A new report shows that the Baltic countries are leading the way in supporting media freedom internationally.

Lithuania topped the Index, Estonia ranked 4^th, while Latvia came 9^th out of the countries measured. 

However four G7 members - the United Kingdom, United States, Italy, and Japan - were placed in the lowest ‘bronze’ category, scoring 10 points or less in the Index.

And although the US ranked equal 12^th in the Index, a time lag in reporting means that this does not capture its significant cuts to aid spending in 2025 under the Trump administration, which have had a substantial impact on international media assistance.

The Index on International Media Freedom Support (IMFS) is the first index to evaluate countries' foreign policy support for media freedom. 

Women are overlooked in the government’s current drugs strategy, researchers claim.

A study by University of Staffordshire, Expert Citizens CIC and the Centre for Justice Innovation highlights gender inequities in drug and alcohol services, with its authors calling for improved treatment and support for women with substance-use issues.