Press Freedom & Regulation: Hong Kong police arrested independent journalist Tang Ho-wing and activist Lee Ying-chi for alleged seditious intent tied to the 2019 Prince Edward MTR anniversary, raising fresh alarms about shrinking media freedoms. Turkey Crackdown on Independent Media: Turkey blocked access to independent outlet T24, citing “LGBT propaganda,” as courts order shutdowns and authorities intensify LGBTQ+ and media restrictions. Cybercrime Law Softening: Tunisia eased parts of its cybercrime “fake news” decree, cutting first-time jail risk and replacing some penalties with fines—an early retreat after rights groups and press freedom advocates criticized the law. Election Media Monitoring Fight: Serbia’s REM council members warned that excluding broadcaster Informer from election monitoring threatens pluralism and equal conditions, arguing the regulator is effectively blocked. Local Journalism & Industry Jobs: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a landmark journalism bill aimed at saving local newsroom jobs, while Minnesota named Justin Lessman as next executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Media Business & Deals: TIFF wrapped with a new trade arm, TIFF: The Market, adding an Innovation Hub and IP Exchange to connect film, series and streaming rights. Platform Training: Singapore’s IMDA and TikTok launched a microdrama programme to train local media professionals in short-form vertical storytelling.