The US Department of Justice's internal watchdog has launched an investigation into the agency's compliance with a law mandating the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. This follows criticism from lawmakers regarding the volume and redaction of documents made public.
Greece is set to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 15 from January next year, citing concerns over youth mental health and the 'addictive design' of online platforms. This move aligns Greece with a growing number of European nations and other countries worldwide that are introducing stricter regulations on children's engagement with social media.
China's President Xi Jinping has met with Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) leader, Cheng Li-wun, in Beijing. The rare encounter saw both sides emphasise the desire for peace across the Taiwan Strait, with Mr Xi reiterating China's stance against Taiwan independence and Ms Cheng advocating for the 1992 Consensus to avoid conflict. This visit marks the first by a sitting KMT leader in a decade, drawing criticism from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced a new policy allowing private tenants first refusal to buy their rented homes if the landlord decides to sell, aiming to address Scotland's persistent housing crisis and assist those struggling to enter the property market.
Former West Midlands Police Federation chairman, Sergeant Richard Cooke, is under a new gross misconduct investigation regarding social media comments. This follows a previous High Court decision to quash an earlier suspension.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a stark warning about a 'dark blizzard of disinformation' online, accusing social media platforms of enabling organised networks to profit from societal division. New research suggests hostile actors are actively portraying the capital as a city in decline, amplifying narratives of crime and eroding trust.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned that significant diplomatic effort is required to solidify the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, and to ensure the full reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz. His comments came during a visit to Gulf allies, where discussions focused on upholding the agreement and stabilising global energy prices.
The Scottish Conservatives have launched their election manifesto, pledging significant income tax cuts for low, middle, and high earners, as well as pensioners. Leader Russell Findlay outlined a vision focused on economic growth, improved public services, and opposition to Scottish independence.
This summer's Wireless Festival has been cancelled after headliner Kanye West, also known as Ye, was refused permission by the UK government to travel to the country. The decision follows widespread backlash over his past antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi comments, with the Home Office citing his presence as 'not conducive to the public good'. All ticket holders will receive refunds.
A new initiative, dubbed 'blitz courts', is being expanded across England and Wales to tackle the unprecedented backlog in the Crown Court system. These fast-track hearings aim to process numerous cases swiftly, with the government hoping to significantly reduce the more than 80,000 outstanding cases.
White House personnel received a directive last month, cautioning them against leveraging non-public information for personal financial gain on prediction market platforms, following reports of potential ethical breaches.
White House personnel have been advised not to leverage non-public information for personal gain on prediction markets, following concerns raised by recent press reports. This directive comes amidst increased scrutiny of such platforms and past instances of unusually prescient wagers.
India's government is seeking to expand its regulatory oversight to include a broader range of online voices, encompassing social media influencers and podcasters. Proposed amendments to the IT rules aim to bring individuals sharing 'news and current affairs' under a 'code of ethics' previously applied only to registered news publishers, raising concerns about potential state-led censorship.