Andy Burnham stated the UK government will look at banning disposable barbecues following a series of serious wildfires caused by the devices, while campaigners urge action on the broader climate crisis.
A masterplan for Brisbane's 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games reveals pedestrian bridges linking Victoria Park to the CBD and National Aquatic Centre, with two-thirds of the park designated as green public space, despite ongoing protests against the stadium development.
As facial recognition expands in Britain, designers are creating 'adversarial clothing' with patterns to confuse AI, aiming to make privacy a fashion trend. Public concern over surveillance and misuse is rising, with some predicting mainstream adoption or even government bans.
An Austrian court has ruled that an alpine hotel's ban on burkinis was discriminatory, upholding a fine against the establishment. The ruling came after two Muslim women were prevented from wearing the full-body swimsuit.
Americans discard over 120 million pounds of food and significant amounts of litter during the Fourth of July weekend. This waste, valued at nearly $400 million, includes high-impact items like beef, contributing to substantial environmental costs.
Camden Council in north London has approved a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that will allow police and council officers to fine street drinkers up to £100 for alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour. The order, effective from July, targets issues like loud music and public urination, excluding Hampstead Heath.
Italy's new decree aligns with the EU AI Act, integrating AI and facial recognition for public safety, including crime prevention and locating missing persons. The Interior Minister assures it's a support tool, not an automated police force, with human oversight required for decisions impacting rights. Biometric data use is regulated, requiring judicial authorization for real-time prevention and post-crime identification.
Italy's new decree integrates AI and facial recognition for public safety, allowing real-time prevention and post-crime identification, with human oversight and judicial authorization for sensitive uses like counter-terrorism and finding missing persons.
Residents actively select public spaces for improvement through an annual nationwide vote under the federal project "Formation of a Comfortable Urban Environment." The region has seen significant progress in urban development, winning 12 grants since 2022 and attracting 995 million rubles. Additionally, the region has fully updated its public transport fleet with 1212 new vehicles.
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has enacted stricter smoking laws, banning smoking at outdoor pools, playgrounds, bus/tram stops, theme parks, and zoos. Hotels can no longer offer smoking rooms. Vaping and e-cigarettes are also included in the ban.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has ordered strict enforcement of animal welfare laws for Bakrid, targeting illegal transportation, unauthorized slaughter, and animal cruelty. Sacrifices are to be permitted only at designated locations, with a ban on slaughtering prohibited animals and dumping remains openly.
Singapore aims to become a hub for "physical AI" (robots and autonomous systems) by leveraging its stable regulations, digital infrastructure, and experience with robot deployment. The city-state announced the launch of a new research lab at the ATxSummit.
A viral TikTok video sparked debate on dogs in public spaces in the UK. While some see increased dog-friendliness as positive, others cite hygiene, safety, and impact on assistance dogs as concerns.
Live facial recognition technology is being used to fight crime, but raises concerns about surveillance and accuracy.
A report by the Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life reveals that one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The research found 271 of 297 councils (91%) have at least one PSPO, with 1,268 new orders introduced containing up to 30 restrictions each. Penalties reached an all-time high with 25,000 fines issued in 2025, with 75% issued by private enforcement companies paid per fine.
A new report reveals one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life found 91% of responding councils have PSPOs, with over 1,000 new laws introduced containing restrictions on everyday activities. Private enforcement companies issued 25,000 fines in 2025, with 75% of penalties issued by firms paid per fine.
