Washington, D.C., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MissionSquare Retirement is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom McAndrews as Chief Legal Officer (CLO), reporting to the firm’s chief executive officer and president, Andre Robinson. In his expanded role, McAndrews will oversee MissionSquare’s Corporate Affairs Department, including Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs, Research, and Risk Management.
“I am thrilled that Tom will take on this expanded role as CLO for our organization,” said Robinson. “Tom’s leadership and dedication to our vision as a company have been instrumental to our growth over the years and will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success as we move forward. This is an exciting next chapter for Tom and our entire team, and I look forward to being on this journey together.”
McAndrews has been an integral part of the MissionSquare team for over 16 years. He first joined the firm’s legal department in 2008, where he served as vice president, securities counsel. Since joining MissionSquare, McAndrews has worked on various issues related to broker-dealer, investment adviser, and investment company regulation, and his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening MissionSquare’s compliance framework and navigating complex legal matters.
Before joining MissionSquare, McAndrews held the position of counsel with O’Melveny & Myers, LLP, where he represented clients in securities-related enforcement proceedings before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. He also provided regulatory counseling to his clients regarding compliance with federal securities laws and self-regulatory organization rules. In addition, he has previously held roles with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
McAndrews earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a doctorate of law from The George Washington University Law School. He served as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and is based in Washington, D.C.
MissionSquare remains focused on its mission to help all plan participants retire well, which continues to drive and define the company today. The firm continues to introduce new tools and resources to help individuals and their families build retirement security.
About MissionSquare Retirement
Since its founding in 1972, MissionSquare Retirement has been dedicated to simplifying the path to retirement security for public service employees. As a mission-based financial services company, we manage and administer over $72.0 billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering results-oriented retirement plans, education, investments, and personalized advice sets us apart. Explore how we enable public service workers to build a secure financial future. For more information, visit www.missionsq.org or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
*As of Dec. 31, 2024. Includes 457(b) plans, 401(a) plans, 403(b) plans, Retirement Health Savings plans, Employer Investment Program plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.
A 33-year-old man was stopped for excessive speeding by Traffic Services West on Monday.
On April 28, 2025, police observed a vehicle travelling at speeds up to 164 km/hrin a 100 km/h zoneon the Trans Canada Highway near Hampden Junction. The driver’s speed was locked in at 159km/hr. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was ticketed for excessive speeding. His license was suspended and the vehicle was impounded.
RCMP NL continues to fill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank the public for continuing to report incidents of excessive speed, dangerous driving and crimes within their communities.
The Trump administration is trying to reshape how schools discipline students – and alter the federal government’s role in the process.
On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order suggesting schools have been using racially discriminatory discipline policies. It sets in motion new federal guidance that would reverse policies supported by the Obama and Biden administrations aimed at reducing racial disparities in how Black children and other students of color are disciplined in school.
I believe the order could have far-reaching consequences and is likely to prompt pushback and legal challenges. As a researcher who studies school discipline, I can explain why this is happening and what it means for schools and students.
In 2014, for example, the U.S. departments of Education and Justice issued guidance to reduce racial disparities in school discipline. This Obama-era letter suggested that higher rates of discipline for racial minorities could be evidence of discrimination. The guidance signaled how the U.S. Department of Education would interpret federal law and what might be cause for federal investigation.
Even though the guidance was rescinded during the first Trump administration, the federal government continued to investigate disparities in discipline. And without alternative guidance, many schools continued practices guided by the Obama-era policies.
These efforts to reduce disparities in school discipline continued under President Joe Biden, though without reinstating the Obama-era guidance.
In the return to schooling after COVID-19 shutdowns, however, schools grappled with reports of increasing student misbehavior. Nationally, almost 9 in 10 principals reported negative effects of the pandemic on student behavior.
At the same time, there were reports that some schools were not properly documenting serious misbehavior – hiding high or disparate rates of discipline. These problems created an opportunity for the Trump administration to push new federal guidance.
What Trump’s executive order does
Trump’s new executive order sets the stage for further federal influence over discipline policy and practices. Here’s a breakdown of what it contains.
First, the executive order states that schools should no longer focus on differences in rates of discipline across subgroups. It contends that doing so has led to schools failing to report incidents and making decisions based on students’ race rather than objective facts.
Next, the executive order calls on the secretary of education to develop new school discipline guidance for states and schools. It also calls for the secretary of education and attorney general to work with state leaders to reshape how their states can prevent racial discrimination in discipline.
Finally, the executive order requires a report on “the status of discriminatory-equity-ideology-based” school discipline. The order does not explicitly say what such discipline is, but it presumably includes alternatives to suspension and approaches that focus on considering race in disciplinary decisions.
The report is to provide model policies that the order claims will uphold “American values and traditional virtues” and provide examples of discipline not based on “equity ideology.”
Part of the report will also include an evaluation of past federal civil rights investigations and federal funding supporting organizations that promote discipline approaches deemed problematic under the new order. This addresses concerns that the threat of federal investigation over discipline disparities was used to influence schools’ discipline policies.
In short, the order suggests expanded federal involvement in school discipline. It does so despite noting that it is an “obvious conclusion” that “disciplinary decisions are best left in the hands of classroom teachers and administrators.”
Meaning of ‘discrimination’ in anti-DEI era
The executive order claims to provide “protections against racial discrimination” in school discipline. Interestingly, the policies Trump is seeking to undo were similarly intended to reduce racial disparities.
This seeming contradiction can be understood when the executive order is viewed against the backdrop of current education policy debates. A wide set of policies grounded in efforts of diversity, equity and inclusion and related topics have been at the forefront of debates over schooling in the past five years. From debates around “critical race theory” – the idea that racism is embedded in our social systems – to the content of school libraries, the “culture wars” are at the schoolhouse door.
It is no coincidence, then, that the executive order uses the term “discriminatory equity ideology” to describe discipline policies it prohibits.
In the short term, I believe educators will face much uncertainty. The executive order is vague. It does not name specific discipline policies that should be avoided or used.
But in the coming months, the executive order promises increased federal influence over school discipline. The full scope or impact of this is not yet clear. However, it is reasonable to expect that, just like other contested issues in education, there will be legal challenges and pushback in some locales.
In short, the “common sense” discipline reforms called for in the executive order are unlikely to be seen as common sense for everyone.
F. Chris Curran has received funding from the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Educational Research Association for research on school discipline and safety.
From drones delivering medical supplies to digital assistants performing everyday tasks, AI-powered systems are becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. The creators of these innovations promise transformative benefits. For some people, mainstream applications such as ChatGPT and Claude can seem like magic. But these systems are not magical, nor are they foolproof – they can and do regularly fail to work as intended.
AI systems can malfunction due to technical design flaws or biased training data. They can also suffer from vulnerabilities in their code, which can be exploited by malicious hackers. Isolating the cause of an AI failure is imperative for fixing the system.
But AI systems are typically opaque, even to their creators. The challenge is how to investigate AI systems after they fail or fall victim to attack. There are techniques for inspecting AI systems, but they require access to the AI system’s internal data. This access is not guaranteed, especially to forensic investigators called in to determine the cause of a proprietary AI system failure, making investigation impossible.
We are computer scientistswho study digital forensics. Our team at the Georgia Institute of Technology has built a system, AI Psychiatry, or AIP, that can recreate the scenario in which an AI failed in order to determine what went wrong. The system addresses the challenges of AI forensics by recovering and “reanimating” a suspect AI model so it can be systematically tested.
Uncertainty of AI
Imagine a self-driving car veers off the road for no easily discernible reason and then crashes. Logs and sensor data might suggest that a faulty camera caused the AI to misinterpret a road sign as a command to swerve. After a mission-critical failure such as an autonomous vehicle crash, investigators need to determine exactly what caused the error.
Was the crash triggered by a malicious attack on the AI? In this hypothetical case, the camera’s faultiness could be the result of a security vulnerability or bug in its software that was exploited by a hacker. If investigators find such a vulnerability, they have to determine whether that caused the crash. But making that determination is no small feat.
Although there are forensic methods for recovering some evidence from failures of drones, autonomous vehicles and other so-called cyber-physical systems, none can capture the clues required to fully investigate the AI in that system. Advanced AIs can even update their decision-making – and consequently the clues – continuously, making it impossible to investigate the most up-to-date models with existing methods.
Researchers are working on making AI systems more transparent, but unless and until those efforts transform the field, there will be a need for forensics tools to at least understand AI failures.
Pathology for AI
AI Psychiatry applies a series of forensic algorithms to isolate the data behind the AI system’s decision-making. These pieces are then reassembled into a functional model that performs identically to the original model. Investigators can “reanimate” the AI in a controlled environment and test it with malicious inputs to see whether it exhibits harmful or hidden behaviors.
AI Psychiatry takes in as input a memory image, a snapshot of the bits and bytes loaded when the AI was operational. The memory image at the time of the crash in the autonomous vehicle scenario holds crucial clues about the internal state and decision-making processes of the AI controlling the vehicle. With AI Psychiatry, investigators can now lift the exact AI model from memory, dissect its bits and bytes, and load the model into a secure environment for testing.
Our team tested AI Psychiatry on 30 AI models, 24 of which were intentionally “backdoored” to produce incorrect outcomes under specific triggers. The system was successfully able to recover, rehost and test every model, including models commonly used in real-world scenarios such as street sign recognition in autonomous vehicles.
Thus far, our tests suggest that AI Psychiatry can effectively solve the digital mystery behind a failure such as an autonomous car crash that previously would have left more questions than answers. And if it does not find a vulnerability in the car’s AI system, AI Psychiatry allows investigators to rule out the AI and look for other causes such as a faulty camera.
Not just for autonomous vehicles
AI Psychiatry’s main algorithm is generic: It focuses on the universal components that all AI models must have to make decisions. This makes our approach readily extendable to any AI models that use popular AI development frameworks. Anyone working to investigate a possible AI failure can use our system to assess a model without prior knowledge of its exact architecture.
Whether the AI is a bot that makes product recommendations or a system that guides autonomous drone fleets, AI Psychiatry can recover and rehost the AI for analysis. AI Psychiatry is entirely open source for any investigator to use.
AI Psychiatry can also serve as a valuable tool for conducting audits on AI systems before problems arise. With government agencies from law enforcement to child protective services integrating AI systems into their workflows, AI audits are becoming an increasingly common oversight requirement at the state level. With a tool like AI Psychiatry in hand, auditors can apply a consistent forensic methodology across diverse AI platforms and deployments.
In the long run, this will pay meaningful dividends both for the creators of AI systems and everyone affected by the tasks they perform.
Brendan Saltaformaggio’s research group receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors and collaborators.
David Oygenblik does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 30 — China on Wednesday adopted a revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, aiming to improve its prevention of epidemics and protect the life and health of its people.
The revised law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
Liu Xia, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, said that the new law provides a strong legal safeguard for the development of a disease control system led by medical and health institutions, integrating prevention and treatment, and supported by cooperation across all sectors of society.
The new law will significantly strengthen China’s core capabilities in the fields of infectious disease monitoring and early warnings, emergency response, testing and diagnostics, and medical treatment, Liu said.
“The new law further clarifies the rights, obligations and responsibilities of various parties — including government departments, disease control agencies, medical institutions, businesses and individuals — in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and strengthens cross-departmental coordination mechanisms,” said Shen Weixing, a professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Law.
This revised version effectively enhances the authority and enforceability of the law, Shen added
SOUTH BEND – Yesterday, Ron Deming, 38 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was found guilty today of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2025. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Ja’Niyah McMichael Would Be 14 Years Old Today
The FBI and Gary Police Department are asking for the public’s help to locate Ja’Niyah McMichael, a teenager, who has been missing since August 12, 2024. Ja’Niyah was reported missing by her mother from their home in the 1900 block of Malcom X Blvd in Gary, Indiana.
Investigators believe Ja’Niyah may be the victim of foul play and the search for her remains an active and ongoing investigation.
At the time of her disappearance, Ja’Niyah was last seen wearing black pajama pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and red and black shoes. She has known connections to Gary and East Chicago, Indiana.
Today, Ja’Niyah would be 14 years old.
In an effort to bring Ja’Niyah home and hold those responsible accountable, there is a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for her disappearance. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 and the City of Gary is also offering a $10,000 reward.
Anyone with information—no matter how small—is urged to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), Gary or online at tips.fbi.gov.
From integrating next-generation technologies into curricula to addressing national perceptions of cultural issues, education is at a pivotal moment in ensuring that it adequately trains and teaches future generations.
In this town hall, leaders debate what success can look like for education globally.
This is the full audio from a session at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting on 22 January, 2025. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/debating-education/
Speakers:
Sian L. Beilock, President, Dartmouth
Michael Spence, President and Provost, University College London (UCL)
Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot University Professor, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Raquel Bernal, President, Universidad de los Andes
Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) :
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In 2025, under the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, about 2 thousand km of regional and local roads leading to tourist attractions: unique natural complexes, architectural monuments, religious buildings, historical landmarks will be brought into compliance with the regulations. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“High-quality roads play a key role in the development of the tourism industry, providing access to both popular and new destinations, memorable places and unique natural complexes, increasing the safety of movement and the comfort of travel. This is especially relevant today, when domestic tourism, including automobile tourism, is actively developing in the country. Thanks to the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, in 2025 we plan to bring about 2 thousand km of regional and local roads leading to tourist attractions up to standard,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The development of domestic tourism is one of the key growth points for regions.
“High-quality infrastructure can turn a small settlement into a popular tourist center, attracting thousands of visitors every year. In turn, the development of the hotel business, restaurant sector and entertainment sector provides new jobs, increases the income of local residents and contributes to the overall prosperity of the region. This year, under the federal project “Regional and Local Road Network”, repair work will be carried out at 434 sites included in tourist routes,” said Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit.
Transport accessibility is as important to travelers as service and comfortable accommodation. That is why in recent years, special attention has been paid to the renovation of such roads.
“Over the six years of implementing the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”, we have managed to bring more than 9.7 thousand km of tourist routes into compliance, which is about 2 thousand objects – sections of roads and artificial structures. Getting to many attractions has become faster and more comfortable, many interesting places have become more popular, because now there is a good road leading there. The extensive joint work of federal and regional project teams to update tourist routes will continue in the new national project “Infrastructure for Life” and will be aimed at achieving the main goal – improving the quality of life of Russians,” emphasized Deputy Head of the Federal Road Agency Igor Kostyuchenko.
In the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, thanks to the national project, the reconstruction of one of the most important regional facilities continues – a tunnel at the 21st km of the Chikola-Matsuta-Komi-Art highway. Its length is 269 m. Now specialists are carrying out the final finishing of the renovated artificial structure and preparing it for commissioning.
The route along this road provides transport access to one of the most picturesque and ecologically significant areas of the region, opening access to unique natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites and tourist bases of the republic. For example, in the high-mountain part of the Digorskoye Gorge, where the route leads, there are eight tourist bases and mountaineering camps. In addition, here travelers can visit such cultural and natural monuments as the Eagle’s Nest observation deck, the Karaugom glacier, the Tamisk thermal springs and the Uastyrdzhi monument.
In the Republic of Crimea, thanks to the national project, major repairs are underway on a 20 km section of the Alushta-Sudak-Feodosia highway. This is one of the most picturesque routes in Crimea, which runs along the coast and mountain ranges.
In the Kostroma region this year, a 3.2 km long access road to the village of Medvedki will be repaired. The road connecting the settlement with the Kostroma-Susanino-Buy highway leads to the oldest stud farm, founded in 1891 in Medvedki by the merchant Skalozubov. The stable buildings built here with a unique tent-type riding arena have no analogues in Russia and are an architectural monument of federal significance.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
On April 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a decision dismissing a legal challenge to the New Orleans Saints’ registered fleur-de-lis design mark. According to the petition for cancellation, the petitioner claimed to be “a direct descendant of the Kings of France (Scotland, Aragon, and Castille),” thereby entitling his family to “intellectual property rights to the Fleur de Lys, Orleans, and Saints marks.” (Petition at p. 3).
Screen capture of U.S. trademark registration number 0992210, the fleur-de-lis for the New Orleans Saints.
These legal proceedings were originally filed before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), which is a division of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A three-member board of administrative trademark judges issued decisions denying the cancellation request on January 26, 2024 and June 26, 2024. The board concluded that a hereditary connection to French royalty did not create a sufficient, survivable claim under the Trademark Act because the petitioner did not “allege any commercial interests in the mark, or that he owns or conducts any business under the mark, and thus he cannot allege entitlement.” (June 26, 2024, Order at p. 5).
In affirming the TTAB panel, the Circuit Court held that the petitioner had failed to meet his burden under federal court standing requirements. Specifically, he had not shown that he was injured by the Saints’ trademark because he had “not alleged that he or his family make, offer for sale, or sell any products or services using a fleur-de-lis design.” (Opinion at p. 4). Without standing, the Circuit Court determined that it lacked jurisdiction over the appeal and therefore dismissed the case.
Locating Federal Court Filings
In addition to being one of nine U.S. Supreme Court depository libraries that receives copies of Supreme Court records and briefs, the Law Library of Congress also has a collection of historic federal circuit court filings. Researchers who are interested in reviewing these collections should start by visiting our research guide, U.S. Federal Appellate Courts: Records and Briefs. This guide provides coverage data for our federal circuit court pleadings collection, as well as links to additional resources that can help researchers track down these materials.
These filings are also increasingly available online through websites like Court Listener’s RECAP Archive. Researchers should keep in mind, however, that open access websites with court filings are crowd-sourced, meaning that users who obtain these pleadings will upload them to the site voluntarily. As a result, docket entries on these sites may be incomplete.
If you are having trouble tracking down federal appellate court records, please send us a message on Ask A Librarian.
The Australian counter-drone weapons system seen at a weapons demonstration in Israel recently is actually just one of a few that were sold by the Canberra-based company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and sent through its wholly-owned US subsidiary to Israel, Declassified Australia can reveal.
It was the ABC who broke the news of the EOS weapons system being provided for the demonstration trial. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continued to insist, as he has since the war in Gaza began, that Australia does not sell weapons to Israel.
However the weapon displayed wasn’t just provided on loan for the demonstration – the weapon has been “sold” to the Israelis. Declassified Australia can reveal that EOS, by its own admission, sold more than one of its R400 weapons systems to the Israelis prior to the demonstration.
READ MORE: Other Declassified Australia reports
An EOS company presentation, titled “2024 Full Year Results”, describes a “potential new customer” for the R400 weapon in the “Middle East” (page 36). The presentation, prepared for EOS shareholders and lodged with the Australian Stock Exchange, is dated 25 February 2025.
EOS describes this potential new customer for its R400 as a “Preliminary” stage opportunity, valued at less-than-A$100 million, and states that more than one weapon was sold:
The company also points out a sense of urgency with the potential sale:
“Potential to accelerate due to operational requirements.”
In another section of the report (page 16), EOS reports a single entry in the “Preliminary” stage of a potential sale of R400 weapons, with the “Bid being prepared or submitted”.
EOS states (page 36) the “estimated opportunity size” of the sale is up to “$100 million”. At a unit price per system of A$1.55 million that potential contract is enough to purchase 60 of the R400 counter-drone system.
Under the heading “Notable Demonstrations” (page 15), EOS refers to “Counter Drone evaluation testing with New Customer”, held in January 2025, with an accompanying photograph of its R400 counter-drone cannon with five senior Israeli defence leaders posing beside it at the testing site.
EOS itself has revealed that the new customer is clearly Israel.
EOS states it had “supported a local prime [a major local weapons company] to demonstrate counter-drone capabilities in a high profile local demonstration”. EOS states that its R400 weapon system had “performed extremely well, earning high praise from the organisers.”
An extract from the Electro Optic Systems (EOS) company document titled “2024 Full Year Results”, showing a photograph of the EOS R400 counter-drone weapon system that was demonstrated to gathered Israeli defence and industry officials in January 2025. Image: Electro Optic Systems
The location of the demonstration of the Australian weapon is verified as being in Israel’s southern Negev Desert by a 5 February press release about the weapon testing, released by Israel’s Ministry of Defence. [Note: Since publication of this article, the Press Release has been taken down from the Israeli Defense Ministry website, but is still available here, for now.]
An Israel Defense Force photograph included with the press release, is the same photo of the R400 weapon and Israeli officials, as published in the EOS document. Israel’s Ministry of Defence also posted this video of the final demonstration event, with a firing of the EOS R400 weapons system appearing at 01:06.
In the photograph standing behind the Australian company’s weapon are four senior Israeli defence officials, together with an Israeli defence industry CEO.
A photo distributed with an Israel Ministry of Defense press release showing the EOS R400 counter-drone weapons system at operational trials testing advanced counter-drone technologies organised by the Directorate of Defence Research & Development in January 2025. Pictured: Acting director-general of the Israel Ministry of Defence, Itamar Graf (from left); Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz; CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz Levy; Head of Israel Defence Force’s Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, Maj.Gen. Eyal Harel; Head of the Israel Directorate of Defence Research & Development, Brig.Gen. (retd) Dr Daniel Gold. Image: Israel Ministry of Defense
Countering drone attacks EOS’ powerful R400 remote weapons system has a 2km range and is renowned for its lethality and precision in targeting. Using a sophisticated gimbal, its accuracy is maintained even when the system is mounted and used atop a moving vehicle. The weapon can be seen in use on a moving vehicle here in this video clip.
The EOS R400 is not solely a counter-drone weapons system. It can be configured to fire weapons ranging from machine guns, to 30mm cannons, automatic grenade launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and 70mm rockets, meaning it can be used against multiple types of targets in addition to drones — including people, buildings, armoured vehicles, and tanks.
The R400 Slinger variation is marketed by EOS as a system designed solely to counter modern drone threats with a single, lethal shot.
The Australian company’s customer in Israel is noted in the EOS company document as being an Israeli “local prime” arms manufacturer. Both Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems participated in the demonstration trials, each demonstrating a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) that incorporated a 30mm cannon.
EOS sees a big future for the R400 and its suite of remote weapons systems. The EOS 2024 Financial Report was lodged with ASX on 25 February 2025. In the “Market Overview”section, it discusses weapons contracts signed in 2024, and notes (page 8) that:
“[EOS] Defence Systems is in active discussions and contract negotiations for the provision of RWS [Remote Weapons Systems] and related components with other potential customers.”
“Assuming the evaluation of these systems progresses positively, EOS would hope to move to sell larger, commercial quantities to these customers.”
EOS R-400S Mk 2 30mm Remote Weapons Station being fired while mounted to a tactical vehicle. Image: Video screen shot/Defence Technology Review Magazine
Australia obliged to act on defence transfers In October 2024, the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported on the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) findings that Israel may be committing “genocide”.
As reported by Kellie Tranter in Declassified Australia in November, the Australian government’s international legal responsibilities extend to investigating and regulating individuals and corporate entities who act in and from Australia to support the legally proscribed conduct of the Israeli State.
The Commission stated:
“Thus, the Commission recommends that any State engaged in such transfer or trade to Israel shall cease its transfer or trade until the State is satisfied that the goods and technology subject to the transfer or trade are not contributing to maintaining the unlawful occupation or to the commission of war crimes or genocide and thereafter throughout any period when the State is not so satisfied.” [Emphasis added]
The UN Commission makes clear what trade it refers to:
“On the issue of arms and military transfer and trade relating to Israel’s military capability, States have a duty to conduct a due diligence review of all transfer and trade agreements with Israel, including but not limited to equipment, weapons, munitions, parts, components, dual use items and technology, to determine whether the goods or technology subject to the transfer or trade contribute to maintaining the unlawful occupation or are used to commit violations of international law.” [Emphasis added]
If the government becomes aware of an impending military transfer of weapons or technology defined above, to Israel – as the stated intentions of EOS reported here make clear – it is obliged to investigate and if necessary intervene to halt the transfer:
“This includes both preexisting agreements and future transfers to Israel. States are obliged to demonstrate that any transfer or trade relating to military capability is not being used by Israel to maintain the unlawful occupation or commit violations of international law.” [Emphasis added]
Words are not enough The Australian government and the Defence Department have continued their obfuscation of Australia’s weapons trade with Israel, as Declassified Australia has been reportingrepeatedly.
ABC television has reported how the government continues to insist no weapons or ammunition had been supplied “directly to Israel” since its latest genocidal war on Gaza began. The addition of the word “directly” is a notable change to the government’s wording, since this EOS news emerged.
In response to the ABC report, Prime Minister Albanese said: “We do not sell arms to Israel . . . We looked into this matter and the company has confirmed with the Department of Defence that the particular system was not exported from Australia. Australia does not export arms to Israel.”
Declassified Australia has previously reported on the Albanese Government’s repeated and misleading use of the phrase “to Israel”. Arms companies are known for exporting their weaponry, or parts and components thereof, via third party countries in an attempt to cover their tracks.
A defence industry source told the ABC the Australian-made components of the EOS R400 remote weapons system were assembled at the company’s wholly-owned US subsidiary in Alabama USA, before being shipped to Israel without an Australian export approval.
Military exports, including ammunition, munitions, parts and components, do not need to travel ‘directly’ to Israel to be prohibited under the Arms Trade Treaty.
Governments are required to find out where their weapons will, or may, end up and then make responsible decisions that comply with the treaty. A government must consider and assess the potential ‘end users’ of its military exports.
A UN expert panel has issued repeated demands that States and companies cease all arms transfers to Israel or risk complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide. It stated:
“An end to transfers must include indirect transfers through intermediary countries that could ultimately be used by Israeli forces, particularly in the ongoing attacks on Gaza.…” [Emphasis added.]
Greens’ defence spokesperson, Senator David Shoebridge, has said, “What we might be seeing here is the impact of what’s called AUKUS Pillar 2, the removal of any controls for the passage of weapons between Australia and the United States, and then Australia permitting the United States to send Australian weapons anywhere”.
The EOS R400 remote weapon system integrated with the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Image: US Army
Not the first time EOS has a history of supplying its remote weapons systems to military regimes accused of extensive war crimes.
During the catastrophic Yemen war which started in 2014, despite significant evidence of war crimes, EOS sold its weapons systems to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. EOS enjoyed the full support of the Turnbull coalition government and its defence industry minister Christopher Pyne.
In early 2019, ABC TV reported, Saudi Arabia awarded Australian weapons manufacturer EOS a contract to supply it with 500 of its R400 Remote Weapons Systems.
The company has also benefited from the government-industry ‘revolving door’. Former chief of army, Peter Leahy, was on the EOS board from 2009 until late 2022, encompassing the period of the Yemen war. He served as the company’s chair from mid-2021 until his departure.
The two longest-serving current members of the EOS board are former chief of air force, Geoff Brown (joined 2016) and former Labor senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy (joined 2018).
The release of a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report in 2023 raised serious concerns about EOS and its Saudi Arabian arms deals.
HRW’s report revealed that hundreds, possibly thousands, of unarmed migrants and asylum-seekers had been killed at the Yemen-Saudi border in the 15 months between March 2022 and June 2023, allegedly by Saudi officers.
Human Rights Watch says it identified on Google Earth what looks like “a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle” near a Saudi border guard posts north of the Yemeni refugee trail in January 1, 2023.
The vehicle has what appears to be “a heavy machine gun mounted in a turret on its roof”. This description closely matches the military equipment that Australia sold to Saudi Arabia a few years earlier.
Declassified Australia put a number of questions to EOS, the Department of Defence, and the offices of the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and the Foreign Minister. None responded to our questions on this matter.
Michelle Fahy is an independent writer and researcher, specialising in the examination of connections between the weapons industry and government, and has written in various independent publications. She is on X @FahyMichelle, and on Substack at UndueInfluence.substack.com. This article has been republished from Declassified Australia with permission.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Wahl: OSCE Mission to Skopje focuses on faster, fairer justice through targeted reform
Annual Judicial Conference, marking the National Day of the Judiciary (OSCE) Photo details
Skopje, 30 April 2024 – Accelerating the delivery of justice was the central focus as the OSCE Mission to Skopje joined senior judicial professionals today at the Annual Judicial Conference, marking the National Day of the Judiciary. Held under the theme “Strengthening judicial independence and accountability through greater efficiency of procedures,” the event comes at a crucial time for reform in North Macedonia’s justice system.
In his opening remarks, Head of Mission Ambassador Kilian Wahl underscored the OSCE’s commitment to making justice faster and fairer through practical, systemic change.
“We are committed to enhancing procedural efficiency and addressing systemic delays that undermine justice. We do so with renewed focus embedded in our newly adopted three-year strategy, which realigns our efforts toward more targeted and impactful priorities: through legislative reform, stronger coordination across the justice chain, and sustained investment in institutional capacities.”, said Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.
The conference convened key figures from the judiciary, including Judge Ivan Dzolev, President of the Association of Judges; Aleksandar Kambovski, President of the Judicial Council; and Justice Xhemali Saiti, Acting President of the Supreme Court.
Judiciary protects the fundamental human rights and freedoms, provides equality, equity, and non-discrimination. It protects the legal order and provides legal safety, rule of law, and assesses the legality in citizens’ actions. In this regard, as holders of the third branch of power, we also ask for equal, equitable and non-discriminatory attitude by the country in which we have decided to build and upgrade our professional career, and contribute to providing constitutionality and legality through impartiality, independence and professionalism. Additionally, we ask for the equal and non-discriminatory attitude toward judges to be copied toward the judicial service without which courts cannot tackle challenges. That’s why the Association has initiated a second initiative before the Constitutional Court of RNM for assessing the Law on Salaries of Judges, and has submitted a request to the competent institutions for urgent intervention regarding personnel shortage in courts – highlighted the President of the Association, judge Ivan Djolev.
Through its new strategy, the OSCE Mission to Skopje prioritizes criminal justice reform as a foundation for rule of law – supporting measures that reduce delays, strengthen co-operation, and build a judicial system that delivers timely, transparent, and equitable outcomes for all.
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758
Date：2025-04-30
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
April 30, 2025
The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.
The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.
In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.
The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.
MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758
Date：2025-04-30 Data Source：Department of European Affairs
April 30, 2025
The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.
The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.
In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.
The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (April 30) that open auctions for a total of 590 stalls in 45 public markets will be held in May. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on May 23 on a first-come, first-served basis.
(1) Open auctions
The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat food, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food related dry goods and wet goods, service trades, siu mei and lo mei, mobile phones/mobile phone accessories/electronic products/electronic parts, pet goods and pet food, hardware/locksmith, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from June 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website.
The date and the number of stalls are as follows:
New Territories (1) ———————– Auction date: May 7 (Wednesday) (am) Number of stalls: 89
New Territories (2) ——————— Auction date: May 8 (Thursday) (am) Number of stalls: 76
Hong Kong Island and Islands District (1) ———————————————- Auction date: May 12 (Monday) (am) Number of stalls: 119
Aberdeen Market ——————- Auction date: May 12 (Monday) (pm) Number of stalls: 20
Hong Kong Island and Islands District (2) ———————————————- Auction date: May 13 (Tuesday) (am) Number of stalls: 75
Hong Kong Island and Islands District (3) ———————————————- Auction date: May 13 (Tuesday) (pm) Number of stalls: 64
Kowloon (1) ————— Auction date: May 14 (Wednesday) (am) Number of stalls: 79
Lai Wan Market ——————– Auction date: May 14 (Wednesday) (pm) Number of stalls: two
Kowloon (2) ————— Auction date: May 15 (Thursday) (am) Number of stalls: 52
Kowloon (3) ————— Auction date: May 15 (Thursday) (pm) Number of stalls: 14
The open auctions will be held at Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.
(2) Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis
The tenancy agreement of market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from July 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website after the open auction.
Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on May 23:
Districts in which the market stalls are located
Venues for selection of market stalls
Hong Kong Island and Islands District
Hawkers and Markets Section (Hong Kong and Islands) Office, 8/F, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building, 225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Kowloon
Hawkers and Markets Section (Kowloon) Office, Room 301-302, 3/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Kwai Tsing District
Kwai Tsing District Environmental Hygiene Office, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories
North District
North District Environmental Hygiene Office, 4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal Services Building, 13 Chi Cheong Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories
Sai Kung District
Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office, 7/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Sha Tin District
Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office, Units 1201-1207 and 1220-1221, 12/F, Tower 1, Grand Central Plaza, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
Tai Po District
Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories
Tsuen Wan District
Tsuen Wan District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Yeung Uk Road Municipal Services Building, 45 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
Tuen Mun District
Tuen Mun District Environmental Hygiene Office, 1/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices Building, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
Yuen Long District
Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Office, 2/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis. The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) (“Onity” or the “Company”) today announced its first quarter 2025 results and provided a business update.
First Quarter 2025:
Net income attributable to common stockholders of $21 million; diluted EPS of $2.50; ROE of 19%
Adjusted pre-tax income* of $25 million, resulting in annualized adjusted ROE* of 22%
Book value per share improved to $58 as of March 31, 2025, up $2.15 year-over-year
$17 billion in total servicing additions
Average servicing UPB of $305 billion, up $13 billion year-over-year
2025 Outlook:
Confirmed previous guidance including 2025 adjusted ROE* range of 16% – 18%
Some or all of $180 million deferred tax valuation allowance (US) as of December 31, 2024, could be released by year-end 2025
* See “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below
“We are thrilled to report another strong quarter, with growth in revenue, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted ROE, and book value per share compared to a year ago,” said Onity Group Chair, President and CEO Glen Messina. “Our results demonstrate the success of our strategy coupled with strong execution. Our balanced business continues to perform well regardless of interest rate cycles.”
Messina continued, “We believe our demonstrated resiliency, customer focus, and award-winning servicing platform will enable us to successfully navigate interest rate volatility and economic uncertainties. We expect our actions to deliver balanced MSR and subservicing additions, expand high-margin products, and continuously strengthen recapture performance, will drive our growth in the coming quarters.”
Additional First Quarter 2025 Operating and Business Highlights
Funded recapture volume up 2.7x year-over-year; refinance recapture rate is 1.6x industry average based on ICE Mortgage Monitor report as of April 2025
Originations volume of $7 billion, up 53% year-over-year, exceeding 8% industry growth
MSR additions (bulk purchases and originations) of $12 billion, up more than 2x year-over-year
Expanded high-margin products with launch of enhanced home equity and proprietary reverse mortgage (EquityIQ®) loans
Effective MSR hedge strategy resulting in minimal MSR fair value volatility in the quarter and continued alignment with operating and financial performance
Total liquidity (unrestricted cash plus available credit) at $239 million as of March 31, 2025
Webcast and Conference Call
Onity will hold a conference call on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to review the Company’s first quarter 2025 operating results and to provide a business update. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing (800) 579-2543 or (785) 424-1789 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call; please reference the conference ID “Onity.” Participants can also access the conference call through a live audio webcast available from the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com under Events and Presentations. An investor presentation will accompany the conference call and be available by visiting the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com prior to the call. A replay of the conference call will be available via the website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. A telephonic replay will also be available approximately three hours following the call’s completion through May 14, 2025, by dialing (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671; please reference access code 11158988.
About Onity Group
Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) is a leading non-bank financial services company providing mortgage servicing and originations solutions through its primary brands, PHH Mortgage and Liberty Reverse Mortgage. PHH Mortgage is one of the largest servicers in the country, focused on delivering a variety of servicing and lending programs to consumers and business clients. Liberty is one of the nation’s largest reverse mortgage lenders dedicated to providing loans that help customers meet their personal and financial needs. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices and operations in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, India and the Philippines, and have been serving our customers since 1988. For additional information, please visit onitygroup.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect”, “believe”, “foresee”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “goal”, “strategy”, “plan” “target” and “project” or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could” or “would” or the negative of these terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words, and includes statements in this press release regarding our 2025 outlook and guidance, our expectation of releasing our deferred tax valuation allowance by year-end 2025, our ability to drive growth, and navigate interest volatility and economic uncertainties. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Readers should bear these factors in mind when considering such statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward looking statements and this may happen again. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the potential for ongoing disruption in the financial markets and in commercial activity generally as a result of U.S. and global political events, changes in monetary and fiscal policy, and other sources of instability; the impacts of inflation, employment disruption, and other financial difficulties facing our borrowers; whether we will release some or all of the valuation allowance offsetting our net U.S. deferred tax asset, and the timing and amount of such release; the adequacy of our financial resources, including our sources of liquidity and ability to sell, fund and recover servicing advances, forward and reverse whole loans, future draws on existing reverse loans, and HECM and forward loan buyouts and put backs, as well as repay, renew and extend borrowings, borrow additional amounts as and when required, meet our MSR or other asset investment objectives and comply with our debt agreements, including the financial and other covenants contained in them; our ability to interpret correctly and comply with current or future liquidity, net worth and other financial and other requirements of regulators, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (together, the GSEs), and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), including our ability to implement a cost-effective response to Ginnie Mae’s risk-based capital requirements by the extended deadline granted to us by Ginnie Mae of October 1, 2025; our ability to timely reduce operating costs, or generate offsetting revenue, in proportion to the industry-wide decrease in originations activity; the impact of cost-reduction initiatives on our business and operations; the impact of our rebranding initiative; the amount of senior debt or common stock or that we may repurchase under any repurchase programs, the timing of such repurchases, and the long-term impact, if any, of repurchases on the trading price of our securities or our financial condition; breach or failure of Onity’s, our contractual counterparties’, or our vendors’ information technology or other security systems or privacy protections, including any failure to protect customers’ data, resulting in disruption to our operations, loss of income, reputational damage, costly litigation and regulatory penalties; our reliance on our technology vendors to adequately maintain and support our systems, including our servicing systems, loan originations and financial reporting systems, and uncertainty relating to our ability to transition to alternative vendors, if necessary, without incurring significant cost or disruption to our operations; the future of our long-term relationship with Rithm Capital Corp. (Rithm); our ability to close acquisitions of MSRs and other transactions, including the ability to obtain regulatory approvals; our ability to grow our reverse servicing business; our ability to retain clients and employees of acquired businesses, and the extent to which acquisitions and our other strategic initiatives will contribute to achieving our growth objectives; increased servicing costs based on increased borrower delinquency levels or other factors; uncertainty related to past, present or future claims, litigation, cease and desist orders and investigations regarding our servicing, foreclosure, modification, origination and other practices brought by government agencies and private parties, including state regulators, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), State Attorneys General, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the reactions of key counterparties, including lenders, the GSEs and Ginnie Mae, to our regulatory engagements and litigation matters; increased regulatory scrutiny and media attention; any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings; our ability to effectively manage our regulatory and contractual compliance obligations; our ability to comply with our servicing agreements, including our ability to comply with the requirements of the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and maintain our seller/servicer and other statuses with them; our ability to fund future draws on existing loans in our reverse mortgage portfolio; our servicer and credit ratings as well as other actions from various rating agencies, including any future downgrades; as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed in our reports and filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Anyone wishing to understand Onity’s business should review our SEC filings. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains references to adjusted pre-tax income (loss) and adjusted ROE, both non-GAAP financial measures.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a useful supplement to discussions and analysis of our financial condition, because they are measures that management uses to assess the financial performance of our operations and allocate resources. In addition, management believes that this presentation may assist investors with understanding and evaluating our initiatives to drive improved financial performance. Management believes, specifically, that the removal of fair value changes of our net MSR exposure due to changes in market interest rates and assumptions provides a useful, supplemental financial measure as it enables an assessment of our ability to generate earnings regardless of market conditions and the trends in our underlying businesses by removing the impact of fair value changes due to market interest rates and assumptions, which can vary significantly between periods. However, these measures should not be analyzed in isolation or as a substitute to analysis of our GAAP pre-tax income (loss) or GAAP pre-tax ROE nor a substitute for cash flows from operations. There are certain limitations to the analytical usefulness of the adjustments we make to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) and GAAP pre-tax ROE and, accordingly, we use these adjustments only for purposes of supplemental analysis. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Onity’s reported results under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Other companies may use non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar titles that are calculated differently to our non-GAAP financial measures. As a result, comparability may be limited. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on analysis of the adjustments we make to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) and GAAP pre-tax ROE.
The Company has not provided reconciliations of guidance for adjusted ROE, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to forecast certain items required to develop meaningful comparable GAAP financial measures. These items include the change in fair value of our net MSR exposure due to changes in market interest rates and assumptions which can vary significantly between periods and are difficult to predict in advance in order to include in a GAAP estimate.
Notables
In the table below, we adjust GAAP pre-tax income for the following factors: MSR valuation adjustments, expense notables, and other income statement notables. MSR valuation adjustments are comprised of changes to Forward MSR and Reverse mortgage valuations due to rates and assumption changes. Expense notables include significant legal and regulatory settlement expenses, severance and retention costs, LTIP stock price changes, consolidation of office facilities and other expenses (such as costs associated with strategic transactions). Other income statement notables include non-routine transactions that are not categorized in the above.
Beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2024, for purposes of calculating Income Statement Notables and Adjusted Pre-Tax Income, we changed the methodology used to calculate Other Income Statement Notables to include change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts (reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value). We made this change to align with the change to our risk management approach to include changes in fair value of reverse loan buyouts due to interest rates in our MSR hedge strategy, consistent with other notables, such as Forward MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net and Reverse Mortgage Fair Value Change due to rates and assumption changes.
Other Income Statement Notables (a component of Other Notables) for the first three quarters of 2024 have been revised from prior presentations to reflect the methodology we adopted during the fourth quarter of 2024.
(Dollars in millions)
Q1’25
Q4’24
Q1’24
I
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders
21
(29)
30
A. Preferred Stock Dividend
(1)
(1)
–
II
Reported Net Income (Loss) [I – A]
22
(28)
30
B. Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
13
6
(2)
III
Reported Pre-Tax Income (Loss) [II – B]
9
(34)
32
Forward MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net (a)(b)
(12)
14
18
Reverse Mortgage Fair Value Change due to rates and assumption changes (b)(c)
10
(15)
1
IV
Total MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net
(2)
(1)
19
Significant legal and regulatory settlement expenses
(14)
(2)
(2)
Severance and retention (d)
(0)
(0)
(2)
LTIP stock price changes (e)
0
(1)
3
Office facilities consolidation
(0)
(0)
(0)
Other expense notables (f)
1
(0)
(1)
C. Total Expense Notables
(14)
(4)
(2)
D. Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
–
(51)
1
E. Gain on sale of MAV canopy
–
14
–
F. Other Income Statement Notables (g)
(0)
(3)
(2)
V
Total Other Notables [C + D + E + F]
(14)
(44)
(2)
VI
Total Notables (h) [IV + V]
(16)
(45)
17
VII
Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (i) [III – VI]
25
11
15
a)
MSR valuation adjustments that are due to changes in market interest rates, valuation inputs or other assumptions, net of overall fair value gains / (losses) on MSR hedge, including FV changes of Pledged MSR liabilities associated with MSR transferred to MAV, Rithm and others and ESS financing liabilities that are due to changes in market interest rates, valuation inputs or other assumptions, a component of MSR valuation adjustments, net
b)
The changes in fair value due to market interest rates were measured by isolating the impact of market interest rate changes on the valuation model output as provided by our third-party valuation expert
c)
FV changes of loans HFI and HMBS related borrowings due to market interest rates and assumptions, a component of gain on reverse loans held for investment and HMBS-related borrowings, net
d)
Severance and retention due to organizational rightsizing or reorganization
e)
Long-term incentive program (LTIP) compensation expense changes attributable to stock price changes during the period
f)
Contains costs associated with but not limited to rebranding and other strategic initiatives and transactions
g)
Contains non-routine transactions including but not limited to fair value assumption changes on other investments recorded in other income/expense
h)
Certain previously presented notable categories with nil numbers for each period shown have been omitted
i)
Effective in Q4’24, change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts is now recognized as a notable (previously reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value); presentation of past periods has been conformed to the current presentation; without this change, adjusted PTI would be $14M in Q1’24 and $8M in Q4’24; see note titled “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
Adjusted ROE Calculation
(Dollars in millions)
Q1’25
Q4’24
Q1’24
GAAP ROE (after tax)
19%
(25%)
29%
I
Reported Net Income (Loss)
22
(28)
30
II
Notable Items
(16)
(45)
17
III
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
13
6
(2)
IV
Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) [I – II – III]
25
11
15
V
Annualized Adjusted Pre-tax Income [IV * 4for qtr.]
102
46
59
Equity
A Beginning Period Equity
443
468
402
C Ending Period Equity
460
443
432
D Equity Impact of Notables
16
45
(17)
B Adjusted Ending Period Equity [C + D]
477
488
415
VI
Average Adjusted Equity [(A + B) / 2]
460
478
408
VII
Adjusted ROE (a) [V / VI]
22%
10%
14%
a)
Effective in Q4’24, change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts is now recognized as a notable (previously reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value); presentation of past periods has been conformed to the current presentation; without this change, adjusted pre-tax income would be $14M in Q1’24 and $8M in Q4’24; without this change, adjusted ROE would be 14% in Q1’24 and 7% in Q4’24; see note titled “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Assets(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
March 31, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents
178.0
184.8
185.1
Restricted cash
58.9
80.8
66.1
Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), at fair value
2,547.4
2,466.3
2,374.7
Advances, net
514.0
577.2
602.7
Loans held for sale, at fair value
1,402.2
1,290.2
1,028.9
Loans held for investment, at fair value
10,812.5
11,125.3
8,130.5
Receivables, net
222.3
176.4
152.1
Investment in equity method investee
–
–
37.6
Premises and equipment, net
10.8
11.0
11.8
Other assets
106.0
111.3
84.3
Contingent loan repurchase asset
407.2
412.2
416.3
Total Assets
16,259.3
16,435.4
13,090.1
Liabilities, Mezzanine & Stockholders’ Equity(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
March 31, 2024
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage-Backed Securities (HMBS) related borrowings, at fair value
10,587.6
10,872.1
7,945.0
Other financing liabilities, at fair value
835.5
846.9
906.8
Advance match funded liabilities
377.5
417.1
440.2
Mortgage loan financing facilities, net
1,577.4
1,528.2
1,108.9
MSR financing facilities, net
1,136.0
957.9
964.1
Senior notes, net
488.0
487.4
552.0
Other liabilities
340.0
420.6
324.7
Contingent loan repurchase liability
407.2
412.2
416.3
Total Liabilities
15,749.2
15,942.5
12,658.0
Mezzanine Equity
49.9
49.9
–
Stockholders’ Equity
460.2
442.9
432.1
Total Liabilities, Mezzanine and Stockholders’ Equity
16,259.3
16,435.4
13,090.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the Quarter Ending
(Dollars in millions)
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
March 31, 2024
Revenue
Servicing and subservicing fees
203.3
206.0
204.5
Gain on reverse loans held for investment and HMBS-related borrowings, net
23.8
0.6
15.4
Gain on loans held for sale, net
11.8
5.9
10.9
Other revenue, net
10.9
12.4
8.3
Total revenue
249.8
224.8
239.1
MSR valuation adjustments, net
(38.9)
(20.4)
(11.6)
Operating expenses
Compensation and benefits
57.4
64.3
53.6
Servicing and origination
13.0
12.3
15.0
Technology and communications
15.0
14.1
12.7
Professional services
22.6
12.5
12.0
Occupancy, equipment and mailing
8.2
8.3
7.7
Other expenses
3.6
4.1
3.4
Total operating expenses
119.9
115.6
104.4
Other income (expense)
Interest income
26.2
28.8
17.5
Interest expense
(67.0)
(74.2)
(67.4)
Pledged MSR liability expense
(41.9)
(42.1)
(44.9)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
–
(51.2)
1.4
Earnings of equity method investee
–
16.2
2.7
Other, net
0.9
0.1
(0.6)
Other income (expense), net
(81.9)
(122.4)
(91.3)
Income before income taxes
9.1
(33.7)
31.8
Income tax expense
(13.0)
(5.6)
1.7
Net Income (Loss)
22.1
(28.1)
30.1
Preferred stock dividend
(1.0)
(0.5)
–
Net Income (Loss) attributable to common stockholders
Indore (Fides) – “What surprised us positively is like a surprise from the Holy Spirit: so many people, so many non-Christians, who spontaneously appreciate Pope Francis as a man of dialogue, welcome, and compassion, have somehow changed their attitude towards us Catholics. Many non-Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs came to offer their condolences and express their solidarity. Pope Francis’ approach has had a positive impact on our lives, in terms of coexistence with people of other faiths. And this is very important and a beautiful legacy in our diocese (18,000 Catholics out of a population of 8 million, ed. ) and in a state like Madhya Pradesh, where there are sometimes interreligious tensions, is very important and a beautiful legacy,” Bishop Thomas Mathew Kuttimackal of Indore, a diocese in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the second largest and fifth most populous state in India with over 72 million inhabitants, told Fides.The proportion of Christians in Madhya Pradesh is small: less than 0.3% compared to a national average of 2.3%. Catholics in the Diocese of Indore, as in other dioceses in the central Indian state, watched the funeral Mass for Pope Francis on television and celebrated memorial Masses in memory of the late Pope in their parishes. Bishop Kuttimackal remarked, “We remember him as a shepherd of dialogue and mercy: our Catholic communities feel a sense of gratitude, also because they see how the Pope’s words and gestures in recent years have touched hearts, even here in our area, which is so far from Rome and which Francis never visited in person.”Recently, tensions have also arisen in the state with radical Hindu groups accusing Christians and Muslims of “proselytism.” And the state government, led by the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has at times supported this narrative. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a public speech last March that he wanted to “introduce the death penalty to punish what he called ‘forced religious conversion of women.’”Radical Hindu groups sometimes accuse Muslims and Christians of converting members of tribal groups from lower castes using allegedly illicit means, such as money. In Madhya Pradesh, a so-called “anti-conversion law” has been in force since 2021, which provides for penalties of up to 10 years in prison for those who use violence or deception to persuade people to convert to another religion. In this context, according to the bishop, “the faithful of Indore are experiencing the Holy Year as ‘pilgrims of hope’, also with a view to improving the climate of interreligious coexistence.”The evangelical message proclaimed and lived by Pope Francis is also represented in Indore by the “Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace,” a network of Catholic religious communities of men and women who are particularly committed to humanitarian issues and the “care of our common home.” The religious are committed to implementing the “integral ecology” mentioned and described in the encyclical Laudato si’, starting from their closeness to the poorest and most marginalized communities, but also promoting respect for natural resources and the promotion and dissemination of sustainable lifestyles. (PA) ( Fides Agency 30/4/2025)
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A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an incident at the Embassy of Israel on Monday, 28 April.
Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33 (28.12.1991) of no fixed abode was charged on Wednesday, 30 April with the following offences:
Preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed article, contrary to Section 139(1) and (6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today (30 April).
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Commandsaid: “We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them.
“I would like to reassure the public, however, that from our enquiries so far, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.
“Although the man has now been charged, we continue with our investigation and would urge the public not to speculate further at this time.”
Background:
Shortly before 18:00hrs on Monday, 28 April, officers from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command became aware of a man attempting to gain unauthorised access to the grounds of the Embassy of Israel in Kensington, W8.
Officers prevented the man from entering and arrested him on suspicion of a public order offence, trespassing on a designated site and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was taken to a London police station and after further enquiries were carried out he was further arrested on suspicion of an offence contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Due to this, the investigation is being led by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, Sciences Po has fully played its role as a major international university, by taking actions in defence of academic freedom and offering a wide range of teaching formats to shed light on the situation in Gaza from the perspective of the humanities and social sciences.
In doing so, Sciences Po is perfectly in line with the doctrine adopted earlier this year according to which positions taken by Sciences Po are considered legitimate if they are linked to the primary missions of the institution and to its activities as a research and educational academic institution.
To protect students and researchers
The ongoing war in Gaza has significantly disrupted the education of all 625,000 students in the region and deeply affected the lives and livelihoods of thousands of teachers. The lack of access to learning not only has immediate consequences but also long-term effects, especially given the widespread damage and destruction of most university buildings.
As a university, Sciences Po’s priority has been the safety of our students impacted by the war. Sciences Po has supported tens of students whose families are directly affected by the conflicts in the region, providing material and financial assistance.
In 2024, Sciences Po signed a partnership agreement with Birzeit University in the West Bank, which allowed 9 exchange students to be hosted this year with full scholarships provided by Sciences Po (flight and living allowance). This funding has been renewed for 2025-2026, with 5 mobility scholarships financed by Sciences Po again. From 2026-2027, the Erasmus MIC programme (international credit mobility) will be providing support to the exchange students.
The partnership with Birzeit University brings to two the number of exchange agreements in place with Palestinian universities, Sciences Po having already signed with Al-Quds University, also located in the West Bank, several years ago. Five Erasmus + scholarships were granted in 2024-25 to students from Al Quds University, and five more are planned for 2025-26.
In Gaza, 90,000 university students have lost access to education. Sciences Po decided last year to participate in the Technical Education Support for Higher Education Students Initiative – TESI. It aims at empowering Gaza students to complete their university education remotely as visiting students in West Bank Universities, with no financial burden on the students or their respective universities.
Finally, as part of the PAUSE programme which supports scientists and artists in exile by facilitating their hosting in higher education and research institutions or cultural institutions, Palestinian artist Maha Issa Al-Daya is jointly hosted by the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination, the Columbia Paris Global Center, and Sciences Po for a year. Affiliated to Sciences Po Institute for the Arts & Creation, she already took part in an event titled “Art in times of war” in March. On 14 April, Maha Issa Al-Daya attended the exhibition opening about “the salvaged treasures of Gaza” set by the Institut du Monde Arabe, during which President Emmanuel Macron symbolically held a map of Palestine embroidered by the artist.
To analyse the situation in Gaza and Palestine
As a university, Sciences Po believes it is its role to share knowledge and context regarding the current situation in Gaza. To do so, the institution has been organising many events, classes, conferences, for its students but also for a larger audience, in Paris and on the Menton Campus mainly. A cycle of 12 lessons, designed by the Middle East North Africa Programme, was offered in Paris this year to shed light on the war using the tools of different social sciences: history, political science, sociology, and economics.
Series of 12 conferences on the Middle East conflict:
– “The emergence of the Palestine question (1897-1947)” by Vincent Lemire, Professor of History at Gustave Eiffel University, 3 October 2024
– “Zionism: why should Israel exist?” by Alain Dieckhoff, CNRS Research Professor at Sciences Po CERI, 17 October 2024
– “Palestinian refugees in the Middle East” by Kemal Doraï, researcher at the CNRS and at the MIGRINTER laboratory of the University of Poitiers, 7 November 2024
– “The making of a nation: Israel” by Denis Charbit, professor of political science at Israel’s Open University, 14 November 2024
– “Palestinians facing Israel” by Laetitia Bucaille, professor of political sociology at INALCO, 28 November 2024
– “Israel, what kind of democracy?’ by Samy Cohen, Emeritus Research Professor at Sciences Po CERI, 5 December 2024
– “Living and taking action in the West Bank and Gaza” by Stéphanie Latte Abdallah, Director of Research at the CNRS, 6 February 2025
– “Israel versus the Palestinians (1948-2025)” by Mark Tessler, Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan, 20 February 2025
– “The political economy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Sami Miaari, Professor of Economics at Tel Aviv University and Yale University, 6 March 2025
– “The Hizbullah and Israel, between tension and confrontation” by Joseph Bahout, Director of the Issam Farès Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut, 20 March 2025
– “US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Camille Mansour, editor-in-chief of the Interactive Encyclopaedia of the Palestine Question, 3 April 2025
– “The Gulf monarchies and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Laurence Louër, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at Sciences Po CERI and Associate Professor, 17 April 2025
Two-day training organised by Sciences Po Law School and MENA Programme about “Navigating Uncertainty: The Case for Interim Constitutions in Syria and Palestine”, 15-16 May 2025.
Movie cycle on Gaza and Palestine:
– Gaza mon amour (December 2023),
– Voyage à Gaza (November 2024),
– Bye Bye Tibériade (November 2024).
Organisation of a conference with Palestinian artist, photographer and painter Mohamed Abusal, from Gaza (November 2024).
Discussion autour de la guerre entre Israël et le Hamas with Gérard Araud et Ghassan Salamé, PSIA, 12 October,
Israël/ Palestine : le retour de la guerre, et après ? with Karim Bitar, Laetitia Bucaille, Alain Dieckhoff and Stéphane Lacroix, Collège universitaire, 26 October,
Israël/ Palestine : Building spaces for diplomacy with reserachers from CERI et UN representatives (Ariel Colonomos, Bernardino Leon, Julie Trottier, Bruno Stagno Ugarte) PSIA, 7 November,
Discussing the Israel-Hamas Conflict : challenge for political humanities, Cercle des humanités politiques (Ariel Colonomos, Astrid Von Busekist, Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi and Frederique Leichter-Flack), 13 November,
Religions et nationalismes en Israël/ Palestine with Alain Dieckhoff, Chaire d’étude du fait religieux, 14 November,
Hamas-Israël : quels buts de guerre dans quel contexte international ? Association française de Science Politique, 18 December,
Israël/ Hamas : la guerre, de quel droit ?, with Julia Grignon, Samy Cohen, Étienne Dignat, Sharon Weill, CERI, 7 February,
60 minutes with Filippo Grandi, Haut commissaire aux réfugiés ONU, PSIA, 1 March,
Conflit Israël / Hamas : quel rôle du religieux ?, Mgr Pierre d’Ornellas, Frédéric Gros, Hélène Le Gal, Moshé Lewin, Tareq Oubrou, Emouna, 11 March,
Gaza and our world with Bertrand Badie, Dima Alsajdeya, Jean D’aspremont, Louise Bichet, Sbeih Sbeih, CERI, 30 April,
What is next for Palestinians ? Internal debates vs. external demandes, Sanaa Al Sarghali and Guillaume Tusseau, École de droit.
Crise israélo-palestinienne, tensions au Moyen-Orient : décryptage d’une actualité brûlante et de ses répercussions en France, Masterclass de Gilles Kepel, 4-6 December 2023,
Le processus de rédaction de la constitution palestinienne, conférence de Sanaa Alsarghali, constitutionnaliste palestinienne, 8 December 2023,
Conférence de Clothilde Mraffko, correspondante du journal Le Monde à Jérusalem, 16 février 2024,
Conférence de Denis Charbit, professeur franco-israélien de science politique, 18 avril 2024.
Hamas-Israël : quels buts de guerre dans quel contexte international ? Association française de Science Politique, 18 décembre,
Israel/ Hamas : la guerre, de quel droit ?, avec Julia Grignon, Samy Cohen, Étienne Dignat, Sharon Weill, CERI, 7 février,
What is next for Palestinians ? Internal debates vs. external demandes, Sanaa Al Sarghali, et Guillaume Tusseau, École de droit.
Cover image caption: Earth photo at night, City Lights of Europe, Middle East, Turkey, Italy, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea from space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. (credits: GizemG / Shutterstock)
More than 12,000 vehicles were inspected over two weeks, initiating new investigations and uncovering links with organized crime.
LYON, France: An international police operation targeting vehicle crime in West Africa has led to the detection of approximately 150 stolen vehicles and the seizure of more than 75 vehicles.
Coordinated by INTERPOL and carried out by national law enforcement agencies in 12 West African countries, the operation – codenamed ‘Safe Wheels’ – also initiated 18 new investigations and uncovered the involvement of two organized crime groups.
Most of the stolen vehicles detected through INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database were trafficked from Canada, while many had also been reported stolen in France, Germany and the Netherlands.
INTERPOL’s SMV database allows police in the Organization’s 196 member countries to run a check against a suspicious vehicle and find out instantly whether it has been reported as stolen.
In 2024, around 270,000 vehicles were identified as stolen globally through the SMV database.
David Caunter, Director of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:
“Each year, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are stolen around the world, yet the initial theft is often only the beginning of a vehicle’s journey into the global criminal underworld.
“Stolen vehicles are trafficked across the globe, traded for drugs and other illicit commodities, enriching organized crime groups and even terrorists.
“INTERPOL’s SMV database is the strongest tool we have to track stolen vehicles and identify the criminals involved in this global trade.”
Stolen Canadian cars in Nigeria
During the two-week operational phase (17-30 March), law enforcement in participating countries established an average of 46 checkpoints each day to inspect a total of 12,600 vehicles, checking their details against INTERPOL’s SMV database.
Out of the vehicles seized or flagged as stolen, Toyota models were the most represented, followed by Peugeot and Honda.
Both land and sea routes were used to traffic stolen vehicles detected during the operation.
In Lagos, during checks of freight containers purportedly from Canada, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers discovered six vehicles – Toyota and Lexus models – four of which showed clear signs of break-in.
Checks against INTERPOL’s SMV database confirmed that all six vehicles were reported stolen in Canada in 2024. Investigative collaboration is ongoing between the NCS and Canada’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau.
Nine law enforcement officers and experts from INTERPOL’s SMV Task Force, including an expert examiner from Canada, were also deployed to the region – in Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo – to support Operation Safe Wheels.
Operation Safe Wheels took place under the aegis of Project Drive Out – a new partnership between INTERPOL and the Government of Canada to target vehicle theft and the illegal trade of spare parts – and was made possible by Canadian funding.
INTERPOL member countries that participated in the operation were: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 35-year-old male yesterday in relation to serious traffic offences committed over the past month.
Between 27 March and 21 April 2025, the rider of a motorcycle displaying false plates committed a number of high-speed driving offences within the Greater Darwin region reaching speeds of up to 215 kilometres per hour.
Officers from the Territory Road Policing Division investigated the incidents, identifying the rider and motorcycle involved.
Yesterday morning, members executed a search warrant on the riders residence in Karama locating the motorcycle and alleged offender at the location.
The Motorcycle was seized and the 35-year-old male was arrested and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House. He has since been charged with 54 offences including:
Possess thing to administer dangerous drug;
Posses schedule 1 dangerous drug – Less than traffickable quantity;
Drive at a speed and manner dangerous;
Driving at a dangerous speed more 45 kilometres over;
Fail to comply with police direction;
Possess plates calculated to deceive;
Breach of bail;
Drive a motor vehicle while unlicenced;
Drive unregistered motor vehicle; and
Drive unregistered motor vehicle.
He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.
Sergeant Rowan Benson of the Territory Road Policing Division said “It is extremely disappointing that we are still seeing these dangerous offences being committed. The reckless actions of the person involved has created unjustifiable risk to so many members of the public and it is lucky that on this occasion nobody has been seriously injured or killed.
“The Northern Territory Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute people that choose to put other Territorians in danger.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information following an unlawful entry in Katherine.
Around 8:45am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an alleged unlawful entry at a business facility near the intersection of First and O’Shea Streets.
While inside, the unknown offenders allegedly caused significant damage to multiple doors and deployed a fire extinguisher within one of the office spaces.
Police attended and established a crime scene.
Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25117919. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three females in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred outside a small shopping precinct in Palmerston yesterday afternoon.
About 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a female being assaulted by a group of four females. Police allege the female was struck to the head with a bottle and further hit with blunt objects before a male bystander tried to intervene and was also assaulted.
The group fled the scene before police arrival but were arrested nearby a short time later and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House.
St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the female victim to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment. The male was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Three females, aged 30, 58 and 59, are expected to be charged at a later date. One of the alleged offenders remains outstanding and Serious Crime detectives have carriage of the investigation.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Karama on Monday evening.
Further investigation determined the second male was not inside the store at the time of the incident, and there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm his involvement.
The 17-year-old was charged yesterday afternoon with aggravated robbery and was remanded to appear in court today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lillian Kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
It is learnt that the Government is committed to promoting STEAM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and has provided schools with support measures, including offering learning grant schemes, optimising curriculum framework and enhancing teacher training. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the frequency of upgrading artificial intelligence (AI) teaching equipment and the coverage of smart classrooms in various publicly-funded primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong over the past three years;
(2) whether the Government will formulate guidelines and specifications in relation to AI ethics education and data security for schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) given that the Quality Education Fund (QEF) has implemented the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to promote co-operation between the education and business sectors for the development of e-learning ancillary facilities that meet local education needs, and that the QEF will also sponsor schools to use the deliverables of the projects under the Programme, of the number of schools which have purchased the e-learning ancillary facilities developed under the Programme with the subsidy of the QEF since the launch of the Programme, and the details of such ancillary facilities; and
(4) of the number of schools currently adopting the teaching materials of the Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level and the Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level, and whether the Government will step up its efforts in promoting the adoption of such teaching materials by schools; if so, of the details?
Reply:
President,
The Education Bureau (EDB) has been stepping up its efforts to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and digital education in primary and secondary schools. Through a range of diversified strategies, including ongoing curriculum renewal, strengthening teacher training, optimising education ancillary infrastructure, providing resource support, and organising student activities, the EDB assists schools in harnessing innovation and technology (I&T) (including artificial intelligence (AI)) to enhance the digital literacy and competence of both teachers and students, and foster learning and teaching effectiveness, with a view to nurturing talent for the future. Meanwhile, we have been enhancing our efforts in promoting media and information literacy to enable students to use digital technology effectively and ethically in daily life and learning.
Our consolidated reply to the written question raised by the Hon Lillian Kwok is as follows:
Enhancing curriculum related to I&T (including AI)
The EDB launched the Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level in the 2023/24 school year, with the aim of developing students’ understanding of AI and its applications. The EDB also launched the Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level to prepare primary school students for further studying the basics and applications of AI and big data in secondary schools. The Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level covers topics such as AI basics, AI ethics, societal impact and future of work, and enables teachers and students to learn about the ethics and appropriate application scenarios of AI, as well as relevant security topics such as personal data privacy and data security. At present, almost all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools have implemented the enriched coding education and AI education at the upper primary level and the junior secondary level respectively.
Developing relevant learning and teaching resources
Last year, the EDB launched the updated “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework (2024) to cover education on AI ethics and data security. Apart from this, the EDB has also been developing various learning and teaching resources, including those on AI ethics education and data security. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Journalism Education Foundation, the EDB has launched the learning and teaching resources on Cyber Security and Technology Crime Information and Media and Information Literacy respectively, which include content to enhance students’ ability to discern the authenticity of information and promote the proper use of social media.
Providing professional development training for in-service teachers
To tie in with the implementation of the above I&T curriculum modules, the EDB has continuously enhanced teacher training and strengthened the promotion and support for schools to adopt these modules. Since the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has organised 22 sessions of professional development programmes on AI education for the junior secondary level, with over 650 participating teachers. As for primary schools, a total of over 60 sessions of training programmes on coding education have been organised, with the attendance of over 1 550 teachers. The training programmes are conducted in both online and offline modes to benefit a greater number of teachers. In addition, the EDB has actively provided teachers with AI-related professional development programmes, covering topics like the development of AI, planning of applying AI in teaching and learning, as well as the application of AI tools in different subjects, and including such themes as safeguarding data security.
Strengthening digital education ancillary infrastructure
The Quality Education Fund (QEF) has included STEM/STEAM education as one of the priority themes and implemented the Dedicated Funding Programme for Publicly-funded Schools starting from the 2018/19 school year. From the 2018/19 to 2023/24 school years, the QEF approved over 1 200 projects related to information technology (IT) in education and STEM/STEAM education through the Priority Themes Funding Programme and the Dedicated Funding Programme for Publicly-funded Schools, with a total funding of over $1.1 billion. The measures included enhancing facilities and support for schools to develop school-based STEM/STEAM education.
Moreover, to optimise education ancillary infrastructure, the QEF has allocated $500 million for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to develop e-learning ancillary facilities that meet local learning and teaching needs through co-operation between the education and business sectors. A total of 22 projects have been funded under the Programme and have commenced in the beginning of the 2023/24 school year. The learning platforms and resources developed under these projects deploy innovative technologies such as big data and AI to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness in a wide array of subjects/areas. The development period of each project ranges from two to three years. As at end-March 2025, around 400 schools participated in the collaborative development projects, involving around 31 000 students. It is expected that the deliverables of the projects will be successively released for subscription by schools in mid-2025 and will be available for use starting from the 2025/26 school year. The QEF will also sponsor publicly-funded schools to use the deliverables of the projects to facilitate the sustainable development of the projects. As the Programme is still at the development stage, figures on the numbers of subscribing schools and student beneficiaries, as well as the sponsored amount are not available for the time being.
Providing resource support
In applying digital technology to facilitate teaching, starting from the 2004/05 school year, the EDB has been providing all public sector schools with the Composite Information Technology Grant (CITG). Schools may deploy the grant flexibly, according to their school-based pedagogical needs, to purchase and enhance various kinds of hardware and software for teaching (including AI teaching equipment and smart classroom-related facilities), subscribe to Wi-Fi services, and strengthen their IT staffing support. In the 2024/25 school year, the rate of CITG for each school ranges from $275,355 to $898,390, depending on the school type and the number of classes. The grant rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index.
Over the years, publicly-funded primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong have been flexibly updating the hardware and equipment in schools, having regard to the school-based circumstances and the learning and teaching needs of students and teachers. The relevant expenditures are subject to vetting by the school management committees/incorporated management committees. The EDB does not maintain relevant statistics on the updating of teaching equipment including AI equipment and the coverage rate of smart classrooms in schools.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Tam Kung Festival on Hong Kong Island Road closures
Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented on roads in the vicinity of Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Tam Kung Temple Road from 6.30am to 6.30pm that day. Intermittent road closures will be implemented on roads in the vicinity of Tai Hang in Wan Chai District from 10.30am that day until crowds disperse and roads are reopened. Vehicular access to and from car parks within the affected areas may not be allowed during the period of road closures.
Public transport service arrangements (ii) The public light bus stand, public light bus parking space and motorcycle parking spaces at Kam Wah Street between Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Mong Lung Street will be temporarily suspended from 8am on May 4 to 6.30pm the next day;
(iii) All on-street parking spaces within closed road sections in Shau Kei Wan (including metered parking, motorcycle parking and disabled parking spaces) will be temporarily suspended from 10pm on May 4 to 6.30pm the next day; and The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”. Issued at HKT 12:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (April 30) announced that the fourth round of the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in the 2024/25 school year will be open for application from 9am on May 2 to 5pm on May 15. The test will be held on June 22 (Sunday).
The target participants for the fourth round of the test are persons without a bachelor’s degree and planning to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post. Applications can be made through the EDB’s online application system (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). Limited places for the test will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that a pass result in the test at a non-degree level is only applicable for applying for non-graduate teaching posts. Those who have already obtained a pass result in the BLNST organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or recruiting departments/grades will not be accepted to sit the test again.
Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all newly appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (including newly joined teachers and teachers changing schools) are required to pass the BLNST in order to be considered for appointment. The requirement applies to all ranks of the teacher grade including principals.
The EDB is conducting five rounds of the BLNST for degree holders and non-degree holders respectively this school year. Details are available on the EDB webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). The fifth round will be open for degree holders and will be held on July 19 (Saturday). Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ14: Enticing international online celebrity to visit Hong Kong Question:
It has been reported that earlier on, an internationally renowned online celebrity live-streamed his activities on YouTube, a video-sharing website, during his visit to Hong Kong, attracting a large number of local and overseas fans to follow him physically, and the number of viewers of the relevant live streams has exceeded 10 million, thus bringing to Hong Kong international exposure that can hardly be ignored. There are views that online celebrities’ “decentralised and spontaneous high-profile events” of this kind enable viewers around the world to see the daily street situations in Hong Kong in real time, which is in line with the concept of “Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that massive crowds of people were drawn by the aforesaid online celebrity when he was doing the live streams, whether the authorities will formulate plans to assist in maintaining public order during similar events in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as there are views that the experience of the aforesaid online celebrity’s visit to Hong Kong attests to the high interactivity and cost-effectiveness of high-traffic online celebrities, whether the authorities will study stepping up efforts to entice them to visit Hong Kong and integrating such events into tourism promotional campaigns; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as it has been reported that the aforesaid online celebrity had earlier on experienced a high-tech tour in Shenzhen, including riding in an amphibious vehicle, watching a robot dance and experiencing a food delivery service by drone, and such activities have demonstrated our country’s high level of technology to the international community, whether the authorities will draw up a list of high-tech projects for visits in Hong Kong to facilitate visits by international high-traffic online celebrities and overseas travellers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In respect of the question raised by the Dr Hon Dennis Lam, having consulted the Security Bureau and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), the reply is as follows:
(1) The Police have always attached great importance to and endeavoured to maintain public safety and order. Regarding the live webcasting activities conducted by a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in public places earlier, the Police had been keeping a close watch on the activities and making continuous assessment of the situation. The Police had also taken the initiative to liaise with the team of the KOL, so as to make timely manpower deployment when necessary, with a view to maintaining public safety and order. In case of similar activities in the future, the Police will, as in the past, closely monitor the situation and make timely assessment, and flexibly deploy police manpower to deal with any possible emergencies.
(2) “Seeing is Believing” forms the cornerstone of our strategic approach to showcase Hong Kong’s authentic appeal and diverse tourism offerings. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) consistently invites KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners from around the world to experience the city’s diverse charm firsthand, so as to promote Hong Kong tourism.
The HKTB has tailor-made a variety of thematic itineraries for these guests, covering Chinese and Western arts, pop culture, water and harbour experiences, traditional festivities, gastronomy and outdoor exploration. This aims to create positive word-of-mouth through their personal experiences by leveraging their vast influence, with a view to attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong.
In 2024, the HKTB proactively invited more than 2 600 KOLs, influencers, media and trade partners from different source markets (including the Mainland, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and long-haul markets) to visit Hong Kong. Counting only KOLs, the HKTB proactively invited over 620 KOLs from local, the Mainland, and overseas markets in 2024 to experience Hong Kong and tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong through their first-hand travel experiences. Collectively, these KOLs have a fan base of approximately 380 million.
The top 10 KOLs invited by the HKTB in 2024 are as follows:
KOLThis year, the HKTB continues to take proactive measures. In the first quarter, the HKTB invited over 650 KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong to create positive exposure. Particularly during the “Hong Kong Super March”, the HKTB collaborated with nearly 100 KOLs and celebrities from various countries and regions (including the Mainland, Taiwan, the UK, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia), who shared their first-hand experiences on social media, reaching over 50 million followers. Notable participants included South Korean actor Wi Ha-joon, who starred in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game 2, world number one snooker player Judd Trump, Mainland Chinese singer Zhang Yuan, rising Thai stars Boss and Noeul, former British rugby player Ryan Wilson and Indonesian artist Eva Alicia.
Looking ahead, the HKTB will adhere to the strategy of “Seeing is Believing” and invite more globally renowned KOLs, media, and industry representatives to visit Hong Kong, spreading its unique charm worldwide and attracting more visitors to make advance plans to travel to Hong Kong.
The HKTB stands ready to provide appropriate support to KOLs who are interested in visiting and promoting Hong Kong tourism, subject to evaluation of various factors including the size of their fanbase, their social media posts engagement rates, their professional status and image, whether they tie in with the target source markets and marketing strategies, with the aim of leveraging their first-hand experiences to showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm.
(3) According to the ITIB, the Government is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development by leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as an international city to foster global I&T collaboration. The two I&T flagships (Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport) support tech enterprises to expand their network of collaborative partners in the Mainland and overseas markets as well as liaise with their I&T park enterprises and the I&T sector, actively participate in international or regional conferences and exhibitions, with a view to promoting commercialisation of research and development outcomes as well as the products to both the Mainland and overseas markets.
Regarding the HKTB’s initiative of inviting KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong and tailor-making a variety of thematic itineraries, the HKTB stands ready to incorporate different elements (including those related to technology) into the itineraries to showcase Hong Kong’s characteristics, thereby promoting Hong Kong’s appeal and attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong. Issued at HKT 11:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions and arrested a 22-year-old man in Kowloon on April 28 on suspicion of committing “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
The investigation revealed that the arrested man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, inciting any person to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter established in accordance with the law by the Central Authorities in relation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); or any matter established in accordance with the law in the HKSAR, and inciting any other person to do an act that does not comply with the law of the HKSAR or that does not obey an order issued under the law of the HKSAR.
NSD has officially laid charge against the man with one count of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”. The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon (April 30).
Police remind members of the public that “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” is a serious crime. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
​It has been reported that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has progressively established more pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in recent years. However, some members of the public have relayed that the hygiene conditions and locations of such facilities are unsatisfactory, and that the ancillary facilities are inadequate with some already damaged. Furthermore, most other recreation and leisure facilities under the LCSD, including public bathing beaches and holiday camps, still prohibit the entry of animals. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, and the three most common types of these complaints together with their respective numbers;
(2) of the respective numbers of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets that the LCSD (i) has currently established and (ii) plans to establish in the coming three years in the various districts throughout the territory (and their proportions in the total number of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), and the respective land areas of such gardens and parks (and their proportions in the total areas of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), together with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory; whether the LCSD will proactively examine the demand for such gardens and parks in the various districts with a view to setting the relevant targets and a timetable for their establishment;
(3) of the conditions and minimum standards set by the LCSD in relation to the size, facilities and management, etc. of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets when they are established; the guidelines and requirements put in place by the LCSD to govern the management of these gardens and parks by outsourced management companies, such as the daily frequency of emptying dog excreta collection bins and the time taken to repair damaged facilities;
(4) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the bringing of pets into the various recreation and leisure facilities (including public bathing beaches and holiday camps) under the LCSD, and the number of enforcement actions taken in this regard;
(5) whether the LCSD will, by drawing on the experience of establishing pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, consider creating pet-friendly spaces in facilities under its management, such as public bathing beaches and holiday camps; if so, of the details and implementation timetable; if not, the factors to be considered; and
(6) given that the arrangement to establish Inclusive Parks for Pets has been regularised for four years, when the LCSD plans to review the effectiveness of implementing the pet-inclusive concept in parks and assess the long-term feasibility of completely lifting the ban on allowing pets to enter parks and gardens?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:
(1) The number of complaints received by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the past five years are as follows:
Year
Number of complaints received (cases)
2020
82
2021
287
2022
858
2023
1 029
2024
695
Among the above complaints, the three most common categories are environmental hygiene (1 348 cases), venue facilities (383 cases), as well as relevant policies and arrangements such as requests for or objections to the establishment of more pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets (352 cases).
(2) As at March 2025, the LCSD has set up a total of 55 pet gardens and 180 Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong. Information on the number of LCSD parks and playgrounds, the number of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, as well as the proportion of these facilities in the total number and site area of LCSD parks and playgrounds by district are set out at the Annex.
The LCSD keeps an open mind and opens up its venues as pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets proactively, and will duly review public feedback. The LCSD plans to set up a total of over 20 additional pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong in the next three years. The proposed addition of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets is subject to the support of relevant District Councils. Hence, the actual number and site areas are yet to be confirmed. More information will be released by the LCSD in due course when more concrete details of the plan are available.
(3) Pet gardens, which are for exclusive use by pets, are normally equipped with fences and double pet gates at entrances/exits to prevent pets from getting lost. Pets are allowed to move around freely in the venues without leashes. At present, the newly provided pet gardens under the LCSD normally cover an area of no less than 400 square metres, and are equipped with ancillary facilities (e.g. dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities) for owners or their pets. Subject to the actual environment, some pet gardens are even furnished with lawns, drinking fountains and play equipment, etc. for exclusive use by pets. Separate areas for large/small pets are also designated in some of the pet gardens where feasible, with a view to catering to the varying needs of the users and their pets.
Inclusive Parks for Pets are not designed for exclusive use by pets. The concept is to allow members of the public to bring their pets to the parks and share the passive leisure facilities therein with other users. To facilitate the shared use of park facilities among different users, the LCSD will make minimal changes to the existing environment and facilities of the parks, and require owners to keep their pets leashed in the venues. In addition, depending on the actual environment and needs, additional basic ancillary facilities, such as dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities will also be provided in the venues for the convenience of pet owners.
To ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of venues, cleansing service contractors will arrange frontline cleansing staff to conduct regular cleaning in accordance with the contractual requirements and actual operational needs. In general, frontline cleansing staff will empty the dog excreta collection bins daily, and step up the cleansing frequency in view of the actual operational needs. LCSD staff will also carry out regular inspections of various facilities in the pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets. If the facilities are found to be damaged, the LCSD will request the works departments or arrange for contractors to carry out repair works as soon as possible. The time taken to repair damaged facilities depends on individual circumstances and the parts involved, making it difficult to generalise.
(4) The number of complaints received by the LCSD about pets being brought into leisure facilities by members of the public and the number of prosecutions instigated by the LCSD in this regard in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) are as follows:
Year
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
Number of complaints
114
120
114
167
211
726
Number of prosecutions
1
0
5
2
1
9
(5) Unlike passive parks or leisure facilities that are generally open for public use, holiday camps mainly provide venues for active recreation and sports activities such as archery ranges, rope courses, and sports climbing walls for campers. Water sports centres are also active recreation facilities, and among which, the water sports training venues comprise various zones for coaching, equipment assembling/disassembling and on-land practice etc. Pet-friendly spaces, if added, may hinder the flow and procedures of training, and even affect the safety of venue users and pets. In addition, the public beaches under the LCSD are mainly for members of the public to engage in recreation activities such as swimming, sand sculpting and sunbathing etc. Allowing pets on beaches will lead to hygiene issues such as the excreta of pets on beaches, which are more difficult to manage and may affect other users. Therefore, the LCSD does not consider the provision of pet-friendly spaces at venues such as public beaches, water sports centres and holiday camps currently.
(6) At present, members of the public have varying views and levels of acceptance regarding whether pets should be allowed in LCSD venues. The LCSD has to consider the actual environment as well as views and needs of members of the public, balance environmental hygiene and public health issues and consult the District Councils concerned before ascertaining whether to open up existing venues to pets or designate newly constructed venues as pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets.