Major Crime Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of a man in Seaton earlier this month.
About 10.20pm on Tuesday 10 September, emergency services were called to Carey Avenue after reports a man had been stabbed in the stomach.
Ambulance officers assisted the man however he died at the scene.
The victim is a 19-year-old from the address.
On Friday 13 September, Major Crime Detectives arrested a 19-year-old man from the Eastern suburbs and charged him with murder.
CCTV footage seized from a neighbouring property shows a white hatchback passing the scene immediately following the murder. The car travels slowly west on Carey Avenue, appearing to pause outside of 38 Carey Avenue and then turn right to travel north along Fidock Avenue.
The vehicle, pictured below, is similar in size and shape to a Hyundai i30 or a Toyota Corolla hatchback.
Major Crime Detectives would like to speak to the driver of the white hatchback, as it is believed they may be able to assist with the investigation. The driver is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said that justice was upheld in the District Court’s sentencing of three defendants in a case of “conspiracy to publish and/or reproduce seditious publication”.
The court handed down its sentence today, following the conviction of three defendants on August 29.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government explained that the court has held earlier that Chung Pui-kuen and Lam Shiu-tung, while holding chief editorial positions at Stand News, had knowledge and approved of the seditious intent of the articles, providing Stand News as a publishing platform for inciting hatred against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government, as well as hatred against the administration of justice.
It added that the reasons for the verdict by the court have pointed out clearly that the ideology of Stand News was localism which excluded China, and that it even became a tool to smear and vilify the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government during the movement of opposition to the proposed legislative amendments.
The court found that the relevant articles, without any objective basis, attacked the relevant law and procedures; and relevant law enforcement and prosecutorial process; spread hatred and anti-government sentiment with disinformation; attacked law enforcement by Police and glorified the behaviour of rioters – in other words, they were not based on facts.
The statement noted that to distort acts of inciting hatred as “journalism” is a complete reversal of right and wrong.
According to Schedule 3 of the Implementation Rules of Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Department of Justice has made an application to the court for a confiscation order to confiscate the proceeds of the relevant crime.
The department will continue to handle subsequent procedures in accordance with the law, the statement added.
It also pointed out that the court stated in its reasons for sentence that at the time of the offence, the three defendants were not engaging themselves in genuine journalistic work but were participating in the so-called protest at the time.
From the editorial of Stand News and News Stand, it is evident that they sided with the protesters against the Government. The crimes committed by the three defendants are very serious, it emphasised.
The reasons for sentence also pointed out that, given Stand News had approximately 1.6 million followers, the seditious articles involved have undoubtedly caused significant harm to both the central government and Hong Kong SAR Government as well as the residents, although it is difficult to quantify, the statement noted.
It added that the reasons for sentence indicated that, due to the severity of the offences, imprisonment is the only appropriate sentencing option.
Regarding the length of the sentence, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment.
The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that this maximum penalty is completely disproportionate to the severity of the offences.
According to the existing Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the maximum penalty for the crime of sedition is seven years’ imprisonment.
Based on Chung Pui-kuen’s culpability, a starting point of 23 months’ imprisonment was adopted, and a sentence of 21 months was passed.
For Lam Siu-tung, a starting point of 14 months’ imprisonment was adopted but due to the potential risk to his life if sent to prison, a sentence was imposed that allows for his immediate release.
The statement revealed that following the verdict in this case, some people have expressed concerns about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong.
It added that some foreign media or other people with ulterior motives, as well as anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians, made untruthful and purely political remarks smearing the Hong Kong SAR.
The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it has made clarifications and rebuttals many times to set the record straight.
It indicated that, as demonstrated in the court’s reasons for its verdict, Stand News completely disregarded objective facts and contravened the “special duties and responsibilities” which journalists must observe under international human rights conventions.
It also mentioned that the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights guarantee fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, procession and demonstration.
Members of the public, including journalists, in Hong Kong are, as always, free to make comments or criticisms that are based on facts, and to enjoy and exercise freedoms of the press and of speech in accordance with the law, without fear of unwittingly violating the law.
In addition, the statement indicated that it is the constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security.
In this regard, the Hong Kong SAR Government will ensure that laws are observed and continue to enforce the law resolutely, decisively and rigorously with a view to effectively preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security with all-out efforts.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for flag-raising ceremonies and fireworks display in celebration of 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China Special traffic and transport arrangements for flag-raising ceremonies and fireworks display in celebration of 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China ******************************************************************************************
The Transport Department (TD) today (September 27) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases on September 30 (Monday) and October 1 (Tuesday) on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon to facilitate the holding of the flag-raising ceremonies at Wan Chai North, Central and Tin Hau and the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour on October 1 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.(I) Flag-raising ceremoniesRoad closures Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in the vicinities of Wan Chai North, Central and Tin Hau from 0.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1 until the closed roads reopen to traffic.Public transport service arrangements
In connection with the above-mentioned road closure arrangements, CityBus route Nos. 2, 5X, 81, cross-harbour route Nos. 104, 900, 914, 961, A11, H1 and H2K operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted, and the associated bus stops of the said roads located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated; and The taxi stand at Expo Drive will be suspended from 0.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1, and the cross harbour taxi stand at Harbour Road westbound opposite Harbour Centre will be suspended from 5.30am to 1pm on October 1.
(II) Fireworks displayRoad closures In connection with the holding of the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour at 9pm on October 1, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from about 7.30pm in the road sections concerned in Wan Chai, Central District, the Peak and Eastern District on Hong Kong Island. During the period of fireworks display, the section of Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic except for franchised buses. In Kowloon, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District from about 6pm until the crowds disperse and the roads reopen. During the road closure period, taxi stands (including taxi pick-up/drop-off points), public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will be suspended.Public transport service arrangements
To facilitate the above-mentioned road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated; For MTR services, Island Line, South Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, East Rail Line (Admiralty – Sheung Shui), Tuen Ma Line (Hung Hum – Tuen Mun and Austin – City One) and Tung Chung Line will be strengthened from 8pm that night; The tram service will be strengthened subject to passenger demand; Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services, Park Island Transport and Fortune Ferry will gradually adjust and suspend part of their services from 5.20pm on October 1 to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display; and For the cross-boundary coach services, the terminus of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port at Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from about 6.30pm until the roads reopen. A temporary terminus will be provided on Hennessy Road westbound near Southorn Centre. The short-haul cross-boundary coach service between Jordan and Huanggang Port will add a temporary pick-up point at the coach pick-up and drop-off area on Wui Man Road outside Hong Kong West Kowloon Station from about 9pm to 11pm. The en-route stop of this service at China Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus will be suspended from about 8.15pm until the roads reopen.
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System service arrangements The service of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System will be extended to 2am on October 2. Due to extensive road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic along Hong Kong Island North and the vicinity (including Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central and the Island Eastern Corridor), the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District in Kowloon, and the Cross Harbour Tunnel as well as the Aberdeen Tunnel will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site. Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the TD mobile application “HKeMobility”. For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or its mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 12:45
People across the state today paused to honour police officers killed in the line of duty, including South Australia Police’s (SAPOL) Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig PBM LEM.
Ahead of National Police Remembrance Day on Sunday, many united to pay their respects at locations including SAPOL’s Police Academy, the Riverland’s Banrock Station and at Mount Gambier and Port Pirie police stations.
Observed on 29 September each year, the national day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the dangers of policing. This year recognises the 62 dedicated SAPOL members and those from other Australian and South West Pacific police jurisdictions who have made the ultimate sacrifice when protecting the community.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM attended the National Police Remembrance Day memorial service in Canberra, where Brevet Sergeant Doig’s name was added to the National Police Memorial.
“This year’s remembrance is particularly poignant as we reflect on the life of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who died in the line of duty last November after being shot by an armed offender at Senior,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“Brevet Sergeant Doig served his community with distinction, displaying honour and courage in performing his duties while knowing the risks his job entailed.
“The profound outpouring of grief across South Australia Police and throughout the South Australian community, highlighted the esteem in which Brevet Sergeant Doig was held.”
Brevet Sergeant Doig’s family attended a private ceremony on 5 September 2024 to unveil his plaque on the Wall of Remembrance at SAPOL’s Academy. At this ceremony, Brevet Sergeant Doig was also posthumously awarded the South Australia Police Bravery Medal and Leadership and Efficiency Medal, adding to other accolades.
Commissioner Stevens recognised the commitment of all police officers, past and present.
“National Police Remembrance Day provides a valuable opportunity to reflect upon those who serve and those who have fallen, recalling their unquestionable dedication to our profession and our community at large,” he added.
“While our people on the frontline of operational policing face the inherent dangers of the profession, it takes commitment and support from all members of the organisation to ensure the South Australian community receives the best possible service.”
SA Governor Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC joined Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM, Minister of Police Dan Cregan, and other dignitaries at SAPOL’s academy this morning to pay their respects at the wall of remembrance. A riderless horse also formed part of the commemoration.
Minister for Police Dan Cregan said the day is a reminder of the bravery shown by South Australian Police.
“Every officer deserves the right to come home and we must never forget those on the frontline who put themselves in danger to keep our community safe,” Minister Cregan said.
“Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig paid the ultimate price for doing his job and this is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the courage, commitment and dedication of police.”
In further acknowledgement, on Sunday several venues and locations across metropolitan Adelaide will light up in blue and white police chequering, including Adelaide Oval’s southern stand, Riverbank precinct footbridge, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Town Hall, and the O-Bahn tunnel. SAPOL’s police headquarters on Angas Street will also light up from tonight (Friday) through to Sunday.
Breakout
This year we remember:South Australia Police: Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig who died on the 17November 2023 after being shot at Senior in the South East.
New South Wales Police:Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone who drowned on the 1 January 2023 while attempting to rescue his son.
We also commemorate another addition to this year’s honour roll:Western Australia Police: Senior Constable Glenn Murray who died on the 6 December 2022 after receiving serious injuries in a car accident.
We also acknowledge two historical additions to the National Police Memorial: Northern Territory Police: Mounted Constable Thomas Edward McNulty who died on the 28 November 1917 from drowning after falling overboard from the ‘Albatross’. Mounted Constable Arthur Robinson Clapp who died on the 5November 1927 from a gunshot wound to the leg after seizing a pistol and securing it in his belt.
Caption: The National Carillon building in Canberra lit up as a tribute to Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig.
SA Governor Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC with Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams APM at the Police Academy’s service on Friday 27 September.
Police are seeking witnesses to a fleeing driver incident that began in Central Hawke’s Bay and ended in the heart of Palmerston North some 90 minutes later.
The event started about 3pm on Thursday, when a distinctive orange/red-coloured Ford Falcon, sporting white mags, wide-profile tyres, and tinted windows, failed to stop for Police on State Highway 2, near Te Hauke.
Police units followed the car as it headed towards Palmerston North, watching as it crossed onto the wrong side of the road several times and dodged sets of road spikes. At one point, the vehicle mounted the footpath.
Road spikes were deployed on Main Street as the vehicle approached Palmerston North and the car was successfully spiked.
The driver came to a stop after crashing on Fergusson Street shortly before 4.30pm. The driver fled on foot and was located on Ada Street by a Police dog unit a short time later.
The driving behaviour put every other road user at risk, and for no good reason, says Senior Constable Tim Rowe.
“Police are speaking with a 19-year-old Hastings man in relation to the incident but we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the vehicle’s driving, and anyone who recorded video of the incident.”
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 240926/2862.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Government is accepting the majority of human rights recommendations received at the fourth Universal Period Review in Geneva, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“We have considered all 259 recommendations from the United Nations. We are supporting 168 and partially supporting 12 of these recommendations.
“Recommendations related to women’s rights, child and youth wellbeing, child poverty as well as those on an adequate standard of living were accepted in full or in part.
“While accepting the spirit behind them, some recommendations were not supported, because they depend on future decision-making according to New Zealand’s constitutional processes.
“New Zealand remains committed to human rights and considers the scrutiny of the UPR process and important part of the international human rights system.
“I appreciate other UN member states’ support for the process and the ongoing participation by the New Zealand public.”
“The Government is also launching an online tool tracking progress with the implementation of all recommendations.
“The introduction of this actions-based Human Rights Monitor helps to ensure transparency and accountability for our human rights commitments.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) conducted an enforcement operation codenamed “Pipepurge” last night (September 26) against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas in Tsim Sha Tsui.
During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) issued a total of seven fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to persons illegally smoking waterpipes at one bar. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of contravening the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance) and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap. 221) for aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also notify the Liquor Licensing Board of the above-mentioned violation.
Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
Also, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the like offence. A spokesman for the DH appeals to operators and venue mangers of bars/restaurants not to assist any person in breaching the statutory smoking prohibitions, or provide a waterpipe apparatus and tobacco to customers for use.
The DH spokesman stressed that TACO will follow up and investigate every complaint about illegal smoking, and will conduct inspections and take enforcement actions in the venue concerned. TACO will also conduct joint inspections and enforcement action (including plainclothes operations) with other law enforcement agencies from time to time with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement. The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement actions to tackle illegal waterpipe smoking. In the past 12 months, TACO conducted 119 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 161 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 78 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences.
The spokesman said that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is a by-product from incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon, such as charcoals. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Due to deeper inhalation and longer smoking sessions, waterpipe users usually inhale more toxins than they would when smoking cigarettes. A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. Furthermore, areas in bars/restaurants where waterpipes are handled or kept have been found to be unhygienic during previous enforcement operations. The spokesman cautions against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit http://www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Unconscious remand person in custody dies in hospital Unconscious remand person in custody dies in hospital *****************************************************
A 62-year-old male remand person in custody, who had been found unconscious in Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre, died in a public hospital today (September 27). The remand person in custody suffered from hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He required continuous medical care and follow-up at the institution hospital and public hospitals. At 6.56am today, the remand person in custody was found unconscious in his cell by a correctional officer. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to provide first-aid treatment to him, and an ambulance was called at once to send him to a public hospital for further treatment. He remained unconscious after being sent to the public hospital. His condition deteriorated and he was certified dead at 7.59am today. The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner’s Court. The person in custody was remanded for the offence of voyeurism in September 2024.
Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 11:31
Headline: Remembering police lives lost in the line of duty
Published: 27 September 2024
Released by: Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
On Sunday, 29 September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day across Australia and the Pacific.
National Police Remembrance Day is a day to honour and remember members of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.
It is also a day to reflect on and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protecting, serving and keeping their communities safe.
This year, one name has been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance: Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone.
Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone from Blue Mountains Police Area Command was killed on 1 January 2023 while saving his son from a rip at Bologa Beach on the state’s South Coast.
An investigation into Sergeant Stone’s passing confirmed he was on duty at the time death.
We pay our respects to Sergeant Stone and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.
The annual National Police Remembrance Day service is being held today at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain ahead of the National Day on Sunday, 29 September.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, is attending alongside the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
“Today, we pause to remember the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“We also pay our respects to those left behind – the families, friends, and colleagues – whose losses are incomprehensible.
“On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you for the incredible work you do – all too often in the face of grave danger. Today we honour the relentless dedication, compassion, and commitment of our police officers, both past and present.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:
“Police Remembrance Day is a day of the year where we, along with the community, remember those officers who have lost their lives serving the community.
“Those officers’ dedication and courage serve as a powerful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our communities safe.
“This year is particularly poignant in that we will be adding the name of Sergeant Peter Stone to The Wall of Remembrance. Peter tragically lost his life his life whilst rescuing his own son near Narooma last year.
“We stand with the families and loved ones of our fallen officers, offering our deepest gratitude and unwavering support.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2023 Annual Report on Justices of Peace Visits 2023 Annual Report on Justices of Peace Visits **********************************************
The 2023 Annual Report on Justices of Peace (JP) Visits was published today (September 27). The report provides an account of the work of JPs in the year 2023. The primary role of a JP is to visit various institutions, such as prisons, detention centres, hospitals and remand/probation homes under the JP visit programme. The objective of the visits is to ensure that the rights of the inmates in the institutions are safeguarded through a system of regular visits by independent visitors. In 2023, JPs visited 114 institutions under the JP visit programme. They received and handled 71 complaints and 716 requests/enquiries during JP visits. In addition, JPs also made comments and suggestions on ways to improve the management of facilities and quality of services provided by the institutions. The annual report on JP Visits is available on the JPs website (www.info.gov.hk/jp).
Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00
The trilateral security partnership among the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia, also known as AUKUS, offers a unique opportunity for these nations to enhance their military capabilities, deepen interoperability and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
Austin met in London today with his AUKUS counterparts: British Defense Secretary John Healey and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who also serves as his country’s deputy prime minister.
Progress has been made toward providing Australia with a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine, Austin said, noting that over the past year, the number of Australian sailors attending U.S. and U.K. nuclear reactor schools has increased and a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine visited an Australian port.
“This was just the first step toward ensuring that Australia has a sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability. We’re also making progress toward having a rotational presence of U.S. submarines by as early as 2027,” Austin said.
The United States also remains committed to supporting Australia’s efforts to recruit and train the skilled workforce needed to build, maintain, sustain and operate a nuclear-powered submarine, Austin said.
The AUKUS partnership has two pillars. The first is to enable Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability as rapidly as possible, most likely in the early 2030s, the senior defense official said.
The second pillar is to accelerate emerging capabilities, the official said.
Areas of focus within the Pillar II include uncrewed maritime systems, artificial intelligence, autonomy, electronic warfare, quantum, cyber and hypersonics, the official said.
Japan will be working on the maritime autonomy aspect. Conversations with Canada, South Korea and New Zealand are underway on how each can contribute to Pillar II, the official said.
Also, as part of Pillar II, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have committed to reducing export control restrictions to facilitate secure trade among AUKUS partners, including the sale of U.S. Virginia-class submarines to Australia, the official said.
Congress amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act and implemented an export licensing exemption for Australia and the United Kingdom, the official said.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports municipalities in drafting local youth action plans
(c) Giovanni Gabassi, Acting Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and (l) Milica Bešović-Ljumović, acting General Director of Directorate for Youth and Co-operation with NGOs in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, opening the three-day workshop “Capacity building training for local authorities for development of local youth action plans”, Kolašin, Montenegro, 25 September 2024. (OSCE/Irena Marunović) Photo details
Strengthening the capacity of local self-government officials to develop youth action plans that support youth participation in local communities is the focus of a training session organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Kolašin from 25 to 27 September.
Over three days, 28 representatives of 19 Montenegrin local self-governments learnt how to design activities for young people based on their needs and to collaborate with different stakeholders when drafting action plans as contemplated by the youth policy.
Opening the training session, Mr. Giovanni Gabassi, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission, said that the Mission had worked with young people and a variety of stakeholders to design activities that promote and enhance youth inclusion in decision making processes, in line with the Youth Strategy. “Today is an opportunity for you as professionals, to develop the skill and tools to include youth in your everyday work through an even and consistent implementation of youth policies at the local level. The knowledge you will gain from this training, and hopefully you will share with your colleagues, should enable you to include young people in the work of your communities, where their voice should be heard and their opinions taken into consideration,” said Gabassi.
Ms. Milica Bešović-Ljumović, Acting General Director of Directorate for Youth and Co-operation with NGOs in the Ministry, emphasized the importance of preparing action plans as a concrete step to improve the position of young people in Montenegro. She added that the Law on Youth was being amended and she invited participants to provide their suggestions and comments on the revised text.
After this week’s training session, the Mission-engaged experts will provide mentoring support to participants in finalizing their local youth action plans for submission to the Ministry of Sports and Youth by 31 October
The 2019 Law on Youth prescribes that local self-governments are obliged to draft and adopt annual local youth action plans, containing youth policy measures and activities for realizing the interests and needs of young people on the local level by 31 December of each year.
A suspect in the ongoing Steinhoff investigation will be appearing in the Pretoria Specialised Crimes Court later today following his arrest this morning by the Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Unit.
The arrest emanates from an ongoing investigation into Steinhoff, where in November 2017, the then Chief Executive Officer, the late Markus Jooste, is said to have shared information on the selling of Steinhoff shares before they fell.
Allegations are that the suspect received a tip-off from Jooste in order to sell his shares before their price dropped due to irregularities in the Steinhoff financial statements.
The suspect in 2017 instructed that over 39 000 of Steinhoff shares be sold. The suspect knew that Jooste was Steinhoff CEO and, by virtue of his employ, had inside information at the time.
The 79-year-old suspect is charged with three counts of the Contravention of the Financial Markets Act (insider trading). His arrest follows the arrest of Stephanus Johannes Grobler, who has since been released on bail and is due back in court on the 4 October 2024.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jenny Woodley, Senior Lecturer in Modern American History, Nottingham Trent University
For decades, Black history in the UK has been siloed from the mainstream, as if incidental to the nation’s history. Black History Month in October is dedicated to celebrating Black heritage, but the rest of the year, it feels largely neglected and ignored. Public historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, is at the forefront of efforts to integrate Black history into our national story.
His latest book, Black History for Every Day of the Year, co-created with two of his siblings, Yinka and Kemi, is another contribution to that work. This attractive and substantial book has an entry for each calendar day detailing an event, person, place, or theme associated with black history.
There are biographies of artists, musicians, activists, politicians, filmmakers, writers, and scientists. We learn about legal cases, such as Brown v Board of Education, when racial segregation in US schools was ruled unconstitutional, and the Mansfield Judgment, a 1772 British ruling which decided the fate of enslaved African James Somerset, and was used by abolitionists in their campaign to end slavery.
We get to see important objects, like the Benin Bronzes, a collection of sculptures created by skilled artisans in the Kingdom of Benin – now part of Nigeria – which were looted by British forces in 1897. They were then given to institutions like the British Museum, where some are still on display.
The book narrates histories of violence and injustice, from centuries of enslavement and brutal colonial rule, to South Africa’s Sharpeville massacre when, in March 1960, 69 people protesting apartheid laws were killed by the police.
The tragedy of the 1981 New Cross fire in south London, where 14 young Black people were killed in a suspected arson attack on a house party, is recounted as is the racist murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence, also in south London in 1993.
It tells stories of resistance and resilience, such as the uprising of enslaved people in Jamaica in 1760, known as Tacky’s revolt, and the 1961 Freedom Rides, when Black and white students challenged racial segregation on American buses and were met with violence.
In Britain it examines the Bristol bus boycott of 1963, a four-month-long protest against the bus company’s refusal to hire Black or Asian drivers. Many of the events and names will be familiar to some readers but there is likely to be plenty that is new and novel.
It is not a book which invites intensive reading, but rather the joy is to dip in and out, finding connections between entries, dates and themes. The popularity of social media “On This Day” posts suggests many readers will enjoy connecting past with present.
At the end of the volume, as well as a glossary of terms, are 12 timelines which place some of the entries into a more cohesive – though potentially more limiting – narrative.
For example, they outline Black resistance to slavery, abolitionist movements, and histories of imperialism and colonialism. Both here and throughout the book readers are pointed to connections between the entries. The text is enhanced by beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each month, which explore objects, places and themes associated with the entries, and the timelines are likewise creatively illustrated.
Black History for Every Day is educational and informative, but it is written with a deft touch and its format, along with the illustrations and inclusion of photographs, mean it is also engaging and accessible.
The scope of the histories included is global and many are transnational, showing the connections between the struggles and stories of people of African descent across the world. However, the majority of entries are associated with British and US history. This is not surprising given the authors’ research interests and the likely market for the book.
While it is apparent that an attempt has been made to be geographically and chronologically diverse, around a third of the 366 entries deal with US history, suggesting that our understanding of Black history is still often dominated by its American iterations.
The book is not attempting to break new ground. The timeline of the US civil rights movement, for example, begins with the Supreme Court ruling to desegregate education in 1954 and includes the acts of nonviolent direct action which have dominated the widely accepted “master narrative” of the era.
However, the book does at least go slightly beyond the usual cut-off point to include the Black Panther Party’s breakfast program, which addressed poverty and hunger in the Black community between 1969 and 1980, and the murder of Black Panther deputy chairman Fred Hampton, who was killed in 1969 at the age of 21.
The entry for Martin Luther King Jr. claims he organised the Montgomery bus boycott, ignoring the contributions of black women who were the driving force behind the movement. This is somewhat modified by the entry for activist Rosa Parks, which acknowledges the work of the Women’s Political Council in Montgomery.
The book’s purpose is not to be comprehensive; it cannot be, given its breadth. Rather, each entry is intended to serve as an introduction. The authors explain they hope people will be inspired to find out more after reading it.
Taken together, the daily entries narrate centuries of discrimination, violence and injustice against people of African descent. But they also tell stories of Black resilience, innovation, talent and achievement. The Olusogas’ book is published in time for Black History month in the UK, but it makes the case for engaging with black history beyond a single month every year.
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Jenny Woodley has received funding from the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.
As a result of numerous allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed being reported in the media, we are now asking any potential victim-survivors who may not have come forward before to do so.
We recognise the significant step many people have already taken in reporting allegations, and know there are many reasons others may have not yet come forward.
We must ensure every victim-survivor who has reported offences or is considering reporting has the confidence and ability to speak to us.
Officers are currently making contact with other organisations, including lawyers representing individuals whose allegations have featured in recent media coverage, to ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offences.
Additional, specialist support for those who have made contact with us in the past, along with those who come forward, has been put in place and this will continue as our enquiries progress.
This support will be provided by specially trained officers with experience in dealing with sexual offences who will work with victim-survivors and provide links to external support agencies should this be required.
It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died.
This means there is no prospect of any conviction relating to Al Fayed himself.
However, we must ensure we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences.
As such, we are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of enquiry based on new information which has emerged.
Commander Stephen Clayman said: “We recognise the significance of the allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed and the impact this has had on those affected. It is vital that any victims have a voice and are able to report any allegations if they have not done so before, and know that they will be taken seriously. We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible.
“I understand that for many years many people have sought answers in relation to this case. We will do everything possible to update on our progress when we can, but it is crucial we do this thoroughly and we do it right.”
There are various ways to contact police about your experience:
Information and further advice on speaking to police if you have been the victim of a sexual offence, or to access independent support groups, can be found on our website.
Allegations
At this time we have identified 19 allegations which resulted in crimes being recorded involving Al Fayed relating to 19 separate women that were reported to the Met between 2005 and 2023.
The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1979 and 2013. Of these reports, three were allegations of rape, 15 were sexual assault and one related to trafficking.
Between 2005 and 2023 we approached the Crown Prosecution Service on five occasions – two of these, in 2009 and 2015, were to pass full files of evidence. The remaining three approaches were for early investigative advice.
In all 19 allegations that were reported to police there was no further action taken against Mohamed Al Fayed.
We have now received new allegations from people who have not previously contacted us about Mohamed Al Fayed. We are not confirming the number at this time.
A recovered Cs-137 radioactive source was safely transferred to this ISO container during an IAEA Fact Finding Mission to Monrovia, Liberia in May 2024. (Photo: F.Baciu/IAEA)
Liberia has moved to fast track its accession to nuclear safety treaties, after IAEA experts helped prevent a radiological incident from shutting down the country’s main hospital.
In May 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia reached out to the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) for assistance after staff detected an unidentified radioactive source in a maintenance room at the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre in Monrovia.
If the source had not been managed swiftly, it could have led to significant disruptions, adversely impacting thousands of patients.
The IAEA developed a plan and deployed a fact-finding mission team comprising the IEC response system coordinator and a disused sealed sources specialist, who arrived in Monrovia on 21 May. By the following day, the source was secured and the hospital could continue its work uninterrupted.
Liberia’s request for assistance was made pursuant to the operational arrangements under the framework of the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, which sets out an international framework for co-operation between State Parties and the IAEA to facilitate prompt support. Liberia was not a party to this convention at the time but joined it and five other IAEA legal instruments at the IAEA 68th General Conference.
“The Assistance Convention does not mandate that only parties may receive international assistance. Emergencies are events which overwhelm available resources for response. Even a relatively minor event can become an emergency in the absence of the appropriate resources and training,” explained Florian Baciu, IAEA Response System Coordinator in the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. “International assistance is therefore available to any State which requires it, to mitigate the impact of a nuclear or radiological emergency on their territory.”
In Monrovia, the IAEA mission’s objective was to prevent the temporary closure of the JFK Medical Centre, an essential facility for the country’s healthcare. The radioactive source, identified as Caesium-137, is an artificially produced radionuclide widely used in medical and other fields. The team surmised that the source belonged to a disused brachytherapy machine. Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that uses radiation sources to treat tumours. The machine had likely been placed in the hospital’s scrap metal facility after it was decommissioned. This incident highlighted the need for proper handling and disposal of radioactive sources in the country, especially for disused medicine equipment.
During the mission, the IAEA team conducted a detailed radiation survey, confirmed the isotope was Caesium-137, and safely removed the source from a stormwater drain in the former scrap metal facility – which is now the hospital’s maintenance room. The source was then secured in a shielding container provided by the Liberian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and transported to a secure storage location. The IAEA team also completed a radiological survey of the area and concluded that it was extremely unlikely that anyone had been exposed to levels of radiation high enough to cause health problems. This rapid response helped to alleviate anxiety in members of the public and the hospital staff, and to address misinformation about the potential hazards to health as a result of the incident.
The Executive Director of the EPA, Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said: “The prompt assistance provided by the IAEA demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to building nuclear safety frameworks and supporting Member States in assessing and addressing their unique needs and urgencies. The mission did not only address the immediate concerns of the Liberia Government, but also underscored a proactive approach to preventing small issues from escalating to bigger problems. The quick response by the IAEA during our time of need further highlights the broader scope of the Agency’s work which transcends beyond emergency response to encompass comprehensive assistance.”
Baciu agreed: “The collaboration with the local authorities was seamless, and their proactive approach facilitated this swift action. Our goal is to provide countries with support to ensure that they are able to respond effectively to any type of emergency, irrespective of scale. We also encourage more States to join the IAEA’s Assistance Convention, as this allows for quick and formal communication channels to receive assistance and support promptly.”
IAEA Fact Finding Mission team members conducting a radiation survey and preparing equipment at the JFK Medical Centre during the recovery of a Cs-137 radioactive source from a storm water sump in the hospital’s maintenance room. (Photo: Liberian Environmental Protection Agency).
The IAEA and the Liberian EPA will work together to define ways in which the IAEA can help ensure that all radioactive sources in the country are used and disposed of safely and securely. Among the projects under discussion are assistance to establish a national registry of radiological sources, training for Liberian experts on managing sealed radioactive sources, the provision of equipment and other assistance, improving facilities for nuclear and radiological emergencies, and strengthening the safe and secure management of radioactive sources in Liberia. The IAEA will also continue to support Liberia through its technical cooperation programme, providing training and resources to enhance the country’s capability in the safe and secure management of radioactive sources.
From the very first hours, the Polish Army has been involved in actions protecting the life and health of the population, helping citizens, and in all state activities related to the fight against flooding. (…) At this moment, over 25,000 are still assigned to the operation. soldiers. 20 tips. soldiers of the Polish Army are taking part in the action directly at this moment. At a key moment, at the peak of involvement, there were over 25,000. soldiers involved in the fight against the flood and removing its effects – said Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz during his speech in the Sejm. On September 25, in the Sejm, the Government presented information on the involvement of the services in the fight against the flood and removing its effects. All types of armed forces were used in fighting the flood. All these actions that we carried out were fully coordinated with the activities of the State Fire Service and Police under the leadership of the crisis staff – noted the head of the Ministry of National Defense at the beginning of his speech. In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the military’s actions began immediately after the end of the meeting of the Government Security Center on 11 September. On September 11, the Territorial Defense Forces recognize it. On September 12, the formation of military task groups begins. The command of this action is entrusted to the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces, General Krzysztof Stańczyk, who from that moment on commands the entire operation – not only the territorial defense troops, but also the operational troops assigned to the operation. From that moment, four military task groups are formed: in Lesser Poland, Greater Poland, Silesia and Lower Silesia… (…) From September 12, engineering task groups separated from operational troops are created with eight green helicopters, self-propelled transporters, sailing with sappers’ boats, with troops engineering. On September 12, commanders of WOT brigades establish close cooperation with services and territorial administration bodies. As a result, they direct liaison officers to 6 provincial crisis management centers and 4 district and 11 municipal centers. September 13, when the headquarters is held in Wrocław under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. Oh dios. 14 at the General Staff in Warsaw, with the participation of the most important commanders, I receive a report from the Chief of the General Staff, the Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces and the General Commander of the Armed Forces about the readiness of 4 task teams, task groups and 5 engineering teams. They are going into action, they are the first to be launched on September 13 in the Opole Voivodeship in Głuchołazy, said the head of the Ministry of National Defense, informing about the army’s activities. The head of the Ministry of National Defense informed that direct actions were directed, among others, to: over 1,300 units of military equipment, including 758 passenger vehicles and trucks, 17 sanitary vehicles, 43 bulldozer-loaders, 59 dump trucks, 19 PTS, 40 sappers’ boats. Further actions that were taken concerned the engineering component. (…) Engineering troops have been present in operations from the very beginning. Now they are carrying out activities analyzing the places where the bridges broke. Special teams have been identified. Engineering troops carried out operations to unblock 129 kilometers of roads. They reconnoitred 27 damaged bridges in four locations: Głuchołazy, Krapkowice, Stronie Śląskie, Lądek, Zdrój. Corrective actions are already underway. The crossing is being carried out. The engineering forces will again build temporary bridges using the DMS-65 structure obtained from the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves. The reconstruction of temporary road infrastructure is being carried out in most towns, said Vice Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz. One of the important tasks carried out by the army was air support. 125 air missions were completed. And there are patrol and transport flights, those that dropped 744 big bags. 4,539 people were evacuated, including 98 people using helicopters. The army also provides water and food to residents of the affected areas. It also supports their Distribution. Since the beginning of the campaign, 18,000 meals have been served to civilians and 27,000 liters of bottled water have been distributed. 48 cisternas have so far delivered 1.4 millones de litros de agua to various towns affected by the flood. The Polish Army also provides medical assistance in post-flood areas. A military hospital was established in Nysa, which has so far admitted about 400 patients. The couple shows how much involvement was needed in this operation as well. Seven mobile clinics have been established, not only outpatient clinics, but also specialized clinics. The military sanitary inspection has been involved, informed the Deputy Prime Minister. The next steps include the operation of the chemical forces component. There are 8 teams working to disinfect rooms. Disinfection is underway in schools, kindergartens, public places, as well as, if necessary, in households and farms where water has reached and a full return to functioning and normality is needed – said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of National Defense to the Sejm. The Head of the Ministry of National Defense informed about Operation “Feniks”, launched on September 23, aims to support the activities of residents and local governments in cleaning up and rebuilding post-flood areas. We have activated a multi-wave, multi-month Operation Feniks, aimed at rebuilding, tidying up and returning not only to the state before the flooding and damage, but as the Prime Minister indicated the direction at his staff, to raise the quality of these places, the usability of these places to the best possible standard. The bromear couple is very important to us that the quality of life and normality return there as soon as possible – said the head of the Ministry of National Defense. At the end of the speech, the head of the Ministry of National Defense thanked all the soldiers of the Polish Army, commanders, their subordinates, officers, non-commissioned officers, all of them for their boundless dedication. Bromear loves one of you proud. All those who benefit from your help are grateful to you. To Minister Siemoniak, I would like to thank the firefighters of the State Fire Service, the Police, all uniformed services subordinated to the Ministry of Interior and Administration and all the firefighters of the volunteer fire brigades, all those who showed up to fight the flood in extraordinary numbers. Minister Klimczak is responsible for all services related to the unblocking of communication routes – railways, road workers, transport workers. But most of all, on behalf of not only myself, but also all of us, I would like to thank the solidarity and brotherhood of Poles, which always wins, said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.
Detectives investigating the murder of a man, whose body was found in a Haringey flat, have charged a man.
Police were called at about 21:45hrs on Friday, 20 September, following concerns for the occupant of an address in Moselle Avenue, N22.
Officers attended and forced entry into the flat, where they discovered the man deceased.
He has been named as 40-year-old Marvin Dickson. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
On Sunday, 22 September a 36-year-old man, Dante Forrest (15.09.88), of Moselle Avenue, N22, was arrested in the Edmonton area on suspicion of murder.
He was charged with murder on Wednesday, 25 September and will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 September.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. A special post-mortem examination held on Sunday, 22 September, found Martin’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma.
Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 8320/20Sep. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:
AB 1785 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – California Public Records Act.
AB 1864 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Pesticides: agricultural use near schoolsites: notification and reporting.
AB 1868 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Property taxation: assessments: affordable housing.
AB 1874 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Crimes: disorderly conduct.
AB 1904 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Transit buses: yield right-of-way sign.
AB 1921 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Energy: renewable electrical generation facilities: definition.
AB 1979 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Doxing Victims Recourse Act.
AB 2005 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – California State University: faculty and employee housing.
AB 2143 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Fairs.
AB 2251 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Graduation requirements: local requirements: exemptions.
AB 2257 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Local government: property-related water and sewer fees and assessments: remedies.
AB 2300 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Medical devices: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
AB 2317 by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) – Child day care facilities: anaphylactic policy.
AB 2340 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Medi-Cal: EPSDT services: informational materials.
AB 2350 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – Open meetings: school boards: emergencies: notifications by email.
AB 2353 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Property taxation: welfare exemption: delinquent payments: interest and penalties.
AB 2427 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – Electric vehicle charging stations: permitting: curbside charging.
AB 2455 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Whistleblower protection: state and local government procedures.
AB 2462 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Public Utilities Commission: written reports: energy.
AB 2534 by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto) – Certificated employees: disclosures: egregious misconduct.
AB 2552 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Pesticides: anticoagulant rodenticides.
AB 2597 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Planning and zoning: revision of housing element: regional housing need allocation appeals: Southern California Association of Governments.
AB 2661 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) – Electricity: Westlands Water District.
AB 2698 by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) – Route 405: Little Saigon Freeway.
AB 2750 by Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) – Electricity: procurement: generation from biomass.
AB 2803 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – Campaign expenditures: criminal convictions: fees and costs.
AB 2832 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Economic development: international trade and investment.
AB 2847 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Electrical and gas corporations: capital expenditures: request for authorization or recovery.
AB 2875 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Wetlands: state policy.
AB 2897 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Property tax: welfare exemption: community land trusts.
AB 2922 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Economic development: capital investment incentive programs.
AB 2968 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans.
AB 3007 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – California Environmental Quality Act: record of environmental documents: format.
AB 3024 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Civil rights.
AB 3198 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Joint powers agreements: retail electric services.
AB 3251 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Accountancy.
AB 3252 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Shorthand court reporters: sunset: certification.
AB 3253 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists: licensees: professional land surveyors: surveying practices: monuments and corner accessories.
AB 3254 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Endowment care cemeteries: reporting.
AB 3255 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Vocational nursing and psychiatric technicians: sunset: licensure.
SB 347 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Subdivision Map Act: exemption: hydrogen fueling stations and electric vehicle charging stations.
SB 632 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Vehicles: off-highway recreation: Red Rock Canyon State Park.
SB 739 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Construction manager at-risk construction contracts: City of Elk Grove: zoo project.
SB 909 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program.
SB 941 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: scoping plan: industrial sources of emissions.
SB 974 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Lithium Extraction Tax: fund distribution.
SB 1006 by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) – Electricity: transmission capacity: reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies.
SB 1099 by Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) – Newborn screening: genetic diseases: blood samples collected.
SB 1140 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Enhanced infrastructure financing district.
SB 1142 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Electrical and gas corporations: restoration and termination of services.
SB 1146 by Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) – Mortgages.
SB 1221 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Gas corporations: ceasing service: priority neighborhood decarbonization zones.
SB 1270 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Department of Food and Agriculture: farm products: licenses and complaints: fees.
SB 1313 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Vehicle equipment: driver monitoring defeat devices.
SB 1328 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Elections.
SB 1371 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Alcoholic beverage control: proof of age.
SB 1418 by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) – Hydrogen-fueling stations: expedited review.
SB 1420 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Hydrogen production facilities: certification and environmental review.
SB 1425 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Oil revenue: Oil Trust Fund.
The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:
AB 99 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Department of Transportation: state roads and highways: integrated pest management. A veto message can be found here.
AB 718 by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) – Veterans: mental health. A veto message can be found here.
AB 828 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands. A veto message can be found here.
AB 1975 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Medi-Cal: medically supportive food and nutrition interventions. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2734 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Agriculture: Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2757 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Southeast California Economic Region. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2899 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – General acute care hospitals: licensed nurse-to-patient ratios. A veto message can be found here.
AB 2903 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – Homelessness. A veto message can be found here.
AB 3263 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Electrical corporations: financing orders. A veto message can be found here.
SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Mental health professions: CARE Scholarship Program. A veto message can be found here.
SB 37 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Act. A veto message can be found here.
SB 366 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – The California Water Plan: long-term supply targets. A veto message can be found here.
SB 954 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Sexual health. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1020 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Law enforcement agency regulations: shooting range targets. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1050 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – California American Freedmen Affairs Agency: racially motivated eminent domain. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1058 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Peace officers: injury or illness: leaves of absence. A veto message can be found here.
SB 1337 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Elections: form of petitions. A veto message can be found here.
For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Recent news
Sep 25, 2024
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Fidencio Guzman, of Imperial, has been appointed Warden at Centinela State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023, was Chief Deputy Warden from 2021 to 2023 and was…
Sep 25, 2024
News SACRAMENTO – Moving to support the ongoing recovery from July wildfires in Kern, Butte and Tehama counties, Governor Gavin Newsom has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to further assist recovery efforts in communities impacted by the Park and…
Sep 25, 2024
News What you need to know: New laws will give local communities more authority to protect their neighborhoods from oil and gas operations and drive faster plugging of old oil and gas wells. INGLEWOOD, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed three bills into law…
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Fidencio Guzman, of Imperial, has been appointed Warden at Centinela State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023, was Chief Deputy Warden from 2021 to 2023 and was Correctional Administrator from 2018 to 2021. Guzman held several positions at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison from 2009 to 2018, including Correctional Administrator, Captain, Correctional Counselor II Specialist and Lieutenant. He was a Sergeant at Centinela State Prison from 2006 to 2009. Guzman served as a First Lieutenant in the California Army National Guard from 2002 to 2009. He was a Correctional Counselor I at Calipatria State Prison from 2003 to 2004, where he was a Correctional Officer from 1999 to 2003 and 2004 to 2006. Guzman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $193,524. Guzman is a Republican.
Edward Borla, of Paso Robles, has been appointed Warden at the Correctional Training Facility, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023. Borla was Correctional Administrator at Salinas Valley State Prison from 2015 to 2023. He was a Captain at the Correctional Training Facility from 2012 to 2015. Borla was a Correctional Lieutenant at Avenal State Prison from 2008 to 2012. He held multiple positions at California Men’s Colony from 1997 to 2008, including Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Lieutenant and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $193,524. Borla is a Republican.
Allison Ganter, of Davis, has been appointed In-Custody Death Review Director at the Board of State and Community Corrections, where she has been Deputy Director since 2014 and was Field Representative and Compliance Monitor from 2000 to 2014. Ganter was a Correctional Facility Specialist at the New York Commission of Correction from 1999 to 2000 and Assistant to the Chairman there from 1997 to 1999. She was a Staff Training Assistant and Legislative Aide in the New York State Assembly from 1995 to 1997. Ganter earned a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University at Albany, State University of New York. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $186,876. Ganter is a Democrat.
Jennifer Branning, of Susanville, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Branning has been Chief Probation Officer of Lassen County since 2013. She was President of the Chief Probation Officers of California in 2023 and is a member of Lassen Crime Stoppers. Branning earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Branning is registered without party preference.
Karen Lai, of Berkeley, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Lai has been a Physician at Traditions Behavioral Health since 2019. She was a Resident and Fellow Physician at the University of California, Los Angeles from 2014 to 2019. Lai was a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco from 2010 to 2011. She was a Sal Romano Research Fellow at Rutgers University from 2007 to 2008. Lai was a Stanford Public Interest Network Fellow at MetroPlus Health Plan Inc. from 2006 to 2007. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Lai earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomechanical Engineering from Stanford University. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lai is a Democrat.
Recent news
Sep 25, 2024
News SACRAMENTO – Moving to support the ongoing recovery from July wildfires in Kern, Butte and Tehama counties, Governor Gavin Newsom has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to further assist recovery efforts in communities impacted by the Park and…
Sep 25, 2024
News What you need to know: New laws will give local communities more authority to protect their neighborhoods from oil and gas operations and drive faster plugging of old oil and gas wells. INGLEWOOD, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed three bills into law…
Sep 24, 2024
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Steve Juarez, of Truckee, has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez served as a Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office…
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always accorded the highest priority to generation of employment opportunities and empowerment of youth in the country. The Prime Minister has always held that our demographic dividend is one of the biggest strengths of our country and the Government of India is according the highest priority to ensure the talent of the youth is fully utilized in the nation building to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.
First 100 days of the third term of the present Government have been marked by several key initiatives and decisions which have positively impacted the lives of people and laid a strong foundation for Vikshit Bharat@2047. The citizen-centric decisions have been driven by the vision of the Prime Minister to enhance ease of living and make life better for the poor & middle class, dalit, vanchit, adivasis, Nari shakti and Yuva shakti.
During the period of 100 days, appointment letters have been issued to over 15000 youth for government jobs by Central Ministries and Departments. The new appointments comprised of various ranks, posts and groups, including the following:
Ministry of Home Affairs- Inspector, Assistant Sub Inspector, Constable, Head Constable, Sub Inspector, Carpenter, Store, Driver, Constable (Executive) in Delhi Police etc.
Ministry of Coal– Surveyor (Mining), Senior Medical officer, Medical Specialist, Executive Trainee, Dumper Operator etc.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – Doctor, Nursing Officer, Professor, Assistant Professor, Medical Specialist, Pharmacist, MTS, Lower Division Clerk, Radiographer, and Library Clerk, Laboratory Attendant.
Department of Higher Education – Assistant Professor, Registrar, Multi-Tasking Staff, Private Secretary, Controller of Examination, Technical Officer, Sports Officer, Executive Engineer, Counselor, Law Officer.
Department of Revenue –Inspector, Examiner, Preventive Officer, Tax Assistant, Multi -Tasking Staff etc.
Ministry of Power- Engineer (Trainee), Manager, Dy. Manager etc.
Ministry of Defence (Civilian)– Scientist, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Tradesman, Civilian Motor Driver, Clerk, etc.
The newly inducted appointees will also be getting an opportunity to train themselves through “Karmayogi Prarambh”, an e-learning module on iGOT Karmayogi portal, where more than 1200 high quality e-learning courses have been made available for ‘anywhere any device’ learning format. More than 43 Lakh Karmayogis have so far been onboarded onto the portal Mission Karmayogi, launched in September 2020, aiming at promoting citizen-centric governance.
The new appointees will be able to serve the Nation by joining their services in various roles and will be witness to India@2047 and are expected to play a significant role in nation building. They will be, inter alia, involved in the task of strengthening Industrial, Economic and Social Infrastructure of the nation thereby building New India with their innovative ideas, cutting edge technology and public participation in governance. The momentum of transformative change continues to shape the nation’s rise at the global stage.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD to present “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years” Exhibition Series to showcase developments and achievements of China (with photos) LCSD to present “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years” Exhibition Series to showcase developments and achievements of China (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years” Exhibition Series, at the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) and the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) from tomorrow (September 27) to illustrate the important developments and achievements of China over the past 75 years from a variety of perspectives. Admission to the exhibitions is free. Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (September 26), the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that China is a force to be reckoned with in the areas such as economy, manufacturing, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture and sports. Today, China is the world’s second-largest economy, the largest industrial manufacturing country, the largest goods trading country and the largest foreign exchange reserve holding country. These are the results of the people’s forging ahead steadfastly and also the pride of all Chinese people. This exhibition series is one of the signature events organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to promote the spirit of patriotism in the community. Its three exhibitions, namely “Leapfrog Development”, “Scientific Breakthroughs” and “Era of Intelligence”, showcase the country’s modernisation process from the perspectives of economy, education, technology, culture, sports and people’s livelihood. It aimed to enhance the understanding of the public, especially the younger generation, of the achievements of New China over the past 75 years, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and sense of belonging. Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Yin Zhonghua; Vice President and Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology, Mr Meng Qinghai; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, Mr Li Dahong; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Ms Starry Lee; the Chairperson of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Joshua Mok; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu. The “Leapfrog Development” exhibition, located in the Lobby, 1/F, HKMH, presents the developments and achievements of the economy, infrastructure, culture, sports and ecological conservation initiatives of China through text and images. It also displays medals won by athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games to showcase their spirit of perseverance and hard work. They include the first gold medal won by Hong Kong, China windsurfer Ms Lee Lai-shan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for the HKSAR, the gold medal won by So Wa-wai, representing Hong Kong, China in the men’s 100m races (T36) at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, the gold medal won by Chinese diver Ms Guo Jingjing in the women’s three-metre springboard event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the silver medal won by Ms Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, representing Hong Kong, China in the women’s 100m freestyle events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. For details of the exhibition, please visit hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/75A-Exhibition.html. The country’s scientific and technological endeavours have made remarkable progress over the past 75 years. The “Scientific Breakthroughs” exhibition at the 2/F Exhibition Hall, HKScM is divided into three parts, namely “The Lifeblood of the People’s Republic of China”, “Silent Thunder”, and “A Chip-driven Patriotic Heart”, based on three significant historical events: the 65th anniversary of the discovery of the Daqing Oil Field, the 60th anniversary of the successful detonation of China’s first atomic bomb, and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the State Preeminent Science & Technology Award. The exhibition showcases China’s outstanding achievements in science and technology through graphics, videos, objects, and interactive exhibits, demonstrating the patriotic spirit and steadfast beliefs of Chinese scientists. Highlight exhibits include the Core Sample from Songliao Basin No.3 Stratigraphic Well (replica), which is important historical evidence for the discovery of the Daqing Oil Field; the immersive space “Big Bang in the East”, which explores significant historical events such as the launch of the Dongfeng-1 missile, atomic bomb detonation, hydrogen bomb detonation, and the launch of the Dongfanghong-1; and the model of the Zuchongzhi Superconducting Quantum Computer, developed independently by a Chinese research team, which is the only one in China and one of only two globally to achieve “quantum advantage”. The “Era of Intelligence” exhibition at the Special Exhibition Hall, G/F, HKScM introduces the transformative technology of artificial intelligence, which has experienced rapid developments in recent years. The application of artificial intelligence in daily life will also be demonstrated at the exhibition. The exhibition features a total of 22 exhibits, with about 70 per cent of them being interactive. These include the immersive zone “Gravitational Battlefield”, which is based on Mainland writer Liu Cixin’s science fiction novel “The Three-Body Problem” and integrates artificial intelligence and mixed reality technologies; a simulation of autonomous driving; and an artificial intelligence model named Master Guess, with which visitors can train and play paper-scissors-stone. Visitors can engage directly with multiple artificial intelligence models to understand how they function in various scenarios such as chess playing, music composition, painting and the implementation of mixed reality. For details of the “Scientific Breakthroughs” and “Era of Intelligence” exhibitions, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/75A2024.html. The exhibition series is presented by the LCSD. The “Leapfrog Development” exhibition is organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office and the Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, in collaboration with the HKMH, and supported by the Academy of Chinese Studies and the Hong Kong China Sports Alliance. The “Scientific Breakthroughs” exhibition is organised by the HKScM and the China Science and Technology Museum, in collaboration with the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the China Association for Science and Technology and the Beijing – Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. The “Era of Intelligence” exhibition is organised by the HKScM, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Hong Kong Institution of Science and Innovation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and SenseTime. The exhibitions will run until February 5 next year. Apart from museums, a display titled “Trendsetting Travel in China”, which showcases the remarkable achievements of the motherland through a stunning array of media photographs and a relaxed curatorial approach, will be held at the covered walkway of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park from September 28, providing members of the public an additional opportunity to learn more about the country’s achievements. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.
Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 18:55
Lancaster City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have today announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Lancaster.
New life will be breathed into two park tennis venues at Palatine Recreation Ground in Lancaster and Happy Mount Park in Morecambe. The £79,632 renovation will ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.
The project is part of a nationwide investment delivered by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open-up the sport to many more people.
This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.
Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to open-up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls.
Lancaster City Council will also work with the LTA to organise weekly, free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience – with equipment provided – meaning anyone can play tennis without needing to find someone else to play with or have their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.
Following the completion of renovation works, all courts and sessions will be available to book online via the LTA website http://www.lta.org.uk/play/
Work on both sites is expected to start in January 2025 and be completed by May 2025.
Lancaster City Councillor Joanne Ainscough, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: “The investment is fantastic news for our district. Parks are vital spaces in our community to support health and wellbeing and the Parks Tennis Project will be a much-welcomed enhancement. We are looking forward to working with the LTA on the project, which will enable local people to gain access to refurbished courts, play tennis and get active.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Lancaster City Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Lancaster City Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”
Residents across Aberdeen can now apply for a free one-tonne community salt bag to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood during the winter months.
The applications have been opened earlier than normal this year and, although it has been an unusually warm September, winter is fast coming and the deadline for applying for the one-tonne community salt bags is 31 October, 2024, after which applications will not be processed.
The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves when winter starts and in addition, there will again be big community salt bins in strategic locations around the city.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The weather has just turned autumnal and winter will be here before we know it.
“As always, the Council’s gritting teams will be working hard to treat roads and pavements, often under challenging conditions. On icy days, almost half of Aberdeen’s roads and the city’s busiest pavements on Union Street are treated before 7.30am.
“Unfortunately though, Council staff can’t be everywhere all the time. There are 620 miles of roads in Aberdeen, slightly more than the distance from the city to Paris, and 1,242 miles of pavements, the distance from here to Rome. That’s why the one tonne community salt bag scheme and yellow salt bins are so important – they help local communities to help themselves.”
The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, will be for use only on public areas. A secure and accessible area, like a driveway, would have to be available for storing the one-tonne community salt bags.
Any residents or groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply via One-tonne salt bags | Aberdeen City Council before 31 October. The community salt bags are delivered free of charge and are removed at the end of winter.
The locations for the big community salt bins are Bridge of Don (Laurel Drive), Garthdee (Asda car park – next to recycling facilities), Torry (Girdleness Road), Union Row, Crown Terrace (next to bins), Justice Street (next to recycling bins), Seaton Drive (car park on entry to Seaton Walk), Regent Court (car park), Northfield (Byron Square), Hilton (at the top of Anderson Road, next to Stewart Park), Rosemount (Leadside Road), Kingswells Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Craibstone Park & Ride (west car park), Bridge of Don Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Countesswells Road, Dyce (Asda car park-next to recycling facilities), Fernhill Drive (near Fernhill Road), Johnston Gardens North (at turning area), Tillydrone (Pennan Road beside the library).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to facilitate the National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1 (Tuesday).Kowloon——-Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui————————————————- Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases. Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised areas including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation Limited. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. When these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas. At present, there are some construction works at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these sites and not to climb or lean against the barriers. Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.Special traffic arrangements—————————- The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:A. Road closure and traffic diversionsPhase I (from 6pm onwards) The following roads will be closed:- Eastbound and westbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;- Southbound and northbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;- Southbound Salisbury Road between Hong Chong Road and Hung Hom Bypass;- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Science Museum Road and Kowloon Park Drive, including Salisbury Road’s eastbound and westbound underpass;- The U-turn slip road of Salisbury Road leading from eastbound Salisbury Road U-turn to westbound Salisbury Road;- Hong Wan Path;- Mody Lane;- Mody Road;- Mody Square;- Granville Square;- Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs) (the road will be will be re-routed to one-way eastbound);- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound and northbound Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;- Hau Fook Street;- Cameron Lane;- Cameron Road;- Humphreys Avenue;- Prat Avenue;- Hart Avenue;- Hanoi Road;- Bristol Avenue;- Minden Row;- Minden Avenue;- Blenheim Avenue;- Middle Road;- Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Canton Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Salisbury Road;- Ashley Road;- Hankow Road;- Lock Road;- Haiphong Road;- Ichang Street; and- Peking Road. During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;- Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;- Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road. Vehicles must go straight to Nga Cheung Road direction or turn left to southbound Wui Man Road;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;- Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;- Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will turn to eastbound contraflow. Traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;- Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and- Traffic along eastbound Granville Road must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.Phase II (from 6.30pm onwards) The following roads will be closed:- Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road; and- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.Phase III (from 7pm onwards) The following roads will be closed:- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near the Xiqu Centre leading from westbound Austin Road West U-turn to eastbound Austin Road West;- The first lane of Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout;- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near The Harbourside leading from eastbound Austin Road West U-turn to westbound Austin Road West;- Museum Drive; and- Cultural Drive. During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along eastbound and westbound Austin Road West cannot enter the slip roads of Austin Road West; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout cannot turn to Museum Drive. Vehicles will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West or northbound Nga Cheung Road.Phase IV (from 8.45pm onwards) The following roads will be closed:- Southbound and northbound Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;- Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;- Eastbound Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;- Pine Tree Hill Road;- Hillwood Road;- Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;- Shun Yee Street;- Granville Circuit;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;- Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;- Kimberley Street;- Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South;- Southbound and northbound Canton Road between Austin Road and Kowloon Park Drive;- Austin Road West roundabout between the entrance of Austin Road West and the exit and entrance of Museum Drive; and- Southbound and northbound Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West. During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;- Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn to westbound Kimberley Street;- Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;- Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street must turn left to northbound Pilkem Street;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot go straight. Vehicles must turn left to eastbound Austin Road or turn right to westbound Austin Road West;- Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right. Vehicles must turn left to northbound Canton Road or go straight to eastbound Austin Road;- Traffic along northbound Gateway Boulevard must leave from northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road must turn to the Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange after turning left to southbound Nga Cheung Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road West must go straight to Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout must turn left to eastbound Austin Road West.Contingency plan If necessary, the following roads will be closed:- Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;- Oi King Street; and- Kin Wan Street. During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along westbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to Wa Shun Street;- Traffic along Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;- Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and- Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.B. Suspension of Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange The following Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange will be suspended, until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal: The Mody Road Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm. The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm. The China Hong Kong City Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 8.45pm.C. Suspension of car park Vehicles will not be permitted to access or leave car parks in the affected areas during the road closure period.D. Suspension of on-street parking spaces All on-street parking spaces located at Tsim Sha Tsui South (i.e. South of Austin Road) will be suspended from noon on October 1 to 0.01am of the following day.Hong Kong Island—————-A. Road closurePhase I (Before the fireworks display)Central District————— Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station leading from Garden Road to the office of World Wild Fund for Nature Hong Kong will be closed from 2pm to 11.59pm, except for franchised buses.Wan Chai North————– Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square including the pick-up and drop-off areas will be closed from 4pm to 11.59pm. The following roads will be closed from 7.30pm onwards:Central District—————- Man Kwong Street;- Man Fai Street;- Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street;- Loading and unloading area outside Central Ferry Piers 7, 8 and 9; and- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office.Central – Wan Chai Bypass————————- – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;- The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and- The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.Wan Chai North————— Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;- Lung King Street;- Eastbound Harbour Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive Central;- Expo Drive East;- Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;- Lung Tat Path;- Convention Avenue;- Fleming Road Flyover;- Fleming Road between Expo Drive and Harbour Road;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between eastbound Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;- Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;- Marsh Road Flyover;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Hung Hing Road;- Hung Hing Road Flyover;- Wan Shing Street; and- Wan Ying Street.Peak Area———- Northbound Peak Road beyond the car park entrance of Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles;- Barker Road, except for residents’ vehicles;- All laybys along Stubbs Road between Peak Road and Stubbs Road roundabout; and- All laybys along Magazine Gap Road between Peak Road and May Road. The following roads will be closed from 8pm onwards:Eastern District————– Watson Road;- Whitfield Road;- Glass Street;- King Ming Road;- Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road; and- Victoria Park Road (Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter). The following roads will be closed from 8.15pm onwards:Central District————— Yiu Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Edinburgh Place;- Tim Wa Avenue;- Legislative Council Road;- Tim Mei Avenue;- Lung Wui Road;- Lung Hop Street;- Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;- Performing Arts Avenue; and- Edinburgh Place.Wan Chai North————— Tonnochy Road Flyover;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;- Westbound Harbour Road;- Harbour Drive;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road; and- Fenwick Street between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road.Phase II (During the fireworks display) The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm to 9.28pm:Eastern District—————– Westbound Island Eastern Corridor between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, except for franchised buses;- Slip roads leading to westbound Island Eastern Corridor from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road; and- Westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass.Phase III (After the fireworks display) The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm onwards:Central District————— Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;- Man Po Street; and- Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.Wan Chai South————— Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Jaffe Road;- O’Brien Road;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Stewart Road;- Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road West between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- If necessary, Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Gloucester Road; and- If necessary, westbound Gloucester Road service road between Percival Street and Canal Road East.B. Traffic Diversions In connection with the above road closure, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:From 7.30pm onwards:- Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound; and- All uphill traffic along Peak Road towards Harlech Road, Lugard Road and Mount Austin Road will be diverted downhill via the slip road beside the car park entrance at the Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits.From 8.55pm to 9.28pm: Traffic along westbound Island Eastern Corridor will be diverted to Man Hong Street.From 8.55pm onwards: Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West Flyover will be diverted to Finance Street.C. Suspension of parking spaces All on-street metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces (Meter nos: 3186 to 3188, 3190 to 3193 and 3197) at Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station will be suspended from 1pm to 11pm. All on-street parking spaces at Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm. All on-street metered and motorcycle parking spaces at Victoria Peak Garden and Mount Austin Road (Meter nos: 1515(A/B) to 1518(A/B), 1523(A/B) to 1526(A/B), 1519A, 1520A, 1521(A/B) and 1522B) will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm. All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 3pm to 11.59pm:- Man Kwong Street;- Ying Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office;- Edinburgh Place;- Lung Wui Road; and- Lung Hop Street. All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm:- Hung Hing Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive East;- Convention Avenue;- Wan Shing Street;- Gloucester Road service road;- Stewart Road between Jaffe Road and Gloucester Road service road;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road; and- Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road. All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm:- Watson Road; and- Whitfield Road.D. Suspension of Public Transport Interchange The Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Man Yiu Street Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 6.30pm to 11.59pm.E. Suspension of car parks Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas at North Point, Wan Chai North, Wan Chai South and Central District will not be permitted to enter/leave the car parks during the road closure period. If necessary, the vehicular entrance/exit along on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice. Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts mentioned above will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to access the above areas. They should pay attention to the latest special traffic arrangements announced by the Transport Department and the latest weather news released by the Hong Kong Observatory. Actual implementation of the crowd safety management measures and traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site. If the cancellation of the fireworks display is announced by the organiser, the above-mentioned crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements will not be implemented.
Source: The White House
I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy back to the White House today. For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my Administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. In that time, Ukraine has won the battle of Kyiv, reclaimed more than half the territory that Russia seized at the start of the war, and safeguarded its sovereignty and independence. But there is more work to do. That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war.
Today, I am announcing that:
I have directed the Department of Defense to allocate all of its remaining security assistance funding that has been appropriated for Ukraine by the end of my term in office. As part of this effort, the Department of Defense will allocate the remaining Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds by the end of this year. I also have authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to ensure this authority does not expire, so that my Administration can fully utilize the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine and then replenish U.S. stockpiles.
The Department of Defense is announcing $2.4 billion in security assistance through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.
To enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, I have decided to provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition.
To further strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, I have directed the Department of Defense to refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles. This builds on my decision earlier this year to divert U.S. air defense exports to Ukraine, which will provide Ukraine with hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles over the next year and will help Ukraine defend its cities and its people.
To build the capacity of Ukraine’s air force, I have directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including by supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year.
To counter Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Secret Service have taken action today to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network, in coordination with international partners. The United States will continue to raise the costs on Russia for its war in Ukraine and to deprive the Russian defense industrial base of resources.
I will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month to coordinate the efforts of the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Through these actions, my message is clear: The United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
New York, 25.09.2024 – Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – Check against delivery
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
The war in Sudan has deeply concerned Switzerland, especially given its devastating impact on the Sudanese people.
Not long ago, Sudan stood as a model of political transition, shifting from military rule to a civilian-led government, offering hope for a peaceful future.
But the war ended this transition, triggering the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Millions have been forced to flee, with even more suffering from severe food insecurity. This devastation is human-made, not beyond control, and must end.
We are here to reaffirm our commitment to addressing this crisis. Switzerland is committed to supporting efforts to promote peace in Sudan. In this spirit, we supported the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy in holding proximity talks in Geneva last July and hosted a US-led ceasefire conference in August.
Despite our best efforts, direct talks between the parties were not possible. However, we remain committed to not giving up.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, the African Union and Switzerland formed the ALPS group to take forward the process launched in Jeddah.
Excellencies
We are gathered here under the Paris and ALPS group framework to speak with one voice and stand united for Sudan.
I strongly believe that the international community can achieve more through better coordination, including through our Special Envoys. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for his efforts.
It is crucial that we keep pressing the warring parties to grant humanitarian access and protect aid workers. We must ensure that sufficient resources are available and that this lifesaving support reaches those in desperate need.
But only an end to the fighting can pave the way for the peaceful and prosperous Sudan that the Sudanese people so clearly demand.
The political solution for a peaceful Sudan must be Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led. Switzerland supports these efforts and we appreciate the important role of the African Union in this regard.
Finally, let us not forget that we are all signatories to the Geneva Conventions. Recently, we marked their 75th anniversary.
As signatories, we are committed to upholding and ensuring respect for their principles. International Humanitarian Law protects the most vulnerable in times of war.
Let us honor these obligations everywhere, including in Sudan.
Thank you.
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Mr Ladislav Hamran, the President of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation since 2017, will present to LIBE Committee Members the Agency, its role and current activities.
Created in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, its mission is to support coordination and cooperation among national investigating and prosecuting authorities in order to tackle “serious crimes” that affect two or more Member States.
Following the adoption of the Eurojust Regulation ((EU) 2018/1727), three significant amendments have been introduced, providing the agency with the legal authority to collect, preserve and share evidence on war crimes, reinforce its powers to combat serious crimes (digital exchange in terrorism cases -and establish a platform to support the functioning of Joint Investigation Teams. An evaluation of the Eurojust Regulation’s implementation must be carried out by the European Commission by the end of the current year.
Mr Ladislav Hamran, the President of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation since 2017, will present to LIBE Committee Members the Agency, its role and current activities.