The Government has agreed to progress with disestablishing the Broadcasting Standards Authority and investigate self-regulation options, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “New Zealand’s media landscape has changed dramatically, but our regulatory settings have not kept up. “The BSA regime was designed for a broadcasting environment that is rapidly disappearing. Today, audiences move seamlessly […]
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South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government On High Alert For Level 8 Weather Warning
The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre has placed the province on high alert following an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). According to SAWS, an intense cut-off low pressure system is expected to affect the province from Tuesday afternoon (5 May), peaking on Wednesday (6 […]
Great Britain: Nearly £50 Million Government Backing To Power Up Drone And Flying Taxi Tech And Crack Down On Illegal Drones
Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026). Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on ‘faceless’ drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal activity, through […]
A billion in taxpayer money set aside for Trump’s ballroom project
A billion US dollars of taxpayer money has been set aside to fund Donald Trump's White House ballroom project in a bill to fund immigration enforcement.
In the $97 billion legislation to fund the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is $1.4 billion for security work related to the renovations of the East Wing.
The funding proposal marks a dramatic shift in cost for Trump's massive overhaul of the White House.
READ MORE: US elections suspended so government can redraw the district lines
Several months ago Trump said the renovations would cost $US200 million and be completely funded by private donations.
But the proposed budget would be five times that, with no indication of what is behind the quintupling of the cost.
While officially drafted by Republican senators, the White House has welcomed the funding proposal.
"The White House applauds Congress's latest proposal in its reconciliation package which includes additional funding for security infrastructure upgrades in relation to the long overdue East Wing Modernisation Project," a spokesperson said.
"Congress has rightly recognised the need for these funds."
The funding is "for the purposes of security adjustments and upgrades, including within the perimeter fence of the White House Compound to support enhancements by the United States Secret Service relating to the East Wing Modernisation Project, including above-ground and below-ground security features," the bill reads.
READ MORE: Trump accuses congresswoman of marrying her brother
The proposed funding has drawn the outrage of Democratic representatives.
"Trump literally said his ballroom would not cost taxpayers a penny. Why are Republicans champing at the bit to fund it?" Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove said.
"Even if this money is for 'security,' it's $1 BILLION of your tax dollars that wouldn't have been spent if Trump didn't tear down the East Wing."
While the bill has been proposed, it is not certain to become law.
Republicans hold a very narrow margin in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate.
Donald Trump's ballroom and ICE are two of the most unpopular elements of the current administration.
Republicans in narrowly-held districts will be loath to fund both of them six months before the midterm election.
READ MORE: 'Not a test of IQ': Doctor who designed cognitive test addresses Trump's boasts
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Great Britain: Healthcare Workers Must Never Be Targets In Conflict: UK statement at the UN Arria meeting on protecting medical care in conflict amid evolving threats
Ten years ago, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2286, a landmark commitment to protect the wounded and sick, and the medical and humanitarian personnel caring for them during armed conflict. The United Kingdom was proud to co-sponsor that resolution. Yet attacks on health care continue to rise. The number of medical personnel and […]
Great Britain: British businesses celebrated as The King’s Awards for Enterprise mark their 60th anniversary
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital contribution to economic growth and improving lives. This year marks a significant milestone for the Awards, as they celebrate 60 years since the first […]
United States: United States Welcomes Ireland’s Signing of the Artemis Accords
The Department of State congratulates Ireland on joining the Artemis Accords. Ireland is the 66th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use. Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke signed the Accords on behalf of the Republic of Ireland on May 4, 2026. NASA […]
Bahamas: Law enforcement agencies in major drug bust
NASSAU, Bahamas, May 5, CMC – Police say they have intercepted and seized a boat near the near Mars Bay, Andros, on Monday, seizing US$6.4 million worth of hydroponic marijuana onboard. They said on Sunday night, a United States air asset alerted the Royal Barbados Defence Force (RBDF) to a suspected narcotics vessel located 11 […]
United States: The United States Proposes a UN Security Council Resolution to Defend Freedom of Navigation and Secure the Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold the world’s economy hostage with its efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz, threats to attack ships in the Strait, laying of sea mines that pose a danger to shipping, and attempts to charge tolls for the world’s most important waterway. At President Trump’s direction, the United […]
Trinidad: Police disrupt “Tall Boots Crew’ linked to multiple home invasions
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 5, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) says it has “disrupted” the “Tall Boots Crew” criminal gang linked to a number of home invasions over the past several weeks. They said four of the gang members were killed during an exercise by law enforcement agencies over the […]