Mexico to Close Renowned Freedom of Information Institute, Sparking Concerns Over Presidential Control of Government Data

Mexico City, Mexico — The Mexican government has announced plans to dissolve the National Institute for Access to Information (INAI), the esteemed agency responsible for overseeing the country’s Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. This move could potentially centralize control of public access to information under departments directly influenced by the presidential administration, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in governance. INAI, established as an autonomous entity, has been pivotal in facilitating public access to government data and records, much like its model, the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission in the United States. Mexico’s decision to … Read more

South Korea’s ‘Exhuma’ Leads with 11 Nods at the 18th Asian Film Awards, with Hong Kong’s ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In’ Close Behind

HONG KONG — South Korea’s cinematic gem “Exhuma” leads the pack with an impressive 11 nominations at the 18th Asian Film Awards, closely followed by the Hong Kong action epic “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,” which garnered nine nods. The diverse field of nominees highlights a total of 30 films from 25 countries and regions contending in 16 different categories. Esteemed martial arts legend Sammo Hung will preside over the jury this year. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 16 in Hong Kong, spotlighting the best of Asian filmmaking talent. Hung, … Read more

Jerry Seinfeld Unnerved by Judge Reinhold’s Close Talker Role in Iconic ‘Seinfeld’ Episode

Los Angeles — During the celebrated nine-season run of the sitcom “Seinfeld,” numerous guest stars crossed paths with Jerry Seinfeld, playing characters that often left the main ensemble, both on and off the screen, in varying states of exasperation. While many guest appearances amused and charmed, one in particular left Jerry Seinfeld more than a little unnerved, and it wasn’t due to the character’s on-screen antics alone. In a season five two-part episode titled “The Raincoats,” actor Judge Reinhold portrayed Aaron, the boyfriend of Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who was notorious for his … Read more

Authorities Close In on Additional Suspects Linked to Multi-Million Baht Online Lottery Fraud Scheme

Bangkok, Thailand – Authorities are intensifying their investigation into a second group of suspects linked to a lawyer accused of defrauding his clients of millions of baht, a senior police official disclosed on Thursday. Pol Maj-General Montree Teskhan, the head of the Crime Suppression Division, indicated that further evidence was being collected and it remains undecided if the lawyer’s close associates would be treated as witnesses or suspects. The case came to light following allegations made by Jatuporn “Jeh Oy” Ubollert, a former client of the lawyer identified only as Sittha. Ubollert claimed that she … Read more