As Prices Pinch, Bessent Looks for Ways to Mollify Wary Consumers
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has offered a variety of creative justifications for President Trump’s import duties. [Continue Reading]
Scottish fashion designer Pam Hogg dies
She was known for eccentric and outlandish designs, worn by stars like Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue. [Continue Reading]
NYC 'diva' food influencer arrested for skipping out on restaurant bills
Pei Chung, aka the "dine and dash diva", allegedly offered to pay for meals with social media posts. [Continue Reading]
They told me to choose between my hijab and boxing
How Germany's Zeina Nassar - who makes her pro debut on Wednesday - rewrote boxing's rules about fighting in a hijab. [Continue Reading]
New pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicle owners
Drivers of electric cars will pay a road charge of 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid drivers will pay 1.5p per mile from April 2028. [Continue Reading]
Two-child benefit cap to be scrapped
The policy, introduced under the Tories, means parents can only claim universal credit for their first two children. [Continue Reading]
How Rosalía's new album got us talking about classical music
The singer's latest, Lux, has got us talking about classical music. Its popularity might surprise you. [Continue Reading]
US hikes national park fees for foreigners to put 'American families first'
Non-residents will soon have to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the United States' most popular parks. [Continue Reading]
Owners of properties worth more than £2m in England face 'mansion tax'
The surcharge begins at £2,500, rising to £7,500 for properties valued at more than £5m. [Continue Reading]
Drug users could smoke cocaine in Glasgow consumption room under proposals
The Thistle currently lets people inject heroin or cocaine while under medical supervision without being prosecuted, but does not have a smoking room. [Continue Reading]
All you need to know about season five of Stranger Things
The first four episodes of the new series are set to be released in the UK on Thursday. [Continue Reading]
Several arrests at Westminster farmers' protest over inheritance tax plans
The tractors drove to Parliament on Budget day in a protest over inheritance tax. [Continue Reading]
Budget watchdog apologises for leak before chancellor's statement
Details of the Budget are supposed to be kept under wraps until the chancellor announces them to MPs. [Continue Reading]
We make £100,000. The cut to cash Isa limit is a big blow
BBC News hears from people with a range of incomes about what they think of the Budget. [Continue Reading]
Knives Out director denies reshaping Daniel Craig after Bond: ‘He can do anything’
Rian Johnson and the former 007 are on movie three of their murder mystery comedy series. [Continue Reading]
Moment ‘Slender Man’ stabber says ‘I did something really wrong’ after being caught
Morgan Geyser gave officers a fake name as she didn't want to be seperated from partner [Continue Reading]
Russell T Davies confirms future of Doctor Who spin-off ahead of release
And teases what to expect. [Continue Reading]
There’s a KitKat scandal brewing in Bangladesh
The imported beloved chocolate-covered wafers have too much acidity and too little milk solids, suggesting they were rotten. [Continue Reading]
HSE apologises over 'failings' which led to girl's death
The HSE has apologised unreservedly to a family of a 16-year-old girl for what was described as "failings" that should not have happened, which led to her death at University Hospital Limerick. [Continue Reading]
President of George Soros’ non-profit says it would take legal action to fight Trump’s attacks
Binaifer Nowrojee, Open Society Foundations president, said the organization would ‘go to court if need be’As Donald Trump menaces the Open Society Foundations (OSF), which funds a long list of progressive causes, Binaifer Nowrojee, the OSF president, says the global grant-making network will pursue legal action against the federal government if it must.“Open Society Foundations supports the right of free speech, supports the constitutional rights of organizations to be able to organize themselves, including through peaceful protest and is willing to actually ensure that those rights are upheld, including by going to court if need be,” she said. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Berlin station tops German railway crime list as violent offences surge
Violent crime at German railway stations showed a marked increase in 2024, with Berlin's central station recording the highest number of incidents. Federal Police and Deutsche Bahn are intensifying security measures to combat the issue. [Continue Reading]
‘Traitor’: US representatives call for Trump envoy Witkoff to be fired after leaked Kremlin call
Republicans and Democrats warn Witkoff ‘cannot be trusted’ after reportedly advising officials on peace planA handful of US representatives have reacted furiously to a leaked recording in which the special envoy to Ukraine reportedly coached Moscow on how to handle Donald Trump, but most have so far remained mute on the revelation that American officials were advising a US adversary.Don Bacon, a Republican representative, called for Steve Witkoff’s immediate dismissal. “For those who oppose the Russian invasion and want to see Ukraine prevail as a sovereign & democratic country, it is clear that Witkoff fully favors the Russians,” the Nebraska... [Continue Reading]
Trump’s EPA moves to abandon tough standards for deadly soot pollution
EPA had previously said rule reducing fine particle matter from vehicles and industrial sources could prevent thousands of premature deaths a yearThe Trump administration is seeking to abandon a rule that sets tough standards for deadly soot pollution, arguing that the Biden administration did not have authority to set the tighter standard on pollution from tailpipes, smokestacks and other industrial sources.The action follows moves by the administration last week to weaken federal rules protecting millions of acres of wetlands and streams and roll back protections for imperiled species and the places they live. In a separate action, the interior department... [Continue Reading]
London councils enact emergency plans after three hit by cyber-attack
Royal Borough of Kensington and Westminster city council investigate whether data has been compromised as Hammersmith and Fulham reports hack to the ICOThree London councils have reported a cyber-attack, prompting the roll out of emergency plans as they investigate whether any data has been compromised.The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster city council, which share some IT infrastructure, said a number of systems had been affected across both authorities, including phone lines. The councils shut down several computerised systems as a precaution to limit further possible damage. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Online betting firms to pay billions more in UK tax, Reeves confirms
The chancellor almost doubled remote gaming duty in Wednesday’s budget, taking it to 40% from April next yearBudget 2025 – live updatesOnline casinos and bookmakers will pay billions of pounds more in tax under a steep rise in duties levied on their takings from British gamblers.Shares in UK gambling firms began tumbling even before Rachel Reeves announced the change in her budget, after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) – which assesses the likely impact of tax changes – accidentally published a document confirming that the industry had been singled out for higher taxes. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Budget 2025 live: Reeves claims freezing tax thresholds in budget does not breach manifesto pledge
Chancellor says she will not ‘get into semantics’ when questioned on issue after her statementAt a glance: the key points from the budgetHow does freezing income tax thresholds affect you?Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money... [Continue Reading]
Von der Leyen warns against ‘carving up’ of Ukraine amid crunch US-led talks
Commission president says undermining of sovereign European nation would ‘open the doors for more wars’Europe live – latest updatesThe European Commission president has warned against “the unilateral carving up of a sovereign European nation” as Europe scrambles to assert influence over the US’s attempt to end the war in Ukraine.Speaking to European lawmakers in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Ursula von der Leyen said Russia showed “no signs of true willingness to end the conflict” and continued to operate in a mindset unchanged since the days of Yalta – the much-criticised and misunderstood 1945 summit to settle the post-war order. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
European parliament calls for social media ban on under-16s
MEPs pass resolution to help parents tackle growing dangers of addictive internet platforms Children under 16 should be banned from using social media unless their parents decide otherwise, the European parliament says.MEPs passed a resolution on age restrictions on Wednesday by a large majority. Although not legally binding, it raises pressure for European legislation amid growing alarm about the mental health risks to children of unfettered internet access. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Guinea-Bissau officers take ‘total control’ and close borders amid election chaos
Gunshots heard near state buildings as incumbent president and main rival claim victory in first round of electionsSoldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced they were taking “total control” of the west African country, three days after elections in which the two main presidential contenders claimed to have won.Military officers said they were suspending Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process and closing its borders, in a statement read out at the army’s headquarters in the capital Bissau and broadcast on state TV. They said they had formed “the high military command for the restoration of order”, which would rule the country until further notice. Continue... [Continue Reading]
Guinea-Bissau army officers say they have seized power, president arrested
Officers order suspension of electoral process, border closures a day before presidential vote results expected. [Continue Reading]
Georgia judge drops election interference case against Trump
A judge in the southern state of Georgia rules that the case against Trump 'is hereby dismissed in its entirety'. [Continue Reading]
Britain Raises Taxes by More Than $30 Billion in Push for ‘Stable Economy’
Rachel Reeves, the top economic official in an increasingly unpopular government, announced a series of tax and spending measures intended to put the country’s finances on a stronger footing. [Continue Reading]
Thanksgiving Storm Forecast: Blizzard Warnings Across Upper Midwest Warn of Heavy Snow
Forecasters said the storm was expected to be unusually intense, even for areas used to heavy snow. [Continue Reading]
Guinea-Bissau soldiers say they have taken power after reports of president's arrest
The military takeover comes as the West African nation was awaiting the results of Sunday's election. [Continue Reading]
Ex-BNP leader sent 'racist' cartoon tweet, court told
Nick Griffin allegedly shared a "threatening, abusive or insulting" cartoon on Twitter in 2021. [Continue Reading]
'We make £100,000. The cut to cash Isa limit is a big blow'
BBC News hears from people with a range of incomes about what they think of the Budget. [Continue Reading]
Mystery over flood disaster leader's missing hour in Spanish car park
The former leader of Valencia region, Carlos Mazón, comes under fresh scrutiny over his actions on the day of the flood. [Continue Reading]
EU's new defence regime takes shape amid confusion over UK, Turkish access
MEPs have backed a law that will create the first-ever European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), amid confusion over whether the UK and other non-EU states will be able to access the bloc’s new defence instruments. [Continue Reading]
EU ministers agree ‘chat control’ text to protect kids online
After three years, the European Council has passed a compromise on the controversial online child sexual abuse legislation, removing mandatory detection orders and replacing them with risk assessments and voluntary scanning. [Continue Reading]
Scott McTominay compared to Arsenal star and tipped for Premier League return
One of the world's best midfielders! [Continue Reading]
Britain’s Heart Heroes honoured at awards bash – including a life-saving golden retriever
Polly the dog received her own ‘Bark Hero Award’ at the annual ceremony. [Continue Reading]
At least 14 killed as fire engulfs Hong Kong towers
A massive fire has ripped through multiple high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong's northern Tai Po district, killing at least 14 people and injuring scores of others as authorities struggled to bring the blaze under control. [Continue Reading]
Democratic senator who Trump accused of sedition says he’s ‘not backing down’ amid Pentagon investigation – live
Senator Mark Kelly calls the investigation following a video of Democrats telling military members to disregard illegal orders ‘so ridiculous’Bloomberg’s scoop showing how Trump aide Steve Witkoff coached the Kremlin on the best way to get into Trump’s good graces is extraordinary for what it tells us about Witkoff’s dubious loyalties, and the Kremlin’s potential influence over US negotiation efforts. But equally interesting is the leaked material itself and where it may have come from.The story covers two intercepted phone calls: one between Witkoff and top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, and another between Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, who has been... [Continue Reading]
President of George Soros’ non-profit says it would take legal action to fight Trump’s attacks
Binaifer Nowrojee, Open Society Foundations president, said the organization will ‘go to court if need be’ As Donald Trump menaces the Open Society Foundations (OSF), which funds a long list of progressive causes, Binaifer Nowrojee, the OSF president, says the global grant-making network will pursue legal action against the federal government if it must.“Open Society Foundation supports the right of free speech, supports the constitutional rights of organizations to be able to organize themselves, including through peaceful protest and is willing to actually ensure that those rights are upheld, including by going to court if need be,” she said. Continue... [Continue Reading]
Ed Miliband confirms crackdown on North Sea exploration – but new drilling will continue
Strategy paper released with budget allows new oil and gas projects to move ahead if they are linked to existing fieldsThe government has ruled out new North Sea oil and gas exploration or lower taxes for fossil fuel companies as it struggles to protect workers from the industry’s collapse.In a strategy paper, Ed Miliband confirmed the crackdown on new North Sea exploration – although the energy secretary will still allow new offshore fossil fuel projects to move ahead as long as they are linked to existing fields. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Racism tribunal claims by Met police officers and staff doubled last year
Exclusive: data released in response to FoI request shows 108% rise in new claims against force in 2023-24Race discrimination employment tribunal claims brought by Metropolitan police officers and staff more than doubled in the last financial year, the Guardian can reveal.The figures show a 108% increase in racism-related claims compared with the previous year, reaching the highest level recorded across the past five years. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
As France prepares military expansion, how is Europe beefing up its armies?
European nations are rushing to bolster their defences amid Russia threat and uncertainty of US supportFrance will this week become the latest EU country to set out plans to expand its army, with Emmanuel Macron expected to announce on Thursday that military service will be restored – albeit on a voluntary basis – nearly 30 years after the end of conscription.In the face of Russia’s military threat and uncertainty over the US’s commitment to defending its transatlantic allies, Europe is rushing to bolster its defence industry and its deployment capability after radically cutting them back since the cold war. Continue... [Continue Reading]
John Kerry urges Australia to take ‘hard-nosed’ approach with world’s biggest fossil fuel-producing countries at Cop31
Exclusive: Former US secretary of state calls for more demanding steps from Australia as it takes over presidency of next year’s UN climate summitFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s government, which will preside over the next UN climate summit, should gather the world’s 25 biggest greenhouse gasemitting countries and push them to draw up a roadmap to end the era of fossil fuels, former US secretary of state John Kerry has said.Only by “hard-nosed” confrontation with fossil fuel producers, and reducing their consumption in major economies, would... [Continue Reading]
Noem made decision to continue deportation flights to El Salvador, justice department says
Justice department maintains that Trump administration didn’t violate judge’s order to return flights to USThe Department of Justice said in a statement that Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was the one who made the decision to continue with the deportation flights of Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador in March, despite a federal judge’s directive that the flights must be returned to the United States.In a court filing on Tuesday, the justice department said that “Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove provided DHS with legal advice regarding the court’s order... [Continue Reading]