U.S. Senate Passes President Trump “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate has passed a wide-ranging legislative package strongly backed by President Donald Trump, marking a significant step in advancing his administration’s domestic agenda. Commonly referred to by supporters as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the legislation—officially titled the American Prosperity and Security Act—includes sweeping reforms across immigration, taxation, infrastructure, and […]

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Some Irish Schools Relying on Bottle Recycling Funds Due to Soaring Running Costs, Association Warns

Primary schools in Ireland are increasingly relying on proceeds from the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to meet basic operational costs, according to the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA). Introduced in February 2024 to improve the Republic’s recycling rates, the DRS has quickly become a financial lifeline for many schools. CPSMA General Secretary Seamus Mulconry […]

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Nigeria: Farmers Struggle as Armed Violence Disrupts Agriculture in Kwara’s Southern District

Farmers in Kwara State’s southern senatorial district are increasingly threatened by insecurity, as armed groups and herders disrupt agricultural activities across seven local government areas. Communities face dual threats: criminal gangs conducting roadside ambushes and kidnappings for ransom, and armed herders who graze cattle on farmlands, often attacking farmers who resist. The region is a […]

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Rights Group Condemns Erosion of Freedoms in Hong Kong Due to Chinese Pressure

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the dismantling of civil liberties in Hong Kong since the introduction of China’s National Security Law on June 30, 2020. In a statement released Sunday, the organization criticized Beijing’s continued pressure on the region, warning of a profound deterioration in political and civil freedoms. “In just five years, the […]

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Lesotho Activist Arrested After Criticizing Government on Unemployment

Maseru, Lesotho – Tšolo Thakeli, a youth activist in Lesotho, was arrested after posting a video criticizing Prime Minister Sam Matekane for failing to address high unemployment. The video, shared widely online, questioned the government’s progress on job creation and resonated with many young citizens. Thakeli, a 31-year-old father of two, was detained by armed […]

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EBRD Grants €25 Million Loan to PBZ Leasing to Support Croatian MSMEs and Green Investment

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a €25 million loan to PBZ Leasing for on-lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Croatia. The facility is designed to improve access to finance for the private sector, with 30% earmarked for green assets, including energy-efficient technologies and equipment. The initiative supports […]

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Majority of Hong Kong National Security Convictions Wrongfully Issued: Amnesty

Amnesty International has reported that over 80% of convictions under Hong Kong’s national security laws since 2020 involve individuals wrongfully criminalized for peaceful expression. In findings released Monday, the NGO cited official Hong Kong data showing that 332 people have been arrested, with 189 convictions under national security-related laws. Amnesty concluded that 84.6% of these […]

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EU Receives Strong Industry Response to AI Gigafactory Initiative

The European Commission (EC) has received 76 expressions of interest from stakeholders across 16 EU member states to participate in the development of AI gigafactories—substantially exceeding expectations. Although the Commission did not disclose the identities of respondents due to confidentiality, submissions came from a wide range of stakeholders, including European and global technology firms, data […]

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U.S. DoJ Approves HPE’s $14 Billion Acquisition of Juniper Networks with Conditions

28 June 2025 – The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has approved Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, following a settlement requiring HPE to divest part of its networking business to preserve market competition. Under the agreement, HPE must sell its Instant On wireless LAN (WLAN) campus and branch network switching […]

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin Begins Four-Day Visit to Japan

Tokyo, 1 July 2025 – Taoiseach Micheál Martin begins a four-day official visit to Japan today, focusing on strengthening Ireland–Japan bilateral relations, trade, and cultural cooperation. During his time in Tokyo, the Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Ishiba to advance the 2022 Joint Leaders’ Statement and discuss shared global priorities. He will also officially […]

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