Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The head of football’s governing body in Australia has resigned.
Football Australia (FA) on Thursday announced that James Johnson has resigned as chief executive officer after more than five years in the role.
In a statement, Johnson said that it has been a “privilege” to lead the governing body.
“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down,” he said.
Johnson joined the FA as chief executive in 2020 after previously working for the Asian Football Confederation, FIFA and the City Football Group.
During his tenure with the FA, Johnson led Australia’s successful bid to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, and host the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
His resignation comes as the FA prepares to appoint a new permanent head coach of the women’s national team. Tom Sermanni has served as the interim coach of the Matildas since September 2024 following Tony Gustavsson’s resignation.
Australian media reported that Australia’s Joe Montemurro, currently in charge of French women’s club Olympique Lyonnais, is set to be appointed as the Matildas’ manager.
Heather Garriock, who played 130 times for the Matildas between 1999 and 2011, has been named as the FA’s interim chief executive.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) introduced the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act to close a tax loophole that has resulted in lost revenue for state-led wildlife conservation efforts. Foreign sellers should be held to the same tax regulations as domestic manufacturers, and this bill will ensure that happens.
“Federal excise taxes on certain recreational outdoor sporting equipment provide funding for conservation programs,” said Crapo. “This bill closes loopholes on imported fishing and archery equipment that deprive fish and wildlife conservation programs of additional critical funds. This move will help level the playing field for Idaho and American companies and strengthen existing conservation programs.”
“Alabama is proud to be home to hundreds of small businesses who make sporting equipment that outdoorsmen and conservationists rely on. The last thing these business owners need is to be punished for producing goods right here in the U.S.A.” said Tuberville. “Under President Trump, we are laser-focused on doing everything we can to encourage domestic production. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Crapo which closes a loophole allowing foreign sellers to exploit our domestic retailers and rob money from our state conservation programs.”
Numerous conservation and sporting groups, including the Archery Trade Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, American Sportfishing Association and The Conservation Fund have endorsed the legislation.
“We thank Senators Tuberville and Crapo for their leadership in helping to make the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration funds whole,” said Jim Fredericks, Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. “State fisheries programs count on these funds to maintain the good quality fishing opportunities that keep our anglers coming back for more.”
“The archery industry applauds Senators Crapo and Tuberville for their exceptionally strong leadership and introduction of this high priority legislation,”said Dan Forster, Vice President & Chief Conservation Officer, Archery Trade Association. “Holding foreign companies accountable for paying the federal excise tax is not only about protecting American businesses but it will help ensure that our conservation funding and outdoor heritage are protected for future generations.”
“The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act will ensure the future viability of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund by closing a loophole and securing millions of dollars in lost excise tax revenue to improve recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. “Since 1950, excise taxes on fishing equipment have provided $12 billion for conservation efforts and improved access for anglers across the country–a unique user-pay, public-benefit system that has become a cornerstone of the American conservation model. We applaud Senators Tuberville and Crapo for introducing this legislation and for their commitment to the sportfishing industry, which contributes $230 billion to the U.S. economy each year.”
Complete text of the bill can be found here. U.S. Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT-01) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.
BACKGROUND:
For decades, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act have provided states and territories with essential funding for wildlife restoration, conservation, hunter education programs and boating access programs. These programs, funded through excise taxes on sportfishing and archery equipment, have contributed more than $1.3 billion in FY2025 to support conservation efforts across the country.
However, a loophole in current tax policy allows some online purchases of imported sporting goods to bypass these excise taxes when purchased directly from foreign sellers, leading to a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars from going to conservation funds. Many consumers are unaware that they may be responsible for these taxes, and even those who are aware often struggle to navigate IRS guidelines on calculating and paying them. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommended that Congress address this issue by ensuring that U.S. online marketplaces, rather than consumers, are responsible for collecting and remitting these excise taxes.
The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act would:
Require U.S. online marketplaces to collect and remit federal excise taxes on imported archery and fishing equipment, treating them as the importer of record.
Ensure that funding for state-led wildlife conservation efforts is not lost due to tax loopholes.
Maintain fairness for domestic retailers who already pay these taxes on sporting goods they sell.
Simplify the tax process for consumers, eliminate confusion and ensure that conservation programs receive the full funding they deserve.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are progressing steadily, Milan-Cortina Foundation CEO Andrea Varnier said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Xinhua in an exclusive interview during a promotional roadshow event held in Oslo, Varnier said the past winter had been “very positive” for the preparations.
“We successfully tested most of the competition venues through various events and launched ticket sales, which have been well-received. We’re confident but remain mindful of the challenges ahead, including those we cannot yet foresee,” he said.
The 2026 Games will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events spanning four major clusters, combining urban and mountainous terrain. This geographic dispersion allows the use of existing infrastructure, while presenting logistical and operational complexities as well.
“This is a different model,” Varnier noted. “By placing competitions in traditional winter sport locations, we ensure high-quality venues operated by experienced teams. Of course, coordinating staff, volunteers and transportation across several hubs is a challenge, but it’s the one we’ve embraced from the outset.”
Among the most symbolic projects is the adaptation of the nearly 2,000-year-old Arena di Verona to host the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. “Making such a historic monument wheelchair-accessible sends a powerful message. If accessibility can be achieved in an ancient Roman amphitheater, it can [also] be achieved in other heritages,” Varnier said.
The CEO added that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics had left a lasting legacy. “China has gone from winning few winter medals to becoming a top contender. That’s not just about elite sport. It inspires broader participation, which is the true legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.”
Varnier also praised the technological support from the Chinese partners of the Olympics. “Alibaba, a key Chinese partner, is providing solutions to our technological infrastructure. We’re also excited to welcome TCL as a new global partner,” he said.
Looking ahead to the roadshow’s stop in China in June, Varnier offered a warm invitation: “We would love to see many Chinese visitors in Milan and Cortina. During a short track speed skating test event held in Milan in February, the stands were filled with Chinese flags – that spirit is what the Olympics is all about. We welcome all of you with open arms.”
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act to close a tax loophole that has resulted in lost revenue for state-led wildlife conservation efforts. Foreign sellers should be held to the same tax regulations as domestic manufacturers, and this bill will ensure that happens.
“Alabama is proud to be home to hundreds of small businesses who make sporting equipment that outdoorsmen and conservationists rely on. The last thing these business owners need is to be punished for producing goods right here in the U.S.A.” said Senator Tuberville.“Under President Trump, we are laser-focused on doing everything we can to encourage domestic production. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Crapo which closes a loophole allowing foreign sellers to exploit our domestic retailers and rob money from our state conservation programs.”
“Federal excise taxes on certain recreational outdoor sporting equipment provide funding for conservation programs,” said Senator Crapo. “This bill closes loopholes on imported fishing and archery equipment that deprive fish and wildlife conservation programs of additional critical funds. This move will help level the playing field for Idaho and American companies and strengthen existing conservation programs.”
Numerous conservation and sporting groups, including the Alabama Department of Conservation, Archery Trade Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, American Sportfishing Association, and The Conservation Fund haveendorsed Senator Tuberville’s legislation.
“We applaud Senator Tuberville’s support of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.“These funds are critical to supporting outdoor activities in the U.S. and we rely on them heavily in Alabama. This legislation will help secure state conservation funding and ensure all Americans have access to quality outdoor recreation throughout the country.”
“The archery industry applauds Senators Crapo and Tuberville for their exceptionally strong leadership and introduction of this high priority legislation,” said Dan Forster, Vice President & Chief Conservation Officer, Archery Trade Association. “Holding foreign companies accountable for paying the federal excise tax is not only about protecting American businesses but it will help ensure that our conservation funding and outdoor heritage are protected for future generations.”
“We thank Senators Tuberville and Crapo for their leadership in helping to make the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration funds whole,” said Jim Fredericks, Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee and Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.“State fisheries programs count on these funds to maintain the good quality fishing opportunities that keep our anglers coming back for more.”
“The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act will ensure the future viability of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund by closing a loophole and securing millions of dollars in lost excise tax revenue to improve recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. “Since 1950, excise taxes on fishing equipment have provided $12 billion for conservation efforts and improved access for anglers across the country – a unique user-pay, public-benefit system that has become a cornerstone of the American conservation model. We applaud Senators Tuberville and Crapo for introducing this legislation and for their commitment to the sportfishing industry, which contributes $230 billion to the U.S. economy each year.”
Complete text of the bill can be found here. U.S. Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT-01) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
BACKGROUND:
For decades, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act have provided states and territories with essential funding for wildlife restoration, conservation, hunter education programs, and boating access programs. These programs, funded through excise taxes on sportfishing and archery equipment, have contributed more than $1.3 billion in FY2025 to support conservation efforts across the country.
However, a loophole in current tax policy allows some online purchases of imported sporting goods to bypass these excise taxes when purchased directly from foreign sellers, leading to a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars from going to conservation funds. Many consumers are unaware that they may be responsible for these taxes, and even those who are aware often struggle to navigate IRS guidelines on calculating and paying them. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommended that Congress address this issue by ensuring that U.S. online marketplaces, rather than consumers, are responsible for collecting and remitting these excise taxes.
The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act would:
Require U.S. online marketplaces to collect and remit federal excise taxes on imported archery and fishing equipment, treating them as the importer of record.
Ensure that funding for state-led wildlife conservation efforts is not lost due to tax loopholes.
Maintain fairness for domestic retailers who already pay these taxes on sporting goods they sell.
Simplify the tax process for consumers, eliminate confusion, and ensure that conservation programs receive the full funding they deserve.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 8, 2025.
Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, Head of Sport Business Insights Group, Victoria University Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves. Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold
New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney Poetra.RH/Shutterstock The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds. Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in
New Caledonia’s political talks – no outcome after three days of ‘conclave’ By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk After three solid days of talks in retreat mode, New Caledonia’s political parties have yet to reach an agreement on the French Pacific territory’s future status. The talks, held with French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls and French Prime Minister’s special advisor Eric Thiers, have since
Ovarian cysts can be painful when they burst. When do you need to see a doctor? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Chruścik, Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Cysts are small pockets of fluid that form inside the body. Ovarian cysts are common, affecting around one in ten women. But sometimes they can cause pain – especially when they burst. You
Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – International Trade over time: gifts with strings Analysis by Keith Rankin. The ‘see-saw’ chart above shows the accumulated ‘excess benefits’ that Aotearoa New Zealand, and a few other countries, have enjoyed from international trade over the last 40 years. These are benefits arising from ‘unbalanced trade’ which are in addition to the regular benefits – arising from efficient specialisation – of ‘balanced’
‘Utu’ as foreign policy: how a Māori worldview can make sense of a shifting world order Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Ross Smith, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury Getty Images There is a growing feeling in New Zealand that the regional geopolitical situation is becoming less stable and more conflicted. China has ramped up its Pacific engagement, most recently with
While the Liberals haemorrhaged, the Nationals held their own. Is it time to break up the Coalition? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Among the notable features of this year’s election campaign was that Australia’s second-oldest political party was apparently missing in action. At the same time, it managed to avoid the rout inflicted on its coalition partner.
Why is hospital parking so expensive? Two economics researchers explain Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Farrell, Professor of Economics (Health Economist), RMIT University ThirtyPlus/Shutterstock Imagine having to pay A$39 dollars a day to park your car while visiting your sick child in hospital. For families already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, hospital parking fees are not just another expense. They can
Vietnam is poised to become a top 20 economy, so why is Australia taking so long to make trade and investment links? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Vo, Senior lecturer in Vietnamese culture and politics, University of Wollongong Aritra Deb/Shutterstock At a time of widespread global trade instability, Australia should be expanding and diversifying its economic partnerships. Supply chains remain fragile, and protectionist rhetoric is once again gaining traction in major Western economies.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* shines a light on men’s mental illness – but falls down with this outdated plotline Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily Baulch, Research Associate, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney Marvel Studios This piece contains spoilers. Marvel’s men are sad. And that’s a good thing. Thor’s depressed in Avengers: Endgame. Tony Stark has panic attacks in Iron Man 3. Peter grieves in Spider-Man: No Way
Australia is set to be a renewables nation. After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney bmphotographer/Shutterstock An emphatic election victory for the incumbent Labor government means Australia’s rapid shift to renewable energy will continue. As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday: In 2022, the Australian people
Financial Times: The West’s shameful silence on Gaza – do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu EDITORIAL: The Financial Times editorial board After 19 months of conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and drawn accusations of war crimes against Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is once more preparing to escalate Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The latest plan puts Israel on course for full occupation of the Palestinian territory and would
‘Under no illusions’ about France, says author of new Rainbow Warrior book Pacific Media Watch The author of the book Eyes of Fire, one of the countless publications on the Rainbow Warrior bombing almost 40 years ago but the only one by somebody actually on board the bombed ship, says he was under no illusions that France was behind the attack. Journalist David Robie was speaking last
Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Maguire, Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Master1305/Shutterstock The Albanese government has achieved an historic re-election, substantially building its majority in the House of Representatives. Much has already been written about the potential for a more ambitious legislative program on the back
Samoa down in RSF media freedom world ranking due to ‘authoritarian pressure’ Talamua Online News Samoa has dropped in its media and information freedom world ranking from 22 in 2024 to 44 in 2025 in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled annually by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). For the Pacific region, New Zealand is ranked highest at 16, Australia at 29, Fiji at 40,
How maximum security prison inmates and officers worked together to create a farm behind bars Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Tietz, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, UNSW Sydney Macquarie Correctional Centre Media Unit At Macquarie Correctional Centre in western New South Wales, a story of collaboration and persistence is unfolding. Inmates and prison officers are farming commercial quantities of fresh food in a purpose-built indoor facility.
Can what you eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding affect whether your child develops food allergies? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Maria Evseyeva/Shutterstock Many questions pop up when you’re growing or raising
How do you put a tariff on movies? Here’s what Trump’s plan could mean for Australia Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark David Ryan, Professor, Film, Screen, Animation, Queensland University of Technology Kirk Wester/Shutterstock US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a plan to impose a 100% tariff on movies “produced in foreign lands” could have a massive impact on the global entertainment industry. Film and television production
Labor says its second term will be about productivity reform. These ideas could help shift the dial Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy Green, Emeritus Professor of Innovation, University of Technology Sydney Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock In his victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted social policy as a major factor in Labor’s electoral success, particularly Medicare, housing and cost of living relief. He was justified in doing so. But
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, Head of Sport Business Insights Group, Victoria University
Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves.
Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox and star cricketer Ellyse Perry are becoming household names.
Despite this progress, an invisible threat looms, one that risks undoing years of advocacy and momentum.
That threat is the algorithm.
How sports consumption is changing
As more fans consume sport through digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and increasingly, AI-curated streaming services such as WSC Sports, the content they see is being selected not by editors but by artificial intelligence (AI).
Algorithms, trained to maximise engagement and profits, are deciding what appears in your feed, which video auto-plays next, and which highlights are pushed to the top of your screen.
This creates what researchers call an echo chamber effect, where users are shown more of what they already engage with and less of what they don’t.
In sport, this can be deeply problematic.
If a user clicks on highlights from the AFL men’s competition for example, the algorithm will respond by serving up more men’s footy content.
Over time, content from women’s competitions risks being squeezed out, not because it is unworthy but because it has not yet achieved the same levels of engagement.
This is not a glitch, it is a structural flaw in how digital platforms are designed to serve content.
Also, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Sora and others don’t just curate content, they now create it.
Match reports, fan commentary, video summaries and social posts are being generated by machines. But these systems are trained on historical data, which overwhelmingly favours men’s sport.
So, the more content the algorithm generates, the more it reproduces the same imbalance. What was once human bias is now being automated and scaled across millions of screens.
This may sound abstract, but it has real-world consequences.
Young fans raised on algorithmically curated content are less likely to see women’s sport unless they actively search for it. And if they don’t see it, they don’t form emotional attachments to it.
That has major implications for ticket sales, merchandise, viewership and sponsorship investment.
An uphill battle
In short, visibility drives viability. If women’s sport becomes digitally invisible, it risks becoming financially unsustainable.
A 2024 study in Victoria shows only around 15% of traditional sports media coverage in the state goes to women’s sport. This mirrors a 2019 European Union study across 22 countries, which found 85% of print media coverage is dedicated to male athletes.
And while progress has been made, particularly during events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympics, regular, everyday visibility remains an uphill battle.
AI threatens to compound these historic disparities. A 2024 study found algorithms trained on historical data reproduce and even amplify gender bias.
The very systems that could democratise access to sport content may, in fact, be reinforcing old inequalities.
What can be done?
We can’t turn off the algorithm. But we can hold it to account.
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Netflix should be required to undergo independent algorithmic audits.
These would evaluate whether content recommendation engines are systemically under-representing women’s sport and propose changes.
In Europe, the Artificial Intelligence Act, one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations, requires transparency and oversight for high-risk AI applications. Australia and other countries should consider similar obligations for content platforms.
Sport organisations and broadcasters need to create intentional pathways for fans to discover women’s sport, even if they haven’t previously engaged with it.
That means curated playlists, featured stories and digital campaigns that surface content outside the fan’s usual algorithmic bubble.
Platforms must balance personalisation with diversity.
We also need better media literacy, especially for younger audiences. Fans should be encouraged to explore beyond what’s served to them, seek out women’s sport channels, and recognise when the algorithm is reinforcing narrow viewing habits.
Teaching this in schools, sport clubs and community programs could make a big difference.
An opportunity for Australia
Australia is well placed to lead this change because our women’s national teams are globally competitive, our domestic leagues are growing and fan appetite is rising.
But without visibility, this momentum can fade. We must remember that algorithms don’t just reflect our preferences, they shape them.
In an age where AI can dictate what we see, the battle for attention becomes even more crucial.
If we want women’s sport to thrive every week, we need to ensure it is seen, heard and valued in the digital spaces where fandom now lives.
Because in the age of AI, what we don’t see may be just as powerful as what we do.
Hans Westerbeek does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
In a moment that will reverberate far beyond the walls of the Crucible Theatre, China’s Zhao Xintong etched his name into sporting history by becoming the first Asian to win the World Snooker Championship.
With a commanding victory over three-time world champion Mark Williams, 28-year-old Zhao not only claimed his first world title, but also redefined the global landscape of a sport long dominated by British players.
“I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream,” said Zhao, his voice trembling as he raised the Chinese national flag beside the table.
Zhao Xintong celebrates with the trophy after claiming the title by defeating Mark Williams of Wales in the final at World Snooker Championship 2025 in Sheffield, Britain, May 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Just months earlier, Zhao had rejoined competitive events as an amateur following a 20-month suspension for his involvement in match-fixing. His success at the Crucible was more than a win. It was a moment of arrival for himself, for Chinese snooker, and for the global game.
A MILESTONE FOR ASIA
Zhao’s win marks the first time in snooker’s modern history since 1969 that the world title has been won by an Asian player. He becomes the fourth champion from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, following Canada’s Cliff Thorburn (1980), Neil Robertson of Australia (2010), and Belgium’s Luca Brecel (2023).
Yet Zhao’s victory added symbolic weight: it is the culmination of China’s decades-long effort to develop snooker from a niche interest to a national movement.
“I once said, ‘I’m glad to see that the threshold I shattered back then has become a runway for everyone.’ Today someone has finally crossed the finish line on that runway,” wrote Chinese icon Ding Junhui, who reached the World Championship final in 2016.
“He has achieved the dream that generations of Chinese snooker players have shared,” Ding added.
Zhao’s triumph echoed another landmark moment for Chinese snooker two decades ago. In the 2005 China Open final, Ding, then just 18 and playing as a wildcard, stunned the snooker world by defeating legend Stephen Hendry to claim China’s first ranking title.
However, the sport itself faced a turning point. At that time, snooker was struggling in its traditional heartland. A European Union ban on tobacco advertising had stripped the sport of long-time sponsors, and its unpredictable match durations made broadcasting inconvenient. By the 2005-06 season, the snooker calendar had shrunk to just six ranking events.
At that critical juncture, China’s interest in the game, backed by a vast population, emerging media market and surging youth participation, proved to be a lifeline. Ding’s victory helped ignite a snooker boom in China that would change the sport’s future.
In the 2024-25 season, snooker has nearly 20 ranking tournaments, a dramatic revival made possible, in large part, by China’s sustained investment and growing influence.
Once there was only Ding as an elite Chinese player; now there is a whole generation. A record 10 Chinese players qualified for the main draw at this year’s World Championship, six of whom reached the last 16. Moreover, nine Chinese players are currently ranked inside the world’s top 32.
This depth of talent is no accident. Over the past two decades, China has invested heavily in snooker infrastructure from grassroots clubs to elite academies. In cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou and Beijing, children learn the sport in specialized training centers, guided by a growing network of coaches, many of them trained overseas.
“Snooker used to be seen as just a hobby,” said Huang Zhufeng, head of the World Snooker Academy’s Guangdong branch. “Now it’s a real career path — a sport the country is proud of.”
FROM CHINA TO WORLD
As the talent pool expanded, so did the calendar. China now hosts nearly one-third of professional ranking events each season, far more than any other country outside the U.K..
Tournaments in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and the small but iconic town of Yushan are now fixtures on the global snooker circuit. The Yushan International Billiards Culture Center, home to the World Snooker Hall of Fame and Museum, has been dubbed “the second Crucible” by players.
Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said the sport’s growth in China has reshaped its global future.
“China has developed its own history in the sport. It’s no longer a U.K.-based sport, and it’s no longer just U.K. players. We’ve learned a lot in China of how to develop snooker, and some of those things we’ve learned, we are now taking them to new countries and helping those to develop as well,” Ferguson said.
The sport also has a fast-growing fanbase in China. A report shows that by 2022, China’s billiards and snooker enthusiasts have surpassed 210 million, with an increase of 180 percent year-on-year. According to a survey from data analysis provider iiMedia Research, more than 100,000 billiards-related businesses were registered in China in 2023 alone. In April 2024, the number of 24-hour self-service snooker halls grew by 25 percent year-on-year.
Millions of Chinese fans tuned in to Zhao’s final late at night, with their excitement visible in the fast-scrolling comments flooding livestream platforms.
For a long time, snooker was a sport of British tradition. Zhao’s victory symbolized the start of a new chapter: one that reflects a more global, diverse, and dynamic future for the sport.
“I did realize that my victory is important for Chinese snooker,” Zhao said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
“Zhao’s title highlights China’s 40-year resilient snooker journey on the global stage. What we’re seeing now is just the beginning,” Huang noted.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
At 36, most athletes are winding down their careers. But Yu Baiwei, captain of China’s women’s ice hockey team, is unfazed by this notion.
“If anyone doubts my fitness, just watch me when I hit the ice,” she said.
As the only team member born in the 1980s, Yu has been a competitive fixture for 20 years.
She made her national team debut at 17 and played in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where China placed seventh, and led the squad to a ninth-place finish on home ice at Beijing 2022.
Yu Baiwei (R) of China vies with Klara Hymlarova of the Czech Republic during the women’s ice hockey preliminary round Group B match between China and the Czech Republic at Wukesong Sports Center in Beijing, China, Feb. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)
At the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I Group A, held in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in April, the veteran was named China’s best player.
LATE CAREER PEAK
“Most people think my prime was in my twenties,” Yu reflected. “Actually, I think that I have been getting stronger and more skilled since 29.”
The secret is self-discipline. Since then, Yu has barely taken a real off-season break. Back home in Harbin, she trained with male players to sharpen her skills and address her weaknesses, and also put in extra hours at the gym.
“I know the older I get, the harder I will bounce back from fatigue. That’s why I can’t afford to fall behind,” she explained.
19-year-old goalkeeper Zhan Jiahui called Yu a role model. “She trains through discomfort, targets her weaknesses, and stays in peak condition. She’s the oldest on the team, but still one of the best. She’s inspired me so much.”
“My mentality is wired for high-intensity competition,” said Yu. “When I set a goal, I give it 120 percent. I just want to see how far I can go.
“Don’t let the age define what you can achieve. If you have a dream, go for it. It’s never too late.”
PLAYING THROUGH PAIN
Yu has rarely been injury-free throughout her career. Chronic shoulder dislocations, a torn ligament in her left knee, and ankle damage are just a few entries on her long injury list.
“It’s uncomfortable,” she admitted, “but I’ve learned to live with it.”
Ahead of Beijing 2022, she tore her left anterior cruciate ligament, a career-threatening injury. But Yu denied doctors’ recommendation for surgery. Instead, she strapped on a knee brace, trained the surrounding muscles, and went back on the ice.
She hasn’t taken the brace off since.
Time and again, she’s chosen rehab over surgery, putting her national team duties above anything else. “Some people joke that I’m a medical miracle,” she laughed.
In February’s 2026 Winter Olympic qualifiers, with a shoulder injury limiting the use of her shooting arm, Yu managed to score against hosts Japan. The goal lifted her team’s morale in a tough match.
“Pain wears you down,” she admitted. “But once you’ve pushed through it, life becomes more fun.”
A LEGACY BEYOND ICE
“Each stage of my career has brought new responsibilities,” Yu said. “I’m lucky to have spent 20 years with this team, including two Olympics, it’s a complete career.”
Yet one goal remains for Yu: leading China back into the world’s top eight. “Wearing the national jersey isn’t just about pride – it’s a responsibility. That belief is in my bones. And I want to pass it on.”
As a player and assistant coach, Yu is helping build the team’s future. China is currently going through a transitional period, with a new generation of players rising and veterans like Kong Minghui and Zhao Qinan holding the line.
For Yu, the path ahead is clear. “Whether I’m a player, a coach, or in any other role, I’ll keep contributing to Chinese hockey,” she said. “This sport has shaped my life. I want to help our team stand firm in the world.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Taller, heavier and tougher — China’s diving sensation Quan Hongchan is embracing new challenges brought by her growing pains, with the three-time Olympic champion poised to regain her competitive edge.
Quan Hongchan remains upbeat, despite missing out on gold at the World Cup season finale. XINHUA
Dubbed as the master of the “splash-disappearing technique”, Quan has twice redefined the benchmark of elite diving by winning back-to-back 10m platform golds at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, leaving the judges stunned, commentators speechless and fans in awe with full-mark dives defining her early career.
As almost invincible as she appeared in the buildup to Paris, Quan has recently been dealt a tricky challenge from within — the rapid growth of her body frame — as the 18-year-old now measures at least 15 centimeters taller and 10 kilograms heavier than the diminutive prodigy who made some of the world’s most difficult dives look effortless at her breakout Games debut in Tokyo.
The pull of gravity, now, feels much stronger, while the control of her spins, velocity and entry angle takes more training and greater strength to perfect, Quan admitted. Errors on dives she never messed up before now happen more frequently, she added.
“I’ve lost the feeling that I was used to when performing my dives,” Quan confessed last week during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final in Beijing.
It’s nothing new for teen talent in sports such as diving, gymnastics and artistic swimming. It’s just the resilience to accept it, embrace it and beat it that sets consistent, true winners apart from the short-term bloomers.
Quan has braced herself for perhaps the biggest challenge of her career with a positive mindset.
“I’ve grown a lot physically. The way my body moves has changed, so, naturally, I cannot re-adapt as quickly as I need to,” Quan said after finishing runner-up, beaten by her teammate Chen Yuxi, on the 10m platform at the Beijing super final.
“I am OK with that, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job today.
“I will work harder and add more fitness and strength training to my daily routine in order to help myself get used to my changing size. And, from there, I will try to perfect my dives again.”
The silver finish at the Cup series’ season finale at the Water Cube on Saturday was Quan’s third consecutive loss to her close friend Chen, who is also her synchro event partner, since she outscored Chen by a small margin of merely 4.9 points from five rounds to retain her Olympic gold in Paris.
In fact, since her international debut in 2021, Quan had never finished runner-up three times in a row across all the meets she’s ever contested in the Cup, world championships and Olympics.
The flaw that cost Quan a career-first Super Final gold in Beijing remained the same 207C routine — a dive involving three-and-a-half backward flips — that has forced her to misjudge her entry angle twice before at the earlier Mexico and Canada legs of Cup series.
Her coach Chen Ruolin, though, wasn’t so concerned about Quan’s ability to readjust.
“It’s the natural process of puberty development that every teen athlete has to experience. She’s so talented, so demanding on herself, and always works harder.
“I have full confidence in her ability to navigate through it,” said the coach, herself a legendary five-time Olympic champion, who overcame the same challenge.
The healthy competition with her biggest rival and bestie outside the pool is helpful as well.
Whatever happens in an individual competition, Quan said she feels free to always seek advice and comfort from Chen Yuxi whenever she has a bad day.
And Chen Yuxi, who is two years Quan’s senior, feels likewise.
“We are close to each other and talk about everything all the time. We always have each other’s back and support each other, no matter what,” said Chen Yuxi, who claimed three titles in a row on the Cup series to be named the “Best Female Diver of 2025”.
Youth surge celebrated
Boasting a strong roster of multiple Olympic and world champions, the host contingent completed a clean sweep of all nine gold medals up for grabs at the Super Final in Beijing, with the rise of some next-generation divers stealing the show at the iconic Olympic arena.
In women’s 3m springboard, 20-year-old Chen Jia continued her winning streak from two earlier Cup legs, and clinched the title in Beijing with 382.05 points, edging her Olympic champion teammate Chen Yiwen into second place. Maddison Keeney of Australia and Chiara Pellacani of Italy followed as the third and fourth finishers.
As a rookie to the Cup series, Chen Jia wrapped up her fruitful campaign with a huge confidence boost.
“I am really happy with the gold, but I still need to learn a lot from others. I should say I was a slow learner to the new format of head-to-head competition. I found my familiar pace only during the final,” said the Sichuan province native, who was only selected into the national team at the end of last year.
Young men’s 10m platform combo Zhu Zifeng and Cheng Zilong have emerged as surprising crowd pleasers, as they both scored perfect 10s in their attempts in the men’s individual final.
Zhu earned five 10s from seven judges on his opening dive, and collected five 90-plus scores in six dives to win his first Super Final title and the Best Male Diver award.
“I didn’t expect to win this gold medal, because I finished second at the two previous legs, but I also learned from that. I told myself to concentrate on my own techniques,” said the 22-year-old Zhu, who also bagged the synchronized gold with partner Cheng.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A tourist enjoys paragliding in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)
A helicopter was slowly ascending, offering a breathtaking view of the vast blue ocean below and the stunning tropical coastal city of Sanya in south China’s Hainan.
Sat in the cabin of the helicopter was He Jixu, a tourist from southwest China’s Sichuan Province. It was the first time he had enjoyed a helicopter ride over the resort city, an unforgettable highlight of his trip.
“Seeing the ocean from the sky is an entirely different experience. The view is incredibly expansive, the scenery is more breathtaking, and it feels so unique,” he said.
For tourists, the charm of the island now extends beyond its signature sea and beaches. From helicopter tours and paragliding, to skydiving and hot air balloon rides, a thrilling array of aerial adventures has enriched tourists’ experiences.
At Sanya Tarhe skydiving base, the largest of its kind in Hainan, the lobby bustled with visitors from across the country. Some awaited their turn with eager anticipation, while others returned excitedly after their skydiving.
“The moment I jumped out, my heart raced. But when calm returned, I enjoyed the sight of the glittering sea and the endless blue sky, and felt completely at peace,” said Wang Xiaoling, a tourist from north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. For Wang, skydiving is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a gateway to a whole new world.
“I love exploring different places and having diverse experiences. This skydiving attempt is also about challenging myself to become braver,” she added.
Zhang Enming, general manager of Sanya Tarhe Skydiving Club, said the base offered several skydiving packages, with prices ranging from 3,999 yuan (about 550 U.S. dollars) for fixed-wing aircraft to 6,999 yuan and 8,699 yuan for helicopter-based experiences.
During the May Day holiday, the number of skydiving bookings surged, with daily traffic increasing by about 70 percent compared to usual.
Low-altitude tourism, a burgeoning sector, offers a unique perspective and experience for tourists, and is especially appealing to young people, said Zhang. The base served over 10,000 customers last year, and the number in the first quarter of this year has reached 6,000.
As China’s only tropical island province, Hainan enjoys a significant advantage in developing low-altitude tourism, with over 300 days of flyable weather each year.
Hainan’s low-altitude tourism market mainly focuses on aerial sightseeing and skydiving. According to the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, in 2024, Hainan recorded 209,800 takeoffs and landings for aerial sightseeing and 14,900 for skydiving, accounting for 48 percent and 44 percent of the national totals, respectively.
Flight hours for aerial sightseeing and skydiving reached 11,200 and 3,600 hours, respectively, representing 28 percent and 31 percent of national totals, with both categories ranking first in China.
Policy support has played a key role in the sector’s growth. China has included low-altitude economy in the government work report for two consecutive years, vigorously promoting its development.
As an innovative application of the low-altitude economy, low-altitude tourism has injected new vitality into tourism while revealing the sector’s enormous market potential.
Many local governments have also taken proactive steps to develop low-altitude tourism. In July 2024, Guangzhou introduced a series of measures to support low-altitude tourism and aerial sports development. In January 2025, Shanghai successfully tested its first low-altitude passenger route directly connecting to a hotel, enriching the city’s tourism offerings in the area.
A three-year plan on the development of low-altitude economy in Hainan from 2024 to 2026 proposes expanding low-altitude aircraft tourism scenarios. It supports cities and counties along Hainan’s round-the-island highway to open low-altitude tourism routes using helicopters, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and flying cars, enhancing the diversity of low-altitude tourism.
“With the government’s strong support for the low-altitude economy, we’re highly confident about the future of skydiving and the entire low-altitude tourism sector,” Zhang said.
Chen Yao, director of a Hainan-based tourism development research institute, said in the future Hainan will develop low-altitude tourism along the round-the-island highway, creating multi-dimensional, immersive and innovative tourism products.
Question for written answer E-001762/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Lynn Boylan (The Left)
Does the Commission consider football stadiums to be public spaces for the purpose of providing water intended for human consumption under Directive (EU) 2020/2184?
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
A recent dog attack during a football training session at Tahurangi / Crum Park has highlighted the serious risk off-leash dogs pose to our communities.
A young girl, watching the football training with family members, was attacked by an uncontrolled dog. She will be left with a large scar and a life-long traumatic memory because of this preventable incident.
Auckland Council’s General Manager for Licensing and Compliance, Robert Irvine says this is not an isolated incident and off-leash dog attacks on sports fields are on the rise.
“Similar situations have occurred at other sports grounds where off-leash dogs have rushed at junior players during training,” Mr Irvine says.
“Week after week, dogs are walked off-leash across Auckland’s sports fields while children train, play, and compete; an attack can and does happen so quickly when there are kids running around and a dog is off leash,” he adds.
“This behaviour not only puts children and adults at risk of injury, but it also degrades the quality of our fields. Dog fouling on sports grounds is a persistent problem — one that poses health risks and ruins the experience for players.
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley, herself a dog lover and owner, says it’s unacceptable to have dogs running uncontrolled across our playing fields.
“No parent wants to see their child land face-first in dog excrement while playing soccer or rugby.
“And not only children, but adults too, deserve a safe, clean environment to train and play,” Councillor Bartley says.
“Dogs must be always kept under control near playing fields. This sort of thoughtless behaviour has serious consequences; let’s keep our sports grounds safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.”
Auckland Council’s regional rule states that dogs are not on most sports playing surfaces at any time. This includes marked football pitches. These areas are for organised sport and recreation — not dog exercise. Dogs may still be allowed away from playing surfaces, including on a leash on the sidelines when sport is being played. Alternative off-leash dog parks and spaces are provided away from playing surfaces.
To find out where your dog can be exercised off-leash click here
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — China’s capital Beijing will host the 2025 World Robot Conference and the first World Humanoid Robot Games in August, it was announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Robotics Conference will run from August 8 to 12, and the Games from August 15 to 17. These events will showcase cutting-edge advances in robotics and foster greater global collaboration in the industry.
According to the organizers, in 2025 the program of the World Robotics Conference includes forums, exhibitions and networking events, where about 200 specialized companies will present their latest developments.
Vice Chairman of the Board and Secretary General of the China Electronics Society Chen Ying noted the expansion of international participation. More than 30 international organizations, over 30 world-renowned experts and over 100 international teams are expected to take part in the events. The share of foreign exhibitors will exceed 20 percent.
The core program of the games, the world’s first multi-discipline competition for humanoid robots, will include tests of their athletic and functional skills in such disciplines as track and field, football, dance, carrying objects and sorting medicine. Additional competitions in badminton, table tennis and basketball will emphasize entertainment and interaction with spectators.
According to Jiang Guangzhi, head of the Beijing City Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the games will demonstrate how close robots’ capabilities are to the human ideal. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)
May 07, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.) this week led a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, legislation that permits trained state and local law enforcement officers to intercept and disable hostile drones at stadiums and other large-scale events protected by temporary flight restrictions.“Whether it’s a packed stadium or a large outdoor gathering, our communities deserve to enjoy these moments without fear of surveillance or disruption from above,” said Rep. Steube. “The DEFENSE Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect Americans attending high-profile events from dangerous and unauthorized drones.”“People travel to Las Vegas from all over the world to experience our world class entertainment and live sporting events,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “I am proud to co-lead this bill to give our state and local law enforcement the tools they need to keep fans, athletes, performers, and stadium workers safe from aerial threats.”Current law authorizes only federal authorities to counter rogue drone incursions. While state and local authorities often have a larger presence at sporting events, the gap created in real-time event security denies state and local officials the ability to address unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that threaten the safety of the stadium attendees. The DEFENSE Act would change that by authorizing the Department of Homeland (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend temporary authority to state and local officers—provided they receive proper training and oversight—to use approved counter-UAS technology to detect, monitor, and respond to airborne threats. Authorized equipment would be limited to systems approved by DHS in coordination with DOJ, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The bill also requires full federal oversight and compliance with airspace and privacy laws.Representatives Steube and Titus partnered with four of their House colleagues, Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Lou Correa (D-Calif.) as well as Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) who have proposed companion legislation in the Senate.“Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk,” said Senator Cotton. “Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats.” “Major events — including sports and live entertainment — play a significant role in supporting our economy in Las Vegas and across the country, and we need to ensure they are safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill would enable state and local law enforcement to better mitigate threats posed by drones to the security of these high attendance events.” “The DEFENSE Act allows local law enforcement to step in when drones threaten large public events,” said Rep. Yakym. “Whether it’s a sold-out game or a concert, this act ensures people can enjoy these moments without worrying about what’s flying overhead.”“With the growing number of drones in use it is paramount that our state and local law enforcement agencies are able to be granted the proper authority to protect citizens at large events and gatherings,” said Rep. Mills. “Events like NASCAR races, rallies, or other large public events should be safe and this bill provides the ability for local law enforcement agencies to protect their citizens.”“As we continue to see the rise of drones and unmanned aircraft systems as a potential threat to public safety, it’s critical that state and local law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to protect our communities, especially at large-scale events that are at increased risk,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure that our local partners in law enforcement can respond quickly and effectively to unauthorized drone activity and keep our people safe from harm.”“The economic engine of Orange County is tourism. From sports to live concerts, Orange County is proud to host hundreds of outdoor events each year. We must ensure that these major events which draw thousands of attendees are safe,” said Rep. Correa. “I’m proud to join my colleagues—Democrat and Republican—in introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to give state and local law enforcement the tools they need to counter threats posed by drones and other unauthorized aircraft.”This legislation has the backing of numerous national sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NASCAR, which have all expressed support for expanding drone countermeasure authority to protect fans, players, and event staff. For additional background, see this report from ESPN.“The NFL applauds the bipartisan group of sponsors for their leadership in introducing the DEFENSE Act in the House of Representatives. As the threat of illicit drone activity continues to rise, it is critical that our state and local law enforcement partners have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country. This legislation will help to do just that, and we urge Congress to adopt it as soon as possible. Doing so is vital to the security of our homeland.” —Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, National Football League“Major League Baseball (MLB) applauds the leadership of Representatives Greg Steube, Dina Titus, Lou Correa, Cory Mills, and Rudy Yakym in introducing H.B. 3207, the DEFENSE Act. This bill is crucial for enabling trained state and local law enforcement to use counter-drone technology to safeguard sporting venues from unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones). MLB has long recognized the threat that unauthorized drones pose to its 30 stadiums nationwide, and has urged Congress to take the requisite steps to provide law enforcement with the tools and authority necessary to protect our fans, players, and employees. If enacted, this bipartisan bill will enhance the safety of America’s pastime for the 70 million fans attending our games each year. We look forward to collaborating with the bill’s sponsors and others to advance this important piece of legislation.” —David Thomas, Major League Baseball Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations“Drone related threats continue to pose real risks for events and communities across the country. The DEFENSE Act, introduced by Representatives Steube, Titus, Correa, Mills, and Yakym, provides important authority to trusted law enforcement agencies around the country who are integral partners at each of our races.” —Allen Taylor, Managing Director, Security, NASCAR“The NCAA remains concerned about the threat of unauthorized drones at NCAA championships and college sporting events. The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority and we applaud Rep. Steube and Rep. Titus for their leadership on this issue.” —Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, NCAA“The safety of our teams and fans is a key priority at athletics events. The SEC commends Representatives Greg Steube and Dina Titus for introducing this important legislation that is intended to provide public safety officials on campuses and in the communities they serve with enhanced measures to address unauthorized drone usage, and for joining the bipartisan leadership of Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Jacky Rosen on this issue.” —SEC Commissioner Greg SankeyRead the full bill here.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Four individuals from across the state of Louisiana were charged between April 29 and May 2, 2025, during Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative to identify, track, and arrest child predators. The operation coincided with the annual nationwide observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. FBI agents were joined by our partners across the country in arresting 205 subjects and rescuing 115 children during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice.
“The FBI is unwavering in its fight to protect children,” said Jonathan Tapp, special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans. “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us. It reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims and hold predators accountable.”
“This joint operation signals our unrelenting effort to identify and prosecute those individuals responsible for the sexual exploitation of our nation’s youth,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “Together with our law enforcement partners, our office stands ready and committed to utilizing our collective resources to bring justice to both the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes.”
“This nationwide effort has made its way to the Western District of Louisiana and the U.S. Attorney’s Office stands ready to join with the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners to continue this investigation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “These types of crimes against minor children are reprehensible and we are committed to doing what we can to get these child predators off of our streets.”
Three of the subjects arrested in Louisiana were charged following a joint undercover operation by the FBI, Alexandria Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. One of those individuals faces federal charges that will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. The other two face state charges that will be prosecuted by the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. The fourth subject was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana on five separate counts, including sexual exploitation of children, distributing child sexual material (CSAM), receiving CSAM, and transmitting extortionate interstate communications (see press release from the USAO EDLA).
The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through our far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Crimes Against Children (CAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) across the country. Additionally, the FBI has Intelligence Analysts assigned to address the VCAC threat, both at Headquarters and the field. The FBI also leads a Violent Crimes Against Children International Task Force which includes nearly 100 International Task Force Officers representing over 60 countries to expand our ability to address the threat worldwide.
The FBI also partners with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. To date, ECAP has identified 36 individuals.
For more information about the crimes investigated by the FBI as well as the variety of resources we provide to protect and keep children safe, please visit:
As always, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspect crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting your local FBI field office.
Additional Resources
An electronic press kit that includes an interview with the Darren Cox, the FBI’s Deputy Assistant Director for the Criminal Investigative Division can be found here: FBI DVIDS Page (suggested: “Courtesy: FBI”). The raw interview is designed to be edited by each media outlet for the needs of their media market.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. In a coordinated effort by all 55 FBI field offices called Operation Restore Justice, 205 people were arrested nationwide.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office arrested four individuals on federal charges as part of this operation. Charges include sexual exploitation of a child and receipt and distribution of child pornography. Eleven additional arrests on state charges resulted from an undercover operation in collaboration with the Bakersfield Police Department Vice Unit to combat human trafficking and solicitation of prostitution in the city of Bakersfield.
“No child should ever have to suffer at the hands of a predator,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring those who exploit children are brought to justice. We work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify these offenders and to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
This initiative between April 28 and May 1 was a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes. Investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing high-priority mission of the FBI. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program coordinates and bolsters efforts to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation of children that fall under FBI jurisdiction—including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestic or international travel to engage sexually with children; and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves. VCAC also helps to identify, locate, and recover child victims and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders.
The FBI investigates cases through Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office, allowing the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
In 2004, the FBI created the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. The program is a collaborative effort between the FBI and NCMEC.
The FBI also offers resources for parents and caregivers to stay engaged with their children’s online and offline activities. The FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program teaches students in grades 3 to 8 how to navigate the web safely.
To submit a tip about the potential exploitation of a child, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), visit tips.fbi.gov, or call your local FBI field office.
Move Together is a unifying movement that seeks to break down the barriers to activity, empowering every resident – regardless of age, ability, or background – to become more physically active.
Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds MBE is fronting the campaign, which was launched this week. She was joined by representatives from the 4 local authorities and a range of community partners.
Ellie said: “Being active has always been such an important part of my life. It hasn’t just been for my physical health, but for my confidence, mental health and happiness.
“The best thing is that you don’t even have to be an athlete to feel the benefits – or have ever done sports. Whether it’s a walk with friends, dancing in your living room, or joining a local group, moving and being active can make a massive difference.
“That’s why I’m so proud to be here to support the Move Together campaign – because everyone deserves the chance to feel the joy and freedom that being active can bring.”
The campaign, running in 3 phases until October 2025, will raise awareness of the spaces and places where people can move more and be active and showcase the wealth of accessible activity opportunities across the region.
Every move counts. Together, in partnership with stakeholders, the campaign will reimagine the Black Country as a place where every step, stretch and stride brings us closer to a healthier, more connected community.
Sport England’s Active Lives Survey identifies the Black Country as the most inactive Active Partnership area within England. Latest data shows that 34.6% of adults were classed as inactive – a slight fall in inactivity rates over the last 12 months (the national average is 25.1%).
Active Black Country’s Chief Executive Ian Carey said: “It’s fantastic to launch the Move Together campaign today in partnership with the local authorities of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Delivering a strategy to unite the Black Country and create active, healthier people and places requires a huge collective effort.
“Together with our strategic partners, we have developed an inspiring campaign that can motivate people from different backgrounds to move more and be physically active so they can enjoy the multiple health and wellbeing benefits that an active lifestyle provides.
“This campaign will showcase the breadth and diversity of activity opportunities on everyone’s doorsteps and show just how accessible they are, empowering Black Country residents to embrace movement as part of their daily lives.
“Thanks to Sport England for their ongoing financial support. The Move Together campaign champions the ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy that aims to provide everyone in England – regardless of postcode, background or bank balance – the opportunity to get active.”
The campaign is powered by a partnership between Active Black Country and the 4 local authorities – who are all working together with community partners to make active living more visible, inclusive, and accessible.
Campaign activations in the months ahead will showcase the different ways people can get active in their communities. Wave 2 will focus on bringing to life the Black Country’s waterways and how residents can utilise them for physical activity. Wave 3 will highlight the huge array of outdoor spaces across the region where people can move more and be active.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve wetland habitats in the Pacific Northwest.
“Preserving critical wetland habitat is vital to protecting open landscapes for the diverse species–including numerous varieties of birds and fish–that call Idaho home,” Crapo said. “Investments in public-private partnerships in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest will help keep wild spaces wild and protect the natural wonders that Idahoans treasure.”
“Restoring our wetlands is about more than just providing habitat for birds and other wildlife living along the Pacific Northwest coast. It is about investing in the watersheds where Tribes, farmers and other local Pacific Northwest communities have maintained their way of life for generations,” Wyden said. “Our bipartisan bill will make sure Oregonians and people across the Pacific Northwest can continue to benefit from healthy landscapes that provide the clean water and habitat that make our region so special.”
The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act would establish a federal grant and assistance program empowering government agencies, tribes, nonprofits and landowners, among other entities, to work together in both restoring and enhancing habitats for wetland-dependent birds living in the Columbia River Basin and along the coast of Oregon and Washington. These projects include water infrastructure and management and enhancement of vegetative habitat, which could be implemented on public, private, Tribal and other land determined by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act is endorsed by Idaho Wildlife Federation, Idaho Sportsmen, Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts and Oregon Agricultural Trust.
“We appreciate Senators Crapo and Wyden introducing the NW Wetlands VIP Act. Sportsmen and the wildlife we work to conserve–as well as area farmers that are such critical partners in landscape conservation–will benefit from the habitat restoration opportunities and infrastructure improvements that this legislation will provide,” said Nick Fasciano, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. “As our wetland habitats face long-term threats of degradation and fragmentation, this legislation is all the more critical.”
“Access and opportunity for the sportsmen and women of Idaho who hunt, fish, trap and recreationally shoot, is paramount. In a state where water is our most precious resource, Idaho farmers and landowners are working hard to provide more managed wetlands and habitat,” said Benn Brocksome, Founder and Chairman of Idaho Sportsmen, Access & Opportunity. “Many landowners in Idaho, and across the West, share our conservation goals and work with sportsmen in a pragmatic and collaborative way to meet the needs of Idaho. These efforts should be supported, bolstered and recognized with the passage of this important bill.”
“This important legislation will bring much needed resources for improving water infrastructure to provide multi-benefits for agricultural lands and wetland habitats in the Northwest and Columbia River Basin,”said Jeff McCreary, Operations Director for the Western Region of Ducks Unlimited. “We are thankful to Senators Wyden and Crapo for introducing the Northwest Wetlands VIP Act.”
“The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act is strongly aligned with the priorities of Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture (Pacific Birds). The bill supports wetlands conservation on the coast of Oregon and Washington and within the Columbia River Basin; areas that are vital for millions of waterbirds and wetland-dependent species. The proposal represents a smart federal investment in durable ecosystems, strong partnerships, and natural and working landscapes,” said Glenn Lamb, Vice Chair of the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Board of Directors. “It offers an actionable way to advance Pacific Birds’ priorities and deliver real benefits for wildlife, communities and the economy of the Pacific Northwest. The NW Wetlands VIP Act emphasizes collaboration among Tribes, nonprofits, local governments and landowners–consistent with Pacific Birds’ partnership-driven approach. This bill will provide resources for the installation, maintenance and replacement of critical infrastructure, which aligns with Pacific Birds’ goal to support long-term habitat management while emphasizing multi-species benefits and multi-benefit projects, and empowering collaborative on-the-ground action.”
“The Columbia River?Basin holds critical habitat for migratory birds and other wetland dependent species,” said Joe Buttafuoco, Executive Director at Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT). “COLT and our members are thrilled about the bipartisan NW?Wetlands VIP?Act. This bill would offer grants that land trusts, Tribes, private landowners and nonprofits can use to improve habitat, manage invasive species and restore floodplain connectivity. Thank you to Senators?Wyden and?Crapo for advancing this important legislation.”
“The Northwest Wetlands VIP Act would bring critical infrastructure dollars to Pacific Northwest farmers and ranchers. These water management projects not only enhance and restore wetland habitat for migratory birds, but help producers improve agricultural production on parts of their properties,” said Nellie McAdams, Executive Director of Oregon Agricultural Trust. “The Act also provides funding to support conservation easements (up to 10% of the total grant award) which protect farms and ranches for agriculture and associated habitat.”
Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC
Headline: Northern Arabian Gulf Chapter Sees Great Turnout for Annual Golf Tournament
On Friday 25 April, the IADC Northern Arabian Gulf Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. There was a fantastic turnout with 52 participating teams, the highest amount in the event’s history. The tournament was followed by dinner and a prize awarding ceremony.
NOGALES, Ariz. — At an interagency press event flanked by a large display of seized weapons, senior area leadership from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona announced significant achievement in the interdiction of weapons and ammunition, investigation and prosecution of weapons traffickers.
“Weapon smuggling is not just a serious crime — it fuels violence on both sides of the border and severely undermines our nations laws,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Ray Rede. “Only through close coordination with partnered law enforcement agencies sharing intelligence, can we all work together to dismantle the networks behind weapons trafficking to keep our communities safe.”
“Our frontline CBP officers and agents continue to serve as the tip of the spear and their dedicated efforts through a series of operations such as Desert Lightning contributed to the successful interdiction of a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition this year,” said CBP Director, Field Operations Guadalupe Ramirez, Tucson Field Office. “The designation of the major Mexico drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations will ensure long, terrorism-enhanced sentences for those arrested and convicted pursuant to these interdiction efforts.”
“The partnerships witnessed today show that we are unified to end firearms trafficking and the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber, Phoenix Field Division. “Stolen and straw purchased firearms pose a substantial threat to public safety and law enforcement. ATF will continue to track down firearms traffickers and hold them accountable.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands ready to support our law enforcement partners and prosecute weapons trafficking cases, especially those that support Foreign Terrorist Organizations engaged in violent activity throughout Mexico and other countries,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine, District of Arizona. “These efforts are already underway. Our goal is to stop this illegal activity and dismantle the organizations that the trafficking supports.”
Firearm seizures, along with other notable enforcement actions, investigations and prosecutions were announced at a press event held in Nogales, Ariz. with ICE HSI Deputy Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede, SAC Arizona, CBP Director, Field Operations Guadalupe Ramirez, Tucson Field Office, ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber, Phoenix Field Division, U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona Timothy Courchaine as they flanked a table of seized weapons, grenades and ammunition.
CBP conducted a series of outbound operations targeting southbound vehicular, pedestrian and commercial traffic at land border ports along the Southwest Border utilizing not only the skills and experience of CBP officers but technology, to include currency sniffing canines and nonintrusive imaging system technology. CBP officers also enlisted the support of Border Patrol agents, state and local law enforcement officers to serve as a force multiplier to augment these operations.
Such examinations have successfully stopped child abduction, interdicted criminals fleeing prosecution, interdicted illegal contraband such as controlled substances, precursor drugs, and arms, and uncovered myriad other violations involving currency reporting requirements, stolen vehicles, trade, and immigration.
CBP in collaboration with our federal and international partners during these outbound enforcement operations identified new targets and trafficking trends, concealment methods, and encouraged robust information and intelligence sharing to drive both U.S. and Mexican enforcement operations on the SWB.
In addition, this cadre representing the agencies who interdict, investigate and prosecute outbound weapons smuggling attempts emphasized that the consequences for such smuggling activity have been greatly enhanced due to a recent designation by President Trump of major cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. These enhancements will result in lengthier prison sentences for those convicted of these crimes.
On Jan. 20, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14157, entitled Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Foreign Terrorists under the laws of the U.S., including the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 USC 1101 et seq. and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 USC 1701 et seq under which certain international cartels will be designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State announced the designation of Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha, Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Cártel del Noreste, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel de Golfo, and Cárteles Unidos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
HSI continues supporting outbound operations working hand in glove with CBP and partner agencies in efforts to secure both sides of the border.
See recorded streaming video of the southbound weapons press event. Also, please see b-roll and still photography from southbound weapons event in Nogales.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabriele Cosentino, Assistant Professor, American University in Cairo
After being released from detention in 2011, Egyptian engineer and activist Wael Ghonim told the media:
If you want to liberate a society, all you need is the internet.
He’d been taken into custody for his role in the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Part of the success of this unprecedented popular uprising was due to the role of social media in mobilising citizens around a common political cause.
In 2025, after a decade under the repressive government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, it’s fair to say that little has remained of Ghonim’s vision. Social media use in Egypt is closely guarded by the authorities to detect signs of opposition. Citizens are routinely detained, even for the slightest criticism of the government.
In 2018 Egypt introduced a new law, apparently to curb the problem of online misinformation and disinformation. This law is, in reality, often used to stifle dissent. Egyptians today operate within unclear boundaries of what is permissible to say online. The result is widespread self-censorship for fear of arrest.
As a scholar of political communication and new media I’ve writtenbooks on global social media. I teach students about the social and political impact of digital and social media in Egypt. The video sharing platform TikTok is a frequent subject in my classes because it reveals both the liberating and the repressive effects of social media use in Egypt.
TikTok stands out for its ability to create viral videos and sudden micro-celebrities. This has made it a lightning rod for government crackdowns. But it has also connected people across socio-economic divides and bred a lively new cultural and political debate – one that’s not as easy for the government to police.
TikTok in Egypt
Since 2020, TikTok has become immensely popular in Egypt, with an estimated 33 million users over 18 years old.
While TikTok hasn’t taken on the explicit political dimension that Facebook or Twitter did over a decade ago, it has already become the theatre of a series of incidents that have landed its users in the crosshairs of the authorities. This has exposed political rifts and tensions.
Facebook was the prominent social media during the revolution.Sherif9282/Wikimedia Commons
Most of the incidents are related to the ability of TikTok to work as a “virality engine” – even users with few followers can gain a sudden and sometimes problematic celebrity.
But while Egyptian authorities have evidently been cracking down on TikTok users, there have been no concrete plans to ban the platform. In fact, some government branches have used it to advance their own initiatives. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, for example, signed an agreement with TikTok to launch the Egyptian TikTok Creator Hub, designed to educate youth on using social media responsibly.
Women targeted
Since 2020, Egyptian authorities have arrested TikTok users under charges ranging from the violation of family values to the spread of false information and allegations of belonging to terrorist organisations. Most of these TikTokers didn’t post explicit sexual or political content, making the charges against them appear exaggerated. These cases suggest the authorities are closely monitoring the platform, following strict moral and political considerations.
The most high profile cases have involved young women, most notably Haneen Hossam and Mawada Eladham, who were arrested in 2020 for violating family values. Article 25 of Egypt’s anti-cybercrime law states that content “violating the family principles and values upheld by Egyptian society may be punished by a minimum of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine”. It leaves the definition of family values purposefully vague.
Observers have noted that this vagueness has allowed the law to be applied in a range of different cases. More than a dozen women have faced similar charges, endured pretrial detention and been handed lengthy prison sentences.
The arbitrary nature of many of the charges suggests a possible deeper motive: policing the presence of young women in digital spaces where they can gain influence and financial independence outside traditional family or work structures.
TikTok has given ordinary users in Egypt unprecedented visibility, in some cases allowing them to challenge social norms, often through humour. This appears to have unsettled authorities, who appear to have sought to send a message to the broader population.
Arrests
TikTok-related arrests have not been limited to family values. In 2022, three users were arrested for criticising rising food prices. They were charged with spreading fake news, despite the fact that inflation in Egypt was rising sharply.
In 2023, a parody skit of a fake jail visit by a TikToker went viral. The creators were arrested and charged with belonging to a terror organisation, spreading fake news and misusing social media.
Such arrests indicate that TikTok content that touches on politically sensitive matters, even in jest, is posing a new type of challenge for the Egyptian government. The state is particularly concerned with viral content that might bring attention to its poor human rights record. This includes notoriously bad conditions in jails.
‘Egypt’ and ‘Masr’
At the same time, the platform is proving able to connect people from very different social and economic backgrounds, as it is seen to do globally.
Egypt is very hierarchical. Small, affluent elite groups live in a separate and secluded socio-economic reality from the majority of the population. Thirty percent of Egyptians live under the poverty line.
On TikTok, the more privileged, cosmopolitan section of society is referred to as “Egypt”. The poor and disenfranchised are “Masr” (مصر), the Arabic word for Egypt.
TikTok is aimed at generating viral content more than it is a networking site, like Facebook, that’s based on pre-existing social connections. The result is a virtual common space where the two sides can interact in new ways. This engenders unique social and cultural dynamics also observed in other countries.
“Egypt” watches “Masr” create all kinds of content – from singing and dancing routines to live begging. “Masr” gets to peek into the otherwise inaccessible world of the wealthy.
In the current climate of an economic crisis, this divide can be glaring. While most Egyptians are struggling with inflation, the cost of living and unemployment, the wealthy flaunt their lifestyles on TikTok.
When wealthy TikTokers post content complaining about relatively petty issues like a long wait for valet parking at a luxury restaurant or boast about their weekly allowance, it reveals their disconnect from the everyday hardships faced by the less privileged.
Users are able to comment freely on each other’s videos, sharing their unvarnished opinions. A student boasting about their weekly allowance of 3,000 EGP (US$60) might be told, “This is some people’s monthly salary.”
Political consequences
Since it first appeared in 2020, TikTok in Egypt has evolved from a platform mainly geared towards silly and entertaining content by teenagers. It’s become an outlet for people of all ages interested in gathering information, keeping abreast of current trends and events, and also a space for political engagement, especially on the issue of Palestine.
There hasn’t been an obvious politicisation of TikTok in Egypt yet and there might never be, given the strict policing by authorities. But TikTok’s ability to expose divisions in Egyptian society and connect citizens across demographic cleavages could potentially have unexpected political consequences in the near future.
Shahd Atef contributed to the research for this article
– TikTok in Egypt: where rich and poor meet – and the state watches everything – https://theconversation.com/tiktok-in-egypt-where-rich-and-poor-meet-and-the-state-watches-everything-253278
After being released from detention in 2011, Egyptian engineer and activist Wael Ghonim told the media:
If you want to liberate a society, all you need is the internet.
He’d been taken into custody for his role in the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Part of the success of this unprecedented popular uprising was due to the role of social media in mobilising citizens around a common political cause.
In 2025, after a decade under the repressive government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, it’s fair to say that little has remained of Ghonim’s vision. Social media use in Egypt is closely guarded by the authorities to detect signs of opposition. Citizens are routinely detained, even for the slightest criticism of the government.
In 2018 Egypt introduced a new law, apparently to curb the problem of online misinformation and disinformation. This law is, in reality, often used to stifle dissent. Egyptians today operate within unclear boundaries of what is permissible to say online. The result is widespread self-censorship for fear of arrest.
As a scholar of political communication and new media I’ve writtenbooks on global social media. I teach students about the social and political impact of digital and social media in Egypt. The video sharing platform TikTok is a frequent subject in my classes because it reveals both the liberating and the repressive effects of social media use in Egypt.
TikTok stands out for its ability to create viral videos and sudden micro-celebrities. This has made it a lightning rod for government crackdowns. But it has also connected people across socio-economic divides and bred a lively new cultural and political debate – one that’s not as easy for the government to police.
TikTok in Egypt
Since 2020, TikTok has become immensely popular in Egypt, with an estimated 33 million users over 18 years old.
While TikTok hasn’t taken on the explicit political dimension that Facebook or Twitter did over a decade ago, it has already become the theatre of a series of incidents that have landed its users in the crosshairs of the authorities. This has exposed political rifts and tensions.
Most of the incidents are related to the ability of TikTok to work as a “virality engine” – even users with few followers can gain a sudden and sometimes problematic celebrity.
But while Egyptian authorities have evidently been cracking down on TikTok users, there have been no concrete plans to ban the platform. In fact, some government branches have used it to advance their own initiatives. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, for example, signed an agreement with TikTok to launch the Egyptian TikTok Creator Hub, designed to educate youth on using social media responsibly.
Women targeted
Since 2020, Egyptian authorities have arrested TikTok users under charges ranging from the violation of family values to the spread of false information and allegations of belonging to terrorist organisations. Most of these TikTokers didn’t post explicit sexual or political content, making the charges against them appear exaggerated. These cases suggest the authorities are closely monitoring the platform, following strict moral and political considerations.
The most high profile cases have involved young women, most notably Haneen Hossam and Mawada Eladham, who were arrested in 2020 for violating family values. Article 25 of Egypt’s anti-cybercrime law states that content “violating the family principles and values upheld by Egyptian society may be punished by a minimum of six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine”. It leaves the definition of family values purposefully vague.
Observers have noted that this vagueness has allowed the law to be applied in a range of different cases. More than a dozen women have faced similar charges, endured pretrial detention and been handed lengthy prison sentences.
The arbitrary nature of many of the charges suggests a possible deeper motive: policing the presence of young women in digital spaces where they can gain influence and financial independence outside traditional family or work structures.
TikTok has given ordinary users in Egypt unprecedented visibility, in some cases allowing them to challenge social norms, often through humour. This appears to have unsettled authorities, who appear to have sought to send a message to the broader population.
Arrests
TikTok-related arrests have not been limited to family values. In 2022, three users were arrested for criticising rising food prices. They were charged with spreading fake news, despite the fact that inflation in Egypt was rising sharply.
In 2023, a parody skit of a fake jail visit by a TikToker went viral. The creators were arrested and charged with belonging to a terror organisation, spreading fake news and misusing social media.
Such arrests indicate that TikTok content that touches on politically sensitive matters, even in jest, is posing a new type of challenge for the Egyptian government. The state is particularly concerned with viral content that might bring attention to its poor human rights record. This includes notoriously bad conditions in jails.
‘Egypt’ and ‘Masr’
At the same time, the platform is proving able to connect people from very different social and economic backgrounds, as it is seen to do globally.
Egypt is very hierarchical. Small, affluent elite groups live in a separate and secluded socio-economic reality from the majority of the population. Thirty percent of Egyptians live under the poverty line.
On TikTok, the more privileged, cosmopolitan section of society is referred to as “Egypt”. The poor and disenfranchised are “Masr” (مصر), the Arabic word for Egypt.
TikTok is aimed at generating viral content more than it is a networking site, like Facebook, that’s based on pre-existing social connections. The result is a virtual common space where the two sides can interact in new ways. This engenders unique social and cultural dynamics also observed in other countries.
“Egypt” watches “Masr” create all kinds of content – from singing and dancing routines to live begging. “Masr” gets to peek into the otherwise inaccessible world of the wealthy.
In the current climate of an economic crisis, this divide can be glaring. While most Egyptians are struggling with inflation, the cost of living and unemployment, the wealthy flaunt their lifestyles on TikTok.
When wealthy TikTokers post content complaining about relatively petty issues like a long wait for valet parking at a luxury restaurant or boast about their weekly allowance, it reveals their disconnect from the everyday hardships faced by the less privileged.
Users are able to comment freely on each other’s videos, sharing their unvarnished opinions. A student boasting about their weekly allowance of 3,000 EGP (US$60) might be told, “This is some people’s monthly salary.”
Political consequences
Since it first appeared in 2020, TikTok in Egypt has evolved from a platform mainly geared towards silly and entertaining content by teenagers. It’s become an outlet for people of all ages interested in gathering information, keeping abreast of current trends and events, and also a space for political engagement, especially on the issue of Palestine.
There hasn’t been an obvious politicisation of TikTok in Egypt yet and there might never be, given the strict policing by authorities. But TikTok’s ability to expose divisions in Egyptian society and connect citizens across demographic cleavages could potentially have unexpected political consequences in the near future.
Shahd Atef contributed to the research for this article
Gabriele Cosentino does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Scotland’s only winner of the prestigious footballing award Ballon d’Or Denis Law is to be honoured with a commemorative plaque in the area he grew up in Aberdeen.
Denis Law CBE was born on 24 February 1940 and raised in the Printfield area of Aberdeen, attending the former Powis Academy before moving to England to play for Huddersfield when he was 16. He went on to play for Manchester United, Torino, and Manchester City. Known as The Lawman, he scored 30 goals for Scotland. He died earlier this year, on 17 January 2025.
The commemorative plaque will be sited at his birthplace at 6B Printfield Terrace. The Denis Law Legacy Trust had made the application which was unanimously agreed today by Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee, going against normal criteria for plaques that the person should have died at least 20 years ago and have been born more than 100 years ago.
Finance and Resources convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Denis especially demonstrated his strong and caring commitment to younger generations by creating a legacy trust. The positive support and opportunities that Denis Law has given through the trust is an enduring way to celebrate our much-loved and much-respected local football hero.
“Denis Law has been an inspiring role model to so many people as well as being an exceptional footballer – he was and continues to be a hero in Aberdeen and abroad and we are very happy to agree to a commemorative plaque.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It shows the depth of feeling to Denis Law that the Committee agreed today to go against normal criteria and agreed to a commemorative plaque honouring him.
“It is fitting he is recognised for all his achievements, not just those on the football pitch.”
Denis was European footballer of the year and Scotland’s only winner of Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious award for individuals. Denis frequently returned home to Aberdeen to his roots with several accolades in his honour. These include the Freedom of the City, featuring in the Sporting Champions section of Provost Skene’s House, and a 4.7m high bronze statue was unveiled in his honour in 2021.
When Denis received the Freedom of the City in November 2017, more than 15,000 people lined the streets of Aberdeen as he led the annual Christmas lights switch-on parade, following an earlier conferral ceremony at the Beach Ballroom. He said at the time that receiving the Freedom of the City as one of his life’s highlights.
Denis and his friend Sir Alex Ferguson feature in Provost Skene’s House, which showcases people with links to Aberdeen and the North East who have transformed the wider world.
The bronze statue of Denis was unveiled by The King himself in the heart of his home city in Marischal Square, beside Provost Skene’s House. Sir Alex Ferguson was at the ceremony to watch the unveiling.
Denis was known as ‘The King’ for his achievements in football and the statue was sited to be in close proximity to the statue of King Robert the Bruce outside Marischal College – two kings of the city facing each other.
The legacy of Denis Law continues to be represented within Aberdeen through Denis Law Legacy Trust and its successful Streetsport initiative with Robert Gordon University, as well as the Trust’s Cruyff Courts in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.
There is also a statue located at Aberdeen Sports Village and the Denis Law Legacy Trail – large-scale murals depicting Law on buildings in Printfield – is to be launched this month (May 2025).
CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, is spotlighting its continued support for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families—support that extends well beyond the closing table.
While Rate is nationally recognized for its industry-leading VA mortgage products and top-tier loan officers, the company’s dedication to the military community runs deeper. With no lender fee on VA loans, amounting to $65.3 million in waived fees, and no overlays, Rate delivers unmatched accessibility and affordability for eligible homebuyers. The company is also home to the #1 VA purchase loan officer in the country, supported by a team of specialized underwriters and credit experts dedicated to navigating the unique needs of VA borrowers.
“Serving our military community is not a tagline. It’s a core part of who we are,” said Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate. “We’re proud to offer the most competitive VA loan options on the market, but just as important is how we show up for veterans and service members every day, through real outreach, education, and giving.”
That commitment is evident in Rate’s year-round military initiatives:
$1.08 million raised for nine nonprofits benefiting military families in 2024.
VA loan education classes for service members at various points of their careers, including service members preparing to leave the barracks.
A 2025 clothing drive in partnership with Operation Deploy Your Dress, donating 1,000+ dresses and 200 suits for military community members.
A holiday toy and sweater drive benefiting families across multiple military bases.
A Military Appreciation Baseball Game hosted at Rate Stadium, honoring military spouses, recognizing a “Hero of the Game” servicemember, and welcoming parachuters delivering the White Sox game ball, complete with 500 tickets and concession vouchers donated to military families.
At the heart of these efforts is HONOR, Rate’s internal employee resource group focused on military outreach and support. HONOR’s mission is to embrace the company’s proud community of active and retired service members, veterans, spouses, and their families through shared experiences and resources.
“We are dedicated to educating Veterans as well as the real estate community about VA loans. VA loans are a true benefit and many veterans use their VA benefit to build generational wealth. I am honored to be part of their journey home as is every member of the Rate team,” said Jennifer Beeston, Rate’s EVP National Lending and the nation’s top VA purchase loan officer. “From planning to buying to 20 years from now, we’re here to make homeownership a reality for the people who’ve served our country.”
As May marks Military Appreciation Month, Rate remains committed to honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s military community, not only with unmatched home financing solutions, but also through continued action, advocacy, and care.
About Rate
Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, volunteers from Rosneft enterprises renovated and improved more than 50 monuments, memorials, obelisks, commemorative signs, and burial sites of heroes of the Great Patriotic War in different parts of Russia.
In the regions where the Company operates, employees take an active part in commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the Great Victory.
Volunteers from the Central Office and Moscow enterprises of Rosneft have landscaped the area around the monument to the workers of the Moscow Oil Depot who died on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. In 1941-1945, the oil depot, located on Sormovskaya Street in Moscow, played a key role in supplying the capital with fuel, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel for military equipment. The Company’s employees installed new stone vases near the monument and planted flower beds. The wall of the oil depot was decorated with a mural dedicated to the contribution of oil workers to the Victory.
Environmentalists and activists of the Novokuibyshevsky and Kuibyshevsky Oil Refineries, the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company and the Novokuibyshevsky Oil and Additives Plant, together with volunteers from the EcoRavnovesie movement, improved the park in the village of Kryazh in the Samara urban district. There is a monument to soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War. Volunteers collected and removed household waste from the area, laid out flower beds and planted a rowan alley.
Employees of the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery have improved more than a dozen burial sites of veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the Kuibyshev District of Samara. The oil workers cleaned the graves of the front-line soldiers after the winter and painted the fences.
Volunteers of the Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery improved the Victory Alley and the area adjacent to the monument to home front workers. The memorial was erected in Novokuibyshevsk in 2022 on the initiative and with the support of the enterprise. In addition, the plant workers restored four burial sites of fellow countrymen – participants in the Great Patriotic War, installed new monuments, and improved the adjacent territories.
Samaraneftegaz employees tidied up the monument to fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War in the village of Mirny in the Samara Region. Volunteers cleaned up, painted the fences, and planted bushes and trees.
In the Republic of Bashkortostan, in the city of labor valor Ishimbay, Bashneft volunteers together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the territory of the memorial to the Ishimbay oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland. The participants of the action collected and removed more than a ton of dead wood and household waste, painted the curbs and tree trunks.
For several years, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz employees have been looking after the monument to the residents of the 2nd Zapadny farmstead in the Krymsky District of Krasnodar Krai. The fascist occupiers destroyed the farmstead along with all its residents in May 1943. Their memory is carefully preserved by Rosneft volunteers, who have taken patronage over the monument.
In addition, RN-Krasnodarneftegaz volunteers tidied up the territory of the Monument to the Separate 16th Rifle Brigade in the village of Sputnik in the Seversky District of the Krasnodar Territory, the Memorial to those killed in the battles for the liberation of the village of Saratovskaya, the cultural heritage site “Mass grave of 52 Soviet soldiers killed in battles with the fascist invaders in 1943” in the Khankov farm in the Slavyansky District, the Victory Obelisk and the Worship Cross at the site of the death of Soviet citizens.
According to a long-standing tradition, employees of the Tuapse Oil Refinery improved the monument to oil refiners who died during the Great Patriotic War and cleaned up the territory of Victory Park in Tuapse.
Volunteers of the Ryazan NPK improved three memorial sites: a memorial in the village of Nikulichi in honor of the villagers who fought in the Great Patriotic War, a street named after the Hero of the Soviet Union and National Hero of Italy, a native of the Ryazan region, Fyodor Poletaev, and a monument to the pilots who died in an unequal battle with the enemy at the end of 1941.
Udmurtneft employees together with activists of the Movement of the First improved the monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War in the village of Svetloye in the Votkinsk district of Udmurtia. The company’s volunteers also participated in the arrangement of memorials in six settlements in the Sarapul, Sharkansky and Igrinsky districts of the republic.
A large-scale volunteer initiative to improve war memorials was carried out by RN-Service employees. They tidied up the monuments to soldiers who died in Moscow hospitals and to fallen soldiers of the Kremlin Regiment. In Ufa, volunteers looked after individual burials in city and rural cemeteries. In Krasnoyarsk, oil workers improved the monument to “Soldiers-athletes of the Krasnoyarsk Territory – participants in the Great Patriotic War”. In Nefteyugansk, the monument to “Loyal Sons of the Fatherland” was renovated. In Buzuluk, work was carried out at the memorial to “Mass grave of soldiers of the Czechoslovak People’s Army” and at the burial sites of veterans. In the village of Kolva in the Komi Republic, the “Memorial sign to soldiers of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” was improved. In the village of Sernovodsk in the Samara Region, the monument to “Defenders of all generations” was tidied up. In all regions, the patriotic event ended with the ceremonial laying of wreaths and a minute of silence.
Volunteers from Voronezhnefteprodukt organized the cleanup of the military burial ground in the village of Chertovitsy, Ramonsky District, Voronezh Region. 383 soldiers who died of wounds in hospitals in 1942-1943 are buried here.
Workers of Kaluga Oil Products cleared and landscaped the area around the memorial sign to pilots near the village of Kosmachi in the Babyninsky District of the Kaluga Region. The sign was installed 10 years ago at the site of the heroic death of the Pe-2 aircraft crew in 1941.
Employees of RN-North-West take care of the memorial to the sailors of the warship TShch-100 who died there, guarding the “Road of Life” during the siege of Leningrad. The memorial is located in the village of Vladimirovka in the Priozersky District of the Leningrad Region.
For several years now, Orelnefteprodukt employees have been patronizing a mass grave in the village of Gnilets, Trosnyansky District, Oryol Region. Here are buried 427 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 605th Infantry Regiment, 132nd Infantry Division, who died in the fiercest battles on the Northern Face of the Kursk Bulge on July 7, 1943. This year, in honor of the Victory anniversary, volunteers have decorated a flower bed in the form of a St. George ribbon on the territory of the Vyazhi military-historical complex in the Novosilsky District, Oryol Region, where the offensive operation to liberate Oryol began in July 1943.
Rosneft supports projects and initiatives aimed at preserving the historical memory of the immortal feat of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
A FRIENDLY group cycle ride to Stoneywell is being planned for Sunday 11 May.
The ride will set off at 11am from the Bike Park in Town Hall Square, and will use cycle tracks and country roads as it winds through the beautiful Charnwood countryside to Stoneywell, a historic National Trust property.
Cyclists who join the ride – which is free to sign up to – will also get free access to the property. The cottage is an architectural gem designed and built by Ernest Gimson, one of the most influential architects and designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, and is filled with original hand-crafted furniture and family treasures. The cottage is nestled in an idyllic four acres of garden, featuring a vegetable patch, tennis court, and around 150 varieties of rhododendron. Beyond, paths wind across 11 acres of semi-ancient woodland.
Andy Salkeld, active travel team leader at Leicester City Council, said: “We are delighted that this ride is being supported by The National Trust and by Ride Leicester. We’re also really pleased to be able to offer free ebike loans so that we can widen participation in the ride.
“Non-electric bikes are welcome too, but we ask that riders can ride at a pace of at least 10 miles per hour, and the route will include a steep hill as we approach Stoneywell. Please bring an inner tube if you are using your own bike, and dress accordingly for the weather. First-timers are very welcome so if you’ve never joined a group ride before, come along and give it a go!”
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “We’re very pleased to support a regular programme of group bike rides like this one. They are aimed at helping everyone to discover just how easy and enjoyable it can be to get around by bike, and being in a group can also help to build your cycle confidence.
“Whether you’re commuting, exploring the city, or just enjoying the fresh air, an electric bike could be perfect for your journey, which is why we’re delighted to be offering free ebike loans for this ride, too.”
Zsolt Schuller from the National Trust said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to visit many of the places in the care of the National Trust and more than a quarter of them (26%) are within a mile of the National Cycle Network. It’s great to be working with organisations such as Ride Leicester, linking up a visit to somewhere as special as Stoneywell with initiatives to help build people’s cycling confidence”.
The ride and visit to Stoneywell – plus the all-important stop at Stoneywell’s tearoom, which serves hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks – will take approximately three hours. To register for the ride, visit https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/national-trust-stoneywell-cottage-1
Ebike loans for the Stoneywell ride are free of charge and include a helmet if required. Ebikes must be booked in advance by 4pm on Friday 9 May at the latest – email ecycles@leicester.gov.uk to enquire about a loan. Please also ensure that you have registered for a place on the ride.
Entry to Stoneywell is free for ride participants but if you are a member of the National Trust, please bring your membership card with you. Stoneywell is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays until 2 November 2025. Visits must be booked in advance. Find out more about Stoneywell at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/leicestershire-northamptonshire/stoneywell
NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arax Investment Partners (“Arax”), a premier wealth and asset management platform company backed by RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”), today celebrates the inclusion of partner firms Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or “ATPW”), U.S. Capital Wealth (“USCW”) and SRS Capital Advisors (n.k.a. “Arax Advisory Partners”) on USA Today’s list of Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025.
Key highlights include:
Ashton Thomas Private Wealth was named one of the Top 10 Best Financial Advisory Firms in the United States and ranked second nationally in its assets under management (“AUM”) subcategory.
U.S. Capital Wealth was ranked one of the top three RIAs in Texas in its AUM subcategory.
SRS Capital Advisors was ranked one of the top two RIAs in Colorado.
Platform-wide, all Arax firms ranked in the top 20% of the 500 named on the list, selected from a pool of over 17,000 firms evaluated nationally.
“We’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of our partner firms over the past year as we advance our boutique strategy,” said Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax Investment Partners. “We are joining forces with the best in wealth management to pursue expansive growth across our platform, and the industry is taking notice. I am very proud of our teams and look forward to continuing our work together.”
This year’s accolades follow a period of significant growth for Arax, driven by the firm’s differentiated approach to capitalizing on opportunities within the fragmented investment advisory space. By partnering with leading independent wealth management providers and financial advisory teams, Arax delivers the resources necessary to scale business development, pursue complementary investment opportunities, and elevate the client experience. Today, Arax has established a nationwide presence, with a platform that supports more than $26 billion in AUM/A.
USA Today awards spots on the list to the top performing registered investment advisory firms in the United States. The ranking is based on recommendations from financial advisors, clients and industry experts, and each firm’s development of assets under management (“AUM”). In partnership with Statista, recommendations were collected through an independent survey of over 30,000 individuals, and short-term (12 month) and long-term (five years) AUM development were analyzed using publicly available data. This year, USA Today and Statista included asset-based subgroupings to allow for comparison of firms of similar sizes.
About Arax Investment Partners Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.
About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.
Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, and Ashton Thomas Advisors, LLC (“ATA”), founded in 2024, are SEC-registered investment advisers which provide fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.
About U.S. Capital Wealth, LLC Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a strategic Texas presence across Austin, Dallas, and Georgetown, as well as offices in New York City, Massachusetts, and Florida, U.S. Capital Wealth LLC (“USCW”) is a premier independent, full-platform Registered Investment Advisor dedicated to delivering institutional-quality financial solutions with the personalized service of a boutique firm.
Founded in 2010, USCW was created to empower clients with access to a comprehensive wealth management experience. As a full-platform RIA, USCW offers the best of both worlds — integrating brokerage and advisory capabilities to deliver flexible solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Clients benefit from the capabilities of a large financial institution, while maintaining the personalized, high-touch approach of a boutique advisory firm.
USCW’s team of seasoned financial professionals brings decades of institutional experience to help clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
USCW serves distinguished clientele, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners, specialized industry professionals, institutions, and municipalities. Comprehensive offerings span investment management, risk mitigation, lending solutions, and fully integrated family office services — all tailored to each client’s unique goals. To learn more, please visit: https://uscwealth.com.
About Arax Advisory Partners Formerly known as SRS Capital Advisors, Inc., Arax Advisory Partners is a privately owned, independent Registered Investment Advisor specializing in customized investment platforms and highly sophisticated wealth planning solutions for high-net-worth families and individuals, businesses, and foundations. Founded in 2004, Arax Advisory Partners’ unique integrated and comprehensive approach provides the highest possible level of client service to establish lasting partnerships with all their clients while combining comprehensive asset management with leading edge financial planning services. Arax Advisory Partners is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Pittsburgh, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
About RedBird Capital Partners RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $12 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Rosneft and its subsidiaries organize and participate in events in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The company holds hundreds of events throughout Russia, which are designed to pass on to the younger generation the historical memory of the immortal feat of our people who liberated the world from fascism. Among the heroes of the front and the home front are many workers in the oil industry.
Oil workers demonstrated mass heroism in the battles of the Great Patriotic War and labor valor at enterprises in the rear. The Red Army was supplied with fuel and lubricants in the required quantities. During the war, the few remaining specialists, women and teenagers who replaced the men who went to the front, achieved a significant increase in the volume of oil production and refining. New fields were discovered, oil refineries were put into operation. Thanks to the selfless work of oil workers, our country won the “war of motors”, which brought the overall Victory closer.
The Company’s employees congratulate veterans of the Great Patriotic War and oil industry workers in different regions of the country on Victory Day. Festive concerts are held for them, where the winners of the corporate competition “Energy of Talents” perform. Rosneft volunteers also visit veteran oil workers at home, convey congratulations and memorable gifts from the teams of the enterprises.
With the support of Rosneft, the Sretensky Monastery Choir is touring 24 cities across the country with the musical program “Dedicated to the Great Victory”. The production is based on real stories about the fates of heroes who walked the miles of war from Moscow to Berlin and the best works of the front-line years.
More than 100 thousand Rosneft employees in more than 40 regions of Russia are taking part in the all-Russian action “Immortal Regiment” in various formats. On the eve of Victory Day, Rosneft enterprises held “Minutes of Silence” in memory of those killed in the war, as well as “Memory Watch”, during which workers began their work shift with portraits of relatives who had fought in the Great Patriotic War.
About 1,000 employees of 33 Rosneft subsidiaries took part in a collective reading of the poem “Motherland” by poet Konstantin Simonov. Samotlorneftegaz employees read the famous lines at the monument “To fellow countrymen who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” in the Victory Park of Nizhnevartovsk, unfurling an 80-meter St. George ribbon.
More than 500 employees of the Samara group of Rosneft enterprises, veterans and employees of Rosneft enterprises, students, volunteers and residents of the Samara region in the city of Novokuibyshevsk next to the memorial complex to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War also unfurled an 80-meter St. George ribbon, honored the memory of the fallen heroes with a minute of silence and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame.
Rosneft pays special attention to the formation of spiritual and patriotic values in the younger generation. Veteran oil workers together with current employees of the Company held “Lessons of Courage” in schools, universities and colleges, where children were told about how oil industry enterprises worked during the Great Patriotic War. Students, including students of “Rosneft classes” and schoolchildren from the “Movement of the First” were able to personally communicate with witnesses of those events. Also, for schoolchildren of Ufa, Samara, Gubkinsky, Saratov, Nizhnevartovsk, the settlement of Tazovsky in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, they organized screenings of the documentary “War of Motors” about the significant contribution of oil workers to the Great Victory, which was filmed with the support of Rosneft.
Samotlorneftegaz and Sevkomneftegaz held a patriotic event “Victory Waltz” in Nizhnevartovsk and Gubkinsky, in which representatives of three generations took part: veterans, employees of enterprises and students of “Rosneft-classes”. Volunteers danced a waltz to “Blue Scarf”, which was performed for soldiers on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War by Klavdiya Shulzhenko and other famous artists.
On the eve of the Great Victory, the Company’s volunteers organized a number of large-scale clean-up days: they repaired, renovated, and tidied up memorials and monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Volunteers from the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery and the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company tidied up more than 60 graves of front-line soldiers in Samara. Volunteers from Samotlorneftegaz tidied up the territory of the memorial complex “To fellow countrymen who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” in Nizhnevartovsk. Udmurtneft employees helped to improve the monument to those killed during the war in the village of Svetloye, Votkinsk District; with the participation of the enterprise, memorials were also arranged in six other settlements of the Udmurt Republic. Bashneft organized the cleaning of the territory and renovation of elements of the park near the monument to “Ishimbay oil workers who died in battles for the Motherland” in the city of Ishimbay. Schoolchildren of the “Movement of the First” actively participated in all the events.
The company organized mass car rallies in different regions of Russia, in which more than 1 thousand people took part. Employees of the enterprises RN-Yuganskneftegaz, Tyumenneftegaz, RN-Uvatneftegaz, Kharampurneftegaz, ROSPAN International, RN-Purneftegaz, and the corporate scientific institute in Tyumen held a joint campaign in the Tyumen region, the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous districts, covering 1,418 km in cars with Victory Banners – this distance corresponds to the number of days that the Great Patriotic War lasted.
In Krasnoyarsk Krai, a motorcade of RN-Vankor workers drove a thousand kilometers across the tundra with the Victory Banner from the Vankor field to the port of Bukhta Sever on the shore of the Kara Sea. Bashneft organized a 160-kilometer motor rally of 50 cars in the Republic of Bashkortostan between the cities of Labor Valor Ishimbay and Ufa. During the Great Patriotic War, oil from Ishimbay was sent to Ufa for processing at the Ufa Oil Refinery (now Bashneft-UNPZ), the plant’s fuel went to the needs of the front and the rear.
Volunteers from the Saratov Oil Refinery, RN-Vedomstvennaya Okhrana, and IK SIBINTEK drove a motorcade with jubilee symbols along the streets of Saratov from the oil refinery to the memorial complex to the soldiers-drivers. During the war, columns of cars with food, military equipment, uniforms, and fuel produced at the Saratov Oil Refinery went through Saratov to Stalingrad. During the fierce battles for Stalingrad, the Saratov-Stalingrad highway was called the “road of life” in the besieged hero city. Rosneft-Kuban Oil Products workers drove 150 km in 20 cars as part of the patriotic motor rally “Krasnodar-Novorossiysk”. Employees of the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery organized a motor rally from the Memorial Complex in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where oil refiners laid flowers at the Eternal Flame. The column of more than 50 cars with anniversary symbols and Victory banners was headed by a Ural motorcycle from the 1970s.
In addition, in various regions, the Company’s employees have created routes for auto tourists to memorial sites dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. Rosneft gas stations broadcast congratulations on the anniversary of the Victory, songs from the war years, and distribute St. George ribbons during the holidays. A number of stations have themed photo zones, field kitchens, and concerts by creative groups with a patriotic repertoire.
Rosneft traditionally takes part in federal and regional events to green the territories on the eve of Victory Day. As part of the international action “Garden of Memory”, together with activists of the “Movement of the First”, Orenburgneft employees planted more than 10 thousand pine seedlings on 4.5 hectares of the Buzuluk pine forest, damaged by a natural fire, and 1.5 thousand pine trees in the steppe territory of the Kurmanaevsky district of the Orenburg region. “Kurgannefteprodukt” organized the planting of 20 thousand tree seedlings in the form of a geoglyph (an inscription made up of trees) “80 years of Victory”. Also, the geoglyph “80” appeared through the efforts of Bashneft-Dobycha employees in the city of Neftekamsk in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Employees of the corporate institute “VNIKTIneftekhimoborudovanie” took part in the landscaping of the slope of Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd: they prepared the territory of the future alley and planted 80 silver maple seedlings.
The Company’s employees took part in dozens of sports, intellectual competitions and contests dedicated to the Victory anniversary. Thus, Rosneft held corporate snowboarding competitions dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory. More than 100 oil industry athletes from 35 subsidiaries gathered at the ski center in Baikalsk (Irkutsk Region). And in Tomsk, they organized the “Victory Ski Slope” at a distance of 200 meters – it became a symbol of memory of the heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted 200 days and became a turning point in the Great Patriotic War.
Commemorative museum exhibits have been organized at the enterprises, and street photo exhibitions reflecting the selfless labor of oil workers in the rear and the heroism of front-line soldiers have opened in the cities where the Company is present. A photo exhibition titled “Fuel of Victory” has opened in the Muzeon Arts Park in Moscow. In Ufa, Bashneft opened a photo exhibition about the contribution of Bashkir oil workers to the Victory in a park on the Belaya River embankment and laid out a memorial alley of apple and fir trees. In Saratov, an exhibition of patriotic drawings by children of Rosneft employees has been placed on the Cosmonauts Embankment.
The employees of Verkhnechonskneftegaz initiated and created with their own hands the memorial “Memory Flame” in the shift camp of the Verkhnechonskoye field. On memorable dates for the country it will be lit as a symbol of the undying national memory of those who gave their lives on the battlefields.
One of the central events of the anniversary year in Buzuluk (Orenburg region) and in Ryazan was the creation of large-scale murals with the support of Orenburgneft and the Ryazan Oil Refining Company, respectively.
Rosneft contributes to preserving the historical memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War, the immortal feat of veterans who fought on the front lines and forged the Great Victory in the rear. Their unconditional love for the Motherland and patriotism are an unshakable example for current and future generations.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 7, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Launching on Wednesday 7 May 2025, ‘PT in the Park’ sessions will take place every week in Victoria Park from 5pm-6pm until September 2025 (weather depending*).
Sessions will be led by BH Live Active instructors and will incorporate a warm-up, health and safety briefing, HIIT-based exercises, and a cooldown to inspire more people to stay active in one of the city’s beautiful parklands.
All fitness levels and abilities are welcome, with alternative movements demonstrated for both advanced and beginner levels. Participants aged 12+ are welcome, but under-18s must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Sessions are free to attend with no booking required – simply turn up on the day. A suggested £2 donation (cash or electronic donation via QR code) on the day is encouraged, with all funds donated to BH Live’s Investing In Community Fund to contribute to the delivery of future health and wellbeing community projects across the city.
Other activities, including Stretch and Relax Yoga sessions, will also be running in Victoria Park throughout the summer, to highlight the park’s importance to the local community. A full list of activities and further information on park facilities can be found at victoriaparkportsmouth.org.uk.
The Victoria Park summer events project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Portsmouth City Council.
BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise. BH Live manages and operates several leisure centres across the city in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. These include Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Pyramids and Exploria in Southsea, Charter Community Sports Centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, and Portsmouth Tennis & Gymnastics Centre.
On behalf of BH Live, Carla Earle, Community Sports Manager for Portsmouth, shared;
“It’s great to work with Portsmouth City Council and the Victoria Park team to deliver these free group exercise sessions in the community. We hope this will encourage more people across the city to have a go at a new activity, discover the benefits of being regularly active, and of course enjoy the lovely setting in Victoria Park.”
A representative from Portsmouth City Council’s Victoria Park Project team shared;
“We are excited to collaborate with BH Live Active to bring these fitness sessions to Victoria Park. By offering these sessions, we aim to encourage everyone to take advantage of the park’s facilities and join us in promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. Exercise can be so important to build friendships, confidence, and self-esteem, and we would love new members of the community to join these groups. Our goal is to make fitness accessible to all and to highlight the park’s role in fostering community spirit and well-being.”
Cllr Lee Hunt,Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport at Portsmouth City Council added:
“Victoria Park is known as the ‘people’s park’, so it is fitting that it should host these sessions, which are open to everyone looking to improve their fitness and wellbeing.
“Encouraging healthy lifestyles in our communities and promoting positive physical health is a priority for us. I’m delighted to see us coming together with our partners to offer this fantastic opportunity in the heart of the city.”
Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2025 graduating students over the coming days.
Major: BS, American Sign Language Education and ASL Studies and minor in Linguistics Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut
Q: Why did you choose UConn?
A: Growing up, I knew I would go to UConn. My dad was, and still is, one of the bus drivers for the UConn men’s hockey team, so my sister and I grew up going to the games at the XL Center. The energy was palpable – it just makes you want more. I grew up knowing I wanted to be a teacher, so I was lucky enough to have a university in my home state that offered an amazing program that would give me everything I needed to be a successful educator in five years. Education has always been, and will always be, a huge part of my values. Having the opportunity to learn about new languages and cultures and how the world works is why I chose UConn; I knew I could get all of this and more.
Q: What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
A: I am completing a dual degree in American Sign Language (ASL) education and ASL Studies (concentration in interpreting English and ASL) along with a minor in linguistics. In the first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I loved going to school; I felt very welcomed by my teachers and my peers. Taking this love for school with me as I grew up, once I entered high school, I had to begin thinking about what I wanted to teach. I had taken Spanish, French, and ASL by the time I began my junior year. I knew languages were something that I loved to learn – the complexity and culture were something that truly drew me to those classes every day. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an ASL teacher – I really wanted to continue learning and teaching others about a community they might have never interacted with before. ASL has made me a more open-minded person, and I hope to help my future students develop this and more skills as they learn ASL about the Deaf community and culture.
Q: Did you have a favorite professor or class?
A: My favorite professor is Dr. Catherine Little. She has truly been someone who I can be myself around and who makes me feel reassured that I am on the right path and doing what I need to do. Being a part of the honors program has been rewarding, as I am learning many new skills and diving deeper into my subject area. At the same time, it is so challenging to manage research, student teaching, and social life. Dr. Little has been a person who can calm me and my peers down and make us feel that we are on the right path and that we’ll be successful. So many thanks to Dr. Little for always being there to answer panicked emails and provide many sweet treats when I just needed a break to breathe. Thank you, Catherine!
Q: What activities were you involved in as a student?
A: I worked at the Student Union as an audio/visual production specialist. In that job, I had the opportunity to serve as the engagement and inclusion, as well as maintenance and projects, team lead. Working this job for three years, I started out with very minimal knowledge of audio/visual work, but I loved it because of the people. My boss, Jim Wheeler, was someone who could make me laugh but also really challenged me to learn new things and eventually be a leader on the team. Having someone trust me so much to do the job is why I stayed for so long, and I was sad to go! The best part about this job, other than learning completely new skills, was having time to really have experience managing my academics and a job. Time management is something that can be tricky to figure out when you have so much going on, so this was a great opportunity and job for me during much of my college career.
Q: What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A: One thing that surprised me was how many school events there are and how many students attend! The Student Union is the campus hub, and thousands of students go there every day. So many events and meetings happen there. The Duck Hunt is my favorite. Going with a few friends to any event can make for a silly UConn memory that will last a lifetime.
Q: What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
A: After receiving my degree, I will be returning to UConn to complete the fifth year of the Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s (IB/M) program. Being the first and only student studying American Sign Language education has been interesting, as my placements in schools have been surprising and enriching. I am hopeful that I will return to my student teaching placement for my internship and continue making connections with students and staff and working on the curriculum. Additionally, I currently coach track and field at my own high school. I am looking forward to working with those student-athletes for another two seasons. Coaching has been an amazing opportunity to give back to the same program I participated in during high school.
Q: How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
A: UConn, specifically the Neag School of Education, has prepared me by providing me with opportunities to get hands-on experience in my field and get in-depth feedback on it. I have been so lucky to learn from other educators currently in the field and have the sandbox time to figure out what kind of teacher I am. Being accepted into the Neag School has been my goal since applying to UConn, and I wouldn’t change it for the world!
The Neag School of Education, has prepared me by providing me with opportunities to get hands-on experience in my field and get in-depth feedback on it. — Cece Echevarria
Q: Any advice for incoming students?
A: My advice for incoming students is to not be afraid to advocate for yourself. It is easy to get caught up in all your newfound freedom and hobbies and friends in college, but it is so important to be able to speak up for the things you need. This doesn’t only pertain to getting help if you’re struggling in a class. This is about asking for opportunities to further your skills. Internships and letters of recommendation. Getting the right information about classes you should take and how it can help you reach your goals. Being able to investigate the things that you want to do further is going to take you farther in college than anything else. Don’t be afraid to do it; the people around you will trust you and support you when they hear directly from you about your goals and how you want to achieve them.
Q: What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A: The easy answer: a women’s basketball game. A basketball game in general, yes, but the energy at a women’s game is unmatched. Go with a group of friends and have a good time. No matter where you sit, you’re bound to cheer as loud as you can, dance to good music, and hopefully catch a shirt or a pair of socks when they do a toss into the stands. Many people come to UConn for the love of the game, and I believe it is worth experiencing that energy where all UConn students can get together and cheer on our team.
