Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
July 9, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested an MS-13 kingpin in Omaha, NE:
“Incredible work by ICE arresting an MS-13 gang member in Omaha today. Biden’s Border Crisis continues to leave Americans vulnerable to crime and criminals. That is a fact. Our ICE and CBP heroes should be heralded for their work to make America safer.”
Statement of the Coalition of the Willing meeting by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine: 10 July 2025
Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.
Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. They welcomed the participation of United States Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, and Senators Graham and Blumenthal – the first time representatives of the United States have joined in the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
The leaders congratulated Prime Minister Meloni of Italy on hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference, from where President Zelenskyy and fellow leaders joined the meeting.
The Leaders reiterated that President Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to their security interests. They underlined their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
They commended President Zelenskyy’s sincere support for US-led efforts to reach peace. Four months have passed since Ukraine agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire. In this time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population, killing more than 700 and injuring over 3,500 in the most intense air strikes of the invasion to date. The Leaders called on Russia to end attacks against civilians, and to commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to negotiate a just and lasting settlement.
The Leaders supported further peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, praising efforts by President Trump on establishing a peace process backed by the United States and other close partners. This should make progress towards a meeting of leaders.
Leaders also agreed to step up action against Russia’s war economy. They agreed to develop further restrictive measures, in coordination with all relevant actors, against Russia’s energy and financial sectors, including Russian oil and gas exports, the ‘shadow fleet’, and third country supply to Russia’s war machine.
The Leaders reiterated that strong Ukrainian armed forces are the primary guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and security. They agreed that, while Russia’s aggression continues, this group would prioritise making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself in the fight now. Furthermore, they reaffirmed agreement to provide at least €40bn in military support to Ukraine in 2025 to bolster the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine – matching the commitment made by the NATO Alliance in 2024. They agreed to work through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Capability Coalitions to accelerate support for Ukraine’s future forces.
A primary priority for support is the strengthening of Ukraine’s integrated air-defence capabilities. Leaders also agreed on further support to deter Russian massive drone attacks, and to increase financing for the production of drone interceptors.
They reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security and to building Ukraine’s ability to deter and defend against future armed attack by Russia. They welcomed the development of mature operational plans to deploy a reassurance force – the ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ – once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. They welcomed the establishment of a UK/French led operational headquarters to support planning activity, the commitments made by partners to contribute to the force, as well as Ukraine’s readiness to issue an invitation to the force and enter into formal agreements with participating countries where necessary.
Leaders also underlined the importance of ensuring fiscal and economic support for Ukraine. They agreed to draw up a collective plan to support Ukrainian public finances in 2026. They also recognised that free and safe navigation in the Black Sea will strengthen Ukraine’s economy and restore food security, and reiterated their commitment to support demining efforts in the Black Sea. The Leaders also agreed to continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage that it has done to Ukraine, including looking at further options for the use of revenues stemming from Russian immobilised sovereign assets.
Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries
Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures
New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas.
UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced imports as part of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Part of the UK’s Plan for Change and recently launched Trade Strategy to grow trade with markets of the future, strengthen global partnerships and deliver for British households.
British consumers and businesses are set to benefit from a package of new trade measures unveiled today (10 July), which will simplify imports from developing countries — helping to lower prices on everyday goods while supporting jobs and growth in some of the world’s poorest nations.
The measures will give UK consumers greater access to competitively priced imports — from clothes to food and electronics — as upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK, helping to lower prices on the high street.
Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries like Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa. They also ensure countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia continue to benefit with zero tariffs on products like garments and electronics.
This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies.
Ministers briefed British business leaders and Ambassadors from around the world on the changes at a joint Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reception in London today.
Minister for International Development Jenny Chapman, said:
The world is changing. Countries in the Global South want a different relationship with the UK as a trading partner and investor, not as a donor.
These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.
Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander, said:
No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours.
Over recent decades trade has been an essential ingredient in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty around the globe.
The DCTS allows some of the world’s poorest countries to export to the UK duty and quota-free, with over £16 billion in UK imports benefiting from tariff savings since its launch in June 2023.
In addition to the DCTS changes, the UK will:
offer targeted support to help exporters in developing countries access the UK market and meet import standards; and
make it easier for partner countries to trade services — such as digital, legal, and financial services — by strengthening future trade agreements. This will create new opportunities for UK businesses to collaborate and invest in fast-growing sectors.
The reforms will support trade with emerging markets in Asia and Africa, strengthening the UK’s global partnerships, with major retailers such as M&S and Primark expected to benefit.
Director of Sourcing, Marks & Spencer PLC, Monique Leeuwenburgh said:
We are supportive of changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments.
The ongoing collaboration between the government and retail industry has provided clarity and certainty for businesses in good time.
This change will enable us to maintain our long-standing and trusted relationships with our key partners in Bangladesh, to deliver the same great quality Clothing & Home products at great value for our customers.
Interim Chief Executive at Primark, Eoin Tonge said:
We welcome the changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments which remove the potential cliff edge when a country graduates from Least Developed Country status.
This will help us to maintain our existing supply chain strategy in our key sourcing markets in Asia, such as Bangladesh and Cambodia.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the government on these changes and their responsiveness to the concerns of UK retailers in this very technical area of trade policy.
Adam Mansell, CEO, The UK Fashion & Textiles Association said said:
UKFT welcomes these additional changes to the Rules of Origin under the DCTS, which will bring real benefits to the fashion industry in the UK and in DCTS countries.
The new rules demonstrate a genuine commitment from the government to modernise trade policy to support global economic growth.
At a time of such uncertainty in international trade, these reforms are especially welcome.
Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka, said:
We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy.
The new rules allowing greater regional sourcing for garments while retaining duty-free access to the UK are a game-changer.
With the UK as our second-largest apparel market, this will boost exports, support livelihoods, and help us compete more fairly with global competitors.
The updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.
And just last month, the UK’s Trade Strategy was published in further support of the Plan for Change to grow the economy, strengthen international ties, and deliver for households across the UK.
Notes to editors:
Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products.
The UK is committed to growing services trade with developing countries, supporting digital trade and professional services.
The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations.
New Coalition of the Willing headquarters as leaders step up support for Ukraine’s immediate flight
The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.
The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.
It comes after leaders from the Coalition of the Willing met virtually today, with the Prime Minister and President Macron joining from the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood and President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Meloni and other leaders joining from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome to discuss the latest planning and our wider efforts to support Ukraine.
For the first time, representatives of the United States, including Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, joined the meeting.
Military chiefs updated on the significant progress made, including the completion of reconnaissance visits to Ukraine, to better understand how a post-ceasefire force could best help regenerate the strength and firepower of Ukrainian forces and provide reassurance in the years to come.
Following agreement on command structures for the force, leaders agreed that planning should continue on an enduring, business as usual footing, to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities.
That will include a 3-star multi-national operational headquarters in Paris, led by the UK and France, to oversee all tactical and operational arrangements.
The headquarters, which will rotate to London after the first 12 months, will allow partners to contribute forces flexibly and deploy military teams for different operational strands of work.
When the force deploys, a co-ordination cell, headed up by a UK 2-star military officer will also be set up in Kyiv.
Following the cessation of hostilities, the force is expected to:
Regenerate land forces: providing logistic, armament and training experts to assist with the regeneration and reconstitution of Ukraine’s land forces.
Secure Ukraine’s skies: The Coalition will provide safe skies alongside Ukraine’s Air Force using Coalition aircraft to deliver Air Policing, reassuring the Ukrainian population and establishing the conditions for normal international air travel to re-commence.
Support safer seas: The existing Black Sea Task Force of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria will be bolstered by additional specialist staff to accelerate the clearance of mines from the Black Sea and ensure safe and secure maritime access for all vessels transiting to and from Ukraine ports.
During the meeting, leaders condemned President Putin’s brutal attacks on Ukrainian cities and disregard for peace talks and reaffirmed their determination to continue applying pressure on Putin to stop his illegal attacks and engage meaningfully in negotiations. They also welcomed progress made at the Ukraine Recovery Conference to help Ukraine grow its economy and protect its infrastructure against Russia’s attacks.
They agreed their priority effort must be to focus on Ukraine’s immediate defence in the face of relentless Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure and civilians.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for delivering security at home. That is why the Coalition of the Willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come.
But as we continue to prepare for peace, our focus must also be on making it happen. So, alongside our partners, in the coming days and weeks, we will step up our support to keep Ukraine in the fight now, increasing pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions and ensuring Ukraine’s Armed Forces have the equipment they need to defend their sovereign territory.
I am clear that the more we do to counter Russia’s aggression, the safer we will keep the British people, our allies and the Euro-Atlantic area.
President Putin has made it clear with his barbaric missile strikes that he is not ready for peace – underscoring the need for the international priority to be to strengthen Ukraine in the fight now.
Despite this, Coalition of the Willing members have been steadfast about their commitment to making sure they are ready to support Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks when the conditions for peace are right.
The ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ will bolster Ukraine’s ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces. Strong Ukrainian armed forces is the best way to deter Russia – and ensure the country is able to rebuild a thriving economy and attract international investment.
The military plan comes after military chiefs met in Paris on Monday to agree the strategy for the force and coordinate plans with the EU, NATO and the US and more than 200 planners from 30 international partners.
Leaders have now met six times to further planning and political support for the plans. The meeting comes after Ukraine’s friends and partners pledged €40bn of military support for the country in 2025 at the NATO Summit last month.
This year, the UK will contribute £4.5 billion of military support to Ukraine – more than ever before, as well as launching a new landmark partnership share battlefield technology.
That agreement, reached last month, will boost Ukraine’s drone production capacity and link the UK’s defence industry with the cutting-edge technology being developed on the front lines in Ukraine.
On August 29, 2024, at approximately 6:04 a.m. the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from Saskatchewan RCMP regarding a serious incident involving police. SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed SIRT to investigate.
SIRT has completed its investigation into this matter and the Civilian Executive Director’s public report can now be accessed online: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca:443/api/v1/products/126579/formats/148601/download.
SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.
For additional information: SIRT Investigating Fatal Collision Involving RCMP | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.
June saw widespread warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of the globe.
Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent was below average in June.
Sea ice extent was near-record low for the Arctic and third lowest for the Antarctic.
Global tropical cyclone activity was above average with nine named storms.
Map of global selected significant climate anomalies and events in June 2025.
Temperature
June 2025 had the third-warmest June global surface temperature in NOAA’s 176-year record, with a temperature 1.76°F (0.98°C) higher than the 20th-century baseline. This June was cooler than June 2023 (second warmest) and June 2024 (warmest). According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, there is a very high likelihood that 2025 will rank among the five warmest years on record. However, it is unlikely that 2025 will rank as the warmest year on record.
Land and Ocean Temperature Percentiles for June 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.
June saw widespread above-average temperatures across much of the globe’s surface. Warm temperature departures were most notable in parts of North America, Europe, central Asia, western and eastern Antarctica and the northern Pacific Ocean. Pockets of below-average temperatures were present across parts of the higher latitudes of the Arctic, Greenland and the North Atlantic, as well as parts of northwestern and northern Asia, India, north and eastern Australia, southern South America, central Antarctica and the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
Regionally, Europe and Asia both had their fifth-warmest June on record. North America had its eighth-warmest and Africa its ninth-warmest. South America, Oceania, the Arctic, the Antarctic and the Caribbean and Hawaiian regions also recorded above-average temperatures for June; however, their anomalies did not place among their respective top 10 warmest Junes on record.
Precipitation
As is typical, precipitation patterns varied globally. Regions that experienced drier-than-average conditions included parts of northern Canada and the western contiguous U.S., as well as the southern half of Europe, the central and western parts of Asia and southwestern and eastern Australia. Southern and western Alaska, the eastern half of the U.S., northern South America, northern Europe and much of Asia had wetter-than-average conditions.
Snow Cover
The Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent was the 12th-smallest June extent on record, with 610,000 square miles below average. Snow cover over North America and Greenland was below average by 280,000 square miles and was the 11th-smallest snow cover extent in the 59-year record. Eurasia was also below average by 330,000 square miles—tying with 2009 as the 13th-smallest June extent.
Sea Ice
Global sea ice extent was the second-smallest June extent on record at 850,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average. Arctic sea ice extent was also the second-smallest extent at 320,000 square miles below average. The Antarctic sea ice extent was the third-smallest for June at 540,000 square miles below average.
Map of the Antarctic (left) and Arctic (right) sea ice extent in June 2025.
Tropical Cyclones
Globally, tropical cyclone activity was above average during June, with a total of nine named storms. The Atlantic basin had two named storms: Tropical Storm (TS) Andrea and TS Barry. Notably, Barry brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of eastern Mexico. Its remnants also contributed to extreme flooding over parts of central Texas in early July.
The East Pacific basin was more active, with five named storms: Hurricane Barbara, TS Cosme, TS Dahlia, Hurricane Erick and TS Flossie. Among these, Hurricane Erick stands out as the earliest major hurricane on record to make landfall in Mexico.
The West Pacific saw two named storms: Typhoon Wutip and TS Sepat. Wutip, an equivalent Category 1 typhoon, brought heavy rain and strong winds to southern China.
No tropical cyclones formed in the North Indian Ocean and the Southern Hemisphere basins.
For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see our June 2025 Global Climate Report or explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.
IAM Union District 171 in Oklahoma City recently hosted IAM Veterans Department staff for a productive visit during ongoing negotiations ahead of the District Delegates meeting. Given the high number of military contracts in the area, discussions focused on establishing a dedicated Veterans Claims Day.
The team met with SAIC Remote Pilot Operators (RPOs) and successfully secured a first-of-its-kind achievement for the IAM Veterans Department, strong contract language, not just a memorandum of agreement (MOA), granting annual facility access to assist veterans with claims.
The effort received strong support from the program manager, a retired U.S. Air Force General, who not only agreed to the language enthusiastically but also committed to including similar provisions in the upcoming negotiations for Air Traffic Controller (ATC) instructors, which had been tentatively agreed upon by the company and the IAM.
“Congratulations go to IAM District 171 Directing Business Representative Ben Moody and the negotiating committee for being the first to secure this language as a formal article and section of a collective bargaining agreement,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “This contract will set the path for other locals and districts to follow.”
The post Breaking New Ground for IAM Military Veterans, Oklahoma District 171 Secures Historic Contract Language appeared first on IAM Union.
Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened applications for natural disaster recovery assistance for farmers. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP).
“Our farmers are the lifeblood of our nation, sustaining our communities and our economy. When severe weather events, like Hurricane Helene, and drought struck North Carolina last year, it devastated our crops and shattered countless livelihoods. Unfortunately, this tragic pattern repeats itself whenever major natural disasters strike. Without swift disaster relief, agricultural producers face the stark reality of downsizing or closing their operations altogether. This is why I am deeply grateful to the Trump administration for ensuring that critical aid reaches our farmers, in North Carolina and across the country, helping them recover and continue feeding America,” said Senator Budd.
BACKGROUND
In March, Senator Budd led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the USDA urging the department to expedite the rulemaking process on administering disaster relief aid for farmers, which was provided by Congress in December 2024. A lack of clarity in the federal government’s rulemaking process for natural disaster programs threatened the ability of farmers to fully utilize the allocated aid. In the letter, Senator Budd called on the Trump administration to ensure a fair and efficient disbursement of federal dollars for rural Americans to access emergency funding.
In May, Senator Budd received news that his effort was successful when the USDA released a plan to get critical aid to agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters.
***
Applications for Supplemental Disaster Assistance for agricultural producers open today, July 10, 2025.
The SDRP will aid eligible producers for necessary expenses due to losses of revenue, quality, or production of crops due to weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering SDRP assistance in two stages. Producers can receive payments in both stages, if applicable, and for one or both years, depending on losses.
For more information, please visit:https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/supplemental-disaster-relief-program-sdrp
Like hundreds of large European companies, the Veolia group has given itself a corporate purpose.Shutterstock
On April 24th, Veolia’s shareholders voted by more than 99% to inscribe the company’s corporate purpose into its bylaws. This means that Veolia’s board of directors will need to monitor the implementation of its corporate purpose by executive management even more closely than before. What approach will they take?
Rather examining how corporate management handles corporate purpose, we have been exploring how the boards of directors of major European companies orchestrate its administration. The board of directors, it is important to remember, is a body that organises decision-making powers, defines company strategy, and ensures its implementation.
A recent study conducted by HEC Paris and the University of Oxford with 21 major European companies, including Accor, Barclays, Decathlon, Enel, L’Oréal, Michelin, Philips, and RTL Group, reveals a nuanced approach to corporate purpose by their boards of directors. The study reveals a vision of corporate purpose as an organising principle that structures decision-making, defines activities and shapes company identity.
We found four approaches within boards of directors, which we have called “motto”, “guide”, “style” and “compass” – each with its advantages and disadvantages. The key? Aligning the board’s approach to corporate purpose with the objectives and means given to executive management for proper implementation.
Four approaches to corporate purpose
Our study identifies these four approaches at the level of major European company boards. A board’s chosen approach varies along two dimensions: whether the board and its associated committees refer to corporate purpose implicitly or explicitly, and whether the measures, values and behaviours associated with corporate purpose are addressed generally, abstractly or precisely.
One of the most striking conclusions concerns the crucial importance of alignment between orchestration at the board level and operational implementation by management. Companies that fail to synchronise these two levels risk dysfunction. Either they commit too many resources when their administrative mode doesn’t require it, or they commit too few resources when their administrative mode requires more.
The main challenge lies not so much in formulating corporate purpose as in its operational translation. This translation occurs at the interface between shareholder representatives – the directors – and those who act for the company’s development – the managers.
‘Motto’: agility at the price of cohesion?
The “motto” approach, implicit and abstract, is the freest and most fluid of the four approaches. In it, corporate purpose remains implicit because it’s not embedded in formalised practices. It’s invoked as a reminder during certain decisions, without formal processes within committees. Take the example of one of the companies in the study.
“Corporate purpose is an integral part of who we are and feeds into decision-making, both within the board and inside the company,” stated one chair who was interviewed.
This approach allows great agility without constraining the ability to innovate rapidly. By giving management teams the freedom to interpret corporate purpose according to their cultural and competitive context, it enables purpose to have a strong local resonance. It particularly appeals to companies operating in complex or multicultural environments.
However, this flexibility can turn into dispersion. When each subsidiary or business unit appropriates the values of the company’s corporate purpose in its own way, there’s a risk of losing overall cohesion. Common meaning frays, and with it, strategic alignment.
‘Style’: values as driver, at the risk of ambiguity?
The “style” approach corresponds to an implicit understanding of corporate purpose within the company complemented by board monitoring of certain indicators. This approach values the trust and autonomy of leaders in the strategic proposals they submit to the board. In return, the board monitors employee engagement indicators and value coherence in decisions, particularly within specific committees dealing with strategy or executive compensation.
For managers, the implicit nature of this approach allows them to rely on the strength of professional cultures. Detailed indicator monitoring provides support for implementing management practices within operational units. As with the “motto” approach, the absence of an explicit framework can generate ambiguous interpretations of corporate purpose and lead to inconsistencies. Everyone projects their own meaning, risking strategic confusion. If overly heavy monitoring mechanisms are put in place, this approach becomes trapped in a logic of execution… rather than inspiration.
‘Guide’: principles that are on display, but not infallible?
The “guide” approach makes the values of corporate purpose explicit without imposing detailed indicator monitoring by the board of directors. This orchestration mode strengthens coordination between teams and establishes a corporate culture shared by as many people as possible, which promotes employee engagement. The board can mobilise corporate purpose within committees, particularly the strategic committee regarding divestitures and acquisitions. Corporate purpose serves as an informal guide to orient management in its company development plans.
From the executive management’s perspective, this approach can prove difficult to follow in the absence of detailed criteria. The company’s strong culture can, over time, become an end in itself, even reducing corporate purpose to a symbol rather than a true strategic driver. In times of crisis, absent indicators that are precisely monitored by board committees, the “guide” can be forgotten in favour of more immediately lucrative solutions. And management might make decisions disconnected from the initial corporate purpose, sowing the seeds of future dilemmas.
‘Compass’: aligning without stifling
The “compass” model combines explicit corporate purpose with detailed monitoring of numerous indicators. In this configuration, the room for manoeuvre between the board and management is reduced: they are jointly held responsible for achieving corporate purpose.
“The budget figures seen in the board precisely and in detail reflect the factual application of corporate purpose and the long-term development of projects that support it,” stated one chair involved in the study.
Another chair emphasised that all committees (including the risk committee) explicitly refer to corporate purpose and indicators to conduct their analyses. This approach creates strong mobilisation, aligned behaviours and global coherence. This rigour comes at a price. Measuring and reporting corporate purpose can become complex, even paralysing according to some leaders. When results don’t meet high expectations, the risk is that misunderstandings, frustrations, or even disenchantment will occur within the company.
Corporate purpose must be orchestrated as much as it is managed
The future of corporate purpose in Europe isn’t just about regulatory compliance or communication strategy. Nor is it simply about a set of management practices. For the best results, it must be about properly aligning board practices with the demands and means allocated to top management for implementing corporate purpose. Four approaches exist, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
European companies have developed their approaches to purpose rooted in a different – and specific – set of circumstances. Postwar governance practices set expectations of the role of the corporation in rebuilding European society after WWII. We believe this European conception of corporate purpose, rooted in the continent’s history and turned toward the future, now goes beyond the simple question of management. It concerns the definition, role, and responsibilities of board members, and more generally corporate governance, in service of competitiveness rethought in its dimensions, rationale and temporality.
Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.
Council tenants are being reminded to report repairs to their landlord as a “no win, no fee” legal firm is ordered to pay court costs of £9,414.02 to the Council, following a failed legal case.
This case was brought by a ‘no win, no fee’ solicitor on behalf of a tenant who claimed their home had mould, damp and plaster defects. It was heard in York County Court and was dismissed by the District Judge who ordered the unsuccessful tenant to pay costs of £9,414.02.
During the trial on 21 May, the Judge described the case submitted by the solicitor as “borderline negligent”. The Council therefore made an application for costs to be paid by the solicitors themselves, rather than the tenant.
The solicitors were given 14 days in which to put forward reasons why they should not have to pay the costs themselves, which they did not dispute, and are therefore liable for these costs.
This follows other unsuccessful ‘no win, no fee’ cases which tenants and their solicitors have brought against the Council.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities said:
We have an ongoing campaign advising tenants to tell us about any concerns with repairs so they can be put right. This is the third failed housing disrepair claim made by ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors resulting in tenants being ordered to pay many £1,000s in costs.
“Our repairs service, as evidenced in our recent Annual Housing Report, is steadily improving. We work hard to get repairs done quickly and efficiently and 82% of them are completed on a first visit, alongside our ongoing repairs, retrofit and modernisations programmes.
“We always invite tenants to talk to officers about any repairs needed, or about any delay or dissatisfaction with them so we can take prompt and effective action. These claims against the Council divert time and money from tenants’ homes.”
Any council tenant whose home needs a repair or has a problem with a repair, please call the Council first on 01904 551550 (option 4, option 1). Our team will ensure you get the right support.
Anyone unhappy about how we have responded to a request for a repair, or how we have carried out one, should please tell us first.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Almaty, July 10 (Xinhua) — The production volume of computers, electronic and optical equipment in Kazakhstan increased by 74.3 percent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday, citing the press service of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan.
The production volume exceeded 41.7 billion tenge /about 80.7 million US dollars/. For the same period last year, the figure was less than 30 billion tenge.
In real terms, production increased by 89 percent. The index of physical volume /IPV/ of production amounted to 189.3 percent. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) — China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative in areas including economy, trade, finance, manufacturing, new energy, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Thursday.
As Li Qiang indicated during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, China is ready to encourage more competitive Chinese companies to invest in the Egyptian economy.
Li Qiang conveyed cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to A.F. al-Sisi, saying that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Egypt relations have been developing rapidly in recent years.
According to the Premier of the State Council, the Chinese side hopes to work with Egypt to take advantage of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to develop traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and continue to firmly support each other on issues affecting mutual core interests.
China, Li Qiang continued, is willing to work with Egypt to continuously enrich the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, promote new achievements of bilateral cooperation in various fields, and consistently move towards the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.
According to Li Qiang, today’s international situation is characterized by growing turbulence and worsening chaos, in particular, this concerns protracted and intractable conflicts in West Asia and North Africa.
The head of the Chinese government stressed that China is ready to maintain close communication with Egypt and facilitate a speedy end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
The Chinese side is also willing to work with Egypt to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis, prevent the spread and escalation of the conflict, and make unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, Li Qiang noted.
He said China hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with Egypt in multilateral forums including the UN, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to implement genuine multilateralism.
Li Qiang added that China is willing to work with Egypt to promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone, and promote the sustainable and long-term development of China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation.
A.F. al-Sisi asked Li Qiang to convey his sincere greetings and good wishes to Xi Jinping, pointing out that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable achievements in socio-economic development.
China is a sincere friend of Egypt, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have consistently developed in a stable and successful manner, the Egyptian leader stated.
In recent years, he particularly noted, Egypt and China, through joint efforts, have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, as a result of which bilateral ties have reached the highest level in history.
A.F. al-Sisi assured that Egypt firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, advance the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and deepen cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, new energy, infrastructure and tourism.
According to him, Egypt welcomes the entry of more Chinese enterprises into the Egyptian market and is ready to create favorable conditions for this.
A.F. al-Sisi added that his country supports a number of global initiatives put forward by Xi Jinping and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to promote peace and development around the world. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) — China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative in areas including economy, trade, finance, manufacturing, new energy, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Thursday.
As Li Qiang indicated during his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, China is ready to encourage more competitive Chinese companies to invest in the Egyptian economy.
Li Qiang conveyed cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to A.F. al-Sisi, saying that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Egypt relations have been developing rapidly in recent years.
According to the Premier of the State Council, the Chinese side hopes to work with Egypt to take advantage of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to develop traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and continue to firmly support each other on issues affecting mutual core interests.
China, Li Qiang continued, is willing to work with Egypt to continuously enrich the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, promote new achievements of bilateral cooperation in various fields, and consistently move towards the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.
According to Li Qiang, today’s international situation is characterized by growing turbulence and worsening chaos, in particular, this concerns protracted and intractable conflicts in West Asia and North Africa.
The head of the Chinese government stressed that China is ready to maintain close communication with Egypt and facilitate a speedy end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
The Chinese side is also willing to work with Egypt to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis, prevent the spread and escalation of the conflict, and make unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, Li Qiang noted.
He said China hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with Egypt in multilateral forums including the UN, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to implement genuine multilateralism.
Li Qiang added that China is willing to work with Egypt to promote the building of an equitable and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone, and promote the sustainable and long-term development of China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) — China has consistently opposed overly broad interpretations of national security and consistently believes that there are no winners in trade and tariff wars, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday.
Mao Ning made the statement while commenting on the fact that US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the introduction of a 50 percent tariff on imported copper based on national security concerns.
China’s position is very clear, the official said, adding that the abuse of tariffs is not in the interests of either side. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Indian men’s football team has slipped to its lowest FIFA ranking in nine years, falling six spots to 133rd in the latest update released on Thursday. The drop comes after back-to-back defeats in June — a 0-2 loss to Thailand in a friendly on June 4, followed by a 0-1 defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong in an Asian Cup qualifier.
These results also led to head coach Manolo Marquez parting ways with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). India last ranked lower in December 2016, when it stood at 135. The team’s all-time best ranking remains 94, achieved in February 1996.
India now has 1,113.22 rating points, down from 1,132.03, and stands 24th among 46 Asian nations, with Japan leading the continent at 17th in the global rankings. It has been a rough stretch for the Indian men’s team, with the recent loss to Hong Kong severely denting its hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Among Asian Football Confederation (AFC) members, India is ranked 24th out of 47 member associations.
Under head coach Manolo Marquez, the team managed just one win in its last eight outings — a victory over the Maldives in March. In 2025 so far, India has played four matches, recording one win, one draw, and two defeats.
The string of poor results led to the return of legendary striker and former captain Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but his comeback has done little to change the team’s fortunes.
India’s next international fixture is an away match against Singapore in October, as part of the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Argentina tops the FIFA rankings among 210 nations, followed by Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia, in that order to complete the top 10.
Costa Rica is the biggest climber in the rankings with a 14-place jump, while Honduras gained the most points.
The IAM Union is calling out Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate for abandoning the working men and women who keep our transportation system moving. In the recently passed reconciliation bill, a key overtime tax deduction provision left out millions of transportation workers — including railroaders, aviation professionals, seafarers, truckers, and other critical workers.
The IAM Union, as well as the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), urged every senator to support U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell’s (D-Wash.) Amendment #2613, which would have corrected this injustice by extending the overtime tax deduction to aviation and railroad workers. Republican leaders blocked the amendment from moving forward, ignoring the needs of working families in one of the most demanding sectors of our economy.
“Airline and railroad workers often log irregular schedules, overnight shifts, and weeks away from home,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Their dedication has kept our economy afloat in the face of supply chain disruptions and global pandemics. To single them out for exclusion is not just unfair — it’s disgraceful.”
The overtime tax deduction included in the law provides for a temporary deduction (2025–2028) of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) on qualified overtime compensation. The deduction phases out when a taxpayer’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for joint returns).
The provision was included in a larger piece of legislation that includes tax breaks for billionaires, the slashing of health insurance for millions, and massive cuts to infrastructure funding that will lead to significant job loss.
The post IAM Union Blasts GOP for Excluding Airline, Railroad Workers from Overtime Tax Deduction appeared first on IAM Union.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought occurring June 8, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem; Kent and New Castle counties in Delaware as well as Delaware and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania.
Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ashwill Ramon Phillips, Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor, Department of Criminology, University of the Free State
Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict.
But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported.
Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.
In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to gangs, and 18 service providers like social workers and correctional officials working with these groups.
In a more recent study I developed a typology of occult gangs: a framework that captures their structure, symbolism, hierarchy and spiritual practices.
This matters because in order to prevent gang-related crime it is essential to understand how they operate.
The rise of Free State occult gangs
In 1997, a South African Police Service investigation uncovered a so-called devil worshipping group or “evil church” that had migrated from parts of northern Africa and established itself in Maseru, Lesotho (South Africa’s neighbour). This group reportedly blended occult practices with traditional African witchcraft. This led local communities to label it as a devil-worshipping gang.
Since 2011, groups like this have expanded across the Free State. There are now about 40 such gangs active in the province, as reported by the police and confirmed in my research. Some of the better known gangs are the Triple 6 (666), Born-To-Kill (BTK), Natural Born Killers (NBK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP), and Maroma (Romans/Romas).
More typical street gangs are mostly known for expanding their territory through profit from the drug trade and extortion. But these Free State gangs incorporate spirituality and esoterism (special hidden knowledge) to assert dominance, foster cohesion and generate fear within communities.
They engage in serious crimes including murder, organ trafficking and rape. They are particularly known for acts such as ritual stabbings, cannibalism, and alleged communication with demonic forces.
The communities in which these groups operate, and gang members themselves, refer to them as “devil worshipping gangs”. This is because of the explicit link between certain gang-related practices and satanism, or the worship of the devil as depicted in the Christian bible.
Some groups merge beliefs and rituals related to Satan and anti-Christianity with witchcraft. Or they use symbols commonly associated with satanism such as “666” and inverted crosses. But labelling all such groups as “devil worshipping gangs” is misleading. The term “occult gangs” better captures the range of practices involved.
While both devil worshipping and witchcraft-related practices can play a role in criminal gang activity, they differ in origin and form. Devil worshipping draws from western occult traditions, using symbols and rituals to strengthen gang identity. Witchcraft-based practices typically involve the malicious use of muti (traditional African medicine) and muti murders (murders for body parts to use in muti). As one participant told me:
Yes, there are gangs that believe in muti. There are also gangs that believe in the devil. IJP and Roma believe in muti, while BTK and Triple 6 believe in getting power from the devil. They say they speak to Lucifer to give them powers.
So, infamous gangs in the Free State are not only dreaded for their brutality but also for their reported links to ritual murder, blood oaths, the use of muti and the consumption of human organs and blood. According to my research these activities have progressed from being viewed as urban legends and community myths to becoming lived realities.
Inside the gangs
My gang typology study sample consisted of 39 male offenders, aged 14 to 38. Participants were either serving sentences or awaiting trial for serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
The gang members spoke openly about seeking power through supernatural means. Some believed that consuming blood and participating in occult rituals could make them invisible to police and invincible against their enemies. As one told me:
The minute you drink blood you are invoking spirits to become part of you, demons to become part of you, and give you the powers that you need to do what you have to do…
Ritual stabbings, inverted crosses, and the “mark of the beast” (“666”) were part of their gang symbolism – seen in gang graffiti and tattoos and furthered by involvement in spiritual gatherings and the use of muti.
These elements form part of a shared gang ideology that offers meaning, identity and purpose to marginalised young people. I found that the gang members in my studies often lacked family support, social support or significant formal education.
To prevent young people from joining gangs, it is crucial to understand what pulls them in. Several participants described joining gangs not only for wealth, protection or status, but for a sense of spiritual power. Especially in communities where traditional religion, ancestral beliefs and Christian teachings coexist and sometimes collide.
My typology of occult gangs has the potential to inform targeted prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts and policing strategies that take the spiritual realities of gang members seriously.
A new approach to fighting crime is needed
The rise of occult gangs has now progressed beyond the Free State. Similar trends are observed in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
The intersection of faith, fear and violence in these gangs challenges mainstream approaches to crime prevention. Traditional anti-gang strategies assume that gangs are driven mainly by socioeconomic factors or rational incentives. They fail to account for spiritual motivations and metaphysical beliefs.
The presence of ritual elements complicates investigations and amplifies fear. It makes gangs seem more powerful than they are.
At the same time, public institutions such as the police and social workers often lack the frameworks and cultural sensitivity to address the spiritual dimensions of the offences perpetrated by these groups.
The struggle with the occult gangs in South Africa mirrors similar challenges in other countries, like Nigeria, the DRC and Haiti, where spiritual symbolism and ritualised violence are central to gang identity.
Effective interventions must include culturally grounded strategies to help members disengage from gangs, involving traditional leaders, healers, faith-based actors and mental health professionals.
By addressing the spiritual, social, and psychological dimensions of gang involvement, more sustainable pathways out of these groups can be created.
Gang violence in South Africa is evolving, and so must the response. It shouldn’t just punish young offenders, but offer them a genuine alternative.
Ashwill Ramon Phillips 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.
Browse the internet or turn on the global news and chances are the coverage of Africa you find is about war, coups, displaced populations and disease.
Generally, the west and its media are blamed for this negative, Afropessimistic portrayal of the continent.
Africans have taken strategic steps to repair this negative narrative. An example is the Africa Rising campaign. It was launched in 2000 by a coalition of African activists and organisations. Its objective was to highlight the role of Africa in global development and encourage Africans at home and the diaspora to contribute positively. Social media platforms played a large role in content distribution and messaging. The success of this campaign is still the subject of debate.
As communication scholars, we were intrigued by the visual appeal of the social media platform TikTok. With our area of expertise being Ghana and Zimbabwe respectively, we were interested in how citizens of these countries were using the popular TikTok app to report on themselves.
Our study explored the self-critical content that many Africans share on TikTok. We found that TikTok posts and comments by Ghanaian and Zimbabwean creators generated entertaining information. We call this “fun journalism”. TikTokers use it to comment on important issues, but the way they do it could also harm the reputation of the two countries and influence decisions in unintended ways.
Fun journalism and reputation
As a creative and innovative platform, TikTok has enabled users to produce multimedia materials and share them across the globe for fun and entertainment. According to the Digital 2025: Ghana report by Datareportal, 81% of Ghanaians aged 16 and over use the internet to access TikTok monthly. That makes it the second most popular platform after WhatsApp (93%). Zimbabwe has 2.05 million TikTok users aged 18 and above, according to tech data aggregator Datareportal.
Studies show that users tend to “play” with social media, even when they use it for serious things. Our study showed that the fun videos uploaded by TikTokers from Ghana and Zimbabwe covered serious issues like security, education, sanitation, corruption, entertainment, religion and sports.
For example, one Ghanaian TikTok video compares how a Ghanaian and a European would react if they picked up money that someone had lost. The video suggests an African would keep the money, while a European would try to locate the original owner.
In many instances, users ridiculed their countries and fellow citizens. They compared African conditions to the global north in ways that degraded local endeavours. For example, in one TikTok video, a user imitated Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa having difficulties explaining the number of zeroes in a million. This gave the impression that he was semi-literate and out of his depth.
We found that, generally, the entertaining discourses on TikTok were laden with insults and critiques of government. Though some of the content raised legitimate concerns, it seldom offered solutions to the identified challenges. This suggested that TikTok content that jokingly covered significant national development issues eroded reputational gains made by the two countries by framing them negatively. We cite several examples in the study.
Comparing this phenomenon to other countries, a study on Chinese uploads onto TikTok showed the following results: 41% positive, 53% neutral and 6% negative.
Self-ridiculing factors and misinformation
TikTokers ridiculed the reputation of Ghana and Zimbabwe in three ways:
Exaggerated production of video content. This includes emotional background sounds, tone of voice, slang, animation, unfavourable shooting locations and poor video quality
comparing African countries to foreign conditions
generating unfavourable comments.
“Fake news” has become an integral part of social media, raising doubts about the credibility of information generally. We argue that such content should no longer be seen as harmless humour.
As the press freedom rankings of both countries fall, TikTok can be a safe, open space for citizens to raise important public concerns.
The platform makes space for a diversity of opinions from the youthful populations found in the two countries. This is important for communication and building consensus in development.
We argue that TikTokers should be encouraged to offer constructive criticisms of their countries and propose solutions instead of insults.
Policy makers should tap into the vast repository of “fun” information published on TikTok for development. The opinions expressed by citizens online are a helpful reflection of societal needs. This can be taken into consideration when formulating policies.
Mainstream professional media could adopt the fun journalism model to tell serious stories in ways that boost development and reputation. The platform’s wide usage will make information accessible to a large audience.
Media regulatory bodies, nongovernmental organisations and civil society groups are encouraged to educate netizens to publish critical and progressive stories about their countries. This can help combat misinformation and disinformation on social media, particularly TikTok.
Finally, governments should take steps to positively project their respective countries to the world. They could run educational programmes to inculcate a sense of patriotism and identity to rekindle the initiatives that Africa Rising advocated.
Jacob Nyarko receives funding from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana for this work.
Oswelled Ureke 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.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is urging OPEC member states and their allies to take decisive action to reverse global bans on fossil fuel financing and champion Africa’s right to develop its oil and gas resources. As the 9th OPEC International Seminar convened on Tuesday in Vienna, the Chamber reiterated that it is time to urgently put upstream financing back on the table and push back against policies that deny African nations the capital needed to industrialize, grow and lift millions out of poverty.
For too long, Africa has borne the brunt of contradictory global energy policies. While developed nations continue to fast-track public and private investments into natural gas to bolster their own energy security, multilateral institutions enforce blanket bans on upstream oil and gas financing that disproportionately restrict African countries. In 2019, the European Investment Bank announced it would end fossil fuel financing by 2021, a position echoed by several European development agencies and financial institutions. The World Bank followed suit, gradually phasing out support for oil and gas and culminating in a near-total exclusion of upstream fossil fuel investments. While these policies may align with net-zero targets in wealthy economies, in Africa, they are actively obstructing access to energy, job creation and industrial growth.
Yet even as development finance dries up abroad, Europe has made clear exceptions for itself. Under its 2022 Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities, the EU classified certain natural gas and nuclear investments as “transitional” – opening the door for continued funding within its borders. The result is a glaring double standard: natural gas is deemed essential for energy security in Berlin and Brussels, but off-limits in Lagos or Dakar. This hypocrisy must be addressed if the global energy transition is to be just and equitable.
Africa holds more than 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, yet over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and more than 900 million lack access to clean cooking fuels. In this context, African nations need robust investment in oil and gas infrastructure – not ideological restrictions that ignore the realities on the ground.
“What Africa needs right now is to drill, baby, drill. Most of our multilateral institutions don’t finance oil and gas – they say it’s wrong. It’s extremely hypocritical. Denying fossil fuel investment is denying economic justice, food security and a pathway out of poverty for millions,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “We can’t keep apologizing for oil. No country in the world has developed through renewables alone. OPEC members must pressure institutions like the World Bank to lift their financing bans and support Africa’s right to industrialize.”
At the OPEC Seminar, the AEC urged producing countries to rally around three urgent financial priorities. First, OPEC members must press the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to lift harmful financing restrictions on fossil fuels. It is untenable that the World Bank – originally established to support post-war reconstruction and global development – continues to deny funding for upstream oil and gas projects across Africa. With recent signals from Bank leadership hinting at a possible policy shift, now is the time for oil-producing nations to push for a reversal that puts energy access and economic transformation in the Global South at the center of development finance.
Second, OPEC countries – with their sovereign wealth funds and surplus revenues – are uniquely positioned to create a dedicated investment vehicle for fossil fuel development in underfunded markets. An OPEC-led facility focused on financing strategic upstream projects could prove instrumental in unlocking capital for bankable ventures across Africa. Such a fund would not only accelerate production but also help stabilize global supply and pricing.
Finally, the Chamber emphasizes the need for a pragmatic, dual-track approach to the energy transition that recognizes the differing realities of the Global North and South. While developed nations move toward decarbonization, Africa must prioritize industrialization and energy security. Natural gas – abundant, reliable and cleaner-burning than coal – offers a critical bridge fuel to power fertilizer production, manufacturing, petrochemicals and regional electricity networks.
True climate justice must include energy justice, which means recognizing Africa’s right to harness its resources, grow its economies and meet the needs of its people on its own terms. Africa does not need charity; it needs capital. As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the Chamber stands firm in its call for OPEC producers and the World Bank to help deliver it.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jacob Nyarko, Lecturer of Communication Studies, University of Cape Coast
Browse the internet or turn on the global news and chances are the coverage of Africa you find is about war, coups, displaced populations and disease.
Generally, the west and its media are blamed for this negative, Afropessimistic portrayal of the continent.
Africans have taken strategic steps to repair this negative narrative. An example is the Africa Rising campaign. It was launched in 2000 by a coalition of African activists and organisations. Its objective was to highlight the role of Africa in global development and encourage Africans at home and the diaspora to contribute positively. Social media platforms played a large role in content distribution and messaging. The success of this campaign is still the subject of debate.
As communication scholars, we were intrigued by the visual appeal of the social media platform TikTok. With our area of expertise being Ghana and Zimbabwe respectively, we were interested in how citizens of these countries were using the popular TikTok app to report on themselves.
Our study explored the self-critical content that many Africans share on TikTok. We found that TikTok posts and comments by Ghanaian and Zimbabwean creators generated entertaining information. We call this “fun journalism”. TikTokers use it to comment on important issues, but the way they do it could also harm the reputation of the two countries and influence decisions in unintended ways.
Fun journalism and reputation
As a creative and innovative platform, TikTok has enabled users to produce multimedia materials and share them across the globe for fun and entertainment. According to the Digital 2025: Ghana report by Datareportal, 81% of Ghanaians aged 16 and over use the internet to access TikTok monthly. That makes it the second most popular platform after WhatsApp (93%). Zimbabwe has 2.05 million TikTok users aged 18 and above, according to tech data aggregator Datareportal.
Studies show that users tend to “play” with social media, even when they use it for serious things. Our study showed that the fun videos uploaded by TikTokers from Ghana and Zimbabwe covered serious issues like security, education, sanitation, corruption, entertainment, religion and sports.
For example, one Ghanaian TikTok video compares how a Ghanaian and a European would react if they picked up money that someone had lost. The video suggests an African would keep the money, while a European would try to locate the original owner.
In many instances, users ridiculed their countries and fellow citizens. They compared African conditions to the global north in ways that degraded local endeavours. For example, in one TikTok video, a user imitated Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa having difficulties explaining the number of zeroes in a million. This gave the impression that he was semi-literate and out of his depth.
We found that, generally, the entertaining discourses on TikTok were laden with insults and critiques of government. Though some of the content raised legitimate concerns, it seldom offered solutions to the identified challenges. This suggested that TikTok content that jokingly covered significant national development issues eroded reputational gains made by the two countries by framing them negatively. We cite several examples in the study.
Comparing this phenomenon to other countries, a study on Chinese uploads onto TikTok showed the following results: 41% positive, 53% neutral and 6% negative.
Self-ridiculing factors and misinformation
TikTokers ridiculed the reputation of Ghana and Zimbabwe in three ways:
Exaggerated production of video content. This includes emotional background sounds, tone of voice, slang, animation, unfavourable shooting locations and poor video quality
comparing African countries to foreign conditions
generating unfavourable comments.
“Fake news” has become an integral part of social media, raising doubts about the credibility of information generally. We argue that such content should no longer be seen as harmless humour.
As the press freedom rankings of both countries fall, TikTok can be a safe, open space for citizens to raise important public concerns.
The platform makes space for a diversity of opinions from the youthful populations found in the two countries. This is important for communication and building consensus in development.
We argue that TikTokers should be encouraged to offer constructive criticisms of their countries and propose solutions instead of insults.
Policy makers should tap into the vast repository of “fun” information published on TikTok for development. The opinions expressed by citizens online are a helpful reflection of societal needs. This can be taken into consideration when formulating policies.
Mainstream professional media could adopt the fun journalism model to tell serious stories in ways that boost development and reputation. The platform’s wide usage will make information accessible to a large audience.
Media regulatory bodies, nongovernmental organisations and civil society groups are encouraged to educate netizens to publish critical and progressive stories about their countries. This can help combat misinformation and disinformation on social media, particularly TikTok.
Finally, governments should take steps to positively project their respective countries to the world. They could run educational programmes to inculcate a sense of patriotism and identity to rekindle the initiatives that Africa Rising advocated.
– TikTok users in Ghana and Zimbabwe enjoy making fun of government – why it can have a downside – https://theconversation.com/tiktok-users-in-ghana-and-zimbabwe-enjoy-making-fun-of-government-why-it-can-have-a-downside-259734
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ashwill Ramon Phillips, Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor, Department of Criminology, University of the Free State
Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict.
But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported.
Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.
In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to gangs, and 18 service providers like social workers and correctional officials working with these groups.
In a more recent study I developed a typology of occult gangs: a framework that captures their structure, symbolism, hierarchy and spiritual practices.
This matters because in order to prevent gang-related crime it is essential to understand how they operate.
The rise of Free State occult gangs
In 1997, a South African Police Service investigation uncovered a so-called devil worshipping group or “evil church” that had migrated from parts of northern Africa and established itself in Maseru, Lesotho (South Africa’s neighbour). This group reportedly blended occult practices with traditional African witchcraft. This led local communities to label it as a devil-worshipping gang.
A BTK gang tattoo.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
Since 2011, groups like this have expanded across the Free State. There are now about 40 such gangs active in the province, as reported by the police and confirmed in my research. Some of the better known gangs are the Triple 6 (666), Born-To-Kill (BTK), Natural Born Killers (NBK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP), and Maroma (Romans/Romas).
More typical street gangs are mostly known for expanding their territory through profit from the drug trade and extortion. But these Free State gangs incorporate spirituality and esoterism (special hidden knowledge) to assert dominance, foster cohesion and generate fear within communities.
They engage in serious crimes including murder, organ trafficking and rape. They are particularly known for acts such as ritual stabbings, cannibalism, and alleged communication with demonic forces.
NBK gang tattoo.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
The communities in which these groups operate, and gang members themselves, refer to them as “devil worshipping gangs”. This is because of the explicit link between certain gang-related practices and satanism, or the worship of the devil as depicted in the Christian bible.
Some groups merge beliefs and rituals related to Satan and anti-Christianity with witchcraft. Or they use symbols commonly associated with satanism such as “666” and inverted crosses. But labelling all such groups as “devil worshipping gangs” is misleading. The term “occult gangs” better captures the range of practices involved.
While both devil worshipping and witchcraft-related practices can play a role in criminal gang activity, they differ in origin and form. Devil worshipping draws from western occult traditions, using symbols and rituals to strengthen gang identity. Witchcraft-based practices typically involve the malicious use of muti (traditional African medicine) and muti murders (murders for body parts to use in muti). As one participant told me:
Yes, there are gangs that believe in muti. There are also gangs that believe in the devil. IJP and Roma believe in muti, while BTK and Triple 6 believe in getting power from the devil. They say they speak to Lucifer to give them powers.
So, infamous gangs in the Free State are not only dreaded for their brutality but also for their reported links to ritual murder, blood oaths, the use of muti and the consumption of human organs and blood. According to my research these activities have progressed from being viewed as urban legends and community myths to becoming lived realities.
Inside the gangs
My gang typology study sample consisted of 39 male offenders, aged 14 to 38. Participants were either serving sentences or awaiting trial for serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
The gang members spoke openly about seeking power through supernatural means. Some believed that consuming blood and participating in occult rituals could make them invisible to police and invincible against their enemies. As one told me:
The minute you drink blood you are invoking spirits to become part of you, demons to become part of you, and give you the powers that you need to do what you have to do…
A drawing by a Triple 6 gang member.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
Ritual stabbings, inverted crosses, and the “mark of the beast” (“666”) were part of their gang symbolism – seen in gang graffiti and tattoos and furthered by involvement in spiritual gatherings and the use of muti.
These elements form part of a shared gang ideology that offers meaning, identity and purpose to marginalised young people. I found that the gang members in my studies often lacked family support, social support or significant formal education.
To prevent young people from joining gangs, it is crucial to understand what pulls them in. Several participants described joining gangs not only for wealth, protection or status, but for a sense of spiritual power. Especially in communities where traditional religion, ancestral beliefs and Christian teachings coexist and sometimes collide.
My typology of occult gangs has the potential to inform targeted prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts and policing strategies that take the spiritual realities of gang members seriously.
A new approach to fighting crime is needed
The rise of occult gangs has now progressed beyond the Free State. Similar trends are observed in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
The intersection of faith, fear and violence in these gangs challenges mainstream approaches to crime prevention. Traditional anti-gang strategies assume that gangs are driven mainly by socioeconomic factors or rational incentives. They fail to account for spiritual motivations and metaphysical beliefs.
The presence of ritual elements complicates investigations and amplifies fear. It makes gangs seem more powerful than they are.
At the same time, public institutions such as the police and social workers often lack the frameworks and cultural sensitivity to address the spiritual dimensions of the offences perpetrated by these groups.
A drawing by a BTK gang member.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
The struggle with the occult gangs in South Africa mirrors similar challenges in other countries, like Nigeria, the DRC and Haiti, where spiritual symbolism and ritualised violence are central to gang identity.
Effective interventions must include culturally grounded strategies to help members disengage from gangs, involving traditional leaders, healers, faith-based actors and mental health professionals.
By addressing the spiritual, social, and psychological dimensions of gang involvement, more sustainable pathways out of these groups can be created.
Gang violence in South Africa is evolving, and so must the response. It shouldn’t just punish young offenders, but offer them a genuine alternative.
– Devil worship, muti and murder: what’s behind the growth of occult gangs in South Africa? – https://theconversation.com/devil-worship-muti-and-murder-whats-behind-the-growth-of-occult-gangs-in-south-africa-260141
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 09, 2025
Bedford’s refusal to commit to protecting 1,500-hour pilot training standards that help keep the flying public safe raises serious, and unanswered, questions
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—voted against Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as FAA Administrator. Senate Republicans confirmed Bedford by a vote of 53-43.
“At this critical moment for aviation safety, it is deeply disturbing that Senate Republicans just confirmed someone who refused to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement. With a surge in near-misses, an air traffic controller shortage, aging air traffic control equipment and facilities—and in the wake of the first major deadly commercial crash in more than a decade, now is clearly not the time to weaken flight hour requirements for our nation’s aspiring airline pilots.
“Incident after incident, it has been pilots who have made last second decisions to avert disaster. Well-trained pilots are our last line of defense, and I could not vote for a nominee who as a corporate executive prioritized—and gained notoriety for—his failed effort to convince the FAA to exempt him from the 1,500-hour rule and let him hire less experienced pilots.
“Americans do not want less-trained, less-prepared pilots in the cockpit flying their planes. As he assumes this important role, Mr. Bedford must abandon any plan to weaken our gold standard in pilot training and put the safety of the flying public first.”
In light of Bedford’s previous comments and actions against the 1,500-hour rule, Duckworth underscored at his nomination hearing that he would unilaterally attempt to weaken this standard and produce less-prepared pilots despite the serious challenges our nation is facing with regard to aviation safety. When Duckworth asked Mr. Bedford for his commitment to not reduce the 1,500-hour rule if confirmed, Mr. Bedford refused to commit.
In 2022, while Bedford was CEO of Republic Airways, the airline asked the FAA for an exemption to the 1,500-hour requirement for graduates from the airline’s training academy. The airline argued its graduates needed only 750 hours of flight time to become first officers, but FAA rejected the application, finding it did not provide an equivalent level of safety.
The families of the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash also announced their opposition to Bedford’s nomination.
For years before the deadly DCA crash, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public.
Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was signed into law last year and included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 10, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—along with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) reintroduced legislation that would improve access to prenatal care for military families. Specifically, the Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act would create a Department of Defense (DoD) pilot program to designate pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event under the TRICARE program, empowering servicemembers and their spouses to choose a health care plan that meets their needs during pregnancy.
“After all the sacrifices they make for our nation each and every day, our military families should never have to face arbitrary, needless barriers to access prenatal care,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our commonsense legislation would help make it easier for our brave servicemembers and military spouses to access the high-quality care they need and deserve as they build their families. It’s the right thing to do, and I urge my Republican colleagues to help us get it done.”
“Military moms deserve peace of mind that they’ll have the right healthcare for them when they need it most,” said Senator Kim. “This bill breaks down barriers to high-quality maternal care and eases an all-too common and unfair burden on our servicemembers and their growing families.”
“Our military families make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “The last thing they should have to worry about is accessing basic maternal health care services during a pregnancy. This legislation would empower expectant military families to choose the health care plan that best meets their needs. It is about ensuring that moms and babies can get the care they need whenever and wherever they need it. I am proud to partner with Senators Duckworth and Kim again in the 119th Congress as we work to get this bill passed and signed into law.”
Currently, TRICARE beneficiaries may opt to change their TRICARE plan during the annual Open Season or if they experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). QLEs include marriage, divorce, a job change, a move and the birth or adoption of a child, but not pregnancy. The Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act would provide greater flexibility to expectant military families by establishing a five-year DoD pilot program to designate pregnancy as a QLE. Such a designation would allow beneficiaries to switch from TRICARE’s Prime and Select plans if doing so would provide that individual with better coverage for prenatal care.
Along with Duckworth and Kim, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
The Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act is endorsed by the National Military Family Association and Military Officers Association of America.
“Expectant moms and their babies need quality care, but many military-connected mothers struggle to access that care,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “The Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act will make pregnancy a qualifying life event, ensuring that pregnant moms and their babies get access to what they need. We’re grateful to Senators Duckworth and Kim as well as Representative Sewell for championing this critical issue for military families.”
“Health care access is a key quality of life issue impacting military family readiness, particularly when expecting a baby,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly USAF (Ret.), President & CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. “With capacity constraints in both the military and civilian health systems, it is more important than ever to address barriers to accessing vital prenatal care essential to positive outcomes. The Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act would provide the flexibility to switch TRICARE plans during pregnancy so beneficiaries can seek prenatal care that meets their needs. We appreciate the continued leadership of Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Terri Sewell on improving access to care within the military health system and their support of military families.”
A copy of the bill text is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the Armed Services and their family members. Last month, Duckworth introduced legislation that would modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. Last month, she renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 09, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) grilled Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, at his confirmation hearing today, exposing how deeply unqualified he is for this critically important role. During the Senator’s line of questioning, Dr. Sinha failed to answer several basic, important questions, proving he doesn’t know the first thing about maintaining not only the U.S.-Singapore partnership, but any of our relationships with ASEAN nations. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
“Dr. Sinha is deeply unprepared to effectively lead our nation’s mission in Singapore,” said Duckworth. “This is not a role you can pick up on a whim or because you might think it will be glamorous. Singapore is too important to the United States, ASEAN and the entire Indo-Pacific region for someone as unqualified as Dr. Sinha. His lack of understanding and preparedness for this job could cause friction in our critical relationships and is disqualifying for such an important role. He will not have my vote.”
In May, Duckworth led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Singapore alongside U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to this year’s International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue, which is Asia’s premier global international security and defense summit, to reaffirm the United States’ strong bipartisan commitment to our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. This trip came after Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue alongside U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) last year.
Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that wassigned into law, Duckworth successfully secured a modified version of her Access to Care for Overseas Military Act to improve medical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. This provision established a program to accredit foreign medical facilities to help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region—where they often must travel long distances to receive care—both during peacetime and in the event of a conflict abroad.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (Pakistan):
The members of the Security Council welcomed the peace agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on 27 June, and expressed their deep appreciation to the United States, Qatar and the African Union for their facilitation efforts.
The members of the Security Council urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to honour in good faith their obligations and commitments for lasting peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including those related to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and resolution 2773 (2025).
The members of the Security Council expressed their determination to actively support the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in the implementation and follow-up of this agreement.
Peterborough, Ontario, July 10, 2025 —Peterborough’s public transit capacity is growing with the construction of a new 10,500-square metre transit garage and maintenance facility, following a combined investment of almost $42.9 million from the federal and provincial governments.
Announced today by MP Emma Harrison, MPP Dave Smith, and Mayor Jeff Leal, the garage and maintenance facility will house up to 110 buses, offer a range of transit maintenance services, and have amenities and offices for transit employees. Once completed, the facility will support Peterborough Transit into the future, and help ensure the community has access to an efficient and affordable transit service that supports economic growth and connects residents to jobs and housing.
This investment helps build a stronger Canadian economy. Expanding public transit infrastructure to meet growing demand supports the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
mid the economic turmoil created by President Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tariff resource guide to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for business owners who have been impacted by tariffs. Additionally, the Governor announced a survey to allow business owners the opportunity to share how their businesses have been impacted by the federal government’s recently announced tariffs.
“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”
Tariffs Impacts on the Economy and Tourism Governor Hochul has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the state who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada.
Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State. Overall, cross-border traffic from Canada has plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024. Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year. In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.
mid the economic turmoil created by President Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tariff resource guide to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for business owners who have been impacted by tariffs. Additionally, the Governor announced a survey to allow business owners the opportunity to share how their businesses have been impacted by the federal government’s recently announced tariffs.
“New Yorkers and business owners all across the state have felt a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the impacts of President Trump’s callous tariffs on our imported goods,” Governor Hochul said. “No business should have to close shop due to these unfair and unwanted taxes that were imposed on states by the Trump administration. This resource guide will help provide individuals with the guidance they need to lower potential risk to their businesses and give New Yorkers a better understanding of how tariffs can impact them.”
Tariffs Impacts on the Economy and Tourism Governor Hochul has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the state who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada.
Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State. Overall, cross-border traffic from Canada has plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024. Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year. In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.
For some UConn alumni with bachelor’s degrees in journalism, their experiences served as a launching pad to a different, but related, career path: law.
“I became a lawyer to help people — to give people advice,” says Sara Bigman ’17 (CLAS), a current litigation associate at Cohen and Wolf P.C. in Bridgeport, Connecticut. “As a journalist going into law, learning to digest information, working under pressure, and learning new topics definitely helped.”
The study and practice of journalism at UConn exposes students to civics, local government, and the justice system. Through those lessons, some journalism majors find themselves drawn to legal work.
Every semester, the Department of Journalism offers JOUR 3020: Media Law, one of the few undergraduate courses focused specifically on the law.
Students learn foundational concepts, such as the rule of law and the free speech protections of the First Amendment. They study laws regulating digital media, such as recording audio and taking photos, and exercise their rights as members of the public to access government records through Freedom of Information Act requests. They also gain exposure to tort law, including libel and privacy, and take part in a mock trial.
“In my junior year, I took Media Law with associate professor Amanda Crawford, which was my first exposure to any sort of legal education,” says Wyatt Cote ’23 (CLAS), now a third year UConn law student. “At the time, I wasn’t sure exactly why, but that class was the one that I found myself most excited by…I found myself wondering how I could capitalize on that feeling. That is when the prospect of going to law school first occurred to me.”
Crawford says that a key aspect of the course is its focus on modern challenges, such as those posed by widespread social media use and an executive branch that is openly hostile to protestors and journalists.
“I really don’t think there has been any time in my life that the issues we teach in Media Law have been more relevant to college students,” says Crawford.
Cote says in his senior year, he took professor Michael Stanton’s Investigative Reporting class, which worked on a project about Connecticut’s housing and eviction crises. The course required students to attend eviction court in New London.
“There, we were firsthand witnesses to the inequality that pervades the Connecticut housing market,” says Cote. “There, I realized that I wanted to be a housing lawyer.”
Both Cote and Bigman agree that UConn’s rigorous nationally accredited curriculum played a vital role in equipping them with career competencies for effective legal practice.
“What is less obvious is how wonderful journalism is for the students who are like me, who can’t say that they know what they want out of their careers,” explains Cote. “A journalist’s training prepares them well for legal work. The ability to connect to a stranger and tell their story in a compelling, persuasive way is an invaluable skill to lawyering,”
Cote also recommended the Department of Journalism’s news writing courses, quoting a book by Supreme Court Justices Scalia and Garner, which says lawyers “possess only one tool to convey their thoughts: language. They must acquire and hone the finest, most effective version of that tool available. They must love words and use them exactly. Cultivating an appealing prose style and broad vocabulary is a ‘lifelong project, and you may as well begin [it] at once’.”
“Students who go on to join a journal in law school will assuredly encounter pages upon pages of dull, uninspired academic writing,” Cote noted. “Taking writing classes as an undergraduate will give them a leg up on their peers and help make the pieces published by their journals actually readable.”
Transitioning to law can be a natural progression for J-majors seeking a different avenue for public service.
“I knew I wanted to do something that helped people,” says Sydney Mazur ’19 (CLAS), an attorney-at-law at Litchfield Cavo in Simsbury, Connecticut. “It definitely helps not being afraid to ask questions and to have that kind of passion or fuel within you to want to know … getting into the nitty-gritty of what’s going on, and you have to be fast enough in your mind to think of a follow-up question. So, I think journalism at UConn prepared me.”
