Latest politics and public affairs stories, updates and analysis from The Real News Journal.
France's Constitutional Council has blocked a government-backed law to ban social media for under-15s, citing infringements on freedom of expression. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to propose a new draft, aiming for reform by 2027.
Vote counting in Zambia's presidential, parliamentary, and local elections has resumed after a nationwide halt was lifted. The Electoral Commission of Zambia had paused the process citing alleged attacks on polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers, prompting concerns from opposition and calls for calm from the incumbent president.
Andy Burnham has stated that affluent parts of the UK must contribute to housing asylum seekers, moving beyond a system that disproportionately impacts poorer communities. His comments follow protests and a government push to utilise military sites, a policy opposed by the Shadow Home Secretary.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is set for a decisive victory in the Clacton by-election, a contest notable for a record 34 candidates and the absence of major party opposition. The anticipated win comes as Mr Farage faces parliamentary scrutiny over undeclared gifts and financial support.
Newly disclosed internal documents from the Department of Homeland Security reveal an extensive operation, codenamed "Operation Puppet Master," which deployed undercover agents and financial surveillance against organisations opposing Trump-era immigration policies. The records were released as part of a criminal case against 15 Minneapolis protesters.
The UK government has announced £19 million in funding for five new heat networks in Bristol, Liverpool, London and Worthing, alongside plans to appoint Ofgem as the sector's official regulator to protect consumers.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has detailed its strategic approach to regulating digital markets, emphasising a pragmatic, flexible, and targeted methodology to foster competition and protect consumers. The regulator outlined its purpose and implementation plans under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
Jason Arday has stepped down from his Cambridge post after scrutiny of plagiarism allegations and claims about his career and personal history.
President Donald Trump has encountered pushback in recent days from senior allies on three separate fronts, from a dropped prosecution in Washington DC to a contested justice department nomination and disputed claims over negotiations with Iran.
A public engagement exercise seeking the views of one million people has been launched as part of Baroness Casey's Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, with findings expected to shape a future National Care Service.
Matthew Torbitt, once an adviser to Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £6,000 through the Parliamentary travel booking system.
