Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A woman who went missing in Tsing Yi has been located.
Chan Fung-yau, aged 85, went missing after she left her residence in Cheung Fat Estate yesterday (June 27) morning. Her family then made a report to Police.
The woman was located in a shopping mall on Un Chau Street, Cheung Sha Wan this morning (June 28). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand:
Police can confirm the death of a man at Mt Eden Corrections Facility is being treated as a homicide.
Police were made aware at about 4pm yesterday of a man who had died at the prison following an incident.
Officers continue to follow positive lines of enquiry.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Senior Sergeant Martin Tunley, Acting Nelson Bays Area Commander:
One person has died following an incident in Wai-iti, south-east of Wakefield, this morning.
At around 9.40am, emergency services were called to a property on State Highway 6 after a person was reportedly hit by a tree while clearing flood damage.
Sadly, despite best efforts by emergency services, the person died at the scene.
Police extend our condolences to their family at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing and the death will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $50,611,106 in grants to international, regional, rural, and Tribal airports in the State of Nevada. This funding will allow airports to make necessary infrastructure improvements and support Nevada’s travel and tourism economy.
“I’m pleased to see this funding come into the Silver State to upgrade critical infrastructure of our airports.” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These improvements will protect the comfort and safety of all travelers, whether they’re coming to visit or returning home. I will continue to work in the Senate to support Nevada’s travel and tourism economy, and our aviation infrastructure, everywhere from Las Vegas to Elko.”
“Nevada’s airports are essential to our state’s tourism economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and support the continued growth of communities across our state. I’ll keep working to bring federal investments back to Nevada and ensure our airports have the resources they need to thrive.”
A full breakdown of the funding can be found below:
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently worked to ensure Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding for its airports. They have secured millions in funding for clean transportation and improvements at Harry Reid International Airport and at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Both Senators prioritized important airport terminal funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and also pushed to secure funds through the American Rescue Plan to support Nevada’s airports and airline workers through the pandemic’s economic crisis to the industry.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released updated legislative text of the Judiciary Committee’s provisions in Senate Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as approved by the Senate Parliamentarian.
“Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to keep criminal illegal immigrants in our country and on the taxpayers’ dime. The voters rejected that radical approach in November, and Republicans are now disposing of Democrats’ radical open borders agenda by securing historic investments in border security, providing monumental support for law enforcement, and incorporating commonsense immigration and work authorization fees,” Grassley said.
Click HERE for final bill text.
Click HERE for a section-by-section.
Click HERE for a one-pager.
The parliamentarian ruled in favor of the majority of Republicans’ Judiciary provisions. Among them, Republicans notably secured the following wins for Americans:
A provision preventing Department of Justice (DOJ) funds from being squandered in sanctuary cities that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws – Section 100054(5)(C).
A provision cutting off DOJ funds from leftist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – Section 100054(5)(B).
Three provisions to fight back against federal courts’ unconstitutional use of universal injunctions by:
Providing DOJ funds to hire additional federal attorneys to challenge injunctions issued against the government – Section 100054(4),
Requiring courts to track and publish metrics on injunctions issued against the government and their corresponding injunction bonds – (Section 100101), and
Establishing judicial training programs regarding the lack of legal basis for universal injunctions – Section 100102.
A provision creating a new compensation fund for states and localities that have had to bear the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens – Section 100054(7).
A provision providing resources to enhance the screening and vetting of all aliens seeking entry into, or intending to remain in, the United States – Section 100051(4).
A provision to protect alien children from exploitation by funding efforts to fingerprint and collect DNA from illegal migrants attempting to enter the United States without a valid visa, pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act – Section 100051(5).
A provision making funds available to the Department of Homeland Security for state and local participation in homeland security efforts, including supporting immigration enforcement activities – Section 100051(7).
-30-
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: What border security measures did you lead in the Senate budget bill?
A: As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I included significant upgrades for border security in the Senate’s budget bill that address the disastrous open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration. During the previous administration, more than 10 million illegal immigrants from countries around the world poured across our nation’s southern border, including violent criminals and potential terrorists. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General earlier this month confirmed the Biden-Harris administration failed to properly vet all Afghan evacuees, encountering at least 55 individuals with hits on the terrorist screening database. Last fall, the FBI arrested an Afghan national for plotting a terror attack on U.S. soil after gaining entry on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Following Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22 that struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites, tensions between Iran and the United States underscore the real and present danger of an open border policy. Just consider, of more than 1,500 Iranian nationals who were encountered at the southern border crossing illegally into the U.S. during the previous administration, nearly half were released into the country. The potential for Iranian sleeper cells on the ground here in the United States is a reckless consequence of the Biden-Harris open border policies. The Trump administration is coordinating among federal agencies to address this risk.
As the Senate hammered out the details for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I led historic investments in the nation’s immigration system to support law enforcement and give frontline immigration enforcement officials the tools they need to secure the border. Specifically, the legislation would boost funding for immigration agencies; reimburse states who pitched in to protect the U.S. border during the Biden-Harris administration; expand resources for law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect public safety; and bring fiscal accountability into the immigration system by raising fees to offset enforcement costs.
Q: How did open border policies impact the safety of law enforcement personnel?
A: Plain and simple, the foolish border policies under the Biden White House unleashed an unmanageable mess at the southern border. The border crisis overwhelmed law enforcement and immigration officials and empowered dangerous Mexican drug cartels to ramp up their human smuggling and drug trafficking networks. In June, I convened a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to shed light on law enforcement’s ongoing work to combat cartels and regain a foothold at the border to protect American lives and restore U.S. sovereignty. Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations testified about their experiences enforcing the law and investigating crimes at the border, including being surveilled and targeted by the drug cartels. Our bill includes more resources for the Department of Justice to combat the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl that have devastated too many families.
As a strong supporter of the men and women who serve on the thin blue line, I pushed to boost funding for the Byrne JAG and Community Policing Services (COPS) to support boots-on-the-ground efforts to combat violent crime in local communities. My oversight work has exposed critical gaps in the Bureau of Prisons. After hearing from law enforcement, I worked to boost funding to address staff shortages and capital improvements to upgrade deteriorating detention facilities. The bill also beefs up recruitment and training tools for the U.S. Secret Service in the wake of two assassination attempts against President Trump. The Senate bill responds to the mandate of the last election. The electorate voted for the America First agenda, and that includes reclaiming our sovereignty and rule of law at our borders to keep Americans safe.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 28, 2025.
Israeli soldiers ‘ordered’ to fire at Gaza aid seekers – 70 killed across Strip
Israeli soldiers have said that they were ordered to open fire at unarmed Palestinian civilians desperately seeking aid at designated distribution sites in Gaza, a report in the Ha’aretz newspaper has revealed. The report came as 70 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip — mostly at aid sites belonging to the widely condemned Gaza
RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Leask, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.
The ‘Godfather of Human Rights’ Ken Roth on genocide, Trump and standing up for democracy
By Richard Larsen, RNZ News producer — 30′ with Guyon Espiner The former head of Human Rights Watch — and son of a Holocaust survivor — says Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will likely meet the legal definition of genocide, citing large-scale killings, the targeting of civilians, and the words of senior Israeli officials. Speaking
The sentencing of Cassius Turvey’s killers shows courts still struggle to deal with racism
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people. The brutal homicide of 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, Cassius Turvey, by a group of white men revealed the racial schisms in
1 in 3 Tuvaluans is bidding for a new ‘climate visa’ to Australia – here’s why everyone may ultimately end up applying
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Lumix In just four days, one-third of the population of Tuvalu entered a ballot for a new permanent visa to Australia. This world-first visa will
Celebrities, blue jeans and couture: how Anna Wintour changed fashion over 37 years at Vogue
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jye Marshall, Lecturer, Fashion Design, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology After 37 years at the helm, fashion industry heavyweight Anna Wintour is stepping down from her position as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. It’s not a retirement, though, as Wintour will maintain a leadership
Antoinette Lattouf win against ABC a victory for all truth-tellers
By Isaac Nellist of Green Left Magazine Australian-Lebanese journalist and commentator Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal case win against the public broadcaster ABC in the Federal Court on Wednesday is a victory for all those who seek to tell the truth. It is a breath of fresh air, after almost two years of lies and uncritical
Caitlin Johnstone: The fictional mental illness that only affects enemies of the Western empire
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Within the storytelling of Western politics and punditry there exists a fictional type of mental illness which only affects people the US empire doesn’t like. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, its crazy lunatic government will flip out and nuke us all.
A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope on Wajarri Country. © Alex Cherney/CSIRO Around midday on June 13 last year, my colleagues and I were scanning the skies when we thought we had discovered a strange and exciting new
Do all Iranians hate the regime? Hate America? Life inside the country is much more complex and nuanced
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Theobald, Postdoctoral researcher, Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia From 2015 to 2018, I spent 15 months doing research work in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. As an anthropologist, I was interested in everyday life in Iran outside the capital Tehran. I was
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 28, 2025.
Israeli soldiers ‘ordered’ to fire at Gaza aid seekers – 70 killed across Strip
Israeli soldiers have said that they were ordered to open fire at unarmed Palestinian civilians desperately seeking aid at designated distribution sites in Gaza, a report in the Ha’aretz newspaper has revealed. The report came as 70 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip — mostly at aid sites belonging to the widely condemned Gaza
RFK Junior is stoking fears about vaccine safety. Here’s why he’s wrong – and the impact it could have
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Leask, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.
The ‘Godfather of Human Rights’ Ken Roth on genocide, Trump and standing up for democracy
By Richard Larsen, RNZ News producer — 30′ with Guyon Espiner The former head of Human Rights Watch — and son of a Holocaust survivor — says Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will likely meet the legal definition of genocide, citing large-scale killings, the targeting of civilians, and the words of senior Israeli officials. Speaking
The sentencing of Cassius Turvey’s killers shows courts still struggle to deal with racism
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people. The brutal homicide of 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, Cassius Turvey, by a group of white men revealed the racial schisms in
1 in 3 Tuvaluans is bidding for a new ‘climate visa’ to Australia – here’s why everyone may ultimately end up applying
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Lumix In just four days, one-third of the population of Tuvalu entered a ballot for a new permanent visa to Australia. This world-first visa will
Celebrities, blue jeans and couture: how Anna Wintour changed fashion over 37 years at Vogue
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jye Marshall, Lecturer, Fashion Design, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology After 37 years at the helm, fashion industry heavyweight Anna Wintour is stepping down from her position as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. It’s not a retirement, though, as Wintour will maintain a leadership
Antoinette Lattouf win against ABC a victory for all truth-tellers
By Isaac Nellist of Green Left Magazine Australian-Lebanese journalist and commentator Antoinette Lattouf’s unfair dismissal case win against the public broadcaster ABC in the Federal Court on Wednesday is a victory for all those who seek to tell the truth. It is a breath of fresh air, after almost two years of lies and uncritical
Caitlin Johnstone: The fictional mental illness that only affects enemies of the Western empire
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Within the storytelling of Western politics and punditry there exists a fictional type of mental illness which only affects people the US empire doesn’t like. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, its crazy lunatic government will flip out and nuke us all.
A strange bright burst in space baffled astronomers for more than a year. Now, they’ve solved the mystery
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope on Wajarri Country. © Alex Cherney/CSIRO Around midday on June 13 last year, my colleagues and I were scanning the skies when we thought we had discovered a strange and exciting new
Do all Iranians hate the regime? Hate America? Life inside the country is much more complex and nuanced
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Theobald, Postdoctoral researcher, Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia From 2015 to 2018, I spent 15 months doing research work in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. As an anthropologist, I was interested in everyday life in Iran outside the capital Tehran. I was
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
President of the University of Virginia (UVA) in the United States, James Ryan, has decided to resign following pressure from the Trump administration, The New York Times reported on Friday.
The U.S. Department of Justice, which is conducting an investigation into the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, has demanded Ryan’s resignation as a condition to settle the investigation, according to the report.
Some members of the school’s board had pushed for Ryan’s removal, fearing that if the university failed to comply with the Justice Department’s demands, the Trump administration would follow through on its threat to strip the school of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, the report said.
Ryan has served as UVA’s president since 2018. His support for DEI initiatives has drawn criticism from some conservative alumni and board members.
Since taking office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to dismantle DEI policies through executive orders, arguing that such programs promote ideological bias.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, June 28 (Xinhua) — The 154th joint patrol of the Mekong River by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand concluded on Friday with two Chinese ships returning to the ports of Jingha and Guanlei in southwest Yunnan Province.
The 4-day patrol involved 6 vessels and about 200 law enforcement officers from these countries. During the patrol, a distance of 600 km was covered.
The focus of the patrol mission, which coincided with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, was to curb drug-related crime to ensure security and stability along the river.
Law enforcement officers carried out various preventive campaigns in coastal villages, schools and businesses, distributing more than 1,000 anti-drug leaflets and 4,000 educational materials.
Joint patrols of the Mekong involving the four countries have been underway since December 2011. On October 5 that year, a gang of criminals hijacked two cargo ships and killed 13 Chinese sailors in Thai waters.
The Mekong is the largest river in Southeast Asia. It flows through China /called Lancangjiang/, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. -0-
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Lawmakers release data showing over 250 schools at risk of delayed projects and higher energy costs
Letter Text and Full Dataset (PDF)
Washington (June 27, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committees, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, today wrote to President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA-04), about the risk to K-12 funding from the Republican budget reconciliation proposal to eliminate federal tax credits that fund solar infrastructure projects in schools.
Projects supported by tax credits have saved communities tens of thousands of dollars annually—including Wayne County Schools in West Virginia, which is projected to save the equivalent of three full-time teacher salaries over the course of their careers. Any cuts could delay or disrupt ongoing solar projects, prevent schools and school districts from accessing a tool to save on energy costs, and waste state and school district investments.
In the letter, the lawmakers write, “By cutting federal clean energy incentives, the Republican budget reconciliation bill would interfere with K-12 school funding across the United States. Clean energy projects can reduce monthly energy costs, allowing schools to spend more on supporting students, faculty, and staff. With its draconian cuts to solar energy incentives, the Republican reconciliation bill promises to stall ongoing state and school district solar projects, disrupt their investments, and eliminate an essential cost-saving tool. We urge you to reconsider cuts to clean energy incentives that provide cost saving benefits to schools.”
The lawmakers continue, “More school districts are planning solar projects that will help lower energy costs and prevent state budget cuts from impacting students, educators, and staff. But the proposed cuts in the Republican reconciliation bill threaten the delay, disruption, or cancellation of solar deployments. There are at least 251 school solar projects in 26 states in various stages of planning and construction. Projects that are not able to commence construction before proposed repeals take effect risk delay, wasted local and state investments in project development, higher energy costs, and increased burden on taxpayers. Among the identified projects are 74 school solar installations in Pennsylvania, 53 in Arizona, 15 in Texas, 12 in Kentucky, 5 in Utah, 4 in Iowa and Wisconsin, 2 in Indiana, and 1 in Idaho, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina and West Virginia.”
Several stakeholders joined the lawmakers in voicing their opposition to the proposed cuts.
“Over the last decade, schools across the country have turned to solar to reduce the cost of operating their facilities. In rural communities like Lawrence, Kansas and Greene County, Iowa, solar is how communities are able to maintain services for students in the face of rising costs and small or shrinking tax bases. Repealing these credits is one of a multitude of attacks on our public schools and the young people they serve in the disastrous budget reconciliation bill,” said Jonathan Klein, Chief Executive Officer of UndauntedK12.
“Across the country, school districts have been saving taxpayers money by taking advantage of clean energy tax credits through direct pay. These projects have created jobs, reduced energy costs, and opened up opportunities for school building improvements out of reach for too long. Rolling back the clean energy tax credits would stop that progress in its tracks and increase costs to local communities. It is critical that these important initiatives remain available to our schools,” said Jason Walsh, Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance.
“School districts across the country have been using clean energy tax credits to lower their energy costs and upgrade their facilities. Investments in things like cleaner running buses and new HVAC systems are reducing both indoor and outdoor air pollution, all while creating good paying jobs. We urge Republican leaders to abandon their efforts to end these tax credits,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
“School districts across the country are attempting to move forward on sorely needed repairs and update their school buildings, and solar energy contributes important cost stability and resilience,” said Ally Talcott, Executive Director of the BASIC Coalition. “Our school leaders do not need whiplash amid the important work to finance improvements to our schools; they need support and stability. The cuts to solar energy incentives pull one more resource away from school districts trying to provide safe, modern, and healthy school buildings for their communities.”
“Clean energy incentives help schools provide safer and healthier learning environments, lower energy costs, save taxpayer dollars, and redirect resources from paying expensive utility bills to supporting student success. We urge lawmakers to preserve these federal programs for local communities,” said James Rowan, CAE, SFO, Chief Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force Strike Force Lyra have charged a 35-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred on Tiger Brennan Drive in Stuart Park on Friday morning.
About 4:30am, the Joint Emergency Service Communication Centre received multiple reports of an ongoing domestic violence incident. It is alleged the 35-year-old male, the victim and two other witnesses were travelling in a dark blue 2008 model Mitsubishi Pajero before stopping along Tiger Brennan Drive in Stuart Park, where everyone but the alleged offender exited the vehicle. Initial investigations indicate the male drove off and immediately returned to physically assault his partner before the two witnesses chased him away. The victim suffered minor physical injuries.
Strike Force Lyra took carriage of the investigation and with the assistance of the Fugitive Taskforce the male was arrested at a residence around 1pm yesterday. He has since been charged with:
He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Monday, 30 June 2025.
Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500065312. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
If you have CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, it may be uploaded here: https://ntpol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ntp2500065312 (or via the QR code below).
Domestic violence has no place in our community and offenders will continue to be held to account for their actions. The Northern Territory Police Force thank the witnesses who intervened on this occasion to protect the victim and prevent further violence. If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (131 114).
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force is calling for information in relation to a hit and run in Leanyer last night.
About 7:05pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of two people, a male and a female, being struck by a passing vehicle on Leanyer Drive. It is alleged the victims were removing groceries from their parked vehicle on the side of the road, before a vehicle travelling at speed struck them and fled the scene immediately.
The female suffered serious injuries and the male suffered minor injuries and St John Ambulance conveyed them to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment.
Initial investigations suggest the offending vehicle is believed to be a white Yaris or Getz hatchback with a missing side mirror that was damaged at the scene of the collision.
The crime command has carriage of the investigation.
Anyone with information, particularly those who may have had dash cam footage at the time of the incident, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please reference job number P25172636.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Describing it as a win for commonsense and public safety, U.S. Senator Jack Reed praised the Senate Parliamentarian for correctly determining the effort to remove restrictions and regulations on silencers, short-barrel rifles and shotguns, and other guns that have been in place since the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 does not fit within budget reconciliation rules, and must be removed from the Big Ugly budget bill. Republicans may attempt to rewrite their bill to pass muster, but Reed hailed today’s ruling, which came just after midnight, as a major setback for the gun lobby and a major win for the police.
“We fought this dangerous, controversial attempt to proliferate the use of silencers and remove a layer of background checks on firearm sales. Congress should not be making it easier for criminals to manipulate their guns to avoid police detection and ultimately prosecution. Senate Republicans, over the objections of law enforcement officials and communities across the country, tried to jam the public by completely removing silencers, short-barrel rifles and shotguns, and a category called “any other weapons” from the purview of the NFA. That would have meant new owners of these deadly weapons would no longer have to register them with the ATF, or follow other strict rules surrounding the ownership of these unique weapons. This is a win for commonsense and public safety,” said Senator Reed.
In an effort to prevent gun violence and reduce mass-shootings with thoughtful, effective, data-driven policy solutions, Reed teamed up with U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) this week to reintroduce a trio of gun safety bills. These three measures would help decrease the pervasive threat of gun violence nationwide by halting three-dimensional (3D) printing and distribution of “ghost guns;” strengthening accountability measures for irresponsible gun dealers; and establishing commonsense rules to prohibit the marketing of firearms to children.
The 3D Printed Gun Safety Act (S.2165) would prohibit the online distribution of blueprints and instructions that allow for the 3D printing of firearms. The proliferation of “ghost guns” is partly attributed to the ease of assembling firearms using 3D printed technology. Because 3D printing allows individuals to make firearms out of plastic, these guns may be able to evade detection by metal detectors at security checkpoints. Stopping the production of ghost guns would help keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals and black market operators; prevent traumatic incidents of gun violence; and solve more crimes.
The Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act (S.2155) would strengthen accountability measures for irresponsible gun dealers violating the law, and provide the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) additional resources for enforcement. This legislation would ensure that guns do not end up in the wrong hands by authorizing more frequent inspections of gun dealers, increasing penalties for serious offenses, and strengthening the U.S. Department of Justice’s authority and discretion in enforcing gun laws. Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02) is the lead sponsor of companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act (S.2154) would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children. Firearm injuries are the number one cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S. The gun industry consistently makes false and misleading claims about firearm safety and unfairly exploits children and teenagers through unfair and deceptive marketing practices that ultimately lead to fatal consequences.
The non-profit Sandy Hook Promise notes: “Gun manufacturers are actively and intentionally marketing firearms to children under 18 years old with “R-rated” content on guns. And they’re doing it through ads and social media influencers — without parental knowledge or consent.” And according to a poll commissioned by the non-profit: “82 percent of boys between 10 and 17 said they have seen at least one gun advertisement online, while social media is flooded with firearms branded with children’s cartoon characters.”
“Every day, more than 125 people in the United States die from gun violence,” said Senator Markey. “Our communities barely have a moment to mourn before gun violence in our schools and on our streets steals the lives of more Americans and rips families apart. We can’t keep living like this, and Americans can’t keep dying like this. This National Gun Violence Awareness Month, I am reintroducing my gun safety package, which includes commonsense solutions so that not one more life is lost to this unnecessary, man-made public health crisis. I will continue fighting to end the epidemic of gun violence and save lives.”
“These are common-sense gun safety policies that would help save lives and better protect people and police from gun violence. We’ve got to keep weapons of war off our streets, ensure gun dealers are complying with the law, and ensure sensible limits on the marketing of guns to children, just like we do with tobacco, alcohol, or other products,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who is leading efforts to push back against the Trump Administration’s cuts to gun violence prevention efforts.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration rescinded over $800 million in grants to local gun violence prevention and crime reduction programs, and upcoming budget decisions could further reduce data-driven, community-centered efforts to prevent gun violence and reduce crime.
Rhode Island has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the country, yet still 52 people die annually by guns in Rhode Island, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. The non-profit also estimates that gun violence costs Rhode Island $752.1 million each year.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force conducted a high visibility proactive operation over the week targeting the prevention of drug, alcohol and traffic offences in regional areas across the Territory.
Between Monday 23 June and Friday 27 June, members from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, Dog Operations Unit, Maningrida, Gunbalanya and Jabiru police set up two Drug Detection Areas nearby Maningrida and Jabiru.
A significant number of people were spoken to and stopped throughout the operation, with ongoing community engagement with locals to help prevent the flow of alcohol and illicit substances in regional and remote areas of the Arnhem Region.
As a result of the operation, NT Police:
Acting Superintendent Meacham King said “This was an important operation targeting those who continue to bring alcohol and illicit substances into remote and regional areas. The collaboration between Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk members, Dog operations and general duties members who work and live in remote communities continues to highlight great partnerships between police units working towards enhancing community safety.”
Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities are urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a serious crash in Tokoroa overnight.
At around 12am Police were alerted to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Lomond Avenue.
Despite best efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.
The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination.
The road was closed for a period of time, however reopened early this morning.
Police continue to make enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)
WASHINGTON, DC [06/27/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Becca Balint (D-VT), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced legislation to improve the long-term health and care of LGBTQI+ seniors.
Decades of marginalization and institutional barriers have left LGBTQI+ seniors with fewer sources of support, higher poverty rates, increased social isolation, and inadequate access to health care. Many of these seniors enter their golden years with the detrimental physical and emotional health effects of having lived through a lifetime of discrimination. The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would help overcome these barriers by decreasing isolation, improving health, and increasing access to culturally competent services and supports.
The legislation is named for Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, long-time advocates for LGBTQI+ equality. Connie fought for the rights of LGBTQI+ older adults until her death in 2018. Ruthie, her widow, continues to serve as a champion for the cause.
“Decades of discrimination have left many LGBTQI+ seniors without the support and resources they need to stay healthy as they age,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “LGBTQI+ seniors are resilient, and they deserve to enjoy full, vibrant lives with the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful for Ruthie and Connie’s advocacy on behalf of LGBTQI+ seniors, and I’m glad to lead this legislation in their honor to provide LGBTQI+ seniors specialized access to care and services without discrimination.”
“LGBTQI+ Americans are facing an overwhelming rise in attacks in the face of a hateful administration,” said Congresswoman Becca Balint. “And our LGBTQI+ seniors are being left behind with fewer supports, higher poverty and social isolation rates, and inaccessible health care. We owe it to our seniors to ensure they have access to the care and services they need. I’m proud to join Reps. Bonamici and Frost in uplifting the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and celebrating the work of Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz.”
“Like all Americans, our LGBTQ+ elders deserve to be able to live their golden years with the peace and security of quality, affordable care and a community that loves and respects them,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “In honor of the incredible work of Florida’s own Ruth and Connie, we must act as LGBTQ+ seniors face poverty and isolation to ensure they can live their lives free of discrimination.”
The legislation is endorsed by: Congressional Equality Caucus, SAGE, Human Rights Campaign, Justice in Aging, and Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).
“SAGE is honored to cosponsor the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act, which addresses a critical need: support for the ever-growing number of LGBTQ+ Americans who are over 60,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “By permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging, aging service providers will have access to a wealth of resources, information, and tools to help them create welcoming and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ participants.”
LGBTQI+ seniors now face additional obstacles from an administration that seeks to disenfranchise them and their community. Because of these profound challenges, LGBTQI+ seniors require specialized services and support that are scarce and severely underfunded in every part of the country.
The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would:
The legislation in the House is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Summer Lee (D-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ed Case (D-HI), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Andre Carson (D-IN), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA).
A fact sheet about the legislation can be found here, and the text of the legislation can be found here.
Bonamici also Chairs the Congressional LGBTQI+ Equality Caucus’ LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, and led the last two bipartisan updates to the Older Americans Act.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)
(Washington, DC)— On Friday, June 27, 2025, Congressman Al Green introduced a landmark bill titled the “Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act.” This legislation would provide direct compensation to the two remaining living survivors of one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in American history – the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This historic bill seeks to award over $20 million in damages to each living survivor of the massacre, 111-year-old Viola Ford Fletcher and 110-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle. It also acknowledges the federal government’s century-long failure to seek justice for the victims of the massacre. Congressman Al Green extends his thanks to Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons and his legal team for their unwavering commitment to justice for both survivors by bringing this to the courts, the public, and the halls of Congress. A copy of the Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act is accessible here.
In discussing the findings of the 2025 Department of Justice report on the massacre, then Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke described the attack as a systematic act of racial terrorism “unique in its magnitude, barbarity, racist hostility and its utter annihilation of a thriving Black community.” The massacre left approximately 300 people dead, thousands homeless, and over 1,200 homes destroyed.
Congressman Al Green stated, “The survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre are living witnesses to a crime for which our nation has yet to reconcile. Congress must act now, while both survivors are still with us. The legislation, if passed, assures that that justice delayed will no longer be justice denied. This is about more than restitution; it is about acknowledgment, restoration, and accountability. These survivors and their descendants deserve to witness our nation do what is just and what is right.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are investigating a serious crash in Kumeu last night, which has left four teenagers in hospital, two of whom remain in a critical condition.
The crash occurred around 8.20pm on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, shortly after Police signalled a vehicle to stop due to the manner of driving. The vehicle fled and was not being pursued at the time of the crash.
A short time later, the vehicle lost control and crashed, coming to rest upside down against a residential property. Four nearby Police staff, who had been seizing a separate vehicle, heard the crash and responded immediately, locating the vehicle and providing first aid to those inside.
“This is a horrific incident with devastating consequences for the young people involved,” says Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan. “It is extremely fortunate that no other members of the public were injured.”
The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination, and Police are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash and the events leading up to it. Due to the nature of the incident, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified.
“We are supporting the families of those injured, and the officers who responded to this tragic scene,” Superintendent Hassan said. “We are still in the early stages of our investigation and expect it will take time to answer all the questions surrounding this incident.”
“At the heart of this is a tragic decision to flee Police. We want to reiterate—if you are signalled to stop, please pull over. No life is worth the risk.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Neale Saunders
Tokoroa Police investigating an alleged sexual assault are appealing for information from the public.
At around 11.20pm on Friday 27 June, Police were called to Dumfries Road where a woman walking her dog was sexually assaulted by an unknown person.
The offender left the scene prior to Police arrival.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Dumfries Road area at the time of the incident, alongside anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.
In particular, Police would like to speak to a man who was seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt on a bicycle around the time of this incident.
While we have no reason to believe this man had any involvement in the incident, we are eager to speak with him as we believe he may have valuable information to share.
If you have information that can assist in our enquiries, please get in touch online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250628/1758.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) issued the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights announced an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education under Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota State High School League over whether discrimination on the basis of sex occurred after a biological male was allowed to lead the Champlin Park High School girls’ softball team to its first-ever state championship win.
“As a father to two girls, I was horrified to learn that a recent state championship for young female athletes in Minnesota was dominated by a team with a biological boy. Allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports is not only unsafe, it’s deeply unfair, and this disgraceful sham of a championship is just the latest example. Make no mistake, this unfortunate situation is the result of the failed leadership of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their blatant disregard for the Title IX rights of female athletes is what led to this investigation and will almost certainly cost Minnesota nearly $12 million in federal funding. They left the Trump Administration with no other choice but to act in defense of the safety and dignity of Minnesota’s female athletes. I fully support the Trump Administration’s decision to protect Title IX and prevent boys from competing in girls’ sports.”
As a recipient of federal funds, Title IX requires Minnesota to ensure fair and safe opportunities for females to compete on sex-segregated teams – regardless of state law obligations.
Despite a U.S. Department of Justice letter restating the Administration’s position on Title IX, Minnesota’s Attorney General advised the Minnesota State High School Leader to follow state law and disobey President Trump’s Executive Order on Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 27, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded El Salvador’s 2025 Article IV consultation[1] and completed the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. Completion of this review allows immediate disbursement of SDR 86.16 million (about US$118 million), bringing total disbursements under this arrangement to SDR 172.32 million (about US$231 million). The authorities have consented to the publication of this Staff Report.[2]
El Salvador’s 40-month EFF arrangement was approved by the Executive Board on February 26, 2025, with total access of SDR 1,033.92 million (about US$1.4 billion or 360 percent of quota). The program remains focused on strengthening public finances, rebuilding external and financial buffers, and enhancing governance and transparency frameworks to create the conditions for stronger and more resilient growth.
Program performance has been solid, with the economy continuing to expand as macroeconomic imbalances are being addressed. Key fiscal and international reserve targets were met with margins and progress continues with the ambitious reform agenda in the areas of governance, transparency, and financial resilience. Specifically, in the context of the first review, (i) a new Fiscal Sustainability Law has been enacted; (ii) a presidential decree limiting exceptions to the Procurement Law has been issued; (iii) financial information on the largest state-owned enterprises has been published; and (iv) information on public contracts has been made more accessible. Steps continue to be taken to mitigate Bitcoin associated risks and unwind the public sector’s participation in Chivo.
The 2025 Article IV consultation focused on policies to boost medium-term growth and resilience. Special attention was given to policies to support foreign direct investment, employment and exports, while considering the implications of a more challenging external backdrop.
Following the Executive Board discussion on El Salvador, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:
“El Salvador’s economic program, supported by the Extended Fund Facility arrangement, had an auspicious start. Notably, the economy continues to expand, inflation has further moderated, and the current account deficit has narrowed amid efforts to address macroeconomic imbalances. Fiscal consolidation remains on track, external and financial buffers are being rebuilt, and governance and transparency reforms are proceeding in line with program commitments. In light of rising external risks, agile policy making and contingency planning remain essential to protect program objectives, including in the context of the dollarization regime.
“Efforts to strengthen public finances must continue, especially through a further rationalization of the wage bill and other current spending. Beyond this year, comprehensive reforms to the civil service and pension reforms are needed to safeguard fiscal consolidation and protect priority social and infrastructure spending. Meanwhile, continued efforts to mobilize official support will help further reduce reliance on bank and pension fund financing and support private sector credit.
“Sustained efforts are needed to rebuild financial sector buffers and enhance oversight and regulation. The steady implementation of the planned increases in banks’ reserve requirements and liquidity buffers is critical to enhancing resilience and preserving financial stability. These efforts should be complemented by enhancements in the oversight of banks as well as nonbank financial institutions.
“Steps to strengthen governance and transparency must continue. A consistent and evenhanded application of the new Anti-Corruption Law remains critical, alongside efforts to reinforce the AML/CFT framework in line with international best practices. Boosting confidence and investment requires elevating standards of fiscal reporting and transparency about public contracts, and improved access to public information. Focused efforts should be considered to support foreign direct investment and address infrastructure gaps, including through well-designed public-private partnerships and investor protection schemes.
“Bitcoin risks should continue to be mitigated. An early unwinding of the public sector’s participation in the government’s e-wallet (Chivo) remains critical, and efforts should continue to keep the public sector’s holdings of Bitcoin unchanged, and to improve the oversight of crypto assets to enhance consumer and investor protection.”
Executive Board Assessment[3]
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the Salvadoran authorities for the strong ownership and satisfactory performance under the Fund‑supported program and welcomed the continued efforts to address macroeconomic imbalances. Directors noted, however, downside risks related to escalating global trade tensions and tighter immigration policies elsewhere, which could negatively impact remittances and growth. Against this backdrop, Directors emphasized the importance of sustaining the reform momentum to safeguard macroeconomic stability and durably address El Salvador’s longstanding structural challenges and encouraged the authorities to stand ready to activate contingency plans as needed.
Directors underscored the need to sustain fiscal consolidation by further rationalizing the wage bill and containing current expenditures to secure space for priority social and infrastructure spending and put debt firmly on a downward trajectory. They concurred that contingency measures to broaden tax revenues and streamline tax expenditures could also be considered. Directors welcomed the new Fiscal Responsibility Law and agreed that developing and implementing civil service and pension reforms and further strengthening public financial management are essential to underpin the fiscal adjustment over the medium term. Continuing to mobilize official external support would help reduce reliance on bank and pension fund financing and support private sector credit.
While noting that the financial system remains sound, Directors emphasized the importance of further rebuilding financial sector buffers and strengthening oversight and regulation. They agreed that implementing the new Financial Stability Law and improving the supervision and governance of nonbank financial institutions in line with best practices are also key. Directors encouraged mitigating risks from the use of Bitcoin and boosting the oversight of crypto assets. They stressed the need to unwind the public sector’s participation in the government e‑wallet (Chivo) and to not increase overall Bitcoin holdings by the public sector and underscored the importance of clear and consistent communication in this regard. Directors also emphasized the need to enhance the autonomy of the central bank and strengthen its capital position and boost international reserves.
Directors underscored the importance of advancing structural reforms to unlock El Salvador’s growth potential. They recommended further strengthening governance and transparency and, in this regard, encouraged enhancing the AML/CFT framework in line with FATF recommendations, securing the consistent and evenhanded application of the new anti‑corruption framework, and strengthening the transparency of public information, including in the procurement process. Noting that the improvements in domestic security offer a unique opportunity to further boost growth, Directors welcomed the authorities’ Long‑term Growth Strategy and encouraged reforms to raise productivity, improve the investment climate, and enhance financial inclusion. They welcomed ongoing efforts to reduce red tape and logistics costs, as well as plans to address large infrastructure and human capital gaps, with support of the private sector. Directors also encouraged strengthening resilience to climate‑related shocks.
It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with El Salvador will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.
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Table 1. El Salvador: Selected Economic Indicators |
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[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[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 https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/SLV.
[3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman 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: Brian Walker
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/imf-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-and-first-review-under-the-eff-for-el-salvador
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), a University of Virginia School of Law alumna, issued the following statement today after the resignation of the University of Virginia’s president, James E. Ryan:
“Thomas Jefferson founded UVA to engage in intellectual curiosity without fear of retaliation. The bullying of his beloved university by Trump and his Justice Department is exactly the kind of government overreach he feared.
“University leaders should be accountable to the university community and its governing bodies, not subject to political pressure from the President.”
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $42,985,481 in grants to international, regional, rural, and Tribal airports in the State of Nevada. This funding will allow airports to make necessary infrastructure improvements and support Nevada’s travel and tourism economy.
“Nevada’s airports are essential to our state’s tourism economy,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and support the continued growth of communities across our state. I’ll keep working to bring federal investments back to Nevada and ensure our airports have the resources they need to thrive.”
“I’m pleased to see this funding come into the Silver State to upgrade the critical infrastructure of our airports.” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These improvements will protect the comfort and safety of all travelers, whether they’re coming to visit or returning home. I will continue to work in the Senate to support Nevada’s travel and tourism economy and our aviation infrastructure, everywhere from Las Vegas to Elko.”
A full breakdown of the funding can be found below:
$41,618,872 for the Harry Reid International Airport for runway, baggage handling, and drainage system improvements.
$337,375 for the Winnemucca Municipal Airport for wind cone and signage installation and precision approach path indicator systems.
$305,000 for the Carson City Airport for repavement projects.
$219,621 for the Jackpot/Hayden Field/County of Elko Airport for runway rehabilitation.
$114,762 for the Mesquite Airport for service road reconstruction.
$109,830 for the Owyhee, NV/Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation Airport for construction of a new terminal.
$109,772 for the Battle Mountain/County of Lander Airport for construction of a new airport hangar.
$107,882 for the Minden-Tahoe/County of Douglas Airport for installation of new lighting to enhance safety.
$62,367 for the Hawthorne Industrial Airport to infrastructure for snow removal.
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have consistently worked to ensure Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding for its airports. They have secured millions in funding for clean transportation and improvements at Harry Reid International Airport and at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Both Senators prioritized important airport terminal funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and also pushed to secure funds through the American Rescue Plan to support Nevada’s airports and airline workers through the pandemic’s economic crisis to the industry.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are continuing investigations after a sexual assault on a woman on the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walking track, near Porirua, on Wednesday 18 June.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pete Middlemiss says Police have received a great amount of information from the public, and are calling for anyone else who was in the area to come forward.
“We’re especially interested in speaking to anybody who entered or exited the walkway from the Raiha Street carpark entrance between 3pm and 4.30pm, on 18 June.
“From the information we have already received, we have some lines of enquiry which the investigation team is continuing to follow.”
Police are still appealing for any information about a man who was wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, dark-coloured track pants and a cap.
If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.
Please reference file number 250618/1395.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,058,755 in federal funding to support infrastructure improvements at seven airports across Virginia. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant program, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Investing in our airports means investing in safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to support these improvements that will help ensure Virginia’s airports continue to serve travelers and local economies for years to come.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In January of this year the senators announced over $12 million for improvements to Virginia’s airports. In October 2024, they announced nearly $57 million in federal funding for revitalizations efforts, and in September 2024, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 27, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the fifth review under the PCI arrangement and the third review under the RSF arrangement. The completion of the reviews provides the authorities with access to approximately US$ 285 million (SDR 211.46 million) under the RSF, of which the authorities have requested disbursement of US$ 195 million (SDR 146 million).
The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, with real GDP growing 4.2 percent in 2024. Buoyant private consumption and gross fixed capital formation outweighed a negative contribution from net exports owing mainly to lower electricity production and exports. Economic activity continued its strong momentum in early 2025 with real GDP expected to expand 3.8 percent this year. Headline inflation remains contained within the central bank’s tolerance range.
Fiscal consolidation is progressing, with the fiscal deficit falling to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2024, down from 4.1 percent in 2023, supported by a substantial increase in tax revenue. The fiscal deficit is projected to decline further to 1.9 percent of GDP in 2025. The current account deficit widened to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2024, from 0.4 percent in 2023, primarily due to lower export revenues, driven in large part by lower soybean prices and a drop in hydroelectricity exports because of low river water levels. Foreign reserves remain comfortably above standard adequacy metrics.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, owing to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the authorities’ continued prudent macroeconomic management. The outlook is favorable, with growth expected to remain robust, but is subject to elevated global risks and to adverse weather shocks. Against this backdrop, staying the course with prudent macroeconomic management continues to serve as a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability.
“With inflation contained within the central bank’s tolerance range, monetary policy should remain data driven. The exchange rate should continue to serve as a shock absorber. The banking sector is well capitalized, liquid, and profitable, and the authorities plan to deepen and modernize capital markets. Further strengthening AML/CFT frameworks, including by promptly finalizing the National Risk Assessment, is essential.
“The authorities remain resolute in advancing the fiscal consolidation plan, aiming to reduce the deficit to 1.5 percent of GDP by 2026—the ceiling established by the Fiscal Responsibility Law. Efforts to bolster tax revenues and improve the efficiency of public expenditure should continue to support fiscal consolidation goals.
“Addressing the sustainability of the public employees’ pension fund is essential to mitigate medium-term fiscal risks. The overall risk of sovereign stress is low, and ongoing efforts to gradually decrease the proportion of debt denominated in foreign currency would help further strengthen the risk profile of public debt.
“Policy reforms under the Policy Coordination Instrument and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility are further strengthening macroeconomic stability and resilience. Sustained progress on the reform agenda—including continuing efforts to reduce informality, strengthen governance and anti-corruption frameworks, and enhance resilience to natural disasters—will further improve the business environment, boost Paraguay’s appeal as an investment destination, and reinforce macroeconomic stability.”
PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/pr-25224-paraguay-imf-concludes-5th-rev-under-pci-and-3rd-rev-under-rsf
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.
The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.
The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.
The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.
More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.
The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.
This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.
Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.
The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.
The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.
Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.
But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.
Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.
The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.
For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.
Meg Leta Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052