Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)
Headline: Scott Statement on Excessive Trump Administration Response in Los Angeles
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:
“The American people have a constitutional right to peacefully assemble, and I unequivocally condemn all violence and destruction of property. However, President Trump has inflamed the situation in California. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has said the arrival of military forces ‘presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us tasked with safeguarding this city.’ The actions by the Trump Administration are incompatible with federal law, have increased incidents of violence, and are risking civilian lives.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ17: Combat fraudulent calls and SMS messages Question:
Many members of the public have relayed to me about the increasing number of fraudulent calls, as well as fraudulent SMS messages sent via instant messaging applications (e.g. WhatsApp) and phones in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that many members of the public have been repeatedly added to suspected fraudulent groups on instant messaging applications by unknown accounts, many of which are registered with overseas phone numbers, and that these groups use “like-and-earn-rewards” and “stock investments”, etc as bait, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what targeted measures are in place by the authorities to combat fraud by such groups;
(2) as it is learnt that many fraudsters have hacked into the instant messaging application accounts of members of the public to request money and virtual point card top-ups from their contacts, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; whether the authorities have analysed which insecure practices when using such applications increase the risk of account hacking, and what targeted measures are in place to combat such account hacking by fraudsters;
(3) as it is learnt that fraudsters falsely pretending to be the official platforms of government departments and organisations, banks, telecommunications service providers or neighbours via mobile phone SMS messages to commit fraud has become increasingly prevalent, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what respective follow-up actions the authorities have taken regarding fraudulent SMS messages sent from local and overseas sources; the average time required for the authorities to block the phone numbers concerned after such phone numbers are confirmed to be involved in fraud; and
(4) as many members of the public have relayed that they have frequently received repeated promotional calls containing fraudulent content, causing them nuisance and indicating a worsening trend, whether the authorities will review if the existing legislation governing such calls is inadequate; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Deception is a serious crime. Any person who commits the offence of “fraud” under section 16A of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) is liable to imprisonment for up to 14 years, while any person charged with “obtaining property by deception” under section 17 of the same Ordinance is liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years. In addition, any person charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence” under section 25 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for proceeds of deception is liable to maximum penalties of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Regardless of whether it is committed through telephone, messaging applications or other methods, the Government of the Special Administrative Region will take stern enforcement actions as long as there are illegal activities involved. With the global trend of Internet proliferation, many countries and regions have seen a significant increase in fraud cases in recent years. The Police will continue to combat all types of frauds and to enhance public awareness in full force through enhanced law enforcement measures, publicity and education, multi-agency co-operation, intelligence analysis as well as cross-boundary collaboration.
In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Police, the reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
(1) “Stock investment” scams mentioned in the question involve fraudsters using online social media platforms, discussion forums, or instant messaging apps to lure victims into participating in fake investment schemes by promising “low risk, high returns”. The Police classify such scams as “online investment fraud”. In 2024, there were a total of 3 930 cases, involving approximately $2.26 billion in losses; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 534 cases, involving approximately $1.02 billion.
As for “like-and-earn-rewards” scams mentioned in the question, they involve fraudsters using online social media platforms to recruit victims to register as “like clickers”. The scammers claim that victims can earn rewards by paying a “deposit” and then clicking “like” on a designated social media platform; the more deposit paid, the higher the reward per “like”. However, this is in fact a scheme to defraud victims of their deposits. The Police classify such scams as “online employment fraud”. In 2024, there were 3 853 reported cases, with total losses amounting to approximately $800 million; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 515 cases, involving approximately $340 million.
The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
In combatting such fraudulent activities, the Police have taken measures in law enforcement, cross-border collaboration, and public education. Since most fraud cases in Hong Kong currently use stooge accounts to receive payments, cracking down on stooge accounts is an effective method to combat the fraud industry chain. In 2024, the Police arrested a total of 10 496 individuals involved in various types of fraud and money laundering offences; in the first four months of 2025, a total of 2 532 individuals were arrested, approximately 70 per cent of which were holders of stooge accounts. Since the end of 2023, the Police have also applied to the court to invoke Section 27 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to impose heavier penalties in cases involving stooge accounts, thereby enhancing deterrence.
In terms of cross-border collaboration, the Hong Kong Police Force recently joined hands with the Police forces of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+”, working together to combat cross-border fraud crimes. They successfully identified and dismantled multiple cross-border fraud networks, arresting a total of 1 858 individuals involved in 9 268 fraud cases, including investment fraud.
In terms of publicity, given the increase in the two aforementioned types of fraud at the beginning of 2025, the Police have held press conferences on multiple occasions over the past few months and utilised various channels, namely the CyberDefender website and Facebook, to enhance publicity efforts and remind the public to remain vigilant (including explaining the latest deception tactics employed by fraudsters and outlining how the public can protect themselves), such as making use of WhatsApp’s privacy settings to allow only contacts from one’s address book to add the user to groups, thereby preventing being added to fraudulent groups by strangers.
(2) Scammers often use various methods to steal social media accounts, including fake customer service and fake websites. A common tactic is to send phishing messages claiming that the account has encountered security risks, luring users to click on links, enter account login information on fake websites or scan QR codes, thereby hijacking the account and sending messages to the user’s friends and family to request loans or the purchase of game point cards.
Such scams are categorised as “online account hijacking” cases, with 2 989 cases reported in 2024, involving approximately $91 million. The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
The Police have strengthened efforts to combat such scams from multiple angles, including requesting telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to block websites containing false WhatsApp advertisements by the end of 2023, and submitting requests to relevant search engines and overseas authorities to remove the fake websites. They also continue to promote anti-deception information through various channels to enhance public awareness of fraud prevention, and promoting the use of the Scameter and Scameter+. Among these measures, the Police urge the public to enable two-factor authentication; regularly review the devices linked to their accounts and log out of any unknown connected devices; not to blindly trust search engine results, and instead bookmark frequently used websites; and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi or logging into online accounts on public computers.
Following the Police’s series of educational campaigns, the number of “online account hijacking” cases last year decreased by 13 per cent compared to 2023, and in the first four months of 2025, the figure further dropped by 63 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Police will continue to closely monitor deception trends, regularly review measures and strategies to combat fraud and strengthen protection for the public.
(3) Depending on the method used, fraud cases involving identity theft can be classified as phishing scams, online investment frauds, or even online romance scams. The Police do not maintain breakdown of fraud cases involving identity theft.
In response to scammers sending text messages by impersonating as government departments, official institutions, and banks, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) launched the SMS Sender Registration Scheme (the Scheme) on December 28, 2023, and fully opened it to all industries to join in February 2024. As at end May 2025, over 540 public and private organisations (including the Immigration Department, the Department of Health, the Police, the Consumer Council, major banks and TSPs) have participated in the Scheme. Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations qualified as Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix “#”. TSPs will block fraudulent SMS messages sent by non-Registered Senders via the Internet.
In February 2023, the Police launched the mobile application “Scameter+” to help members of the public distinguish suspicious online platform accounts, payment accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, etc, and to provide the public with anti-fraud tips. “Scameter+” has now been upgraded and is equipped with automatic detection functions. The Call Alert function and the Website Detection function will automatically identify scam calls and fraudulent websites. If potential fraud or cyber security risk is detected, “Scameter+” will issue a real-time notification, reminding users not to answer the call or browse the website.
Moreover, under the co-ordination of the OFCA, the Police and major TSPs have established a mechanism where TSPs will, based on the fraud records provided by the Police, block the telephone numbers suspected to be involved in deception cases and intercept suspicious website links as soon as possible. The OFCA does not maintain any record of the average time required for relevant actions by TSPs.
(4) The Government understands that members of the public are concerned about marketing calls. However, the nature of marketing calls is fundamentally different from scam calls. Marketing calls do not necessarily involve fraud or illegal activities, and hence, the two should not be conflated. Some businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, still rely on voice marketing calls for promotional activities and service follow-ups. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between regulating marketing calls and maintaining normal business activities. In fact, other regions around the world also face similar challenges in managing marketing calls. Practical difficulties remain in operation and enforcement (for example, distinction between marketing calls from nuisance calls or scam calls, evidence collection, cross-border enforcement, etc). As such, the Government believes that regulation by legislation may not be the most effective approach for managing marketing calls.
To mitigate the possible nuisance caused by marketing calls to the public, the OFCA has enhanced the Industry Regulatory Scheme for Marketing Calls in 2024 to introduce industry-specific regulation to limit the number of calls made by telemarketers to the same telephone number within a specific time frame, as well as requiring telemarketers to provide their names and contact numbers upon recipients’ requests, and to honour any unsubscribe requests from the called party. At present, 12 trade associations from seven industries (including finance, insurance, telecommunications, call centres, beauty, estate agencies and money lenders) have joined the scheme.
In addition, the OFCA has requested TSPs to provide their users with call-filtering services, and actively encourage the use of call-filtering apps by the public, while also promoting relevant information on their websites. The number of enquiries and complaints related to marketing calls received by the Government has drastically reduced from 2 060 cases in 2011 to 93 cases in the first five months of 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of the above measures.
On combating fraudulent calls, the OFCA will continue to collaborate with the telecommunications industry and the Police to mitigate the risk of phone deception on various fronts, including requiring TSPs to block/suspend suspected fraudulent phone numbers and websites, intercept suspicious calls starting with “+852”, send voice alerts or text messages to all mobile users for overseas calls prefixed with “+852”, and play voice alerts for newly activated prepaid SIM cards, so as to assist the public in guarding against suspicious calls and messages. Issued at HKT 14:53
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
There are views that the official public debut of Hong Kong’s first pair of locally born giant panda twins, elder sister Jia Jia and little brother De De, has sparked a new wave of “panda fever” in the city, which is currently home to six giant pandas, and the authorities should seize this opportunity to develop the panda tourism industrial chain, promote the growth of the panda tourism and related industries in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) since Hong Kong became home to six giant pandas, whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the direct economic benefits they have brought to Ocean Park; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the direct and indirect economic benefits brought to Hong Kong as a whole by the six giant pandas respectively (including the sales of panda merchandise and revenue growth across various trades and industries); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether the Government has further plans for the future to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the panda tourism and related industries in Hong Kong, e.g. Ocean Park’s subsequent plans to optimize facilities and services, as well as budget arrangements, or plans to develop the panda tourism industrial chain in collaboration with various trades and industries; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The reply to the questions raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
The giant pandas An An and Ke Ke made their debut on December 8, 2024 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures at Ocean Park, followed by the debut of the pigeon pair of giant panda twin cubs Jia Jia and De De on February 16, 2025 at the “Giant Panda Adventure” of the park. They have been well received by both locals and visitors, and Ocean Park’s attendance has since then increased by around 19 per cent over the same period last year. Together with giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, the Hong Kong giant panda family has brought additional revenue to Ocean Park by way of admission tickets, merchandise, etc. The Ocean Park Corporation’s overall financial performance for its Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, including the revenues on admission, food and beverages as well as merchandise in the same FY, will be reported in its 2024-25 Annual Report.
In July 2024, the Commission adopted its fifth annual rule of law report, covering all Member States plus four candidate countries. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) has tabled a motion for a resolution on the report, highlighting progress and identifying areas for possible further improvement.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has condemned the recent Langa shootings that claimed the lives of two people and left another person injured.
Reports indicate that Monday’s fatalities are connected to the ongoing taxi violence, which is having a widespread impact across the Cape Town Metro area.
“The provincial government appeals to anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring those responsible are arrested,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed has since deep concern about the incident. “More lives have been lost to criminality. We cannot allow this to continue. These killings are robbing families of loved ones and placing the entire mini-bus taxi industry, as well as the communities it serves, under threat,” he said.
He has since called on all the role players to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
“We must never accept violence to resolve disputes. Protecting lives and ensuring safety across the public transport network remains central to our mission.”
The WCG has since stated that the response to this ongoing violence is coordinated across departments.
MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has also condemned the killings while also urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue.
“Violence is not the answer. We will not tolerate these acts of violence. I urge the SAPS [South African Police Service] to deal decisively with those responsible for this violence,” Marais said.
In addition, the MEC confirmed that SAPS investigations are ongoing and that law enforcement presence in affected areas has been intensified.
Additional police resources, including the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Provincial Traffic, have also been deployed. The provincial government announced that high-density patrols are being conducted along key routes between Somerset West and Mfuleni to stabilise the situation and prevent any further violence.
In addition, an urgent Mini-Bus Task Team meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 12 June 2025, to bring together key stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue and coordinated action.
The Department of Mobility, in close collaboration with safety and law enforcement agencies, said it remains focused on fostering peaceful resolutions and ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, and dignified for all who depend on it.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by these acts of violence. The Western Cape Government stands united in its efforts to restore peace and safeguard every commuter, operator, and transport worker in our province.” – SAnews.gov.za
First Minister announces changes to Ministerial team.
Tackling the housing emergency will be at the heart of the Scottish Cabinet, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
Màiri McAllan has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing upon her return to government from maternity leave. Ms McAllan has responsibility for all aspects of housing policy, including heat in buildings.
This appointment will ensure government action is focused on tackling the housing emergency and providing energy efficient homes for the future – helping stimulate economic growth, deliver Net Zero commitments and tackle child poverty.
Gillian Martin has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, having held the portfolio during Ms McAllan’s maternity leave.
Following the death of Christina McKelvie in March, Maree Todd will become Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, while retaining her existing responsibility for Sport. Tom Arthur has been appointed as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan has requested to leave the Scottish Government and he does so today. Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan will leave Government at the end of this week, having indicated that he only wished to serve on an interim basis.
Excluding the Law Officers, the overall size of government reduces to 23, down from 27 in May 2024.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Scotland’s strengths lie in our people, our communities and our resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next generation. As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive.
“I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential. Màiri McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency. These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.
“Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked Maree Todd to take on responsibility for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. This government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts.
“I want to thank Paul McLennan and Alasdair Allan for the service they have provided to me, the government and to the people of Scotland. They both held two very important Ministerial appointments in housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland’s long-term success as a nation.”
Background
The changes mean the Scottish Cabinet now consists of twelve, the majority of whom are women. Further changes mean the Ministerial team reduces to eleven, from fourteen.
The Scottish Cabinet is as follows:
First Minister John Swinney
Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop
Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson
Màiri McAllan has been on maternity since 1 July 2024. Gillian Martin was acting Cabinet Secretary Net Zero and Energy, with Alasdair Allan temporarily assuming responsibility for Climate Action. Màiri McAllan maternity cover – gov.scot
Tom Arthur was previously Minister for Employment and Investment. His investment responsibilities will be assumed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, while Richard Lochhead’s extended responsibilities see him become Minister for Business and Employment.
Paul McLennan has left government today. Alasdair Allan will leave his post at end of this week.
Illegal tobacco and vapes worth £25,000 have been taken off Stoke-on-Trent streets as part of a national operation and the council mission to reclaim our streets.
Trading Standards officers raided four premises on Tunstall High Street and were accompanied by Staffordshire Police and a Wagtails UK Tobacco Detection Dog and handler.
In total, 20,000 cigarettes, 6.5kg of hand rolling tobacco, 650 vapes and 22 tubs of shisha were seized.
The raids took place as part of Operation Cece, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, which is aimed at tackling the supply of illegal tobacco.
This activity also follows the introduction of the ban on single use vapes, which came into force on Sunday 1 June.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers continue to work to protect our communities and get these illegal products off our streets. Illegal tobacco and vapes often exploit vulnerable workers and undermine legitimate business.
“This work is part of the council’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and safer city for all and you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”
Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to Trading Standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
News story
Chancellor announces record investment to rebuild National Health Service
The Chancellor has today (Wednesday 11 June) announced a record £29 billion investment to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.
Rachel Reeves announces record £29 billion funding boost to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future.
New investment includes up to £10 billion on technology and digital transformation, GP training to deliver millions more appointments and rolling out mental health support to all schools.
Reeves tells the House of Commons: “There’s no strong economy without a strong NHS.”
New investment announced at the Spending Review will enable the NHS to deliver on the government’s Plan for Change to cut waiting lists, improve patient care and modernise services.
Up to £10 billion allocated towards technology and digital transformation, thousands more GPs to be trained and funding allocated to deliver an additional 700,000 urgent NHS dentist appointments a year.
The funding boost came as the Chancellor unveiled a Spending Review to deliver Britain’s renewal, with record investment in the country’s security, health and economy.
Security
The Chancellor confirmed a £11 billion real-terms increase in defence spending over the spending review period, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.
Today’s funding will provide the Ministry of Defence with the resources and capital necessary to start delivering the Strategic Defence Review, rebuilding the armed forces and investing heavily in UK intelligence capabilities. This includes £15 billion for a nuclear sovereign warhead programme, supporting over 9,000 jobs in the UK, £7 billion of infrastructure funding for a once-in-a-generation renewal of military accommodation, and £6 billion for munitions, investing in supply chains and factories in the UK and generating over 1,000 jobs and export potential.
At least £280 million a year will also be invested into border security by 2028-29, including into the Border Security Command, to tackle people-smuggling gangs running small boats. Funding of at least £400 million a year by 2028-29 will speed up the process of asylum processing, increase appeals capacity and continue asylum returns alongside ending the costly use of hotels for accommodation.
Police spending power will see an average 2.3% real terms increase over the Spending Review period as the government puts police back on the beat in communities across England and Wales, supporting the government’s Plan for Change commitment to put an additional 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and special constables into neighbourhood roles.
Growth
Roads, infrastructure and towns outside of London and the South East will receive investment to ensure Britain’s renewal is one that is truly national. Revisions to the Treasury’s Green Book announced by the Chancellor mark a new approach to appraisal in the public sector, one which will enable the more effective assessment of place-based interventions.
The Chancellor announced £15.6 billion funding in total by 2031-32 for local transport projects in England’s city regions and £2.3 billion from 2026-27 to 2029-30 for local transport improvements outside of these nine regions, improving everyday journeys for all. The Chancellor announced a further £2.5 billion to connect Oxford and Cambridge through the continued delivery of East-West Rail and confirmed she will set out plans to take forward work on Northern Powerhouse Rail in the coming weeks.
Funding announced today will deliver upgrades to Cardiff Central station, reduce journey times between Manchester and Leeds through continued investment in the TransPennine Route Upgrade, and progress the delivery of Midlands Rail Hub, enhancing connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands and to other regions.
The Chancellor also confirmed the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, confirming £39 billion of investment over ten years through a new Affordable Homes Programme, turbocharging the Plan for Change commitment to get the country building and deliver the 1.5 million homes Britain needs.
This significant settlement represents the first time in living memory that the government has set out a programme that provides ten years of certainty – giving the sector the confidence to deliver for now and for the future of housing in Britain and turning the tide on the housing crisis in this country.
Today’s Spending Review also supports the development of home-grown, clean power to deliver energy security by committing £14.2 billion for Britain’s first state-funded nuclear power station since 1988 in Sizewell C, providing over £2.5 billion for one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor programmes and allocating £9.4 billion to UK carbon capture and storage over the Spending Review period – all while supporting Britain’s acceleration to net zero and driving growth.
The Chancellor also confirmed additional funding for up to 350 communities, especially those in deprived areas, through Plans for Neighbourhoods – giving new long-term regeneration funding and supporting councils in their fightback against graffiti and fly-tipping across Britain.
The government will also establish a Growth Mission Fund to expedite local projects that are important for growth but have been forgotten, such as Southport Pier, Kirkcaldy’s seafront and High Street, and a new sports quarter in Peterborough.
In the coming weeks, the government will release its Infrastructure and Industrial Strategies – providing the certainty and stability sectors need to invest and work to drive our growth mission.
Devolved nations
The devolved administrations will receive their largest real terms settlements since devolution began in 1998, enabling them to deliver on local priorities that matter most to communities.
The Scottish Government will receive an average extra £2.9 billion across the duration of this Spending Review through the operation of the Barnett formula. In recognition of Scotland’s unique needs, they will have 20% more to spend per individual than comparable UK Government spending for people in the rest of the UK.
The Welsh Government will benefit from an average extra £1.6 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula to deliver against the priorities of working people in Wales, and 20% more to spend per individual than comparable UK Government does for people in the rest of the UK.
The Northern Ireland Executive will receive an average extra £1.2 billion through the Barnett formula, 24% more to spend per person than the comparable UK Government spending in the rest of the UK, reflecting Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances.
These record settlements are made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.
India’s firm and clear-eyed approach to internal security and counter-terrorism over the last eleven years reflects the government’s unwavering resolve to prioritise national interest above all. From precision military strikes across borders to strategic dismantling of insurgent networks within, India has shed the hesitations of the past. A clear doctrine now guides action, swift, decisive and backed by intelligence. With the abrogation of Article 370, the campaign against Naxalism, and new capabilities in high-tech defence, India today stands more secure and self-reliant than ever before. Operation SINDOOR, India’s swift and precise military response to a terror attack in April 2025, further demonstrated this resolve. These successes are a result of political will, military strength and a deeply rooted belief in putting the country first.
Surgical Strikes and Balakot Air Strikes
In a bold departure from past restraint, India responded to the terrorist attack in Uri on 18 soldiers by conducting Surgical Strikes on 28-29 September 2016. These strikes inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and their protectors across the Line of Control. A few years later, on 14 February 2019, the Pulwama terror attack claimed 40 CRPF jawans. India’s response came swiftly. On 26 February 2019, in an intelligence-led operation, the Balakot airstrikes eliminated a large number of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including senior commanders. The facility targeted was located far from civilian areas and headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar. These pre-emptive actions showed the world that India would no longer tolerate proxy war through terrorism.
Operation SINDOOR
In April 2025, following a brutal terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, India launched Operation SINDOOR, executing precise retaliatory strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military, acting on accurate intelligence, relied on drone strikes, loitering munitions, and layered air defence to neutralise key threats without crossing international boundaries. Key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were destroyed, severely disrupting their operational capabilities. The strikes resulted in over 100 terrorists killed in action, including individuals linked to IC-814 hijack and Pulwama blast like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmad.
When Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on 7–8 May against multiple Indian cities and bases, these were swiftly intercepted, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s net-centric warfare systems and integrated counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) grid.
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm policy on cross-border terrorism and its approach towards Pakistan. He underlined that national security is non-negotiable and outlined clear red lines regarding dialogue, deterrence, and defence. Key points from his address include:
1. Firm response to terror attacks: Any terrorist attack on India will be met with a fitting and decisive response, regardless of where the perpetrators operate from.
2. No tolerance for nuclear blackmail: India will not be deterred by nuclear threats and will continue to carry out precise strikes against terrorist hideouts.
3. No distinction between terror elements: There will be no difference between the masterminds and the sponsors of terror, both will be held accountable.
4. Terrorism first in any talks: Any engagement with Pakistan, if at all, will be focused only on terrorism or the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
5. Zero compromise on sovereignty: The Prime Minister declared, “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together,” firmly closing the door to normal relations amid terror threats.
Counterterrorism Measures in Jammu and Kashmir
On 5 August 2019, Parliament approved the removal of Article 370 and 35-A, marking a historic correction of a decades-old imbalance. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were brought at par with other regions, and over 890 Central laws were applied. As many as 205 state laws were repealed, and 130 modified to align with the Constitution of India.
Since then, development in the region has accelerated. Marginalised groups like Valmikis, Dalits, and Gorkhas now enjoy full rights. Laws such as the Right to Education and Child Marriage Act now protect all citizens in the region. The impact is clear: terrorist-initiated incidents have dropped from 228 in 2018 to just 28 in 2024, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace. Additionally, stone-pelting incidents have recorded a 100% drop, marking a new era of peace.
The successful conduct of the J&K Assembly Elections in 2024, held in three phases with a 63% voter turnout, further underscores the region’s embrace of democratic participation and stability, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace.
Fight Against Naxalism
The multi-pronged approach to Left Wing Extremism has delivered historic gains. From 126 affected districts in 2010, the number has come down to just 38 by April 2024. Most affected districts were reduced from 12 to 6, and the number of casualties is at a 30-year low. Violence has declined sharply from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 374 in 2024, a drop of 81 percent. Deaths have reduced by 85 percent over the same period.
In 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Major recent operations in March 2025 saw 50 Naxals surrender in Bijapur, 16 neutralised in Sukma, and 22 killed in Kanker and Bijapur. Another landmark achievement came with Operation Black Forest in Chhattisgarh, where 27 dreaded Maoists, including Basavaraju, a general secretary ranked leader, the first such high ranking neutralisation in 30 years, were eliminated. Additionally, 54 Naxalites were arrested, and 84 surrendered in this operation.
With continued support through Special Central Assistance and targeted development, the government is on track to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Wins Prestigious RTPI Northern Ireland Planning Excellence
11 June 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council has been awarded the prestigious RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Northern Ireland Award for Planning Excellence 2025 in the category of Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture, in recognition of its transformative Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project.
The award, announced yesterday at the RTPI Welcome Celebration Event at Malone House, Belfast, celebrates the Council’s leadership and collaborative approach in revitalising the historic Clooney Cannon site into a vibrant, accessible public space that respects and enhances the area’s rich heritage.
Delivered in partnership with the Bonds Street Community Association and Clooney All Saints Church of Ireland, the £215k project, which was funded by Department for Communities, has successfully breathed new life into a site of significant cultural and historical value in the Waterside area. The scheme, completed in 2024, included extensive environmental improvements such as the restoration of the historic Crimean War-era cannon, installation of new seating, planting, lighting, and interpretive signage. A new pathway now connects the cannon site to the adjacent church garden, with improved access points, new boundary railings, and sympathetic lighting that integrates and highlights both heritage assets.
The project was fully funded by the Department for Communities and reflects a broader strategy of heritage-led regeneration and placemaking within the district.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the award win: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from the RTPI. It is a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through genuine community partnership and thoughtful planning. The Clooney Cannon project not only honours our shared past but also creates a lasting space that will benefit local residents and visitors alike for generations to come. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge well done and congratulations to everyone involved in this impressive project.”
The RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in planning across the region. The Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project stood out among a competitive field for its thoughtful integration of heritage and community needs, showcasing the power of planning to shape meaningful, inclusive spaces.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Deeply woven into the fabric of our nation’s history is the importance of second chances, fresh starts, and new beginnings. Before the United States was even established, those facing challenges in their home countries – whether through religious persecution or socioeconomic strains – looked toward our shores for hope and opportunity. And when our nation was finally conceived, those who fought hard to establish our democratic republic carried that hope with them to establish a rule of law that provided opportunity, not affliction, for those looking for second chances.
Earlier this year, it was an honor to lead the charge in the House of Representatives to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Second Chance Month. This piece of legislation provided the perfect opportunity to bring awareness to the struggle millions of previously incarcerated individuals face when looking to reenter their community. Millions of Americans who have paid their debt to society face innumerable and cumbersome barriers to find good work, contribute to their communities, and start fresh – all because of their past. In fact, the American Dream itself is the idea that neither your class nor your past determines your value, and your success can be achieved through hard work and dedication – not the family you were born into or even your past mistakes.
Former President Ronald Reagan spoke at an event in Valley Stream, New York, in 1984, when he said, “America’s greatest gift has always been freedom and equality of opportunity – the idea that no matter who you are, no matter where you came from, you can climb as high as your own God-given talents will take you.” President Reagan may not have been speaking to incarcerated individuals, but the spirit of this statement rings true: our nation is perhaps the greatest in the world not only for its strength and prosperity, but the opportunity for starting anew. Because of this principle that has resonated throughout our nation’s history, it was a privilege to sign on as an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act last week.
This important piece of legislation reauthorizes reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008 for an additional amount of time, paving the way for the federal government to continue making important investments into programs across the country to bolster reentry services, reduce recidivism rates, and in turn, create stronger families and safer communities. There are thousands of Arkansans facing these challenges, even now, and Congress is poised to take action to advocate for the need for transitional housing services, substance abuse treatments, and other provisions to support our friends and neighbors who have paid their debt to society and now seek a second chance.
As a constant champion for this legislation, which aligns deeply with Arkansas’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, it is a privilege to work toward finding a solution to the problems of a strained justice system, high recidivism and incarceration rates, and securing the safety of our Arkansas communities. The Second Chance Act will continue to be an answer, and I look forward to continuing to advocate alongside my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to bring these folks back to the shores of hope and opportunity.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
The badge and uniform our law enforcement officials wear come with a weighty responsibility and reality. They come with service and sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the communities these brave men and women have sworn to protect. This week is National Police Week, and our nation honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to ensure the safety of our cities, state, and nation.
For sixty-three years, our country has set aside this special week to memorialize and honor the fallen police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially signed a proclamation designating the 15th of May as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. However, for much longer than that, our nation has been grateful for those who have sworn to protect and serve.
America’s first taste of the law enforcement system began in colonial America, as society became less rural and began a more urban way of life, ushering in the unfortunate reality of crime, riots, and other public acts of endangerment. Boston’s watchmen were the very first American law enforcement group to be organized in 1631, receiving a small amount of pay in exchange for their watchful eye over the safety of their community.
Since that time, our nation has continued to grow and expand its law enforcement system, following in the footsteps of our English counterparts and its system of sheriffs, constables, and other law enforcers who, combined, contribute to create our local and state justice systems. Now, there are hundreds of men and women in the state of Arkansas who proudly wear their badge and uniform to protect their fellow Arkansans.
The Arkansas State Police were established in March 1935 by Governor J.M. Futress with the assistance of the Arkansas General Assembly. Act 120, the Chrip-Carter bill, was signed into law establishing Arkansas’s state police force with the goal of protecting the lives of Arkansans and their property. As the Representative of the Fourth District of Arkansas, I am certainly grateful for the service of each one of our law enforcement officers and their contributions to our state’s ultimate safety.
Our nation stands united in gratitude for every law enforcement officer who has paid the ultimate sacrifice in keeping their sworn oath to protect our communities. Lawmakers in Washington took this week to pass legislation supporting our nation’s law enforcement officials and pay tribute to the nearly 24,400 officers who have fallen in the line of duty across the country – holding vigils and memorial services in their honor.
National Police Week will always serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our nation’s police officers make to secure our nation’s safety. House Republicans will always continue to back the blue, and it is truly an honor to join my colleagues in passing legislation and advocating for such important measures to ensure their safety and supply them with the tools they need to continue protecting our communities.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today proceeded to Oslo, Norway, after concluding a visit to the UK, where he showcased Hong Kong’s determination to expand international financial co-operation.
Addressing a lunch event hosted by the UK’s Hong Kong Association yesterday, Mr Hui said Hong Kong’s vibrant capital markets offer global investors, including those from the UK, a gateway and access to invest in Asia’s burgeoning tech sector.
He highlighted that the strengths of Hong Kong’s capital markets are supported by geopolitical developments and the Mainland’s technological advancements, and urged global investors to leverage the city’s deep market liquidity and robust regulatory framework.
Mr Hui also remarked that Hong Kong’s integration into the London Metal Exchange’s global warehouse network in January this year not only enhances Hong Kong’s commodities infrastructure but also creates significant opportunities for UK firms.
Riding on its proximity to Asia’s industrial markets, Hong Kong can partner with the UK to jointly tap growing demand for new-energy metals and support global industrial transformation and sustainable development, he added.
Mr Hui also held a roundtable meeting yesterday with members of TheCityUK, a body representing the UK’s financial and related professional services industries, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on establishing a partnership between it and the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC).
He was joined in doing so by TheCityUK’s Leadership Council Chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown.
The MOU was signed by FSDC Executive Director King Au and TheCityUK’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, Policy & Research John Godfrey.
Mr Hui said the MOU reflects a shared vision to harness the strengths of Hong Kong and the UK, creating opportunities that benefit both places and the global financial ecosystem.
Earlier in the day, Mr Hui held a bilateral meeting with City of London Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King, and briefed him on developments in Hong Kong’s financial services sector.
Mr Hui also met PwC UK Chief Markets Officer Carl Sizer to discuss the role the auditing and accounting profession can play in helping Mainland enterprises go global.
On Monday morning, Mr Hui attended a briefing session hosted by British independent think-tank Asia House, and spoke to its members about the latest financial developments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area at large.
He also responded to questions about Hong Kong’s financial outlook in a Q&A session moderated by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence.
His other engagements on Monday included a meeting with senior management from ICBC Standard Bank, and another with Economic Secretary to the UK Treasury Emma Reynolds and other financial officials.
He briefed the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Wang Wenbin and other senior executives about the international gold trading market and commodity trading ecosystem that Hong Kong is developing.
At the meeting with the UK officials, Mr Hui reaffirmed the financial partnership between the Hong Kong and London, as two leading international financial centres, and gave an update on the situation in Hong Kong’s capital markets.
In addition, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK Wang Qi.
Europol’s 2025 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), published today, reveals how stolen data fuels the digital underworld, powering a criminal ecosystem that spans from online fraud and ransomware to child exploitation and extortion. The report paints a stark picture of a cybercrime economy built on access—access to your systems, your identity, and your most sensitive information.The Head of Europol’s…
Opposition parties say Aotearoa New Zealand’s government should be going much further, much faster in sanctioning Israel.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters overnight revealed New Zealand had joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in imposing travel bans on Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Some of the partner countries went further, adding asset freezes and business restrictions on the far-right ministers.
Peters said the pair had used their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution.
Israel and the United States criticised the sanctions, with the US saying it undermined progress towards a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, attending Fieldays in Waikato, told reporters New Zealand still enjoyed a good relationship with the US administration, but would not be backing down.
“We have a view that this is the right course of action for us,” he said.
Behind the scenes job “We have differences in approach but the Americans are doing an excellent job of behind the scenes trying to get Israel and the Palestinians to the table to talk about a ceasefire.”
Asked if there could be further sanctions, Luxon said the government was “monitoring the situation all the time”.
Peters has been busy travelling in Europe and was unavailable to be interviewed. ACT — probably the most vocally pro-Israel party in Parliament — refused to comment on the situation.
The opposition parties also backed the move, but argued the government should have gone much further.
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has since December been urging the coalition to back her bill imposing economic sanctions on Israel. With support from Labour and Te Pāti Māori it would need just six MPs to cross the floor to pass.
Calling the Israeli actions in Gaza “genocide”, she told RNZ the government’s sanctions fell far short of those imposed on Russia.
“This is symbolic, and it’s unfortunate that it’s taken so long to get to this point, nearly two years . . . the Minister of Foreign Affairs also invoked the similarities with Russia in his statement this morning, yet we have seen far less harsh sanctions applied to Israel.
“We’re well past the time for first steps.”
‘Cowardice’ by government The pushback from the US was “probably precisely part of the reason that our government has been so scared of doing the right thing”, she said, calling it “cowardice” on the government’s part.
“What else are you supposed to call it at the end of the day?,” she said, saying at a bare minimum the Israeli ambassador should be expelled, Palestinian statehood should be recognised, and a special category of visas for Palestinians should be introduced.
She rejected categorisation of her stance as anti-semitic, saying that made no sense.
“If we are critiquing a government of a certain country, that is not the same thing as critiquing the people of that country. I think it’s actually far more anti-semitic to conflate the actions of the Israeli government with the entire Jewish peoples.”
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer . . . “It’s not a war, it’s an annihilation”. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the sanctions were political hypocrisy.
“When it comes to war, human rights and the extent of violence and genocide that we’re seeing, Palestine is its own independent nation . . . why is this government sanctioning only two ministers? They should be sanctioning the whole of Israel,” she said.
“These two Israel far right ministers don’t act alone. They belong to an entire Israel government which has used its military might and everything it can possibly do to bombard, to murder and to commit genocide and occupy Gaza and the West Bank.”
Suspend diplomatic ties She also wanted all diplomatic ties with Israel suspended, along with sanctions against Israeli companies, military officials and additional support for the international courts — also saying the government should have done more.
“This government has been doing everything to do nothing . . . to appease allies that have dangerously overstepped unjustifiable marks, and they should not be silent.
“It’s not a war, it’s an annihilation, it’s an absolute annihilation of human beings . . . we’re way out there supporting those allies that are helping to weaponise Israel and the flattening and the continual cruel occupation of a nation, and it’s just nothing that I thought in my living days I’d be witnessing.”
She said the government should be pushing back against “a very polarised, very Trump attitude” to the conflict.
“Trumpism has arrived in Aotearoa . . . and we continue to go down that line, that is a really frightening part for this beautiful nation of ours.
“As a nation, we have a different set of values. We’re a Pacific-based country with a long history of going against the grain – the mainstream, easy grind. We’ve been a peaceful, loving nation that stood up against the big boys when it came to our anti nuclear stance and that’s our role in this, our role is not to follow blindly.”
Undermining two-state solution In a statement, Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Peeni Henare said the actions of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir had attempted to undermine the two-state solution and international law, and described the situation in Gaza as horrific.
“The travel bans echo the sanctions placed on Russian individuals and organisations that supported the illegal invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
He called for further action.
“Labour has been calling for stronger action from the government on Israel’s invasion of Gaza, including intervening in South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, creation of a special visa for family members of New Zealanders fleeing Gaza, and ending government procurement from companies operating illegally in the Occupied Territories.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
From 6-29 June, 12 locations across Sunderland and Tyne and Wear will be open to receive donations of unwanted sports kit and active wear that will be gifted to local children, young people and families.
Kit Out Sunderland will help the planet by providing individuals and community youth and sports organisations across the area with the opportunity to see their new or unwanted sports kit and active wear given a new life, rather than stay in the bottom of a wardrobe or end up in landfill.
The donations will then be sorted in early July and distributed to children, young people and families through local groups, supporting local people be more active this summer and beyond.
Kit Out Sunderland is a collective partnership between Active Sunderland, RISE, Sported, StreetGames and Youth Sport Trust, with sponsorship from the North East Combined Authority.
The partners are working together to reduce barriers to participation in sport and physical activity locally, whilst reducing the environmental impact of sports kit and active wear. Striving to have healthier, safer, and more active communities.
Donation points will be open at various locations from 6-29 June, with special requests for sports and active leisure tops, hoodies and tracksuits, leggings and joggers, waterproofs, trainers and football boots which are new or in a clean and useable condition.
Special donation stations will also be open at the Nissan manufacturing plant for Nissan employees to donate their sports kit and active wear.
Donations will be sorted by young volunteers from Sunderland College and the Foundation of Light once the collection window closes on 29 June, before local youth and sports organisations distribute the donations to local children, young people and families accessing their services.
A full list of public donation stations is available below:
· Sunderland Aquatic Centre
· Ford Football Hub
· Downhill Football Hub
· Washington Football Hub
· Raich Carter Sport Centre
· Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre
· Houghton Sports Centre
· Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre
· Washington Leisure Centre
· Beacon of Light
· Sunderland City Hall
· Sunderland College
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, Councillor Beth Jones, said: “This is a fantastic way of giving a new lease of life to unwanted sports kit.
“It helps both those who want to get active but don’t have the kit and those who have it but no longer need it.
“We’re delighted it’s happening in Sunderland and our thanks go all the partners who are hosting donation boxes.”
Director of Skills, Inclusion & Public Service Reform, Charlotte Carpenter, said: “Sport and physical activity has so much to offer from a mental, physical and social health perspective, so to see organisations in the region working together to reduce barriers to participation is something we are delighted to support and fund as part of our mission to reduce child poverty.
“We encourage everyone who lives, works and visits the Sunderland area to consider donating where they can and help us to create a better community for all.”
Strategic Lead for Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing at Rise North East, Louise Laws, said: “There’s an amazing buzz in Sunderland right now and this is a great chance to boost that even more.
“Donating new or recycled sports kit and active clothing/footwear that you don’t need helps local children, young people and families in your community and also helps the environment, because it doesn’t go to waste or end up in landfills.
“Once we sort the kit, it’ll go to local people so that they can get more active and really improve their health and wellbeing, because every child and young person has the right to play and be active. We look forward to continuing to build relationships to empower the community to sustain and upscale this offer, wider.”
Sported Regional Manager for the North East, Kathryn Foley, said: “Sported’s network of clubs and groups across the North East support local participants to be active and take part in sport every week.
“It’s exciting that we can take this opportunity through Kit Out Sunderland to benefit local people and the environment through distributing unwanted kit, and I look forward to seeing the items donated and distributed through our Sported network members.”
StreetGames North East Network Lead, Anna Coulson, said: “Working with Locally Trusted Organisations on a daily basis we know there is so much amazing work happening around the city to provide a year-round, multi-sport offer to young people but despite this some young people still cannot access it due to not having the appropriate sports kit.
“We have worked with some of these organisations to really understand what is needed within their communities and we hope this initiative will help young people to become physically active into the future! We also wanted to ensure that sports kit gets a full life and doesn’t end up in landfill!”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Safeguarding mental health of academic staff members and students Question:
The mental health of academic staff members and students in Hong Kong draws societal concern. There are views that the Government should strengthen the protection of their physical and mental health as well as to provide appropriate support services to the families of suicide victims concerned. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of academic staff members and students committing suicide and attempting to commit suicide in each of the past five years and, among them, the numbers of cases in which death inquests were held, together with a breakdown by types of school (i.e. (i) primary school, (ii) secondary school and (iii) university);
(2) of the Government’s follow-up and support procedures in respect of cases of suicide attempts among academic staff members and students, including the policy bureaux involved, the category of professionals providing support services in those cases and the areas and extent of intervention, as well as details of the support services provided by them; and
(3) in respect of the suicide cases mentioned in (1), whether the Government has provided support services (e.g. professional emotional counselling services) to the families, relatives and friends of the suicide victims; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; primarily which government departments’ staff members to provide assistance to the families of suicide victims and inform them of their rights under the law (including the rights of the families to request for holding a death inquest)?
Reply:
President,
The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to the mental health of teachers and students, and has all along been encouraging schools to adopt the Whole School Approach. Through cross-departmental, cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, the EDB enhances the mental health of teachers and students and provides enhanced support for students with mental health needs (including those with suicidal risk) via various measures and activities directed at three levels, namely Universal, Selective and Indicated. In recent years, the EDB has implemented a number of measures to support students’ mental health. This includes implementing the “4Rs Mental Health Charter” in the 2024/25 school year, with a view to helping students develop healthy living habits and positive interpersonal relationships, and enhancing their resilience. In addition, starting from the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has launched the Mental Health Literacy Resource Packages suitable for students at different learning stages. In consultation with the Social Welfare Department (SWD), our reply to the question raised by the Hon Lillian Kwok is as follows:
(1) and (2) The EDB has all along required primary and secondary schools to report fatal suspected student suicide cases. The numbers of relevant cases in primary and secondary schools in the past five years (2020 to 2024) are tabulated as follows. Of the cases reported, secondary students accounted for about 91 per cent of the total cases, while primary students accounted for about 9 per cent.
Year The EDB does not collect data on fatal suspected suicide cases of school personnel, attempted suicides of students, relevant cases of university students and number of death inquests held.
We continue to strengthen the identification of and support for students with mental health risks. For example, the EDB organises about 40 additional thematic teacher training workshops in the 2024/25 school year to introduce the practical skills, counselling techniques and intervention strategies in supporting students with mental health needs, as well as organises parent education talk series for parents of primary and secondary school students that cover topics related to the mental health of children.
Regarding support measures, if schools suspect the students having suicidal risk, schools will arrange school guidance personnel (for example, student guidance teacher/student guidance personnel or school social worker) for early support. If necessary, schools will solicit professional support from the school-based educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, medical, or police officers to ensure that appropriate intervention measures will be taken. To enhance cross-sector collaboration, starting from December 2023, the Government has implemented the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism in all secondary schools in Hong Kong by pooling together the schools’ multi-disciplinary teams, the off-campus support network and medical services. The implementation of the Mechanism has been extended till the end of 2025 and related arrangements were enhanced.
Furthermore, the Government established a cross-departmental referral and collaboration mechanism in April 2024. For instance, when police officers handle attempted suicide cases concerning primary and secondary students that happen outside schools, the Police will, upon obtaining the consent from the student concerned and the parent/guardian, refer the case to the school the student is attending, via the EDB, for support services. If the student and parent/guardian wish to receive support services from other organisation(s), the SWD will refer the case for services provided by other social services units, such as Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs), Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness, and Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres. Schools or relevant social welfare organisations will provide students with emergency intervention services, such as assessments, support and counselling through individual, group or online mode.
Regarding support for teachers’ physical and psychological well-being, the EDB has set up the Teachers’ Helpline since 2006 to support teachers in coping with stress at work and mental health problems. Apart from this, professional counselling services and face-to-face counselling will be provided as and when necessary, and professionals will be arranged to follow up relevant cases. Meanwhile, the service providers will organise talks on how to relieve stress for teachers. In addition, starting from the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has commissioned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or tertiary institutions to organise courses on physical and mental health for teachers every year, covering topics on mental health, expressive arts, mindfulness and physical health, to enhance teachers’ capacity at work.
(3) The SWD subvents The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong to operate the Suicide Crisis Intervention Centre (SCIC), which offers immediate crisis intervention and in-depth counselling services for persons in need. The SCIC also renders support services to persons affected by suicidal behaviours (including familes and friends), including consultation hotline, groups, talks and workshops. Moreover, 67 territory-wide IFSCs (including two Integrated Service Centres), operated by the SWD or subvented NGOs also provide appropriate service and assistance for the families and relatives of suicide victims, including financial assistance, counselling service, and connection with community resources. Issued at HKT 18:56
WALTHAM, Mass., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Danforth Advisors, LLC today announced the launch of Danforth Market Access & Value, a dedicated U.S. practice that deepens the firm’s ability to help life-science innovators secure timely, sustainable patient access to their therapies. In conjunction with the launch, veteran market-access executive Scotty Bowman has joined the company as Managing Director to lead the new division.
Danforth Market Access & Value delivers end-to-end market-access and payer consulting services—from patient-support programs and journey mapping to strategic payer engagement, pricing, reimbursement and launch planning—removing access barriers and aligning stakeholders so that breakthrough therapies reach patients faster and more efficiently. The practice combines more than 40 years of collective pharmaceutical and biotech market-access expertise, including proven payer strategies, pricing excellence and successful product launches across multiple therapeutic categories.
“With capital constraints heightening the need for flawless market-access execution, launching Danforth Market Access & Value was a natural next step for us. Scotty’s track record of translating complex payer dynamics into clear paths to coverage makes him the ideal leader for this practice,” said Chris Connors, CEO of Danforth Advisors. “By integrating payer strategy alongside our existing finance, clinical-operations and communications offerings, we can now support clients from discovery through full commercial value realization.”
“I’ve long admired Danforth’s mission-critical role in helping emerging biotechs scale,” said Scotty Bowman. “I’m excited to build a best-in-class market access team that secures optimal coverage and reimbursement while reducing the operational burden on growing companies.”
Bowman brings more than two decades of experience in U.S. and global market access, most recently serving as President and Founder of Market Access GTN, LLC. He has led pricing, contracting and payer-strategy functions for multiple successful product launches and holds an MSJ from Seton Hall Law School. Additional team hires for Danforth Market Access & Value will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Danforth Advisors
Danforth is the life science industry’s trusted partner for strategic and operational support across business, clinical, and commercial functions. The company advises and executes in the areas of finance and accounting, strategic communications, human resources, risk management, clinical and regulatory, market research, and commercial readiness and launch. Founded in 2011, Danforth has partnered with more than 1,500 life science companies, private and public, across all stages of the corporate lifecycle. The company serves clients around the globe from its base in Waltham, Massachusetts and regional operations in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, California, and London. Additional information is available at www.danforthadvisors.com.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, which will represent the diversity of the South African nation and set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
The National Dialogue is an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in the country and many other people for some time now.
“This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue.
“It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others,” the President said on Tuesday.
The initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society.
Over the last few months, government has been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the dialogue.
WATCH | Announcement of the National Dialogue
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“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation.
“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,” the President said.
Following the negotiations process, he explained that dialogue was used to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division.
He said the country achieved all this because everyone came together in dialogue to discuss difficulties, concerns, hopes and inspiration as a people. The country has worked together for more than 30 years to realise the promise of a democratic Constitution.
Challenges
Additionally, progress has been made in expanding freedom, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of millions, while also recognising the persistent challenges that remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent the nation and country from reaching its full potential.
“Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society.
“We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children.
“We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex] community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue,” he said.
Shared vision
The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country in order to reimagine the future.
“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system.
“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” the President said.
The dialogue is expected to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030 and help lay the groundwork for the next phase of the National Development Plan.
He emphasised that the dialogue is not a single event, but rather a phased, participatory process beginning with local consultations and sector-specific discussions and culminating in provincial and national engagements.
Through various political, social and other formations, in workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation’s path into the future.
“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.
“This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” he said.
The President said he expects that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans.
Eminent Persons Group
To guide and champion the National Dialogue, the President has appointed an Eminent Persons Group.
He said these are leading figures in society, reflecting the country’s diversity with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.
The members of the group are: • Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, • Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, • Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, • Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, • Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, • Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, • Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, • Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, • Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, • Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, • Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, • His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, • His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, • The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, • Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, • Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, • Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, • Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, • Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, • Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, • Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, • Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, • Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, • Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, • Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, • Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, • Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, • Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, • Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, • Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, • Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist.
The President added that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability.
“I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process,” he said.
IMC
An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established under the chairpersonship of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.
The President said a Steering Committee will be established, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the dialogue process.
The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council.
“As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Several U.S. cities braced for protests on Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration raids, as parts of the country’s second largest city Los Angeles spent the night under curfew in an effort to quell five days of unrest.
The Governor of Texas, Republican Greg Abbott, said he will deploy the National Guard this week, ahead of planned protests. Protesters and police in Austin clashed on Monday.
Trump’s extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles has sparked a national debate on the use of military on U.S. soil and pitted the Republican president against California’s Democrat governor.
“This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk. That’s when the downward spiral began,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a video address on Tuesday.
“He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. … Democracy is under assault.”
Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a presidential run in 2028, and the state of California sued Trump and the Defense Department on Monday, seeking to block the deployment of federal troops. Trump in turn has suggested Newsom should be arrested.
Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from Trump, after he also ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard to the city. Marines and National Guard are to be used in the protection of government personnel and buildings and not in police action.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the deployments were not necessary as police could manage the protest, the majority of which have been peaceful, and limited to about five streets.
However, due to looting and violence at night she imposed a curfew over one square mile of the city’s downtown, starting Tuesday night. The curfew will last several days.
Police said multiple groups stayed on the streets in some areas despite the curfew and “mass arrests” were initiated. Police earlier said that 197 people had already been arrested on Tuesday – more than double the total number of arrests to date.
Democratic leaders have raised concerns over a national crisis in what has become the most intense flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally, and then crack down on opponents who take to the streets in protest.
Trump, voted back into office last year largely for his promise to deport undocumented immigrants, used a speech honoring soldiers on Tuesday to defend his decision.
He told troops at the army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina: “Generations of army heroes did not shed their blood on distant shores only to watch our country be destroyed by invasion and third-world lawlessness.”
‘FULL-BLOWN ASSAULT’
“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and on national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags,” Trump said, adding his administration would “liberate Los Angeles.”
Demonstrators have waved the flags of Mexico and other countries in solidarity for the migrants rounded up in a series of intensifying raids.
Homeland Security said on Monday its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division had arrested 2,000 immigration offenders per day recently, far above the 311 daily average in fiscal year 2024 under former President Joe Biden.
Protests have also taken place in other cities including New York, Atlanta and Chicago, where demonstrators shouted at and scuffled with officers. Some protesters climbed onto the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, while others chanted that ICE should be abolished.
Texas Governor Abbott said late on Tuesday that he will deploy the National Guard, which “will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”
“Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order. Peaceful protest is legal.
Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” Abbott posted on X.
South Texas organizations are expected to hold anti-ICE rallies on Wednesday and Saturday, CNN reported local media as saying.
About 700 Marines were in a staging area in the Seal Beach area about 30 miles (50 km) south of Los Angeles on Tuesday, awaiting deployment to specific locations, a U.S. official said.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Reuters the state was concerned about allowing federal troops to protect personnel, saying there was a risk that could violate an 1878 law that generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.
“Protecting personnel likely means accompanying ICE agents into communities and neighborhoods, and protecting functions could mean protecting the ICE function of enforcing the immigration law,” Bonta said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday posted photos on X of National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers on an immigration raid. Trump administration officials have vowed to redouble the immigration raids in response to the street protests.
The last time the military was used for direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the California governor at the time asked President George H.W. Bush to help respond to Los Angeles riots over the acquittal of police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Emergency workers to be better protected from racial abuse
Emergency workers will be better protected from violence and abuse when visiting homes as the government introduces new laws to support frontline staff.
Image: Getty Images
The new measures, tabled today as amendments to the government’s landmark Crime and Policing Bill, will close an existing loophole that allows people to get away with racial and religious abuse towards police, fire and ambulance workers making house calls.
Currently, it is illegal to racially or religiously abuse anyone in public, but this does not extend to behaviour within a private home.
The gap was originally designed to ensure that the laws that allow police to keep public spaces free from serious disorder did not overstep into private conversations held in homes.
By stopping short of people’s houses, the law has left emergency workers vulnerable and unprotected to racial and religious-based abuse and harassment during house calls, and unable to hold the perpetrators to account for their behaviour.
Reports of emergency workers being abused for their race or religion while in private homes have increased, and the government thinks it is vital they get the protections they deserve as they carry out their vital work to resolve home disputes and provide health care.
By closing the loophole in the Public Order Act 1986, the government is making clear that racially or religiously motivated abuse and threats towards our emergency workers will never be tolerated, regardless of where it takes place.
Under the change, offenders of abusing emergency workers in any setting could face a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:
Our emergency workers put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe and they should never have to tolerate abuse due to their race or religion while simply doing their job.
As part of our Plan for Change, this government is rebuilding the bond between the public and police, and part of that means ensuring our officers have the protections they deserve.
By closing this loophole, we’re sending a clear message that racial and religious abuse directed towards those who serve our communities will not be tolerated.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:
Our emergency workers carry out lifesaving work every day and deserve to feel safe from violence or intimidation.
Anyone who violates this core principle brings shame on themselves and will feel the full force of the law, wherever they are.
I will not stand any health worker being subjected to abuse and take a zero-tolerance approach, and these new measures will crack down on perpetrators.
Minister for Fire, Alex Norris said:
All emergency service workers should be able to carry out their duties without being subjected to unacceptable racial and religious abuse.
This government stands firmly behind emergency service workers and will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards those risking their lives to keep us safe.
Andy Rhodes, Director of the National Police Wellbeing Service, said:
Policing is an extremely fulfilling profession where officers can make a genuine difference to people’s lives and to their communities. We welcome the amendment to the legislation, which will better protect officers and staff who are there to protect the public.
Sadly, the role they play means they can often be faced with some incredibly challenging and hostile situations, especially in private homes, and over time, this can take a toll.
The protection of our officers and staff is a clear priority for all police chiefs. Hate crime has a devastating impact on individual victims, and racial, and faith-based discrimination against officers or emergency workers cannot be tolerated in any form.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Marine Department (MD), in collaboration with the search and rescue (SAR) agencies in Guangdong and Macao as well as several Hong Kong government departments, including the Guangdong Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Macao Marine and Water Bureau, the Macao Customs, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Government Flying Service, the Fire Services Department and the Civil Aid Service, smoothly conducted a joint maritime SAR exercise in the waters off Ha Mei Wan, Lamma Island, today (June 11).
A spokesman for the MD said, “The objective of the SAR exercise is to test the communication efficiency, co-ordination capabilities and resource deployment among the SAR agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The exercise also aims to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and neighbouring regional SAR centres to enhance their response capabilities in the event of future major maritime emergency incidents.”
The exercise simulated a collision between a cross-boundary high-speed passenger ferry carrying around 70 passengers from Macao to Hong Kong and a local oil tanker in the waters north of Shek Kwu Chau. The accident caused damage to the ferry’s hull; two passengers on board went missing after falling overboard, and many passengers were injured. Following the collision accident, the local oil tanker caught fire, trapping a seriously injured crew member in the engine room.
Under the co-ordination of the MD’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the participating SAR units took various contingency measures to carry out SAR operations. These operations included traffic regulation in the surrounding area to ensure safety at the scene to search for and rescue the missing persons who had fallen into the sea, extinguishing the fire on board the oil tanker, providing on-the-spot first aid to the injured, and deploying a helicopter to transfer the seriously injured to hospital for treatment. The exercise lasted about three hours, mobilising 17 SAR vessels, a helicopter and a total of more than 230 people.
The MD regularly conducts exercises with various SAR units and maritime stakeholders to strengthen co-operation with SAR centres in neighbouring areas and provide effective and rapid SAR services.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dustin Smith, age 31, of Utica, New York, was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and Steven G. James, New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Smith admitted that he had a 2013 conviction for sexual abuse in the first degree and that in 2022, while under parole supervision for that conviction, he possessed a cell phone which he used to send, receive, and possess thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Specifically, Smith admitted that he used the cell phone to exchange videos of child pornography with at least two identified minor children.
In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after Smith’s prison sentence is complete. Additionally, Smith must pay $102,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses, forfeit the device he used to commit the crimes, and register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “While under parole supervision, Smith distributed child pornography to a minor, demonstrating that he cannot be at liberty without harming children. With this 20-year sentence, our children are safer.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “Northern New York is undoubtedly a safer place with Dustin Smith behind bars. This sex offender has an admitted history of abhorrent crimes against children. HSI Syracuse stands in lockstep with our law enforcement partners in our shared commitment toward justice on behalf of our communities.”
HSI investigated this case with assistance from the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Parole, and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
PORTLAND, Maine: A Kennebunkport man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, in November 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Kevin Rockwell, 41, in Kennebunkport. In executing the warrant, agents recovered a tablet located on a nightstand; a review of the tablet uncovered numerous image and video files of child sexual abuse material, including prepubescent children. In an interview, Rockwell admitted owning the tablet and acknowledged the presence of the files on it. Rockwell has a prior federal conviction for transporting child pornography, for which he was sentenced to 8 ½ years in federal prison.
Rockwell faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years with a maximum of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory supervised release period of at least 5 years up to lifetime supervision. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
Smart wallets push VerseWorld’s governance and utility token to the top ranks moments after launch.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VerseWorld, the hyper-realistic metaverse fusing real-world culture with immersive digital experiences, has launched its native token, VERSE, on the Solana-based platform Pump.fun. The launch saw a rapid market response: within minutes, VERSE crossed a $1 billion market cap, ranking #1 in SmartMoney purchases by 22:40 Dubai, just 12 minutes after trading began.
Designed to be more than a meme or hype token, VERSE powers VerseWorld’s broader vision: a cultural platform built on Web3 rails. With a fixed supply of 1 billion tokens, allocating 45% to reward users for participation, interaction, and building the VerseWorld ecosystem, VERSE is the fuel for a decentralized ecosystem of virtual experiences, real-world brand activations, and community governance.
“Too many metaverses promise immersion and deliver pixels. We’re changing that,” said Mickael Reignier, Co-Founder and CEO of VerseWorld. “VerseWorld is where reality meets imagination, and VERSE is the fuel that powers it all.”
VerseWorld’s platform already supports branded experiences for clients like Toyota, Lexus, and Dubai Police, and has been covered in Cointelegraph for bringing a hyper-realistic metaverse to the Epic Games Store. The VERSE token enables in-game transactions, staking and governance, creator economy incentives, and discounted marketplace fees, as outlined in its official litepaper.
Backed by notable investors including Gerard Lopez (Genii Capital, Mangrove Capital) and supported by professional market-maker Selini Capital, the VerseWorld token launch marks a new chapter in its global expansion.
“Our goal? Build a metaverse people actually use,” added Reignier. “No hype. Real engagement. Real rewards. Real-world impact.”
About VerseWorld
VerseWorld is “The Internet of Reality,” a hyper-realistic metaverse platform connecting global communities, creators, and brands through immersive virtual experiences and real-world integrations. VERSE is the native utility token powering transactions, governance, and rewards across the VerseWorld ecosystem.
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The passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni, is a “profound loss” to South Africa’s legal heritage.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has expressed his condolences to Sangoni’s family, following the justice’s passing on Tuesday.
“The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community, and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage.
“Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence,” the President said.
He praised Sangoni’s commitment and service to the bench in the Eastern Cape.
“Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province.
“Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts.
“We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has hailed former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni’s contribution to the law fraternity following his passing.
He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78, following a short illness.
Sangoni also served as a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.
“His passing is a profound loss, not only to the justice system, but also to the nation, especially to the people under the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council, whom he served with distinction and dedication, and who will remember him for his unwavering commitment to justice and community leadership.
“The passing of Justice Sangoni leaves a vacuum in the justice fraternity that can never be filled. His contributions to the judiciary and the country at large will forever be remembered and cherished,” Kubayi said.
Sangoni’s legal career spanned some 40 years and culminated in his appointment as Judge President in the Eastern Cape High Court in 2010 – a position he held until his retirement in 2017.
“Justice Sangoni passes away at a critical time as South Africa is seized with efforts to expand access to justice. His passing comes as the department intensifies its work on developing Traditional Courts Regulations aimed at transforming existing Traditional Courts to align them with the values and principles of the Constitution.
“Justice Sangoni, whose life and career bridged both the judicial and traditional leadership spheres, would have made a profound contribution to this important work,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Youth crime prevention and financial literacy focus during summer school visit to OSCE
Sixty students got an in-depth look at the OSCE’s comprehensive work on organized crime during a visit to the OSCE in Vienna, Austria on 10 June. Each year a group of students visit the Organization as part of the European Consortium for Political Research’s summer school on transnational organized crime.
“Young people are both the most vulnerable to organized crime and the most powerful agents of change. Through initiatives like the summer school visit, we equip future leaders with the knowledge and tools — such as financial literacy and inclusive prevention strategies — to drive effective and sustainable solutions in their respective communities,” said Umberto Severini, Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit in the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department.
This year’s visit focused on emerging trends in youth recruitment into organized crime, particularly in the areas of drug distribution and exploitation. It was also an opportunity for participants to examine key risk factors contributing to youth vulnerability and explore effective prevention strategies.
Special attention was given to a newly released OSCE publication on financial literacy, which highlights how a lack of financial awareness can increase susceptibility to criminal recruitment, as well as showcases good practices in prevention.
During hands-on exericses, participants analysed practical tools and approaches that participating States can adopt to counter youth involvement in criminal networks, including through early education and targeted community initiatives. A group activity challenged students to design a youth-focused, financially informed prevention strategy, combining theoretical insights with real-world application.
The students also had a chance to network with each other and OSCE experts, helping them to consider various career paths and share perspectives across diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
“Today’s focus on fostering a culture of the rule of law, strengthening anti-corruption literacy, and building youth resilience to criminal recruitment illustrates the critical synergy between education and policy. I am deeply grateful to the OSCE Secretariat — particularly the Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings — for creating such an enriching, hands-on learning experience that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to become agents of change”, said Dr. Yuliya Zabyelina, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, USA, and Director of the Summer School on Transnational Organized Crime.
“Participating in this summer school and visiting the OSCE Secretariat was a truly eye-opening experience,” said Maral Jumadurdyyeva, a Master of Arts student in Politics and Security at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. “The sessions on youth recruitment into organized crime and trafficking deepened my understanding of the complex vulnerabilities youth face today, and how preventive strategies – especially those grounded in financial literacy – can make a tangible difference.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said on June 10 (London time) during his visit to London, the United Kingdom (UK), that Hong Kong is at the forefront of global finance and the digital asset revolution. The city shares the same vision and has complementary expertise with the UK, allowing the two places to drive transformative economic growth through partnership in an era of innovation and sustainablity.
Speaking at a luncheon held by the Hong Kong Association of the UK on June 10 (London time), Mr Hui highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to three key pillars, namely the 3Es that define the city’s strategic vision as a premier international financial centre. The 3Es refer to extending financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities; embracing fintech and green finance; and enhancing opportunities for Chinese and international businesses.
He said Hong Kong’s ability to offer a diversified, resilient and innovative financial ecosystem and the Government’s determination to extend the financial value chain are creating a robust development platform that serves both regional and international markets. The vibrant capital markets in Hong Kong, driven by geopolitical developments and the Mainland’s technological advancements, are also offering global investors, including those from the UK, a gateway and access to invest in Asia’s burgeoning tech sector by leveraging Hong Kong’s deep market liquidity and robust regulatory framework.
While mentioning the UK’s expertise in commodities trading, Mr Hui remarked that Hong Kong’s integration into the London Metal Exchange’s global warehouse network in January this year not only enhances Hong Kong’s commodities infrastructure but also creates significant opportunities for UK firms. Riding on Hong Kong’s proximity to Asia’s industrial markets, Hong Kong can partner with the UK to jointly tap into the growing demand for new-energy metals and support global industrial transformation and sustainable development.
Among the highlights of the UK leg was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and TheCityUK to establish a partnership in sharing insights and best practices to advance transition finance, collaborating on workforce development to address evolving market requirements, as well as establishing a framework to conduct an annual review to assess progress in collaboration and explore new opportunities. The MOU was signed by the Executive Director of the FSDC, Dr King Au, and the Managing Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Research of TheCityUK, Mr John Godfrey.
Mr Hui, together with the Leadership Council Chair of TheCityUK, Mr Bruce Carnegie-Brown, witnessed the signing of the MOU on June 10 (London time). Mr Hui said that the MOU reflects a shared vision to harness the strengths of Hong Kong and the UK, creating opportunities that benefit both places and the global financial ecosystem.
Prior to the signing ceremony, Mr Hui had a roundtable meeting with members of the TheCityUK, which represents an industry contributing over 12 per cent of the UK’s economic output and employing nearly 2.5 million people in financial and related professions. Mr Hui said that investors nowadays are gravitating towards markets that provide clarity, consistency and credibility, which are qualities that Hong Kong embodies in abundance. Moreover, Hong Kong continues to uphold the mission of striking a balance between innovation and investor protection through its regulatory framework in the process of integrating traditional financial services with innovative digital asset technologies for facilitating real economy activities. All in all, Hong Kong is an ideal partner for the UK to work with in unlocking horizons for growth and prosperity, especially in areas of wealth management and digital assets.
Earlier in the day, Mr Hui had a bilateral meeting with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Mr Alderman Alastair King, to update him on Hong Kong’s latest developments on the financial services front, which benefit from the unique convergence of global and Mainland advantages. He also met with the Chief Markets Officer of PwC UK, Mr Carl Sizer, to discuss the role the auditing and accounting profession can play to support Mainland enterprises going global.
In the morning of June 9 (London time), Mr Hui attended a members briefing of a British independent think-tank, Asia House, to enlighten its members on the latest financial developments of Hong Kong as well as the Greater Bay Area at large. In a Q&A session moderated by the Chief Executive of Asia House, Mr Michael Lawrence, Mr Hui responded to members’ questions about Hong Kong’s financial outlook. The members were particularly interested in Hong Kong’s connectivity with international markets and the city’s fintech development.
Mr Hui told the members that Hong Kong has been experiencing a flourishing financial market amid the challenging global financial landscape. The securities market of Hong Kong recorded an average daily turnover of US$31 billion for the first five months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 120 per cent. The Government is also taking bold moves to boost fintech development, such as introducing the Stablecoins Ordinance which is scheduled to be enacted this August.
During a lunch meeting with representatives of the ICBC Standard Bank on the same day, Mr Hui introduced to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wang Wenbin, and other senior management, the international gold trading market and commodity trading ecosystem that Hong Kong is shaping. Both parties had a very productive discussion about the vast potential that Hong Kong may bring about. The bank serves as a global banking platform for commodities, fixed income and currency products for clients.
In the afternoon, Mr Hui met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury of the UK, Ms Emma Reynolds, and other financial officials to reinforce the financial partnership between the two leading international financial centres. At the meeting, he gave them an update on the latest situation of capital markets in Hong Kong.
Mr Hui also paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom Mr Wang Qi.
After concluding the UK leg, Mr Hui proceeded to Oslo, Norway, on June 11 (London time) to continue his visit.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
Professor of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management Vladimir Volokh took part in the visiting meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, which took place at the Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V. Ya. Kikot – the largest methodological and scientific center, the flagship of departmental education.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Police General Vladimir Kolokoltsev took part in the visiting meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and answered questions from graduates of departmental universities. The head of the department expressed confidence that the young generation of police officers, having received good theoretical knowledge, will cope with all challenges with dignity: “I am convinced that your integrity, efforts and achievements will contribute to the stability of the state and increase the level of trust of the population.”
During the event, graduates of police universities had the opportunity to directly communicate with members of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia – representatives of civil society, people who constructively cooperate with the department, actively participate in joint scientific and practical projects and campaigns, and openly and impartially assess the quality of the work of the law enforcement system.
Of particular interest were topics such as combating cybercrime, the role of media and social networks in shaping public opinion about the police, migration, the introduction of positive foreign experience into the activities of internal affairs agencies, etc.
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Council, Anatoly Kucherena, presented the graduates of departmental educational organizations with a symbolic “Parting Word” from members of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
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