Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Headline: Carter Statement on House Passage of Key Crypto Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week voted in support of three key pieces of legislation aimed at providing regulatory certainty to the cryptocurrency industry and cementing the United States’ leadership in the digital economy.
“We are delivering on President Trump’s call to make the United States the cryptocurrency capital of the world. This new digital arms race is not one we can allow our adversaries, such as China, to win. By providing regulatory certainty, promoting innovation, and fully embracing the digital economy, we will strengthen our nation’s crypto industry and unleash a period of growth and dominance,” said Rep. Carter.
Specifically, the bills advanced include:
– The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, creating the first federal standards for payment stablecoins.
– The Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, providing clear definitions for when digital assets are considered commodities or securities, potentially shifting oversight from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for many tokens.
– The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, citing privacy concerns and potential government surveillance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Headline: Carter Statement on House Passage of Key Crypto Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week voted in support of three key pieces of legislation aimed at providing regulatory certainty to the cryptocurrency industry and cementing the United States’ leadership in the digital economy.
“We are delivering on President Trump’s call to make the United States the cryptocurrency capital of the world. This new digital arms race is not one we can allow our adversaries, such as China, to win. By providing regulatory certainty, promoting innovation, and fully embracing the digital economy, we will strengthen our nation’s crypto industry and unleash a period of growth and dominance,” said Rep. Carter.
Specifically, the bills advanced include:
– The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, creating the first federal standards for payment stablecoins.
– The Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, providing clear definitions for when digital assets are considered commodities or securities, potentially shifting oversight from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for many tokens.
– The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, citing privacy concerns and potential government surveillance.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care for Working Families Act is comprehensive legislation that would put a cap on childcare costs for working families, address childcare deserts by providing grants to open new facilities, support higher wages for childcare workers, provide comprehensive funding for Head Start to provide full-day, full-year programming, and expand access to pre-K programs.
Included in the legislation is a provision that would enable the typical family in America to pay less than $15 a day for childcare—with many families paying nothing at all—and no eligible family paying more than 7% of their income on childcare.
“Affordable and accessible childcare is one of the most pressing needs for working families in Maine and across the nation, and it presents a huge hurdle to mothers and fathers who want to enter the workforce,” said Senator King. “The Child Care for Working Families Act would provide ample resources for communities across the country to support childcare options that are open for the full day and don’t break the bank. When families have access to care, they can succeed as parents and professionals.”
The average cost of childcare is now $13,128—a 29% increase since 2020 that outpaces inflation. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, the average annual costs of child care for two children exceeds median rent—and in 41 states and the District of Columbia, the cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition. The crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion each year. An estimated 18,000 people in Maine are currently out of the labor force due to a lack of child care, while the child care crisis costs Maine nearly $403 million in annual costs.
More specifically, the Child Care for Working Families Act will:
Make childcare affordable for working families.
The typical family earning the state median income will pay less than $15 a day for childcare.
No working family will pay more than seven percent of their income on childcare.
Families earning below 85% of state median income will pay nothing at all for childcare.
If a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.
Improve the quality and supply of childcare for all children and expand families’ childcare options by:
Addressing childcare deserts by providing grants to help open new childcare providers in underserved communities.
Providing grants to cover start-up and licensing costs to help establish new providers.
Increasing childcare options for children who receive care during non-traditional hours.
Supporting childcare for children who are dual-language learners, children who are experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.
Support higher wages for childcare workers.
Childcare workers would be paid a living wage and achieve parity with elementary school teachers who have similar credentials and experience.
Childcare subsidies would cover the cost of providing high-quality care.
Dramatically expand access to high-quality pre-K.
States would receive funding to establish and expand a mixed-delivery system of high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.
States must prioritize establishing and expanding universal local preschool programs within and across high-need communities.
If a state does not choose to receive funding under this program, the Secretary can provide funds to localities, such as cities, counties, local governments, districts, or Head Start agencies.
Better support Head Start programs by providing the funding necessary to offer full-day, full-year programming and increasing wages for Head Start workers.
In addition to King, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-MN), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Senator King has long worked to expand access to childcare. He secured millions to improve child care services in the 2022 and 2023 omnibus appropriations bills, and worked to authorize the planning and development of a new child development center at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He is also the cosponsor of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act, which would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that helps households offset their childcare costs. Most recently, he joined bipartisan legislation to lower childcare costs and address the nationwide shortage of affordable childcare. The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act would provide competitive grants for states to train childcare workers and build or renovate childcare facilities.
Coventry’s innovative Very Light Rail (CVLR) system is to showcase its pioneering technology at a prestigious national conference next week.
CVLR is designed to create an affordable rail-based travel system that can be delivered at less than half the cost and in half the time of conventional light rail systems.
It will now be showcased at next week’s UK Light Rail conference in Leeds. From 22 July, the two-day convention is the UK’s premier event dedicated solely to the advancement of light rail, featuring over 50 expert speakers and bringing together key decision-makers, manufacturers, operators and innovators from across the sector.
Coventry will present to the conference on Wednesday 23 July with a dedicated session titled: CVLR: Coventry’s first On Road Test installation and operation. The CVLR team will also participate in a discussion panel called Smarter moves in light rail, demonstrating the breadth of expertise and innovation the project represents.
The recognition represents a significant milestone for the project, which has achieved remarkable success during its recent on-road testing phase.
The 220-metre track was laid in the city centre of Coventry in just eight weeks – a timeframe unmatched anywhere in the world. Over six weeks, more than 3,000 members of the public experienced the future of urban transport first-hand through test rides, providing overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “Being invited to showcase Coventry’s Very Light Rail at the UK’s premier light rail conference is testament to the ground-breaking innovation we’ve achieved here in Coventry.
“Our successful on-road testing, which saw over 3,000 people experience this revolutionary transport system, proves that we can deliver affordable, sustainable rail solutions at unprecedented speed and cost.
“The fact that we laid our 220-metre track in just eight weeks – faster than anywhere else in the world – demonstrates how CVLR can transform the way cities approach public transport infrastructure.
“Crucially, this isn’t just a transport system – it’s designed and built right here in Coventry, creating jobs and establishing a whole new industry for our city.
“As we begin work on our next 800-metre section connecting the railway station to University Technology Park, we’re not just building a transport system for Coventry – we’re pioneering a solution that could revolutionise urban mobility across the UK and beyond while positioning Coventry as the home of this innovative technology and the skilled jobs it brings.”
The Very Light Rail system addresses the critical challenge facing many UK cities seeking sustainable transport solutions. Where conventional light rail systems can cost upwards of £25 million per kilometre to install and as much as £100 million per kilometre in city centres, CVLR delivers a solution that provides the benefits of a conventional tram but at a significantly reduced installation cost.
Key innovations that set CVLR apart:
Revolutionary Vehicle Design: The battery-powered vehicle eliminates the need for overhead wires and features an innovative turning system, enabling it to handle 15m radius curves. This allows for installation in tight corners within the existing highway. The vehicle has a capacity of 56, is comfortable and has low floors to enable passengers to embark and disembark easily.
Ultra-Thin Track Technology: The new track is laid just 30cm within the road’s surface, minimising the need to relocate pipes and cables, which is time-consuming and expensive. It achieves this by leveraging cutting-edge materials science, while still utilising standard rail parts to ensure ease of manufacture.
Sustainable Impact: Transport is responsible for nearly 30% of carbon emissions. The CVLR system will help improve air quality, reduce congestion, support housing development, and provide jobs and skills while securing local investment and putting Coventry at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.
The project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, WMG at the University of Warwick and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Recent months have seen significant progress, with Simon Lightwood, Minister for Local Transport, visiting the CVLR track during Better Transport Week, demonstrating growing government interest in the technology’s potential. Work has also started on the next stage, which will see an 800-metre section laid from the railway station to the University Technology Park on Puma Way.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement on his vote to advance a House Resolution to publicly release certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein:
“I was proud to sponsor and support this Resolution which will require the release of credible information, protect whistleblowers and victims of sexual abuse, and finally shine a light on the full details of everyone involved in the despicable acts connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The American people deserve the truth and the victims deserve to be protected, not used as a political stunt as they have been all week,”said Rep. Scott.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswomen Lori Trahan (MA-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act, new legislation to protect Americans’ ability to access safe, effective medications that have been reviewed and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bill clarifies that FDA approval of medicines preempts state efforts to ban their prescription, provision, or use. “When politicians override science to push an agenda, it puts everyone’s health at risk,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Doctors should be able to prescribe safe, effective, FDA-approved medications based on what’s best for their patients – not what politicians believe. The Right to FDA Approved Medicines Act protects access to lifesaving prescriptions like mifepristone and ensures health care decisions stay between patients and their doctors, not politicians.” This legislation comes at a time when many Republican-controlled states are working to ban or limit access to mifepristone, one of two drugs approved for pregnancy termination. Just this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled that federal law does not prevent West Virginia from restricting medication abortion. If states are effectively able to ban FDA-approved medications like mifepristone, that could open the door to bans of birth control, PrEP, vaccines, and other life-saving FDA-approved medications. “In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in politically motivated attempts by extremist state legislatures to block access to safe, effective medications approved by the FDA,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This legislation clarifies that if a medication is approved by the FDA, no state can stand in the way of a patient who needs it. Allowing states to second-guess the FDA and ban safe, life-saving medications sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the entire drug approval process. Science, not politics, should guide health care in this country. Thank you to my colleagues for joining me in this important effort.” “Patients should never lose access to medications because of where they live, and we’ve already seen states try to ban medications such as mifepristone. As a physician, I know that blocking access to critical medicines will compromise people’s health and inevitably lead to adverse outcomes for patients,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that patients across the country have access to FDA-approved medications, vaccinations, and reproductive care. “The safety and efficacy of medications should be determined by science and medical experts – not partisan politics,” said Congresswoman Castor. “FDA sets the gold standard for drug review and approval. Floridians and Americans across the country deserve consistent access to FDA-approved medications, whether it’s for abortion care or cancer treatments. This legislation ensures that extremist politicians cannot deny patients the right to get the care and medication they need to live healthy lives.” “Everyone deserves access to life saving, FDA-approved drugs,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “But states like Texas have attempted to block Americans’ access to safe and effective abortion care medications like Mifepristone, which was approved by the federal government more than 20 years ago. I am glad to join Congresswoman Ross in introducing the Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act to protect access to FDA-approved drugs like Mifepristone and to protect the health, dignity, and freedom of women and families across our country.” This bill would:
Clarify that individuals maintain the right to access medications that have been approved, licensed, or authorized by the FDA. Affirm the right of health care providers to prescribe and dispense these medications without fear of criminalization or civil penalties from state governments. Prevent state governments from banning, restricting, or interfering with access to FDA-approved drugs, including reproductive health medications.
The text of the legislation can be found HERE. ###
July 18, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement:
“Canada strongly condemns Russia’s malicious cyber activities targeting the United Kingdom, other allies and Ukraine. Canada joins its partners and allies in calling out this activity by Russia’s military intelligence service (the GRU). Russia’s malicious cyber activity and the subsequent harmful real-world impacts it caused such as the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
“Russia’s pattern of disruptive cyber activity demonstrates a repeated disregard for the rules-based international system. It also demonstrates Russia’s willingness to use its cyber capabilities irresponsibly as part of a wider campaign to interfere with and destabilize other countries.
“Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, including the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, will continue to defend a stable cyberspace, built on the applicability of and respect for international law, as well as responsible state behaviour, in cyberspace.
“We remind Canadian organizations, especially critical infrastructure network defenders, to bolster their awareness of and protection against Russian cyber threats. We encourage all Canadians to follow updated advice and guidance at cyber.gc.ca.”
Quick facts
Previous malicious Russian cyber activities include the following:
Electoral and political interference via cyber means targeting the United Kingdom, made public in 2023
The targeting of Viasat’s KA-SAT satellite Internet service in Ukraine and other parts of Europe in February 2022
The targeting of the Ukrainian banking sector in February 2022
The exploitation of the SolarWinds Platform by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in 2021
The SVR’s targeting of Canadian COVID-19 vaccine research and development in 2020
Interference by Russia’s GRU in Georgia’s 2020 parliamentary elections
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)
House Claws Back $9 Billion in Wasteful Spending, Sends Rescissions Package to President Trump’s Desk
Washington, July 18, 2025
WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after House Republicans passed the Senate-amended rescissions request to cut $9 billion in wasteful spending uncovered by DOGE.
“President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and government efficiency. Today, we’re once again delivering on that promise.
“This package eliminates $9 billion in unnecessary and wasteful spending at the State Department, USAID, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The American people will no longer be forced to fund politically biased media and more than $8 billion in outrageous expenses overseas.
“While Republicans continue to deliver real accountability, restore fiscal discipline, and protect taxpayer dollars, Democrats continue to defend waste, fraud, and abuse. This isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. We look forward to passing additional rescissions bills throughout the 119th Congress.”
Background:
The Trump Administration’s rescissions package rescinds $9 billion of wasteful spending uncovered by DOGE, including:
$1.1 billion for Corporation for Public Broadcasting
$135 million in contributions to the corrupt and dangerous World Health Organization (WHO)
$18 million to improve gender diversity in Mexican street lighting
$4.4 million for a Melanesian Youth Climate Corps
$3.9 million for LGBTQI+ advocacy programs in the Western Balkans
$2.5 million to teach children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decisions
$300,000 to fund a pride parade in Lesotho
$500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda
$500,000 for a gender equality and empowerment hub
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Darrion K. Finley, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a shooting incident in late-2024 during an attempted traffic stop of a reported stolen vehicle. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Finley is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on July 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The Indictment charges Finley with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Attempting to Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to Prevent Certain Communications, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
If convicted, Finley faces up to life imprisonment.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Garey A. Buscaino, 48, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a decade-long pattern of producing and possessing child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Buscaino is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on July 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The Indictment charges Buscaino with the Production of Child Pornography of four different minor females between 2015 – 2025. He is also charged with the Possession of Child Pornography Involving Minors Under the Age of 12 Years Old.
If convicted, Buscaino faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment as to each minor victim for the Production of Child Pornography and up to 20 years’ imprisonment as to the Possession of Child Pornography Involving Minors Under the Age of 12 Years Old.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Wentzville, Missouri, man, Mark Randle, 44, was sentenced on July 15, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 210 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Randle was indicted in October 2020 and pleaded guilty in March 2025.
The statutory penalties for distributing methamphetamine in this case were no less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $20,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Illinois State Police; the Quincy Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Randle 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.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solodev, the AI Content Management Platform for AWS, announced today that it has achieved the latest Amazon Web Services (AWS) Government Competency, with validated specializations in Citizen Services and Public Safety. The announcement follows the recent launch of Solodev Public Sector, a cloud-first platform built for government agencies and community infrastructure that serves citizens with AI and cloud technologies to help ensure mission-critical uptime and compliance.
Solodev was recognized at the AWS Public Sector Summit in Washington, DC, in June, alongside a select group of partners—including Accenture, Datadog, Okta, and other leading technology vendors—for delivering secure, scalable, and innovative solutions to government agencies.
The achievement of this latest AWS Government Competency marks a significant milestone for Solodev. The recognition validates continued leadership and expertise in supporting AI and cloud solutions across the public sector, helping agencies modernize infrastructure, shift from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx), and deliver next-generation citizen experiences.
The timing is critical. According to industry research, by 2030, a significant portion of government operations is expected to be cloud-based, with the global cloud computing market projected to reach $1.614 trillion. Agencies are migrating legacy workloads and designing new, cloud-native applications to meet public demand. As such, governments require the best products and services to make their AI and cloud journey successful.
With its cloud-native platform and API-first content management capabilities, Solodev enables governments to evolve beyond static websites into fully composable digital experiences. Through integrations with AI-powered tools, Solodev empowers agencies to automate service delivery, support citizens through intelligent AI assistants, and deliver dynamic content across channels and devices. These capabilities are essential as digital services become the front line of citizen engagement.
Solodev’s specializations within the AWS Government Competency include:
Citizen Services: Supporting cities, counties, and transportation agencies with secure, scalable solutions for online services, licensing, permitting, and community engagement. Solodev helps organizations reduce infrastructure complexity and rapidly deploy cloud-first experiences that meet the needs of today’s digital citizens – including AI-powered search and chat that makes it easier to seek accurate answers via a secure, scalable, fully-automated UX.
Public Safety: Delivering resilient, mission-critical websites and communication tools for sheriff’s offices, emergency management agencies, and first responders. With disaster-ready infrastructure built on AWS, Solodev ensures the public has uninterrupted access to vital information during hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies.
“This recognition is more than a milestone—it’s a mandate,” said Shawn Moore, CTO of Solodev. “Government agencies are under increasing pressure to innovate and respond faster, especially in areas like public safety and citizen engagement. With AWS, we’re helping our customers build that future with cutting-edge technologies like AI—securely, reliably, and at scale. Above all, it’s about trust. Citizens expect it, and we’re proud to help government deliver on it.”
Solodev supports public sector organizations with a marketplace of apps and services, helping government agencies tap the power of AI, cloud, blockchain, and more. With a majority of organizations adding AI to their stacks, Solodev is currently deploying easy-to-use apps and AI agents powered by AWS and Amazon Bedrock, including:
AI Site Search
AI Enterprise Chat
AI App Copilot with HTML Vision™
For public sector CIOs, CTOs, and digital leaders interested in testing these AI services on their websites, Solodev offers a three-month AI pilot project for government agencies. To get started, click here.
Solodev helps developers and organizations around the globe build amazing customer experiences, from code to cloud. The Solodev Platform provides the most complete ecosystem for developing apps and launching brands powered by cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies, reinforced by world-class consulting, training, managed services, and 24/7 human support. An Amazon Web Services Advanced Technology Partner, Solodev has achieved AWS competencies in Government, Education, and Advertising & Marketing Technology. Solodev products and services can be purchased at www.solodev.com or in the AWS Marketplace.
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Art Day 2025’ through their Pan African ‘Art and Fashion with Purpose’ Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, “I am delighted to mark ‘World Art Day 2025’ as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.”
‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.
The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more.
Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024.
Dr. Kelej emphasized, “It is very well known that Africa’s creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent’s youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.”
Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.
Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.
To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:
About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), X (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Deborah Pain, Visiting Academic, University of Cambridge; Honorary Professor, University of East Anglia, University of Cambridge
The UK’s environment minister Emma Hardy has announced a ban on toxic lead ammunition to protect Britain’s countryside. This ban includes the sale and use for hunting of both lead shotgun ammunition (each cartridge of which contains hundreds of small lead pellets called “shot”), used mainly for hunting small game animals like gamebirds, and large calibre lead bullets, used for hunting large game animals like deer.
This is great news for Britain’s birds because the ban will eventually prevent the deaths and suffering of the vast numbers affected by lead poisoning each year after ingesting lead from ammunition.
Waterbirds and land-based gamebirds mistakenly eat these because they look like food or the grit they ingest to help grind up their food. Shot are retained in their gizzards (a muscular part of the stomach), ground up, and the lead dissolved and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Lead poisoning kills an estimated 50,000-100,000 waterbirds annually in the UK. These birds suffer considerably before they die. Many more birds are poisoned, but not killed.
While this additional “sublethal” poisoning does not kill birds directly, they may be more likely to die of other causes. This is because lead poisoning affects the immune system and behaviour.
Gamebirds will no longer be able to be killed using lead shot under a new ban in Britain. AdamEdwards/Shutterstock
The use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl and over certain wetlands is already banned in England and Wales. It is also banned for shooting over all wetlands in Scotland.
However, compliance with the regulations in England is only about 30%, and is also low in Scotland, although has not been measured in Wales. This new comprehensive ban should dramatically improve the situation across all habitats throughout Britain.
Birds of prey, including eagles, common buzzards and red kites ingest lead fragments when they scavenge flesh from animals killed by lead ammunition, or prey on animals wounded by lead ammunition. The acidic conditions in their stomachs help dissolve the lead.
Our research shows that while fewer birds of prey than waterbirds are estimated to die of lead poisoning, it can have a far greater effect on their populations, especially for species that first breed at a later age, produce fewer young, and would otherwise have higher annual adult survival rates.
The lead ban will benefit birds that live in Britain permanently or for just part of the year. But it will not entirely solve the problem for migratory species. If lead shot continues to be used elsewhere, these species may still ingest it on migration or on their breeding or wintering grounds.
Beyond borders
To protect all species, lead ammunition needs to be replaced by non-lead alternatives everywhere. The use of lead shot is already banned in many wetlands globally. Across the EU, a ban on the use of lead shot in or close to wetlands came into force in February 2023.
Now, Britain is set to become the second country to ban most uses of lead ammunition. This has been made possible by the increasing availability of safe, efficient and affordable non-lead ammunition alternatives, primarily steel shot and copper bullets.
In February 2025, the European Commission published a draft regulation banning most uses of lead ammunition and fishing weights. This awaits approval under EU processes – if successful, it will represent a major step forward.
Beyond birds
Birds are particularly susceptible to the effects of ingested lead from ammunition due to their muscular gizzards and stomach acidity. But it also puts the health of many other animals at risk, including pets and people.
The UK government based its decision to ban lead ammunition on a report by the Health and Safety Executive which highlighted risks to the health of young children and women of pregnancy age if they frequently eat meat from game hunted with lead ammunition. Children’s developing nervous systems are particularly sensitive to the effects of lead.
We recently urged the EU’s committee of member states for Reach (the chemicals regulation), the European parliament and council to fully support the European Commission’s proposal to restrict lead ammunition.
We also encouraged the European Food Safety Authority to recommend that the European Commission set a legal maximum level for lead in game meat marketed for human consumption. This maximum level should be similar to the one already set for meat from most farmed animals.
Until this happens, and more countries follow suit by banning all use of lead ammunition for hunting, the health of wildlife, domestic animals and vulnerable groups of people will continue to be threatened by the toxic effects of lead from ammunition.
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Deborah Pain is an Honorary Professor at the University of East Anglia (Biological Sciences) and a Visiting Academic in the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge. She has been an independent scientist since April 2018. She has received no remuneration for research on lead poisoning since that time, but, along with colleagues, has received funding for the costs of research and chemical analysis from a number of sources, as acknowledged in published papers. She was a member of the UK REACH Independent Scientific Expert Pool (RISEP) and within this the Challenge Panel on Lead in Ammunition and received payment for that work. However, her published research on lead poisoning was independent of that process.
Rhys Green has received funding for research from several organisations including the RSPB, where he was principal conservation scientist until 2017. He is now retired. He is an unpaid volunteer research scientist at RSPB and Emeritus Honorary Professor of Conservation Science in the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge. He is a member of the UK REACH Independent Scientific Expert Pool (RISEP), which is an expert group set up by a UK government agency, the Health & Safety Executive. He receives occasional payments for work done on behalf of RISEP. He is on the Board of Trustees of Chester Zoo.
Niels Kanstrup 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.
In 2022, somebody in the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) mistakenly shared a spreadsheet containing the personal information associated with 18,714 Afghans and their family members. This data breach, and the efforts to cover it up, raises serious questions about state secrecy, blame-shifting and accountability.
After discovering the mistake in August 2023, the government covered up their spectacular error with an unprecedented injunction “contra mundum” (against the world). This “superinjunction” prohibited journalists and others in the know – like one author of this article (Professor Sara de Jong) – from reporting the breach and even the very existence of the injunction.
When the superinjunction was finally lifted on July 15, John Healey, the defence secretary, revealed that the MoD had operated a secret resettlement scheme for Afghans whose data had been leaked at risk from the Taliban. To date, 900 Afghans and 3,600 family members have been flown to Britain or are currently in transit via this scheme. A further 600 people and their immediate family members are still in Afghanistan, being promised evacuation. Many thousands of others on the list were already resettled in the UK via two other official routes.
The spectacular nature and impact of this data leak should not distract from the fact that it is not entirely unique. The personal data of Afghan applicants had already been exposed by the MoD in an earlier series of data breaches in September 2021.
The superinjunction is only the latest in a string of silences that have prevented accountability on Afghanistan and other issues to do with national security.
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In the wake of the dramatic Nato withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the foreign affairs select committee was dependent on whistleblowers to get to the truth about then prime minister Boris Johnson’s prioritisation of an animal charity for evacuation, over others at acute risk. Political accountability over the chaos of the evacuation was compromised by the foreign office who, according to then committee chair Tom Tugendhat, “repeatedly has given us answers that, in our judgement, are at best intentionally evasive, and often deliberately misleading”.
The Ministry of Defence – including Healey in his statement on the data breach – routinely cites the deaths of 457 British soldiers as the “costs of war” in Afghanistan. But the department only released the data on how many Afghan interpreters died alongside them after a freedom of information request by Sara de Jong. The MoD, even after several freedom of information Requests and appeals, refuses to provide further details about the circumstances of their deaths.
Even the latest shocking revelations didn’t end with the lifting of the superinjunction. A secondary injunction was lifted on July 17, revealing that the leaked list also contained the identities of dozens of British officials, including spies and special forces.
Selective secrecy
In the wider context of government leaks and secrecy, critical questions need to be asked about which secrets are kept, by whom and why.
In his judgement lifting the superinjunction, Mr Justice Chamberlain credited media organisations and individual journalists involved with the fact that they had kept the leak confidential. Like Sara, some had become aware of the breach several months before Healey (the then-shadow defence secretary was informed in December 2023). But all kept quiet to keep Afghans at risk safe, not to cover up their own errors.
The government invests in secrecy when it also has its own embarrassment to hide, whether it is an extraordinary superinjunction or secrecy about the prioritisation of a pet charity during the Afghanistan evacuation.
Appeals to national security routinely obstruct media, legal and public access to information to hold the government to account. Meanwhile, many Afghans are left wondering why their and their loved ones’ data was on a spreadsheet that could be emailed around with a click of the wrong button.
Effects on Afghans
The consequences of the cover-up will be felt most acutely by Afghans – those on the leaked list still waiting for evacuation, including family members of Afghans already in the UK, whose own presence may be complicated further by anti-immigration sentiment.
Following the revelations, Healey announced that the secret relocation scheme was now closed, following the sudden decision to close the two official Afghan resettlement schemes.
The decision to shut down the two publicly known resettlement schemes, he claimed, was based on “policy concerns about proportionality, public accountability, cost and fairness”, as well as a commissioned report on the impact of the leak.
He defended his decisions saying that “the taxpayer should be paying £1.2 billion less over the next few years, and that around 9,500 fewer Afghans will come to this country”. In the context of ongoing anti-immigration rhetoric, the mention of costs combined with refugees is as unsurprising as it is inflammatory.
On the day of announcement, affected Afghans were sent a notice by the MoD and a link where they could find out if their data had been compromised. The email said very little about what the MoD could offer, and said a lot about what measures Afghans were now supposed to take: use a virtual private network, limit who can see your social media profiles.
Afghans unlucky enough to be Afghanistan were simply advised that, “If you are outside the UK, please do not try to travel to a third country without a valid passport and visa. If you do so, you will be putting yourself at risk on the journey, and you may face the risk of being deported back to Afghanistan”.
It is almost impossible for Afghans to travel legally without international assistance. And, since the Taliban are not recognised as a legitimate government, embassies are closed for citizens to even obtain legal travel documentation.
Given that the British government recognises the real risk of rights violations in Afghanistan, as well as the ongoing assault on women’s rights by the Taliban, it seems contradictory – and a remarkable abdication of responsibility – to close routes to safety.
Victoria Canning has received funding from UKRI and British Academy.
Sara de Jong has received funding from the British Academy (Mid-Career Fellowship 2022) for research on Afghan interpreters and their claims to protection and rights. She is the chair of the board of trustees of the Sulha Alliance CIO, which advocates for and supports Afghan interpreters employed by the British Army.
As summer holidays begin, many travellers are packing more than just swimsuits and sunscreen – for millions, medicines are essential. But taking them abroad isn’t always simple. From legal pitfalls to temperature-sensitive drugs, here’s how to travel safely and legally with your medication.
Know the law
Medicines that are legal in the UK can be restricted or even banned in other countries. Having a valid prescription doesn’t guarantee you can take a medicine into another country.
For example, Nurofen Plus, which contains codeine (an opioid painkiller), is prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia and the UAE.
Even common cold remedies containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine can land you in trouble in places like Japan and South Korea. This is because pseudoephedrine can be used to make methamphetamine (“speed”). Likewise, many stimulant ADHD drugs are also banned from these countries.
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Some countries have restrictions on the amount of medication that you are allowed to bring into the country – usually a maximum of three months supply.
Travellers often overlook how strict customs regulations can be regarding medications. Even if prescribed for a valid medical reason, carrying a prohibited drug can lead to confiscation (leaving you without essential treatment), fines (especially in countries with tough drug laws) and detention or arrest in rare but serious cases.
If you’re travelling with certain controlled drugs – such as opioids, stimulants or psychotropic substances – you may need to apply for an export licence from the UK Home Office. This is typically required when carrying a supply of three months or more. Examples of controlled drugs include diazepam (for anxiety and muscle spasms), codeine and morphine (for pain), amphetamines (for ADHD) and temazepam (for insomnia).
Before you travel, check whether your medicine is affected by any of these restrictions. Use the country’s embassy website or the UK government’s travel advice to check the rules of your destination country.
This should provide guidance on whether you simply need a copy of your prescription, a doctor’s letter or a special import certificate (some countries require official documentation even for personal use).
The UK government advises carrying controlled drugs or any drugs that might be restricted in your hand luggage. You should take along a prescription or a signed letter from your doctor detailing your medication, dosage and travel dates.
Ensure you take sufficient supplies for the duration of your trip and include extras for unexpected delays, damage or loss.
It might be tempting to save space by transferring pills or liquids into smaller containers or pill organisers. While this can be convenient, it’s not always advisable. Customs officials may not recognise unlabelled containers, increasing the chance of delays or confiscation.
Some medications are sensitive to light, air or temperature, and must remain in their original packaging to stay effective. For example, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) sprays like Lenzetto must not be decanted.
These products rely on precise metered dosing and specialised packaging to deliver the correct amount of hormone. Transferring them to another container could result in incorrect dosing or loss of potency.
Similarly, GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) tablets, used to treat angina, should always be stored in their original glass bottle. The active ingredient can evaporate if exposed to air, reducing the tablets’ effectiveness.
You might be worried about the 100ml liquid in hand luggage restriction – with a doctor’s letter certifying the need for this medicine, you should be able to take larger amounts of liquid medicine through security.
Medicines should always be kept in their original packaging with labels intact. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist whether your medication can be safely repackaged for travel.
It’s also important to split your supply of medicines between bags (if more than one is used) in case one is lost. Tablets and capsules can sometimes be placed in a pill organiser for daily use, but always carry the original box or prescription label as backup.
Some medicines require refrigeration – like Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) injections for weight loss or insulin.
Usually, unopened Wegovy pens and insulin preparations should be stored between 2°C and 8°C in a fridge. Once out of the fridge, they can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days, but must be protected from heat and sunlight. High temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or a hot car, can damage insulin.
When travelling, use an insulated travel case or cool pack, but avoid placing pens or other medicines directly next to ice packs to prevent freezing.
Airlines generally do not provide refrigeration or freezer storage for passenger items, including medicines, due to space and liability concerns, but it’s worth contacting them to see if they can help with arrangements for storage. Inspect insulin for crystals after flying – if any are present, it should be discarded.
You can bring needles and injectable medicines like EpiPens (for allergies), insulin or Wegovy in your hand luggage. But it’s important to carry a doctor’s note stating your medical condition and the necessity of the medication, and a copy of your prescription.
You should also declare them at airport security. Security officers may inspect these items separately, so allow for extra time going through security.
Contact your airline for any specific rules on needles and injectable medicines. Always carry such medicines and medical devices in your hand luggage – checked bags can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Don’t skip doses
Tempting as it may be to leave your medication behind for a short trip, doing so can be risky. Stopping treatment – even temporarily – can lead to relapse or worsening of symptoms (especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or depression).
For medicines like antidepressants or opioids, people may start feeling withdrawal effects. You’re also at risk of reduced effectiveness if you miss doses of medicines that require consistent levels in your bloodstream.
If you’re considering a break from your medication, consult your doctor first. They can advise whether a short pause is safe or help you plan a travel-friendly regimen.
Take the right documents
While showing your NHS app to border officials may help demonstrate that a medicine is prescribed to you, it’s not always sufficient – especially when travelling with restricted or controlled drugs and injectable medicines.
Most countries require a copy of your prescription, and a doctor’s letter confirming the medication is for personal use. Your doctor is not legally obliged to issue this letter, but most will do so upon request.
It’s best to ask at least one to two weeks in advance, as some practices may charge a fee or require time to prepare the documentation.
Travelling with medication doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require planning. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your holiday without compromising your health or running afoul of foreign laws.
Dipa Kamdar 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.
With the rise of sustainable tourism (travelling in a way that minimises harm to the environment, and benefits local communities), words such as “sustainable”, “”eco” and “green” appear on countless holiday brochures. From five-star hotels promoting “eco luxury” to airlines pledging to reduce carbon emissions and destinations making various green claims, sustainability is increasingly being used as a marketing tool.
But with so many green claims floating around, it’s hard to know who is really providing sustainable travel and who is just greenwashing. A recent report shows that 53% of green claims are vague, misleading, or unfounded – and half of all green labels offer weak or non-existent verification.
So, how can travellers distinguish genuine sustainability from greenwash that exaggerates environmental claims to attract eco-conscious travellers?
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Sustainability certification is a voluntary, third-party assessment that verifies a product, service, or organisation meets certain environmental, social, or ethical standards. These certifications provide a structure to manage, improve and communicate sustainability performance.
More than 100 sustainable certifications promise that they have vetted tourism businesses so you can have a satisfying and guilt-free holiday.
Yet, not all certifications are made equal, as our recent research shows. Most certification schemes audit actions taken, rather than assessing how effective these are.
They assure you that the hotel you are staying in has an environmental policy or that it is progressively reducing some of its negative effects on the environment, but not that their energy or water consumption is well below that of its competitors, for example.
Choosing a sustainable holiday involves more than just travel to your destination. PhotoSunnyDays/Shutterstock
One major challenge is that consumers are not using these labels to inform their buying decisions. Next time you travel, select businesses certified by an organisation with a proven track record of verification and transparency. There are several things a strong certification should do:
First, it should be third-party verified. This ensures that the green claims are independently checked.
Second, it needs specific and clear criteria. Beware of vague sustainability claims, such as “eco-friendly”. Look for certifications that require transparent reporting on performance for specific environmental actions, such as waste management, or responsible sourcing.
Third, it should go beyond eco-savings. Reducing energy and water consumption saves the hotel money. They should not get a prize for that. Seek evidence of the certification promoting best practice in complex issues like biodiversity conservation and dignity in the workplace.
Examples of sustainable tourism certifications to keep an eye on include Green Key (the largest label in Europe); B Corp (which measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact); The Long Run (a promoter of nature conservation); and Fair Trade Tourism (a promoter of fair working conditions). These certifications require businesses to undergo regular audits to maintain them.
In case you are thinking it’s not your responsibility to find out who is any good – you are right. The EU Green Claims Directive (due to be implemented by 2026) is a new legislation that requires companies to prove their environmental claims and labels, and ensure they are credible and trustworthy. This directive recognises the greenwash problem and will require certification to be based on assessment of actual performance – in tourism, and every other sector of the economy. The directive applies to any business anywhere in the world that sells to consumers from the EU. Expect fewer, but more respected and recognisable labels, that reduce consumer confusion.
Certification is only part of the picture. Your next holiday can make a greater contribution to local communities while minimising its harm to the environment. Take the time to consider how your trip can be part of a larger, positive contribution. Here are more ways to ensure that your holiday supports local communities and the environment:
Make sure you travel shorter and stay longer. Research shows that transport is a major part of the carbon footprint of your trip. Fly less (if at all). Choose flights with lower carbon footprints – various booking sites now tell customers the carbon footprint for each flight at the time of purchase. And stay longer so you spend more locally, for that same flight.
Choose tour operators that prioritise locally owned and small suppliers. Buy souvenirs that are made locally, and you can only find in that country. Travel slow – soak in where you are. Hike, cycle, use local transport. You will see more of the real place you are in.
Choose buses and trains over private cars. Rent electric vehicles and select accommodation that provides charging facilities. And enjoy local and seasonal rather than imported food. Eat everything in your plate, rather than create food waste.
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cate Williams, Knowledge Exchange Fellow at Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University
Bluetongue causes illness and death in cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants.Juice Flair/Shutterstock
A tiny midge, no bigger than a pinhead, is bringing UK farming to its knees. The culprit? A strain of the bluetongue virus that’s never been seen before.
As of July 1, the whole of England has been classed as an “infected area” due to bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).
There are movement restrictions and testing in place in Scotland, Wales and the island of Ireland. No animals from England – or that have passed through England – are allowed to attend this year’s Royal Welsh Show on July 21-24, for example.
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The virus, which causes illness and death in sheep, cattle, goats and other ruminants, is spread by biting midges. Although it poses no risk to humans and can’t be transmitted from one animal to another, the latest outbreak is more severe than previous ones. And it could cause lasting damage to UK farming.
Bluetongue isn’t new to the UK, however. A different strain, BTV-8 was detected in 2007 and contained. But BTV-3 is a different story. First detected in the Netherlands in late 2023, it was quickly spotted in the UK, where an early containment effort initially appeared successful.
But the virus made a comeback in autumn 2024 – and this time it spread. On its second attempt, the virus was able to circulate and caused an outbreak. With little existing immunity, BTV-3 has now established itself, prompting concerns about animal welfare, food production and farming livelihoods.
What does the disease do?
Sheep tend to be the most severely affected, though all ruminants are at risk. Clinical signs are species-specific but can include swelling of the face, congestion, nasal discharge, ulcers in the mouth and nose, difficulty breathing and abortion or birth deformities.
Bluetongue can cause the animal’s tongue to swell. It can also turn blue from lack of blood flow – although this is somewhat rare.
Bluetongue disease causes suffering in animals, and while there is a vaccine, there is no treatment for the disease once it’s contracted.
BTV-3 appears to be more lethal than earlier strains. In the Netherlands, vets report that BTV-3 is causing more severe symptoms than BTV-8 did.
Vets in England reported that in some herds 25-40% of cows failed to get pregnant, and there was a high rate of birth defects and stillborn calves. One farm in Suffolk started the calving season with 25% of their cows not pregnant and ended with just 48 calves from 97 cows.
Belgium has seen a fall in calf births, reduced milk deliveries and higher mortality in small ruminants compared to the previous three years.
How is it spread?
Bluetongue virus is transmitted by midges from the Culicoides genus. These are tiny, biting insects that thrive in mild, wet conditions.
Multiple midges can bite the same animal, and it only takes one of them to carry BTV before that animal becomes a host for further transmission. When animals are transported long distances, infected individuals can be bitten again and introduce the virus to previously uninfected midge populations.
Climate change is making outbreaks like this more likely. Milder winters and cooler, wetter summers are ideal for midges, increasing both their numbers and their biting activity.
While there’s no danger to human health, the consequences of BTV-3 are far-reaching. Limitations on movement, exports and imports are being imposed to help prevent the spread of the disease, but this could also hamper farming practices and trade.
The disease and its associated restrictions pose another source of stress for farmers, 95% of whom have ranked mental health as the biggest hidden problem in farming.
Genetic pick and mix
One of the reasons bluetongue is so tricky to manage is its ability to evolve. It has a segmented genome, meaning its genetic material, in this case RNA, is split into ten segments. This characteristic is exclusive to “reassortment viruses” and means that they can easily exchange segments of RNA. It’s like a genetic pick and mix with ten different types of sweets that come in an unlimited number of flavours.
This allows BTV to create new, genetically distinct “serotypes”, which may have a selective advantage or a disadvantage. Those with an advantage will emerge and spread successfully, while those with a disadvantage will not emerge at all. This process, known as “reassortment”, is partly responsible for the numerous influenza pandemics throughout history and has even allowed diseases to jump the species barrier.
Although bluetongue doesn’t affect humans directly, its spread poses a growing threat to the UK’s livestock sector and food supply. It’s important to learn from other countries that are further along in the BTV-3 outbreak so that the likely effects can be anticipated in the UK.
Cate Williams 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.
At its recent conference in Brighton, the union Unite voted overwhelmingly to expel deputy prime minister Angela Rayner from membership.
The successful motion denounced the way Birmingham’s Labour council has handled a pay dispute with the city’s bin workers, which, it claimed, involved large pay cuts. The motion also condemned the Labour government for supporting the council.
Rayner was suspended because, in the words of Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, she had “backed a rogue council that has peddled lies and smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts”.
The resolution called upon the union leadership to “re-examine” its relationship with the Labour party. Graham added: “People up and down the country are asking whose side is the Labour government on and coming up with the answer, not workers”.
Rayner’s suspension seems an extraordinary move. The soft-left deputy PM is the most senior pro-union voice in the government and has a long history in the union movement. Crucially, when in opposition, Rayner was primarily responsible for hammering out a package of measures with the unions that was designed to bolster employee rights. These measures are now in the process of being codified in the employment rights bill that is making its way through parliament.
Why Rayner (along with some Birmingham Labour councillors) was selected for expulsion is unclear. Perhaps the union was simply lashing out. The impact of its decision was lessened by the fact that Rayner says she had already resigned from Unite and remains a member of Unison, a union in which she once served as an official.
Unite and Labour
The more significant move was (or appeared to be) the pledge to “re-examine” Unite’s relationship with the party. This should be placed in the context both of recent controversies over attempts to means-test winter fuel payments and cut disability benefits, and of reports of moves to form a new leftwing party under the putative leadership of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana..
Might Unite disaffiliate from Labour and rally behind the new party? Given that Unite, with its 1.2 million members, is Britain’s second largest union (after Unison), and, over the years, has been a generous donor to Labour, such a move would be significant. Support from Unite could give the new leftwing party real heft and allow it to pose a worrying threat to Labour’s electoral prospects.
Unite’s recent history might suggest this as a possibility. With a long tradition stretching back over three quarters of a century, Unite (and its precursor, the TGWU) has been a stalwart of the Labour left. Under its leftwing general secretary, Len McCluskey, Unite made a major contribution to Ed Miliband’s election as party leader in 2010. McCluskey subsequently attacked Miliband for drifting too far to the right.
The union then played a crucial role in sustaining Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership: indeed, without its support, Corbyn might not have survived so long. And as it became evident that Keir Starmer was determined to wrench the party to the right, Unite once more became the centre of leftwing dissent.
McCluskey retired in 2021, but neither of the two candidates affiliated to his “Unite left” faction won the election to succeed him. Unexpectedly, they were both defeated by Graham, another leftwinger who believed that Unite had become too embroiled in internal Labour party matters and was determined to divert resources away from funding the Labour party to industrial activities.
The dog that hasn’t barked
However, Graham’s desire to divest from Labour should not be taken as a sign that she wants to reinvest in another party. The whole thrust of Graham’s leadership is to give much higher priority to industrial than to political concerns.
Even had she not been so explicit about this, union leaders are, above all, realists. They are concerned with the practicalities of protecting the interests of their members and hence averse to risky political experimentation.
And, however contentious a role Unite has played in the Labour party, multiple ties, in terms of history, tradition, ethos and interest, still bind the two together.
The row between Unite and Labour shouldn’t lead us to overlook the fact that, despite all the controversies and disappointments, the other major union affiliates, including Unison, GMB and USDAW, have largely refrained from public criticism of the government.
This is a sign of loyalty. The unions do not wish to add to the massive problems the Starmer government already faces. But it’s also evidence that, however undersold, the Labour government is delivering on the issues that matter to unions. Its employment rights bill promises the most significant enhancement of individual and collective worker rights in a generation. The unions will allow nothing to jeopardise this.
But for Starmer, there is no room at all for complacency. With a stuttering economy, greatly overstretched public services, a cost of living crisis and very difficult public sector pay negotiations, even the most sympathetic union leaders will come under great pressure from a disgruntled rank and file to take a tougher line with the government. The road ahead will be rocky.
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353 July 18, 2025
Chairman Cotton to Hegseth: DoD Cannot Allow China to Infiltrate its Critical Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, requesting information about Department of Defense contractors that hire Chinese personnel to provide maintenance and services to department systems. This letter follows a report about Microsoft currently employing engineers in China to maintain Department of Defense systems.
In part, Senator Cotton wrote:
“The U.S. government recognizes that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains. DoD must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.”
Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
The Honorable Pete Hegseth Secretary of Defense U.S. Department of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301
Dear Secretary Hegseth:
I write concerning a report that Microsoft is currently employing engineers in China to maintain Department of Defense (DoD) systems, potentially exposing our nation’s most sensitive data to a foreign adversary.[1]
Chinese state-sponsored hacking campaigns have long targeted U.S. officials through Microsoft systems. Now Microsoft is allegedly relying on U.S. citizens serving as “digital escorts” to supervise these Chinese engineers’ activities on DoD systems. While this arrangement technically meets the requirement that U.S. citizens handle sensitive data, digital escorts often do not have the technical training or expertise needed to catch malicious code or suspicious behavior.
The U.S. government recognizes that China’s cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains. DoD must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.
I respectfully request the following information by July 31, 2025.
A list of DoD contractors that hire Chinese personnel to provide maintenance or other services on DoD systems
A list of subcontractors that hire digital escorts for Microsoft, or any other entity, and their interview and technical assessment process for candidates
The training contractors or subcontractors provide to digital escorts on how to identify suspicious activity
Any recommendations for closing existing loopholes in FedRAMP requirements
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
The ePermit Act would digitize the permitting process across the federal government
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the bipartisan ePermit Act to digitize the United States permitting process, reducing processing time for all federal permits, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews.
In April, President Trump published a memorandum to emphasize the importance of modernizing permitting technology. This process began under the Biden Administration in the codification of an e-NEPA study that explored the creation of a digital permitting system. The ePermit Act builds on this momentum and provides legislative clarity and direction on how agencies should implement such an electronic permitting system.
“Our permitting system is old, complicated, and slow — if we want to build the infrastructure, roads, bridges, broadband, and clean energy of the future, we need to modernize and streamline the permit process,” said Peters. “Our bipartisan ePermit Act builds on the efforts of the last two administrations and brings our permitting process into the 21st century. I look forward to working with Representative Johnson to pass this commonsense bill into law.”
“The government, industries, and citizens all agree that it takes too long to build in America,” said Johnson. “Completing the permitting process by paper is an archaic waste of time. Digitizing the system will speed up the process, save federal dollars, and cut down delays. Making this commonsense change will unleash investment in American communities and workers.”
Background:
The current permitting process has failed to ensure project permitting is on-time and on-task. Oftentimes, the root causes of delays in the environmental review process have little to do with questions about environmental protection and a lot to do with failure to embrace modern technology and move on from legacy bureaucratic approaches, like paper forms.
Congress must address the root causes for delays, which include compiling and reviewing lengthy paper documents, a lack of accessibility and transparency – leading to misunderstanding, conflicts, and all too often, protracted litigation – and continued reliance on outdated technologies and processes for interagency review and comment.
The ePermit Act would address these root causes by establishing a framework for agencies to implement a digital permitting system and unified portal.
Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung today visited the Civil Engineering & Development Department to learn about the department’s progress in optimising operational efficiency and services through the application of technology, as well as its work in slope safety safety and landslip prevention and mitigation.
Mrs Yeung met Director of Civil Engineering & Development Michael Fong and directorate staff to learn about the key initiatives of the Civil Engineering Office, the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) and regional development offices.
She also met staff representatives from various grades in the department to hear about matters of concern to them.
Mrs Yeung said the expectations on the civil service from the community are constantly rising and that the challenges posed by extreme weather are becoming increasingly severe.
“I hope my colleagues will continue to strive for excellence, review workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and respond to changes with smart innovations. This will strengthen the public’s sense of fulfilment, happiness and security.”
During Mrs Yeung’s visit to the GEO Emergency Control Centre, officers showed her the “Common Operation Picture” developed and managed by the department.
The electronic system facilitates the sharing of real-time information among different government departments to assist in monitoring emergencies such as landslides, flooding and fallen trees, and to enhance contingency co-ordination.
The GEO maintains a 24-hour, year-round emergency service, providing geotechnical advice to rescue teams and government departments on any emergency actions to be taken to deal with danger arising from landslides.
Mrs Yeung also learned that the department started a trial run of its in-house developed, AI-empowered Landslip Warning System this year.
The new system can further enhance the accuracy of the predicted number of landslides during heavy rainstorms, thereby improving landslide risk assessment and early warning capabilities.
In addition, officers responsible for planning and terrain evaluation briefed Mrs Yeung on the Digital Aerial Photograph Interpretation System launched last year.
The system digitalises historical aerial photographs and centralises such imagery on an instantly accessible digital platform.
It not only allows government departments and related organisations to remotely search, view and analyse high-resolution 3D data, but it also empowers professionals to map and visualise 3D terrains to support related research relating to slope safety management and land planning.
The system also eliminates the need to store physical photographs, and helps to shorten construction times, reduce construction costs, and promote environmental efficiency.
The department’s staff also spoke about their efforts to enhance the speed and efficiency in order to support the development of the Northern Metropolis.
The Northern Metropolis is located in a geologically complex area with very limited engineering data. To speed up development and minimise the work required across different projects, the GEO has initiated a regional ground investigation study in the Northwest New Territories, which involves carrying out ground drilling and rock load tests in strategic areas.
WILMINGTON, Del., July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onfolio Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONFO, ONFOW) (OTC: ONFOP) (“Onfolio” or the “Company”) today announced the official launch of a strategic partnership program designed to help content creators scale their businesses through hands-on support, shared expertise, and resource investments. In return, the Company will earn a share of the incremental revenue generated through each partnership.
The program targets digital educators, course creators, and knowledge entrepreneurs who excel in creating high-quality content but often lack the marketing infrastructure, financial strategy, or operational capacity needed to unlock exponential growth. By combining the creator’s talent with Onfolio’s proven expertise in scaling information product businesses, the partnership model creates a mutually beneficial path to long-term value creation.
“Many course creators are brilliant educators and product builders, but they struggle with the business side, especially marketing, automation, and monetization,” said Dominic Wells, CEO of Onfolio. “This program allows us to deploy our team, playbook, and resources to help them reach their full potential – while also building a strong, recurring revenue stream for our business.”
Onfolio has a track record of success in the digital education space, and this new initiative reflects its continued focus on scalable, asset-light growth opportunities with high margins and long-term upside. The Company is actively onboarding partners and expects to announce its first cohort of creators in the coming weeks.
Onfolio acquires, operates, and scales a diversified portfolio of digital companies. The Company focuses on businesses with strong cash flows, long-term growth potential, and experienced leadership—or those that can be effectively managed by Onfolio’s in-house team. By targeting under-optimized businesses with untapped potential, Onfolio adds value through operational expertise, strategic guidance, and advanced technologies. For more information, visit www.onfolio.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “explores,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding expected operating results, such as revenue growth and earnings, and strategy for growth and financial results. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing new customer offerings, changes in customer order patterns, changes in customer offering mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, delays due to issues with outsourced service providers, those events and factors described by us in Item 1.A “Risk Factors” in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and other risks to which our Company is subject, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Company Contact: Investor Communications Onfolio Holdings Inc. Investors@Onfolio.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy released the following statement after the House Rules Committee advanced H.Res. 589 and President Donald J. Trump ordered the Attorney General to release all grand jury testimony related to the Epstein files:
“I fully support President Trump’s call for ultimate transparency and applaud his order to release all grand jury testimony connected to the Epstein case. This is a bold and necessary move to deliver long-overdue justice to the victims and expose every criminal involved in this horrific abuse. I salute him for taking decisive action where others have failed.
“I proudly joined my Republican colleagues in advancing H.Res. 589 to demand the full release of all credible Epstein documents—while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the victims. Every individual who committed crimes—especially against minors—must face the full force of the law.
“Democrats had four years under the Biden Administration to pursue the truth, and they chose to do absolutely nothing. This week, they attempted a cynical political stunt that wouldn’t have released a single file. I voted no because it was a gimmick—not a path to justice. They had another chance to do the right thing last night. Instead, they once again chose obstruction and silence.
“House Republicans are taking real action to uncover the truth, hold the guilty accountable, and ensure the victims finally receive justice. With President Trump’s leadership, the stonewalling ends now. The American people deserve to know the full truth—and we will not stop until they have it.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advanceH.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. The bill, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216-213, codifies the Trump Administration’s rescissions request, clawing back $9 billion in federal spending. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote:
“President Trump ran on three things—securing the border, lowering taxes, and uprooting wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive spending,” said Rep. Mann. “For years, President Obama and President Biden talked about our bloated national debt and tried to push more taxes on hard-working Americans. President Trump is the first president in two decades to actually do something about our debt and roll back wasteful spending. Sending billions of Americans’ tax dollars overseas for LGBTQ movements, voter ID initiatives, and Green New Deal efforts isn’t just wasteful, it’s highway robbery. I was proud to claw back this wasteful spending to steward Kansans’ hard earned tax dollars well and begin to restore fiscal responsibility in our country.”
President Trump’s rescissions package rescinds $9 billion in federal spending for programs including:
$167,000 for free education and healthcare to Ecuadorian and Venezuelan migrants
$889,000 for electoral reforms and voter education in Kenya
$1 million for voter ID in Haiti
$33,000 for “Being LGBTI in the Caribbean”
$643,000 for LGBTQI+ programs in the Western Balkans
$567,000 for LBGTQI+ programs in Uganda
$8,000 for promoting vegan food in Zambia
$500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda
$1 million for programs to strengthen the resilience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer global movements
$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street
$2.5 million for teaching young children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decisions
$2.1 million for climate resilience in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and East Africa
$3 million for circumcision, vasectomies, and condoms in Zambia
$833,000 for services for “transgender people, sex workers and their clients and sexual networks” in Nepal
H.R. 4 will now go to White House for the President’s signature.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
UKHSA issues warning over botulism
UKHSA warns public to be alert to botulism following adverse reactions to cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism after a small number of individuals presented to NHS healthcare settings following adverse reactions after receiving cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin.
The cases are in addition to those recently diagnosed in the North East region and relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. To date, 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism have been reported between 4 June and 14 July 2025.
As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East.
Investigations are ongoing but evidence so far suggests the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. It is understood that those practitioners involved in this latest incident have ceased the procedure and are co-operating with the ongoing investigation.
Reactions have included:
difficulty swallowing
slurred speech
breathing difficulty requiring respiratory support
UKHSA has issued national advice to clinicians to ensure that they look out for botulism in people who may have had a recent aesthetic procedure, in order to provide them appropriate treatment which includes giving anti-toxin.
UKHSA is also advising people to take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures, including checking if the product being used is licensed.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said:
We are working closely with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures.
Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These toxins (but not the bacteria) are the active ingredient in ‘Botox’ and similar products.
Symptoms of botulism can take up to 4 weeks to develop and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.
If you are considering having a cosmetic procedure, please make sure to check that your practitioner is using a licensed product. On the NHS website there is more information on what sensible steps you can take when finding a practitioner.
Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said:
When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments.
If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS.uk website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said:
Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them.
Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution.
This letter and its annex serve as a written notice to improve governance, financial governance and financial management at South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Official visit from Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to the UK
During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between both nations.
President Peña delivering the Canning Lecture at Canning House
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña visited the United Kingdom this week, marking a historic milestone in UK–Paraguay relations. The Paraguayan Head of State was received in audience by His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
The visit comes as the two countries celebrate over 170 years of diplomatic ties and reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade, sustainable investment, education, and climate action.
Throughout the visit, President Peña engaged with high-level political, business and academic leaders. His agenda included a keynote address at Canning House, and a business roundtable with leading UK companies in the energy and technology sectors.
The Royal Audience with King Charles III, described by President Peña as a “historic moment,” underscored the mutual respect and shared values that continue to bind both nations. British Ambassador to Paraguay, Danielle Dunne, who accompanied the visit, stated: “It was an honour to witness this historic occasion. The UK and Paraguay are natural partners, and this visit demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth for our nations.”
During the visit, a United Kingdom-Paraguay Friendship Charter was signed between Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy, committing both nations to enhanced cooperation across trade, security, democracy, climate action, and education.
This landmark visit marks a new chapter in UK–Paraguay relations. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with total goods and services exchange reaching £70 million in the last recorded period – a 42.9% increase from the previous year. President Peña’s visit reflects Paraguay’s growing strategic relevance as a reliable partner in Latin America, and the UK’s intention to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties with nations committed to progress and shared prosperity.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday launched the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes 2.0 (NSCSTI 2.0) at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI) in Delhi. Developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), this revamped framework marks a significant step toward building a future-ready civil service, aligning with the Modi government’s vision of integrating best practices from both public and private sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the transformative potential of NSCSTI 2.0, stating, “This milestone is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s encouragement of out-of-the-box thinking and breaking past taboos. NSCSTI 2.0 is not just a compliance tool but a transformative step toward institutional excellence.” He highlighted the framework’s role in fostering cooperative and competitive federalism, enabling training institutes to evaluate and enhance their performance, much like the Aspirational Districts Programme has uplifted backward districts.
The NSCSTI 2.0 framework introduces a streamlined and inclusive approach to civil services training. It reduces evaluation metrics from 59 to 43 for greater clarity and outcome-focused assessments. Developed through consultations with over 160 Civil Service Training Institutes (CSTIs), assessors, and domain experts, the framework addresses real-world training challenges. It is adaptable for training institutes at all government levels, including Central, State, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Embracing modern learning trends, NSCSTI 2.0 integrates hybrid learning models and AI-driven training mechanisms. It incorporates progressive elements such as Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), the Karmayogi Competency Model (KCM), and the Amrit Gyaan Kosh (AGK), aligning with India’s goal of creating a competent, citizen-centric civil service.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the Modi government’s efforts to remove barriers between public and private sectors have enabled the adoption of best practices across domains. He stressed the need for customized training modules for scientific institutions, emphasizing administrative preparedness alongside technical expertise. He also highlighted global interest in India’s Mission Karmayogi, with countries like Bangladesh, South Africa, and Maldives expressing interest in studying its civil services reform model.
The framework strengthens the civil services training ecosystem by enhancing policy visibility, encouraging innovation, and promoting continuous improvement among CSTIs. It positions accreditation as a driver of quality and performance, supported by a reactivated accreditation portal for a transparent process.
Additionally, it fosters cross-learning by enabling institutes to share experiences and success stories. Over 195 CSTIs have been accredited under NSCSTI in just two years, with the upgraded framework building on real-time feedback and participatory governance.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)
Alford: Our Defense Appropriations Bill is a Commitment to Strength
Washington, July 18, 2025
Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
H.R. 4016 funds the Department of Defense with $831.5 Billion to invest in American military superiority, shape a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protect from threats at America’s border, and take care of our troops and their families.
Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor is support of the defense appropriations bill here or by clicking the images above.
“Our defense appropriations bill, H.R. 4016, isn’t just policy—it’s a commitment to strength,”said Congressman Alford. “House Republicans are ensuring our troops are well-equipped and our military remains dominant. We’re prioritizing readiness, providing military personnel with an across-the-board pay raise, investing in the B-21 Raider, and eliminating DEI overreach. Paired with the One Big, Beautiful Bill, we’re making bold investments to confront modern threats head-on.”
Congressman Alford is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and represents two military instillations—Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base—in Missouri’s Fourth District.
Background:
H.R. 4016 champions America’s military superiority by:
Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
Supporting the modernization of the nuclear triad: the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
Targeting resources for unmanned aerial systems, uncrewed maritime platforms, and land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems to advance capabilities and strengthen our national defense.
Investing in national security space, including proliferated missile warning, missile tracking satellite, and next generation intelligence collection systems to ensure national leaders have real-time global situational awareness.
Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
Providing over $2.6 billion for hypersonics programs.
Reversing the “divest to invest” trend by preserving F-15s and U-2s while investing in next-generation fighters and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
Continuing to prioritize innovation through over $1.3 billion combined for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT), and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC).
Supporting our close ally Israel by providing $500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, and $122.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative development programs.
H.R. 4016 cares for our troops and their families by:
Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers.
Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million.
H.R. 4016 shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by:
Reducing $6.5 billion and almost 45,000 civilian full-time equivalents to capture Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative efforts.
Prioritizing fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through codifying both the Department’s cooperation with DOGE and streamlined functions and management improvements at the Pentagon.
Requiring detailed reporting on the Department’s proposed allocations and expenditures of reconciliation.
H.R. 4016 combats international actors who facilitate drug trafficking and manufacturing by:
Providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs, which is $245 million above the budget request.
Increasing funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program.
Transferring Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.
H.R. 4016 supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:
Codifying President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by prohibiting funding for DEI efforts and Critical Race Theory.
Backing President Trump’s executive action to restore free speech by prohibiting funding for federal government censorship.
Amplifying President Trump’s executive action to restore readiness by prohibiting funding for sex-change surgeries.
Reinforcing President Trump’s executive action on withdrawing funding from United Nations organizations acting contrary to U.S. interests by prohibiting funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Continuing the prohibition on funding for any discriminatory action against individuals advocating for traditional marriage.
Advancing prohibitions on funding for abortion-related travel, drag queen shows, and COVID vaccine and mask mandates.
