Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that BRIAN PICQUET, age 38, of Orleans Parish, pled guilty on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long to Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, and two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
As to each count, PICQUET faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. PICQUET also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each count.
Sentencing in this matter is set for September 30, 2025.
According to court documents, on March 14, 2024 and March 22, 2024, during the course of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigation, PICQUET sold fentanyl to an individual whom he believed to be a legitimate buyer.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Darrence White (29, Brooksville) to 20 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. White pleaded guilty on April 7, 2025.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2023, a deputy with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which White was a passenger. The deputy detected a strong odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle and removed the occupants, including White. An officer located a bag in the glove compartment that contained methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a blue latex glove. During a subsequent search of White, officers recovered additional controlled substances and a blue latex glove like the one from the glovebox.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Darrence White (29, Brooksville) to 20 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. White pleaded guilty on April 7, 2025.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2023, a deputy with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which White was a passenger. The deputy detected a strong odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle and removed the occupants, including White. An officer located a bag in the glove compartment that contained methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a blue latex glove. During a subsequent search of White, officers recovered additional controlled substances and a blue latex glove like the one from the glovebox.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
The North West Provincial Government has disputed claims regarding its budget expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year, after reports indicated that it would return R383 million to the National Treasury.
This is after an opposition party noted that while most provincial departments spent between 98% and 99% of their allocated budgets, which aligns with acceptable spending norms, the province’s underspending still amounts to a significant R383 million.
According to the party, this underspending includes considerable shortfalls in key departments.
The party has called on the North West Provincial Government to account for the R383 million in underspending for the 2024/25 financial year.
However, the provincial government confirmed that, according to the preliminary audit outcomes for 2024/25, 99.29% of its R54.2 billion budget was spent, which translates to a total expenditure of R53.9 billion.
“This is a much-improved performance compared to the previous financial year, with only two departments spending below a threshold of 95%.
“The under-expenditure of R383 million, which is made up of R176 million of the equitable share, will be retained by the province.”
The provincial government stated that the remaining amount, approximately R207 million, will roll over into the 2025/26 financial year.
“Already, National Treasury has approved R172 million, which will be re-appropriated through the November adjustment budget. These funds will be used for various infrastructure projects to address service delivery challenges and create various socio-economic opportunities for locals.
“Therefore, there is no R383 million which is going to be returned to National Treasury, as alleged by some in the mainstream and social media platforms.” – SAnews.gov.za
As the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) draws to a close, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has called for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action.
Delivering closing remarks on Thursday, the Deputy Minister applauded the depth of deliberations held over the past days and called for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality.
“This meeting has been a powerful space of shared purpose. We have engaged in thoughtful and sometimes difficult conversations, recognising that the path toward gender equality requires not only commitment, but concrete action and accountability.
“Through collective commitment and action, G20 members can make significant strides in promoting gender equality and achieving sustainable development,” Letsike said.
Framed around three interlinked priority areas – care economy, financial inclusion, and gender-based violence – the EWWG discussions drew attention to the complex and deeply rooted inequalities that continue to hinder the advancement of women and girls globally.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the economic and social significance of care work, both paid and unpaid, which is often overlooked, despite being “the backbone of our societies and economies”.
She highlighted the importance of elevating care work and ensuring decent wages and equitable conditions, underscoring that these are “not just gender issues but they are economic imperatives”.
On the issue of financial inclusion, Letsike welcomed the early outcomes under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, including a newly proposed action plan aimed at increasing access to financial tools and opportunities for women and girls.
“I am happy that we are beginning to see the tangibles that will emerge from the South African G20 Presidency. One of these is the action plan on financial inclusion, which starts to define the key strategic focus or pillars, action areas and initiatives that we could adopt as G20 members to drive financial inclusion.
“This action plan or framework will assist to ensure systemic reform, institutional accountability, and policy innovation grounded in lived realities and rigorous evidence,” the Deputy Minister said.
The meeting also took a firm stand on the global scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, calling for decisive action through prevention, protection and prosecution.
“No society can claim to be just or equal while women continue to live in fear, or worse, lose their lives simply because they are women.
“We reaffirmed the urgent need for prevention, protection and prosecution anchored in survivor-centred policies and a culture of zero tolerance,” Letsike stressed.
Policy briefs on the care economy and gender-based violence, along with global frameworks, such as the 5R [Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent and Reward unpaid and paid care work] and SIGI [Social Institutions and Gender Index], are expected to guide G20 members toward national policy development and implementation.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a G20 approach built on consensus and inclusive growth, adding that the knowledge products generated during this technical meeting would contribute to the legacy of the country’s Presidency.
“The South African G20 Presidency is committed to the principles of G20 based on consensus, which is a cornerstone of our collective efforts. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we have reaffirmed our shared vision of a more inclusive and accessible world,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Ministerial Declaration resulting from these engagements will be presented to the Ministers for adoption in October 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, G20 partners, civil society, academics, and international organisations strengthening global momentum toward a more just and equitable world for women and girls.
The closed sessions that took place on Wednesday and continues today focused onthe global context of gender-based violence, emphasising the need for private sector engagement and legislation to protect women.
Key points included the criminalisation of certain behaviours, the creation of codes for daily access, and the importance of community-driven sustainability in health provisions.
The speakers also stressed the importance of international support, governance, and the need for a comprehensive approach to address gender-based violence effectively. – SAnews.gov.za
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised.
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
Deficit:
$71.5 Billion
+18.7%°
Exports:
$279.0 Billion
–4.0%°
Imports:
$350.5 Billion
–0.1%°
Next release: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, July 3, 2025
Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)
May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.
The May increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $11.2 billion to $97.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $26.0 billion.
Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $175.0 billion, or 50.4 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $73.6 billion or 5.5 percent. Imports increased $248.7 billion or 14.8 percent.
Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)
The average goods and services deficit decreased $16.8 billion to $90.0 billion for the three months ending in May.
Average exports increased $0.1 billion to $283.5 billion in May.
Average imports decreased $16.7 billion to $373.6 billion in May.
Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $18.8 billion from the three months ending in May 2024.
Average exports increased $17.9 billion from May 2024.
Average imports increased $36.6 billion from May 2024.
Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)
Exports of goods decreased $11.4 billion to $180.2 billion in May.
Exports of goods on a Census basis decreased $10.8 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.0 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $0.9 billion.
Finished metal shapes decreased $1.7 billion.
Nuclear fuel materials increased $0.6 billion.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $3.4 billion.
Passenger cars increased $3.1 billion.
Other goods increased $1.0 billion.
Capital goods increased $0.3 billion.
Computers increased $4.4 billion.
Computer accessories decreased $2.8 billion.
Net balance of payments adjustments increased $0.1 billion.
Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.8 billion in May.
Transport decreased $0.4 billion.
Travel decreased $0.2 billion.
Other business services increased $0.1 billion.
Maintenance and repair services increased $0.1 billion.
Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)
The real goods deficit increased $8.1 billion, or 9.6 percent, to $92.5 billion in May, compared to a 12.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.
Real exports of goods decreased $8.2 billion, or 5.3 percent, to $148.3 billion, compared to a 5.7 percent decrease in nominal exports.
Real imports of goods decreased $0.1 billion, or 0.1 percent, to $240.8 billion, compared to a 0.1 percent decrease in nominal imports.
Revisions
Revisions to April exports
Exports of goods were revised up $1.1 billion.
Exports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.
Revisions to April imports
Imports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
Imports of services were revised down $0.2 billion.
Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)
The May figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.8), Hong Kong ($3.6), South and Central America ($3.3), Switzerland ($3.3), United Kingdom ($3.0), Australia ($1.5), Brazil ($0.5), Saudi Arabia ($0.5), Belgium ($0.4), Singapore ($0.3), and Israel ($0.1). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($22.5), Mexico ($17.1), Vietnam ($14.9), China ($14.0), Ireland ($11.8), Taiwan ($11.5), Germany ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), South Korea ($5.4), India ($5.1), Canada ($2.8), Italy ($2.6), Malaysia ($2.4), and France ($0.5).
The deficit with Mexico increased $3.6 billion to $17.1 billion in May. Exports decreased $0.3 billion to $27.5 billion and imports increased $3.3 billion to $44.6 billion.
The deficit with Ireland increased $2.4 billion to $11.8 billion in May. Exports increased $0.2 billion to $1.6 billion and imports increased $2.5 billion to $13.4 billion.
The deficit with China decreased $5.7 billion to $14.0 billion in May. Exports decreased $1.7 billion to $6.9 billion and imports decreased $7.4 billion to $20.9 billion.
All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.
Next release: August 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, June 2025
Notice
Update to BEA’s Annual International Services Tables
BEA’s annual international services tables—BEA’s most detailed trade in services statistics by service type and geographic area—are scheduled for release at 10:00 a.m. on July 3, 2025, for statistics through 2024. With this release, BEA is introducing “Table 2.4. U.S. Trade in Services, Expanded Geographic Detail,” which presents total services exports, imports, and balance for 237 countries and areas, 147 more than the 90 presented in tables 2.2 and 2.3, beginning with statistics for 2018.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised.
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
Deficit:
$71.5 Billion
+18.7%°
Exports:
$279.0 Billion
–4.0%°
Imports:
$350.5 Billion
–0.1%°
Next release: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, July 3, 2025
Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)
May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.
The May increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $11.2 billion to $97.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $26.0 billion.
Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $175.0 billion, or 50.4 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $73.6 billion or 5.5 percent. Imports increased $248.7 billion or 14.8 percent.
Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)
The average goods and services deficit decreased $16.8 billion to $90.0 billion for the three months ending in May.
Average exports increased $0.1 billion to $283.5 billion in May.
Average imports decreased $16.7 billion to $373.6 billion in May.
Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $18.8 billion from the three months ending in May 2024.
Average exports increased $17.9 billion from May 2024.
Average imports increased $36.6 billion from May 2024.
Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)
Exports of goods decreased $11.4 billion to $180.2 billion in May.
Exports of goods on a Census basis decreased $10.8 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.0 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $0.9 billion.
Finished metal shapes decreased $1.7 billion.
Nuclear fuel materials increased $0.6 billion.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $3.4 billion.
Passenger cars increased $3.1 billion.
Other goods increased $1.0 billion.
Capital goods increased $0.3 billion.
Computers increased $4.4 billion.
Computer accessories decreased $2.8 billion.
Net balance of payments adjustments increased $0.1 billion.
Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.8 billion in May.
Transport decreased $0.4 billion.
Travel decreased $0.2 billion.
Other business services increased $0.1 billion.
Maintenance and repair services increased $0.1 billion.
Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)
The real goods deficit increased $8.1 billion, or 9.6 percent, to $92.5 billion in May, compared to a 12.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.
Real exports of goods decreased $8.2 billion, or 5.3 percent, to $148.3 billion, compared to a 5.7 percent decrease in nominal exports.
Real imports of goods decreased $0.1 billion, or 0.1 percent, to $240.8 billion, compared to a 0.1 percent decrease in nominal imports.
Revisions
Revisions to April exports
Exports of goods were revised up $1.1 billion.
Exports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.
Revisions to April imports
Imports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
Imports of services were revised down $0.2 billion.
Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)
The May figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.8), Hong Kong ($3.6), South and Central America ($3.3), Switzerland ($3.3), United Kingdom ($3.0), Australia ($1.5), Brazil ($0.5), Saudi Arabia ($0.5), Belgium ($0.4), Singapore ($0.3), and Israel ($0.1). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($22.5), Mexico ($17.1), Vietnam ($14.9), China ($14.0), Ireland ($11.8), Taiwan ($11.5), Germany ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), South Korea ($5.4), India ($5.1), Canada ($2.8), Italy ($2.6), Malaysia ($2.4), and France ($0.5).
The deficit with Mexico increased $3.6 billion to $17.1 billion in May. Exports decreased $0.3 billion to $27.5 billion and imports increased $3.3 billion to $44.6 billion.
The deficit with Ireland increased $2.4 billion to $11.8 billion in May. Exports increased $0.2 billion to $1.6 billion and imports increased $2.5 billion to $13.4 billion.
The deficit with China decreased $5.7 billion to $14.0 billion in May. Exports decreased $1.7 billion to $6.9 billion and imports decreased $7.4 billion to $20.9 billion.
All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.
Next release: August 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, June 2025
Notice
Update to BEA’s Annual International Services Tables
BEA’s annual international services tables—BEA’s most detailed trade in services statistics by service type and geographic area—are scheduled for release at 10:00 a.m. on July 3, 2025, for statistics through 2024. With this release, BEA is introducing “Table 2.4. U.S. Trade in Services, Expanded Geographic Detail,” which presents total services exports, imports, and balance for 237 countries and areas, 147 more than the 90 presented in tables 2.2 and 2.3, beginning with statistics for 2018.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised.
U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
Deficit:
$71.5 Billion
+18.7%°
Exports:
$279.0 Billion
–4.0%°
Imports:
$350.5 Billion
–0.1%°
Next release: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, July 3, 2025
Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)
May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.
The May increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $11.2 billion to $97.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $26.0 billion.
Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $175.0 billion, or 50.4 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $73.6 billion or 5.5 percent. Imports increased $248.7 billion or 14.8 percent.
Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)
The average goods and services deficit decreased $16.8 billion to $90.0 billion for the three months ending in May.
Average exports increased $0.1 billion to $283.5 billion in May.
Average imports decreased $16.7 billion to $373.6 billion in May.
Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $18.8 billion from the three months ending in May 2024.
Average exports increased $17.9 billion from May 2024.
Average imports increased $36.6 billion from May 2024.
Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)
Exports of goods decreased $11.4 billion to $180.2 billion in May.
Exports of goods on a Census basis decreased $10.8 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.0 billion.
Industrial supplies and materials decreased $0.9 billion.
Finished metal shapes decreased $1.7 billion.
Nuclear fuel materials increased $0.6 billion.
Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $3.4 billion.
Passenger cars increased $3.1 billion.
Other goods increased $1.0 billion.
Capital goods increased $0.3 billion.
Computers increased $4.4 billion.
Computer accessories decreased $2.8 billion.
Net balance of payments adjustments increased $0.1 billion.
Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.8 billion in May.
Transport decreased $0.4 billion.
Travel decreased $0.2 billion.
Other business services increased $0.1 billion.
Maintenance and repair services increased $0.1 billion.
Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)
The real goods deficit increased $8.1 billion, or 9.6 percent, to $92.5 billion in May, compared to a 12.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.
Real exports of goods decreased $8.2 billion, or 5.3 percent, to $148.3 billion, compared to a 5.7 percent decrease in nominal exports.
Real imports of goods decreased $0.1 billion, or 0.1 percent, to $240.8 billion, compared to a 0.1 percent decrease in nominal imports.
Revisions
Revisions to April exports
Exports of goods were revised up $1.1 billion.
Exports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.
Revisions to April imports
Imports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
Imports of services were revised down $0.2 billion.
Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)
The May figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.8), Hong Kong ($3.6), South and Central America ($3.3), Switzerland ($3.3), United Kingdom ($3.0), Australia ($1.5), Brazil ($0.5), Saudi Arabia ($0.5), Belgium ($0.4), Singapore ($0.3), and Israel ($0.1). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($22.5), Mexico ($17.1), Vietnam ($14.9), China ($14.0), Ireland ($11.8), Taiwan ($11.5), Germany ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), South Korea ($5.4), India ($5.1), Canada ($2.8), Italy ($2.6), Malaysia ($2.4), and France ($0.5).
The deficit with Mexico increased $3.6 billion to $17.1 billion in May. Exports decreased $0.3 billion to $27.5 billion and imports increased $3.3 billion to $44.6 billion.
The deficit with Ireland increased $2.4 billion to $11.8 billion in May. Exports increased $0.2 billion to $1.6 billion and imports increased $2.5 billion to $13.4 billion.
The deficit with China decreased $5.7 billion to $14.0 billion in May. Exports decreased $1.7 billion to $6.9 billion and imports decreased $7.4 billion to $20.9 billion.
All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.
Next release: August 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, June 2025
Notice
Update to BEA’s Annual International Services Tables
BEA’s annual international services tables—BEA’s most detailed trade in services statistics by service type and geographic area—are scheduled for release at 10:00 a.m. on July 3, 2025, for statistics through 2024. With this release, BEA is introducing “Table 2.4. U.S. Trade in Services, Expanded Geographic Detail,” which presents total services exports, imports, and balance for 237 countries and areas, 147 more than the 90 presented in tables 2.2 and 2.3, beginning with statistics for 2018.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.
Trade is vital for development, but many countries face costly delays and inefficiencies. The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is partnering with governments, businesses, and international organizations to streamline customs, digitalize processes, and unlock global markets for SMEs.
The Alliance drives practical reforms that boost exports, cut costs, and make trade faster, safer, and more inclusive. Hear from global leaders on how public-private collaboration is reshaping trade for good.
To learn more about the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation please visit: https://www.tradefacilitation.org/
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
On 3 July, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference together Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on the start of the Danish Presidency.
The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe.
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Twenty-year old Yvonne Bejjani, who grew up in Lebanon, describes how that experience helped shaped her convictions and led her to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development as an official delegate.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $50 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee facility to support to trade finance activities of Awash Bank S.C. (Awash) (https://apo-opa.co/44ecHyL), in Ethiopia.
This facility will enable the Bank to provide a guarantee of up to 100 percent to confirming banks for the non-payment risk arising from the confirmation of Letters of Credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by Awash. The facility will provide much needed import trade finance requirements to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates in Ethiopia. It will also support intra-Africa trade, thus directly contributing to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (https://apo-opa.co/44J2Sc1) agenda.
Following the approval, African Development Bank Head of Trade Finance, Lamin Drammeh said: “Supporting Trade in Africa is a key priority at the African Development Bank. Trade finance is an important driver of economic growth and is critical for cross-border trade, particularly in emerging markets. We are delighted to work with Awash, a strong partner with extensive knowledge and network in Ethiopia, on a shared ambition to support the region’s Trade.”
Commenting on the approval, Tsehay Shiferaw, CEO of Awash Bank S.C., said: “The Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee facility approved to our bank by the African Development Bank will ease the burden of arranging cash collateral with banks, thereby improving our liquidity and enabling us to support more trade customers.” He added: “The facility will enhance our trade relationships with other International and African confirming banks.
Awash looks forward to further strengthening its partnership and benefiting more from the resources and extensive capabilities of the African Development Bank and its partners, Shiferaw said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
Esteemed Members of the Tipperary Peace Convention,
Distinguished Guests,
It is with deep humility and immense gratitude that I accept the Tipperary International Peace Award, not as a personal honor, but on behalf of the State of Qatar—its people, its principles, and its leadership. It is a recognition of what Qatar represents in the world today: a steady voice for peace, a defender of dialogue, and a nation that does not waver in the face of hardship.
To stand here in Ireland—a country whose peace was earned through reconciliation and moral courage—is profoundly meaningful. Your journey affirms what we in Qatar have always believed: peace is not given, it is built.
I am reminded of the late John Hume, who said: “The basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people.”
However, today, I speak to you not about my story, but the story of the proud people of Qatar.
I am often asked, What guides Qatar’s efforts, from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Lebanon to Ukraine, Some have claimed that Qatar does this for its own gain. This cannot be further from the truth.
Our work is not transactional; it is transformational. It is not a tactic; it is a national identity shaped by culture, driven by faith, enshrined in the constitution, and inspired by leadership.
His Highness the Amir is a model of leadership rare in today’s world. He does not simply govern—he feels, putting his heart and soul in every duty, from the needs of his citizens, to regional and international peace. He sees the people of the region, and innocent people around the world, as his own, grieves for every life lost, and envisions peace as his legacy.
Words cannot express my pride in His Highness. I had the honor to serve my country under his leadership for over ten years, and will be honored to do so for as long as I am able to. It is his wisdom, passion, and determination that I personally draw from the inspiration to propel me forward.
This award comes at a moment of great significance.
Just a week ago, our country came under direct missile attack, a direct result of recklessness concerning the peace and stability of our region. But even as our air defences were falling, our diplomats were doing theirs, securing a ceasefire by dawn. Most importantly, dawn broke with no lives lost and no human cost. That realization led to the choice of restraint rather than retaliation. At that difficult moment, while we were discussing with the Emir options of what our next move will be, he decided that as long as thankfully no lives were lost in the attack, none shall be lost. The choice was restraint. And I must be clear: Qatar chose restraint from a position of strength, not weakness, because we prioritized regional stability and the well-being of all in our region, over rhetoric and pity show of force.
And frankly speaking, we do not want to be among the countries who are in the club preaching something and doing something else. So we are trying to at least practice what we preach.
We have long warned of the dangers of regional spillover and of how the reckless behavior of Israel risked widening the conflict beyond repair. The price of ignoring those warnings is being paid not only in Gaza but across the region.
The ever-expanding conflicts in our world today have put to the test the ideals and principles that are supposed to secure international peace, the blatant violations of international law, and especially international humanitarian law that are ongoing, with very little accountability and complete impunity perpetrated by members of the United Nations are increasing every day. The erosion of trust in the international order and norms. Nowhere is it safe.
Nowhere is that tragedy more visible than in Gaza. The images from there are unbearable. The loss is unspeakable. Yet in the face of devastation, His Highness the Amir has remained unwavering in his commitment to the people of Gaza, whether it be through continuous aid, actively working towards peace, or defending their dignity in the international arena.
In the international arena, not only the people of Gaza, but we remain committed to freeing the remaining Israeli hostages despite the Israeli government’s apathy towards a peaceful outcome. A human life to us is sacred, regardless of political or any other identity.
Their suffering weighs heavily on our conscience and strengthens our resolve.
Even when provoked, even when attacked, we remain committed to peace—not as a slogan, but as a duty. Our armed forces protect our sovereignty with courage. Our diplomats build bridges in silence. And through it all, our people stand united.
As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Shall I not tell you what is better than the rank of prayer, fasting, and charity? It is reconciling people.”
To the next generation—those watching from afar: do not believe that peace is naïve. It is harder than war. But it is worth every effort. It is stronger than cynicism and louder than violence.
On behalf of the people of Qatar, I thank the Tipperary Peace Convention for this recognition. And on their behalf, I accept it with humility and with renewed commitment—that Qatar will remain a voice of calm, a partner in peace, and a friend to all who believe that dialogue must triumph over destruction.
From diagnosing diseases more quickly to performing complex computational tasks, quantum science has huge social and economic potential. The EU has launched a new plan to develop the quantum sector and turn Europe into a global leader in quantum by 2030. The plan will create thousands of new jobs.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025
UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, underlines the UK’s full support for Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration and welcomes the Mission’s work in support of the government’s national strategic objectives.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Haukaas to the Permanent Council for the first time as Head of Mission. Thank you, Ambassador, for the work of your team over the last year, and for this report.
Madam Chair, the United Kingdom continues to fully support Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration. We recognise the progress on legislative reforms approved by Montenegro’s parliament during the reporting period, and the positive interim benchmark assessment from the European Commission. The UK continues to strongly support Montenegro’s reform agenda. This was something UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce underlined during her recent visit to Podgorica, which included signing a Strategic Partnership with Foreign Minister Ibrahimovic, enhancing UK-Montenegro cooperation on priority issues.
The UK positively notes the Mission’s work in support of the government’s national strategic objectives, in line with the Mission’s mandate and OSCE commitments and principles. The Mission’s focus also combines well with the UK’s own engagement in support of reforms in Montenegro.
In particular, we commend the Mission’s continued cooperation with Montenegro’s parliament on strengthening institutional capacity and the skills of parliamentary staff. We support your continued focus on electoral reform, including on voter education ahead of elections in April. And we welcome the Mission’s ongoing engagement in combatting serious and organised crime and corruption, including through training to law enforcement agencies on specialised investigative methods and forensics.
Ambassador Haukaas, we also particularly commend the Mission’s continued focus on gender, including your support to the Gender Equality Committee in drafting a new gender action plan for Montenegro’s Parliament.
Madam Chair, OSCE field operations continue to deliver excellent work despite increasingly constrained funding. It is vital for the work of all OSCE structures that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. The continued non-agreement of budgets makes it hugely challenging for field missions to deliver their mandates. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure all OSCE structures are adequately funded.
Thank you again, Ambassador Haukaas, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, and I wish you continued success in the role.
The installation of a new wicket at a local cricket pitch has been celebrated during an opening ceremony.
The non-turf wicket at King George V Playing Field has been funded by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with support from Winchester City Council and Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club (CCFCC).
The new wicket was officially opened on Wednesday 25 June with a celebratory under-16s girls’ match featuring CCFCC and St Cross Symondians Cricket Club.
The first ball bowled at the new wicket
Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Heathy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said:
“Cricket is an important part of sporting life in the district, so I’m delighted to be able to open this new wicket in a space where it will benefit so many players including members of girls’, women’s and disability cricket teams.
“This new wicket at King George V playing field is durable and weather-resistant, opening up opportunities for more cricket to be played, for longer periods of the year.
“I’d particularly like to thank Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club for the crucial role they have played in making this project happen”.
Michael Pollard, Senior Cricket Development Manager at Hampshire Cricket Board, said:
“Hampshire Cricket Board were delighted to be able to support Compton & Chandlers Ford Cricket Club and Winchester City Council to install a new artificial wicket, through the ECB County Grants Fund under the theme of providing enhanced playing facilities and opportunities.
“We are well aware of the increased pressures on facilities and grounds with the sheer amount of cricket being played across Winchester. This particular theme of the fund has an emphasis on growing the women’s, girls’, and disability game, which Compton & Chandlers Ford are playing a huge part in.
“CCFCC currently has girls’ teams at U9, 11, 13 and 15 age groups as well as a women’s softball and hard ball team. They also host one of our Disability Super 1s hubs at the club which is continuing to grow year-on-year. This new facility will allow the club to continue to grow by allowing more matches to be played, taking the pressure off the grounds team at both the club and Winchester City Council.”
Satellite data is increasingly being used for a wide range of applications, from helping farmers monitor crop health, to supporting wildfire managers and tracking environmental change. When combined with artificial intelligence and powerful computing, satellite data promises to unlock the potential for a multitude of new cutting-edge applications to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges on Earth.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that our country remains a world leader in acquiring and harnessing Earth observation data to grow Canadian businesses and solve important challenges on Earth. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced an investment of $3.9 million to support five Canadian companies to develop and test innovative solutions that use satellite data to address pressing environmental challenges.
This investment focuses on advancing projects that monitor the Arctic, improve wildfire response, and protect marine life and sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Mitigating Arctic challenges through the use of multi-mission satellite data and artificial intelligence – C-CORE (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Demonstrating a machine learning application for use onboard satellites to deliver wildfire detection products for wildfire managers in near real time – Mission Control (Ontario)
Developing an eelgrass mapping system to support aquatic biodiversity – Hatfield Consultants LLP (British Columbia)
Leveraging generative artificial intelligence to improve systems that detect and protect North Atlantic right whales – AltaML (Alberta)
Detecting and monitoring North Atlantic right whales through satellite data to inform and strengthen protection measures – Fluvial Systems Research (British Columbia)
By supporting these projects, the Government of Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering the long-term growth of the Canadian space sector while upholding Canada’s world-leading environmental standards; protecting more of our nature, which is at the heart of Canada’s identity; and supporting an economy that will create high-paying jobs for generations.
CALGARY— The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will make a funding announcement to support carbon management technologies in Alberta. A media availability will follow.
Date: July 4, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. MT
All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 30, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.00 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh only) on Shree Chhani Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’, ‘Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers of Co-operative Banks in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions’, ‘Basic Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – A Graded Approach’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to:
carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of certain accounts at least once in six months;
provide customers with 24×7 access to report unauthorized electronic banking transactions through multiple channels; and
implement certain cyber security controls prescribed by RBI under the Cyber Security Framework.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 30, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.00 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh only) on Shree Chhani Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’, ‘Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers of Co-operative Banks in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions’, ‘Basic Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – A Graded Approach’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to:
carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of certain accounts at least once in six months;
provide customers with 24×7 access to report unauthorized electronic banking transactions through multiple channels; and
implement certain cyber security controls prescribed by RBI under the Cyber Security Framework.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 30, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.00 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh only) on Shree Chhani Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’, ‘Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers of Co-operative Banks in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions’, ‘Basic Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – A Graded Approach’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to:
carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of certain accounts at least once in six months;
provide customers with 24×7 access to report unauthorized electronic banking transactions through multiple channels; and
implement certain cyber security controls prescribed by RBI under the Cyber Security Framework.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 30, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.00 lakh (Rupees Four Lakh only) on Shree Chhani Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’, ‘Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers of Co-operative Banks in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions’, ‘Basic Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – A Graded Approach’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to:
carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of certain accounts at least once in six months;
provide customers with 24×7 access to report unauthorized electronic banking transactions through multiple channels; and
implement certain cyber security controls prescribed by RBI under the Cyber Security Framework.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 30, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Durg, Chhattisgarh (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank:
i) (a) did not upload the KYC records of certain customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline,
(b) did not carry out periodic updation of KYC of certain customers as per the prescribed periodicity; and
ii) allotted multiple customer identification codes to certain individual customers, instead of a Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC) for each individual customer.
This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
CBB Government Development Bond Issue No. 41 Oversubscribed
Published on 3 July 2025
Manama, Bahrain –3rd July 2025 – The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces that the issue of the 4-year Government Development Bond has been oversubscribed by 267%.
Subscriptions worth BD 667.621 million were received for the BD 250 million issue, which carries a maturity of 4 years.
The fixed annual coupon rate on the issue, which begins on 9th July 2025 and matures on 9th July 2029, is 6.25%.
The Government Development Bonds are issued by the CBB on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This is Government Development Bond issue No.41 (ISIN BH000551W253).
CBB Government Development Bond Issue No. 41 Oversubscribed
Published on 3 July 2025
Manama, Bahrain –3rd July 2025 – The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces that the issue of the 4-year Government Development Bond has been oversubscribed by 267%.
Subscriptions worth BD 667.621 million were received for the BD 250 million issue, which carries a maturity of 4 years.
The fixed annual coupon rate on the issue, which begins on 9th July 2025 and matures on 9th July 2029, is 6.25%.
The Government Development Bonds are issued by the CBB on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This is Government Development Bond issue No.41 (ISIN BH000551W253).
Bristol, Rhode Island may be best known for its Independence Day celebration. The town’s annual parade dates back to 1785, when Revolutionary War veteran, Rev. Henry Wright, began the tradition. This year, the town is celebrating the parade’s 240th anniversary.
Participants of the 236th Bristol, Rhode Island, 4th of July parade, July 5, 2021. Photo by Flickr user U.S. Naval War College. July 5, 2021. Used under CC BY 2.0
One unique aspect of the parade is that the parade route is painted year-round with a red, white, and blue center stripe. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways mandates that lines be painted yellow when they are separating lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. However, in 1995, Congress granted Bristol permission to deviate from the yellow paint requirement in the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (Public Law No. 104-59). According to Section 353 (b) of the statute,
(b) STRIPES.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a red, white, and blue center line in the Main Street of Bristol, Rhode Island, shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of section 3B-1 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices of the Department of Transportation.
Although other towns repaint their road stripes in red, white, and blue for July 4th, Bristol, RI, home to the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country, has congressional approval to permanently keep the patriotic paint.
UConn is deepening its commitment to a sustainable future through a student-focused innovation challenge designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy solutions. In partnership with Eversource Energy, UConn has launched its third annual summer competition aimed at engaging students in the design of the future energy landscape.
The competition has attracted an impressive group of participants, with five finalist teams comprising 11 students – five undergraduates and six graduates. These talented individuals represent eight diverse departments and schools: the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and School of Computing in the College of Engineering; the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR); the School of Business; and the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Mathematics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
This multidisciplinary representation brings together diverse perspectives and technical expertise to address the complex challenges of decarbonization and the energy transition across UConn campuses and Connecticut municipalities.
Each team will receive summer funding and be paired with mentors from UConn faculty and Eversource Energy. The mentorship will support students in refining their proposals and addressing the practical dimensions of their clean energy solutions. This hands-on guidance is designed to help participants explore real-world applications of their research and ideas.
The culmination of the teams’ work will be presented at the 2025 Sustainable Clean Energy Summit on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. The event will take place alongside the 2025 North American Power Symposium, offering students a valuable platform to present their innovations to an audience of industry professionals, researchers, utility leaders and state officials.
Following the Summit, the winning team will receive additional funding to continue their work throughout the academic year. This extended support aims to help transform early-stage ideas into actionable and impactful clean energy solutions.
The continued collaboration between UConn and Eversource Energy underscores a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, climate resilience, and technological advancement. Through this initiative, students are empowered to take an active role in building a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The projects and student teams selected for the 2025 Clean Energy & Sustainability Innovation Program are:
Project 1:Fuel Cell as a Catalyst for Local Economic and Environmental Development
Students: Songyang Zhou (Master’s Student, Data Science), Jane Torrence ’27 (BUS)
Project 2:UConn’s Wastewater to Bioenergy: Integrated Chlorella Cultivation and Pyrolysis
Students: Azeem Sarwar (Ph.D. Student, Chemical Engineering), Maham Liaqat (Ph.D. Candidate, Chemistry), Muhammad Hassan (Ph.D. Student, Chemical Engineering).
Project 3:Dual Characterization of Innovative Hydropower Systems for Sustainable Energy Storage and Generation
Students: Jonathan Hylton ’26 (ENG), Safiya Crockett ’26 (CAHNR).
Project 4:Harnessing Tidal Energy for Shoreside Electrification: A Tool for Sustainable Power in Coastal Connecticut Marine Terminals
In Mister Rogers’ view, Michelle (Bussiere) Puzzo ’98 (SAH) is a hero.
“Just help people,” says the co-founder, chief executive, and only paid staff member of UR Community Cares. “Just help people that say they need help.”
Talking in her office on the second floor of the Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center in Manchester, Connecticut, Puzzo is the consummate responder, offering solution after solution to problems faced by older adults who seek to age in place in a world where community is diminished, aging is stigmatized, and help is hard to come by — and expensive.
For decades after earning her bachelor’s in physical therapy, Puzzo provided in-home PT to older people after strokes, heart attacks, or surgeries. On most visits, patients would ask for something beyond the scope of her work — a hand with laundry, taking out the trash, or looking up a cleaning service on their smartphones.
“Many people were just living — and struggling to live — alone at home,” she says. Many couldn’t afford an aide or didn’t qualify for assistance programs. She saw it on a personal level, too, with her own grandmother who suffered from macular degeneration and dementia. For years, Puzzo mowed her grandmother’s lawn weekly and helped her with miscellaneous needs, pitching in as the entire family rallied to help Meme live her later years in her home. “She was so reliant on us. It’s hard on a family,” Puzzo says. “We’re just not set up socially to have these support systems.”
After Meme died in February 2019, Puzzo acted on the idea for UR (pronounced “your”) Community Cares, which had been gestating for a while. She registered her business with the state and set up a website; from there, it has been Puzzo waking up at 3 a.m. every day, tapping into resources, connecting with others who want to help, networking, marketing, and raising money to grow one person’s notion into a statewide organization of thousands.
Just before the pandemic hit, Puzzo created Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the signature program of UR Community Cares. Its secure online platform connects volunteers with people over age 70 (or those over 18 with a disability) who need help. Participants on both sides undergo background checks (“Just because you’re 80 doesn’t mean you’re a good person,” Puzzo says), and volunteers can’t do any licensed work, but requests for housework, transportation, yardwork, and companionship are fair game.
“The phone is ringing all day long — insurance company denials, lack of community support, people not able to drive themselves home from a colonoscopy,” Puzzo says. “This really adds value to communities to be able to support people that aren’t able to pay for private caregivers or handymen,” she continues. “The problem exists in every single town. The whole world is aging, and how are we going to handle it?”
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
3rd July 2025
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke has launched the fourth and final Update Report on the White Paper on Enterprise Implementation Plan, marking the conclusion of a two-year implementation period that began in 2023 and went through to 2024.
This report showcases the significant progress made across 40 strategic initiatives underpinned by 93 activities, with over 90% now delivered or on track for completion this year. The White Paper’s 15 key target metrics also show strong performance, particularly in areas such as employment, regional investment, and exporting.
“It is excellent to see the progress that has been made across Government in realising the ambitions and objectives set out in the White Paper on Enterprise,” said Minister Burke. “This marks a period of sustained success for Irish enterprise, built on sustainability, innovation and productivity.”
Advancements across digital transformation include the launch of the Grow Digital portal supporting SMEs in mapping their digital journey with over 10,000 page visits. Over €1.9 million was disbursed through European Digital Innovation Hubs, benefiting 337 companies with access to research infrastructure and technical expertise. AI adoption among SMEs increased from 8% in 2023 to 14.9% in 2024.
In terms of net zero, Ireland’s Offshore Wind Strategy, Powering Prosperity, has been implemented with 38 of the 40 actions underway and €312.6 million was approved under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.
Innovation and enterprise growth highlights included the €32 billion target for Irish owned company exports in 2023 which was exceeded at €34.57 billion, with the sector further supported by 90 High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) in 2024. The Knowledge Transfer Boost Programme was launched with €33.4 million to support spinouts and innovation.
From a regional development perspective, 234 FDI projects were secured in 2024, with 58% located outside Dublin. Full employment was maintained across 2023 and 2024 with the Smart Regions Scheme and National Clustering Programme progressing toward a 2025 launch.
Minister Burke went on to say,
“This fourth update report marks the completion of the implementation period for the White Paper on Enterprise. I will shortly commence the development of Enterprise 2035, a Programme for Government commitment to develop a new enterprise strategy with the ambition of enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade. This work will complement wider efforts across Government to place Irish enterprise on a footing to grow and compete over the long-term in the face of international economic developments. I am currently developing an Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which will address areas including innovation, infrastructure, regulation and costs, scaling of SMEs, and regional development.”
The commitments set out in the White Paper on Enterprise, published in 2022, represent an ambitious vision for enterprise policy in the period to 2030, which will work to enable Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.
The 15 target metrics in the White Paper on Enterprise cover the Government’s ambitions across the areas of employment and seven identified priority policy objectives:
integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments;
placing digital transformation at the heart of enterprise policy;
advancing Ireland’s FDI and trade value proposition;
strengthening the Irish-owned exporting sector;
enabling locally trading sectors to thrive;
stepping up enterprise innovation; and
building on Ireland`s existing strengths and opportunities.
Following publication of this fourth and final update report, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will commence the development of Enterprise 2035. Enterprise 2035 was set out in the 2025 Programme for Government as a new enterprise strategy with the vision for a long-term ambition for enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade.
This policy will supersede the White Paper on Enterprise, maintaining a focus on building on Ireland’s strengths as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation ecosystem and a resilient labour market, while also adapting to new challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept “Sri Lanka: Fourth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for Waiver of Applicability of Performance Criteria, Modification of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sri Lanka”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 162 (2025), accessed July 3, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229016360.002