Congress allocated ~90% of its AI tool budget to OpenAI's ChatGPT ($100,580 out of $113,740) in the year ending March 31, with Democratic offices spending three times more than Republican ones.
A CNBC report reveals OpenAI's ChatGPT accounts for 90% of Congress's AI tool spending, totaling $100,580, with Democratic offices spending three times more than Republican offices for tasks like memo writing and legislation analysis.
New Zealand's parliament passed a bill making English an official language, joining te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. The legislation, part of a coalition deal, drew derision from linguists and legal experts, and a viral rebuke from a Māori MP who called it “pathetic.”
Tasmania's Racing Minister Roger Jaensch is diligently working to pass legislation banning greyhound racing, with some participants expressing interest in a voluntary exit scheme. The bill, previously deferred, now has six of eight votes needed in the Legislative Council, while Labor opposes it due to concerns over rehoming costs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged the Senate to pass the Clarity Act, accusing Democrats of political delays and warning the US risks losing its digital asset leadership without clear regulation. The bill aims to establish a federal framework for crypto markets.
Lok Sabha passes Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, amid disruptions and a political showdown over July 20 student protests, with stricter penalties for exam-related offences proposed.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham postpones assisted dying legislation, prioritizing fixes to palliative and social care systems first, citing challenges in introducing the debate amid current care shortcomings.
Fidelity Investments, the world's third-largest asset manager, joins a coalition of financial and crypto firms urging the US Senate to pass the CLARITY Act, aiming to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets to boost investor confidence and US leadership in global crypto markets.
The US Senate Commerce Committee approved the "Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026," which bans vehicles from companies with over 15% Chinese ownership. This legislation could bar Mercedes-Benz (due to 20% Chinese investment) and Polestar (majority-owned by Geely) from the American market, prompting concerns from European automakers.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances. Concurrently, PM Modi announced a new Bill with stringent provisions, including fast-track courts, to combat examination paper leaks, to be introduced in Parliament next week.
US lawmakers are deadlocked over ethics provisions in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY), with Democrats pushing for stronger rules and state attorney general enforcement, while Republicans advocate for DOJ-led federal enforcement, potentially jeopardizing the bill's passage.
Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi for not addressing demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, calling PM Modi's video message an insult to students' intelligence. Modi announced a new Bill for stringent punishment against paper leaks, while protests continue nationwide.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike in India following negotiations with Union ministers, citing a desire to prevent violence. Simultaneously, PM Modi addressed the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, promising stricter legislation, while the Cockroach Janata Party vowed to continue protests.
The White House is pushing back against Senate Democrats' rejection of the latest CLARITY Act draft, citing ethics provisions as a major sticking point. The dispute over crypto market legislation highlights deep divisions among lawmakers, risking delays to broader regulatory reform.
Reps. Ted Lieu and Nathaniel Moran are set to introduce an "AI Kill Switch Act" requiring AI companies to shut down or throttle systems on Department of Homeland Security orders in "loss-of-control" scenarios, following an OpenAI incident.
PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, criticizes the upcoming Sentencing Act, which could lead to the early release of two men convicted of her son's manslaughter. The act, aimed at easing prison overcrowding, faces review by Andy Burnham amid concerns from victims and reports of implementation delays.
AARP opposes the PROMISE Act, a bipartisan Senate proposal to fast-track Social Security reforms, arguing it bypasses regular legislative order and lacks sufficient deliberation. This comes as Social Security faces a 2032 trust fund depletion, potentially leading to benefit cuts.
The US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including provisions to prohibit the Pentagon from using Chinese-made humanoid robots due to national security and data privacy concerns, while commercial sales remain unaffected.
British households can buy plug-in solar panels from August 27 after a government legal change. Major retailers like Currys and B&Q will sell DIY setups, enabling flats and rented homes to generate electricity, potentially saving £70-£110 annually on energy bills.
Hong Kong's new Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, effective next Friday, faces operational challenges for frontline responders like ambulance crews, who worry about verifying patient wishes in emergencies and affordability for low-income families.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating is falling, with recent polls indicating public dissatisfaction. Voters are losing patience as Takaichi prioritizes conservative legislation, like flag desecration and Imperial Household Law revisions, over pressing cost-of-living issues despite a strong mandate.
The House narrowly approved a defense bill with $1.15 trillion for national security, proposing to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and including a military pay raise. Democrats opposed the partisan bill over spending, social policies, and an attached elections overhaul.
Hong Kong will allow terminally ill patients to upload advance directives for life-sustaining treatments to the eHealth platform starting July 31, formalizing end-of-life care and offering clearer legal protection for patients and healthcare professionals under a new ordinance.
France has become the first EU country to approve a bill banning social media for children under 15 and mobile phones in high schools, citing concerns over harmful digital content. The legislation, supported by parents and advocates, faces constitutional review and enforcement challenges, with opposition from some lawmakers.
