Screening Test, you can continue to use the device in accordance with the instructions in the User Reference Manual (URM).
If the Carestation system fails the Ventilation Screening Test and must be used prior to the system being corrected by GE HealthCare, follow these instructions:
Use the device in accordance with the instructions in the URM with these changes:
Use only Pressure Control Ventilation (PCV) or Pressure Control Ventilation Volume Guarantee (PCV-VG) mode to mechanically ventilate a patient.
Do not use Volume Control Ventilation (VCV) mode to mechanically ventilate a patient.
NOTE: Manual mode of the anesthesia system can be used to provide manual ventilation or allow spontaneous ventilation of the patient.
Reason for Correction
GE HealthCare is correcting certain Carestation devices due to the risk that they may not provide effective ventilation when used in Volume Control Ventilation (VCV) mode. In these systems, effective ventilation can be achieved in Pressure Control Ventilation (PCV) or Pressure Control Ventilation Volume Guarantee (PCV-VG) modes or with manual ventilation. If this issue occurs, it will be apparent to the user through observation and multiple alarms. The inflated bellows, visible through transparent glass, will stop moving and an audible alarm and visual Unable to Drive Bellows message will alert the user. Additional alarms including Apnea, EtCO2 low, MVexp low, RR low, and TVexp low will also alert the user to inadequate ventilation.
The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including failure of ventilation resulting in hypoxia (inadequate oxygen levels) and death.
At this time, GE HealthCare has reported no serious injuries or deaths related to this issue.
Device Use
Intended use of the Carestation is to provide monitored anesthesia care, general inhalation anesthesia and/or ventilatory support to a wide range of patients (neonatal, pediatric, and adult). The anesthesia systems are suitable for use in a patient environment, such as hospitals, surgical centers, or clinics by a clinician qualified in the administration of general anesthesia.
Contact Information
Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact GE HealthCare Service at 1-800-437-1171.
Additional FDA Resources (listed in order of most to least recent):
Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.
How do I report a problem?
Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
Content current as of:
06/23/2025
Regulated Product(s)
Source: Council of the European Union
At the 20th EU–Canada Summit held in Brussels on 23 June 2025, leaders of the EU and Canada reaffirmed their strong political, economic and strategic partnership through the adoption of a joint statement and the signature of a Security and Defence Partnership.
Source: Council of the European Union
At the 20th EU–Canada Summit held in Brussels on 23 June 2025, leaders of the EU and Canada reaffirmed their strong political, economic and strategic partnership through the adoption of a joint statement and the signature of a Security and Defence Partnership.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce legislation to provide qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to permanent legal residency. The introduction of the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act comes as the Trump Administration undermines TPS. The Trump Administration has revoked TPS for an estimated 563,000 recipients from five countries. Although legal challenges have been filed against this action, the Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the revocation to stand, putting hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation to their home countries, where they would face serious danger.
“The Temporary Protected Status program has been a lifeline that has allowed people and families facing unimaginable circumstances to find a safe refuge here in the United States,” said Senator Rosen. “TPS recipients contribute to our communities and our economy, and they deserve a pathway to permanent residency, which is why I’m proud to help introduce this bill. I’ll keep standing up to protect Nevada’s immigrant families.”
Nevada is home to thousands of TPS recipients. Senator Rosen has been outspoken in her strong support for TPS recipients, DACA recipients, and their families. Last week, she urged the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to resume processing applications for the DACA program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a nationwide injunction to only Texas. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen took to the Senate floor to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the DACA program and deliver a forceful defense of Nevada’s Dreamers in light of the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant communities across the country.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce legislation to provide qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to permanent legal residency. The introduction of the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act comes as the Trump Administration undermines TPS. The Trump Administration has revoked TPS for an estimated 563,000 recipients from five countries. Although legal challenges have been filed against this action, the Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the revocation to stand, putting hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation to their home countries, where they would face serious danger.
“The Temporary Protected Status program has been a lifeline that has allowed people and families facing unimaginable circumstances to find a safe refuge here in the United States,” said Senator Rosen. “TPS recipients contribute to our communities and our economy, and they deserve a pathway to permanent residency, which is why I’m proud to help introduce this bill. I’ll keep standing up to protect Nevada’s immigrant families.”
Nevada is home to thousands of TPS recipients. Senator Rosen has been outspoken in her strong support for TPS recipients, DACA recipients, and their families. Last week, she urged the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to resume processing applications for the DACA program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a nationwide injunction to only Texas. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen took to the Senate floor to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the DACA program and deliver a forceful defense of Nevada’s Dreamers in light of the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant communities across the country.