POLITICS
Labour mayors in England vow to cap tourist tax at 5%
Reform UK and the Conservatives have criticised plans for the new levy on visitors' overnight stays.
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Politics
Elections, policy, government.
81 articles
POLITICS
Trump claims he will give $5,000 to every American if Republicans win the midterms as he defends Iran war and tariffs– live
President provided no details about where the money would come from or the legality of the incentiveRepublicans look to ‘midterm convention’ to overcome Trump unpopularitySign up for US Breaking News emailStefany Shaheen, the daughter of a longtime New Hampshire senator and…
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Trump center stage at RNC in midterms gamble – US politics live
President to give speeches on both days of unprecedented gatheringRepublicans look to ‘midterm convention’ to overcome Trump unpopularitySign up for US Breaking News emailStefany Shaheen, the daughter of a longtime New Hampshire senator and former governor, has won the…
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US supreme court rejects Missouri Republicans’ appeal to use Trump-backed congressional map in midterms – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Missouri congressional maps thrown into chaos after conflicting court rulingsSign up for US Breaking News emailsFurther down the ballot in New Hampshire, the Democratic primary for Chris Pappas’s House seat has drawn eight candidates, with Stefany…
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Democrats hit back at Trump after president floats changing name of New Mexico to ‘New America’ - US politics live
State senator among politicians hitting back at president’s social media post saying New Mexico should be change to ‘New America’Sign up for US Breaking News emailsFurther down the ballot in New Hampshire, the Democratic primary for Chris Pappas’s House seat has drawn eight…
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Nigel Farage tells BBC he 'wasn't listening' during foreign donor talks filmed undercover
The Reform leader also told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that his family are "begging" him to leave his job.
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This smokejumper says the US has lost its empathy. That’s why he’s running for Congress
Montana’s Sam Forstag says US working class is left playing a game of chance while neither party serves its interestsAt around five o’clock on a winter evening in 2013, then college student Sam Forstag was driving through a snowstorm toward his third job of the day, making…
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U.S. envoys arrive in Moscow to revive peace talks with Ukraine
Two U.S. envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Moscow on Saturday as part of an effort to restart negotiations between Russia and Ukraine after a monthslong stall. Russian leader Vladimir Putin authorized a 72-hour pause on strikes against Kyiv to facilitate the…
POLITICS
Trump downplays war with Iran, in which 18 US service members have been killed so far, as ‘small potatoes’ – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Sign up for US Breaking News emailsPresident Trump threatened in a social media post on Friday to stop trade with some countries unless the US Federal Reserve moves to cut interest rates.Trump cited August’s strong jobs report as sufficient…
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Two Reform officials step down after undercover donations report
Reform says Dan Jukes and James Orr have left their roles as it launches an investigation into the report.
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Trump administration asks supreme court to intervene over judge’s ban on USPS mail-in voting restrictions – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Sign up for US Breaking News emailsRepublican oversight chair James Comer has also weighed in on Leon Black not sitting for a deposition about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire financier, who has denied wrongdoing, filed suit against the…
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Burnham and Macron discuss small boats and bringing UK closer to Europe
The leaders also discuss Ukraine and the Middle East in Burnham's first bilateral talks in Downing Street.
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Trump doubles down on Canada trade war as talks remain stalled – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Sign up for the US Breaking News emailAs tensions flare in the mideast with American military forces resuming strikes on Iran, Donald Trump has taken to social media to discuss his ballroom project.“We have hundreds of happy construction workers in…
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Burnham's summer tour is over - now he has to prove himself in Parliament
The imminent return of Parliament will put the new prime minister under real scrutiny, with MPs finally getting a chance to grill him.
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Burnham says he will not vote on assisted dying unlike Starmer
Burnham has called for all views to be respected as MPs vote in two weeks on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales.
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Greens call for temporary ban on new data centres
Zack Polanski wants stricter rules to limit the use of water and energy by data centres for AI.
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CIA chief reportedly warns Russia against attacking Nato countries on visit to Moscow – US politics live
Kremlin dismisses US media reports after John Ratcliffe meeting as ‘scare stories’, as Pentagon policy chief prepares to meet Nato secretary generalSign up for the Breaking News US emailOn Wednesday, Trump officially signed a proclamation on Wednesday that suspends higher…
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Burnham calls summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers
The announcement comes as Burnham holds his first official visit to Wales since becoming prime minster.
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Trump claims CIA director’s surprise visit to Russia is ‘semi-routine’ despite mounting speculation – live
Trump administration had not formally announced John Ratcliffe’s trip, but various outlets captured the flight tracking data of the US jet and the Kremlin confirmed the meetingDarline Graham wins Republican primary for US SenateSign up for the US Breaking News emailA US military…
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Advisor O'Neill rules out government job but backs PM's devolution plans
Lord O'Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, was tipped to become Andy Burnham's chief economic adviser.
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White House intensifies attacks on opponents and media as Trump seeks new mouthpiece
Senator Jon Ossoff, who is up for re-election, came up with arguably the standout line of the midterm elections so farHello there,Jon Ossoff really struck a nerve. That much is clear. Continue reading...
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UK 'supports Ukraine 100%', Burnham says, after Russia's drone warning
Russia accuses the UK of escalating the Ukraine war by supplying British-made drones as the prime minister vows to support Kyiv in its "hour of need".
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Trump orders Pentagon to redesign US aircraft carrier to use steam catapults to launch jets
President has suggested steam catapults every year since 2017, saying digital systems are too ‘complicated’After nearly a decade of loudly complaining about the fact that modern US aircraft carriers use electromagnetic systems to launch fighter jets instead of steam-powered…
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Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt leaving role, president says – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretarySign up for the Breaking News US emailCore inflation, which measures price changes without volatile goods like food and gas, rose by 0.2% in July, after not really changing in June…
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Progressive Peggy Flanagan sweeps Minnesota Senate primary in race defined by anti-ICE anger
State’s Democratic lieutenant governor bests Angie Craig in another election contest pitting a progressive against a moderatePeggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, won the Democratic primary for US Senate in the state, in another election contest that pitted a…
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Councils to get more powers to stop vape and betting shops, PM announces
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said town centres had been "hollowed out" by decades of decline.
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Capital One says it closed Trump Organization’s accounts after anti-money-laundering review
Disclosure from 2021 investigation marks first time a bank has formally tied money-laundering concerns to Donald TrumpCapital One Financial hit back on Friday against a lawsuit over its decision to close the Trump Organization’s bank accounts years ago, stating that it did so…
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Budget to be held in October, Healey announces
The new chancellor pledged to move money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain.
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Senate committee delays vote on Todd Blanche attorney general nomination – as it happened
This blog is now closed. You can read our latest story hereSign up for US Breaking News emailGary Peters, the Democratic ranking member on the homeland security committee, said that the committee has a long history of bipartisan inquiry and oversight, and the subject matter of…
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NHS 'will collapse' without social care reform, PM tells BBC
The prime minister says he would not want to leave office without bringing in "substantial change" to the social care system.
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Panetta on Iran war: US ‘in deep trouble’
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the United States is in “deep trouble” with the Iran war, comparing it to the U.S.’s drawn-out conflict in Vietnam. Panetta, who also led the CIA during the Obama administration, told CNN in an interview that “history tells us that…
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Chris Mason: What his first week in power tells us about Andy Burnham
The fledgling Burnham administration has been seeking to find its feet and make a decent first impression at the same time, the BBC's political editor Chris Mason explains.
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What to know about Trump’s new tariffs on more than 80 countries
Tariffs ranging from 10%-12.5%, taking effect on Friday, are US president’s latest effort to circumvent CongressJust before a temporary levy on global imports was set to expire, the Trump administration issued a fresh wave of tariffs on more than 80 countries late on Thursday…
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‘I got carried away’: Elon Musk expresses regret about Doge and wading into Trump’s orbit
Billionaire in interview with the Economist admits he was too consumed by politics and shares predictions about AIElon Musk has admitted he became too consumed by politics during his volatile alliance with Donald Trump and his brief appointment as the president’s financial…
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Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air – and industry helped keep it that way
Lawmakers weakened community air monitoring as industry pushed back against greater scrutinyKimbrelle Kyereh lives just a few hundred feet from the massive chemical storage tanks in St Rose, in south-eastern Louisiana. Oily fumes sometimes drift into her home, bringing…
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‘He’s a war criminal’: Mamdani exploring whether he can arrest Netanyahu if he visits New York
NYC mayor says in Times interview that’s he’s in ‘active conversation’ with city’s law department about the matterNew York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he was reviewing whether his administration could arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if as expected the Israeli prime minister…
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DHS chief releases unsubstantiated election findings as Democrats slam Trump attempt to undermine system – live
Markwayne Mullin follows up on president’s unproven claims as Democrats accuse Trump of ‘working to rig the midterms’ in advanceSign up for US News Breaking emailTrump makes unverified claims of China ‘election meddling’Trump also took to Truth Social today to claim that there…
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Burnham to promise new path for UK when he becomes new Labour leader
In a speech on Friday, he will begin to set out his vision for government, before becoming prime minister next week.
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Government failing Farage over security, says Jenrick
It comes as the police investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death sparks renewed debate over politicians' security.
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Person reported killed during ICE operation in Maine, state house speaker says – US politics live
Ryan Fecteau says person was reportedly shot in Biddeford, with authorities on the scene to investigateSign up for the Breaking News US emailThe Democrat’s outgoing senator for Michigan Gary Peters has endorsed member of Congress Haley Stevens to be his successor over Abdul…
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Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing after new arrest
Police say they are not looking for anyone else after a 28-year-old man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
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Man arrested on suspicion of murder after death of Ann Widdecombe
There was initially no suggestion of suspicious circumstances when her death was announced on Friday morning.
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Man killed by ICE agents not intended target of immigration arrest, DHS says
Agents seeking different person when they killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Mexican who had lived in US for 35 yearsLorenzo Salgado Araujo, a man killed by federal immigration agents during a traffic stop in Houston this week, was not the intended target of the “enforcement…
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Democrats begin withdrawing endorsements of Graham Platner after Senate candidate is accused of sexual assault – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Woman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assaultSign up for the Breaking News US emailCruz just thanked Donald Trump for “getting rid of that ridiculous red card” – apparently in reference to Folarin Balogun. The US striker…
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Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow ends bid for US Senate
Exit leaves primary voters to choose between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and centrist Haley Stevens in must-win seatMallory McMorrow, a Michigan Democrat, has dropped out of a contentious US Senate primary campaign, setting up a straight fight between the party’s progressive and…
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Starmer tells of 'intensely personal' decision to quit and warns Burnham in first interview since resigning
In an untypically candid interview, the outgoing PM tells the BBC it was "really tough" to accept his political career was over.
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Trump ‘quite ill - and getting worse daily’, Rosie O’Donnell tells the Guardian after president posts AI video attacking her – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Trump posts AI video of him as doctor treating critics’ ‘derangement syndrome’Sign up for the Breaking News US emailOpenAI is reportedly in early stage talks to give a 5% stake in the ChatGPT developer to the US government as artificial intelligence…
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Burnham to promise devolution in first major speech since launching No 10 bid
The favourite to be the next prime minister will set out his economic vision in a speech in Manchester.
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Mahmood announces new refugee sponsorship route into UK
The home secretary says "capped safe and legal" routes would help to restore confidence in the asylum system.
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Trump gets in shouting match with Republican senator amid standoff over housing bill and president’s anger at war powers vote – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Trump abruptly cancels signing of bill aimed at lowering housing costSign up for the Breaking News US emailA man or a movement? That was the question being asked when Zohran Mamdani gambled his political capital on Tuesday’s elections in New York.The…
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Texas anti-ICE protesters convicted of terrorism charges sentenced to at least 50 years in prison
Activists accused of being part of antifa face harsh sentences in case seen as test of Trump’s crackdown on dissentA group of Texas protesters convicted of terrorism charges received harsh sentences of at least 50 years in prison Tuesday in a closely watched case that was widely…
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Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister
Sir Keir delivered a statement to announce his planned departure from Downing Street.
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Henry Zeffman: What does Keir Starmer do next after Andy Burnham's Makerfield win?
Discussion about the prime minister's future ramps up after Makerfield by-election.
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Senator says Jay Clayton nomination hearing to go ahead unless Trump tells him not to appear – US politics live
Tom Cotton, chair of committee tasked with confirming Trump’s national intelligence pick, defies president’s cancellation of hearing Trump abruptly halts confirmation for Jay Clayton as US intelligence chiefSign up for the Breaking News US emailDonald Trump also denied (again)…
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Oklahoma, Georgia and Washington DC voters head to the polls – US politics live
Oklahoma primary set to test Donald Trump’s iron grip on the Republican party, while closely watched runoff underway in GeorgiaSign up for the Breaking News US emailSpeaking to NBC News earlier, JD Vance claimed that nuclear inspectors will “absolutely” be allowed back into Iran…
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I have a duty to stay on, says PM as he justifies defence spending decisions
Sir Keir Starmer argues he has made "hard-edged" decisions, one day after his defence secretary quit in a row over money.
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UFC champion says he has been banned from White House fight over criticisms of Trump
Sean Strickland claims he was not cleared to attend the UFC event because he ‘made fun of Israel and Epstein’The only current US UFC champion says he has been barred from Sunday’s fight card on the south lawn of the White House because he dared to criticize Donald Trump, Israel…
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Scrap legal equality duty for public services, says Badenoch
The Conservative leader says the rules have led to public bodies becoming "institutionally incompetent".
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FBI fires several analysts tied to disputed ‘Catholic ideology’ memo
Firings are part of a broader personnel purge under under the leadership of director Kash Patel, a Trump loyalistSeveral FBI analysts tied to the creation of a 2023 memo warning of a potential threat from Catholic “violent extremists” were fired on Friday, according to their…
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Burnham says he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest
The Greater Manchester mayor would need to win the by-election in Makerfield to be a possible candidate.
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Henry Nowak arrest footage raises 'serious questions for police', PM says
Sir Keir Starmer says the question of "how accusations of racism informed decision making" must be addressed, as protesters clash with police in Southampton.
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'Beleaguered and bereft' - Mandelson messages reveal criticism of No 10
Newly published documents show Lord Mandelson and ministers' concerns about the prime minister and Labour MPs.
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Key messages between Mandelson and ministers so far
The 1,000 pages include criticisms of Labour MPs, No 10 and the prime minister.
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Sturgeon tells BBC: I'm serving a sentence for crime I didn't commit
Scotland's former first minister is challenged by Laura Kuenssberg over the SNP embezzlement scandal, and at times struggles to hold back tears.
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Ex-M&S chief to help government tackle youth unemployment
Marc Bolland will advise on getting young people into work after a review warned of a "lost generation".
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JD Vance says Trump ‘pushing forward’ with Golden Dome as he addresses Air Force Academy – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Sign up to the Breaking News US emailIn one of the opinions shared by the Supreme Court Thursday morning, the Court has ruled in favor of a Black man who claims that there was racial bias in the make up of the jury that convicted him.In Pitchford v…
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Trump’s justice department reportedly opens criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.US justice department reportedly opens criminal inquiry into Trump accuser E Jean CarrollSign up to the Breaking News US emailPresident Trump is set to hold the 12th cabinet meeting of his second term at 11am EST on Wednesday.Three Democratic state…
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Labour has 'no coherent plan' for country, says Blair
The ex-Labour PM says Sir Keir Starmer's government is in the "wrong position" ahead of the next election.
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Federal court blocks new Republican-friendly voting map in Alabama
Panel of three judges says congressional map was drawn to intentionally discriminate against Black votersAlabama cannot use a new Republican-friendly map in this year’s midterm elections because it was drawn to intentionally discriminate against Black voters, a panel of three…
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Borrowing in April hit highest level since Covid
Borrowing was higher than expected last month and retail sales fell as fuel prices surged.
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UK net migration needs to fall further, says Andy Burnham
Labour's candidate for Makerfield also said government immigration reforms must "get the balance right".
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Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate in Makerfield
The Labour Party formally announces Andy Burnham as its candidate to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
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Burnham pledges not to 're-run' Brexit arguments
The potential leadership challenger says he is not proposing the UK considers rejoining the EU.
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Lauren Boebert suggests Trump withheld funds to Colorado over prosecution of election denier
Republican said she hoped recent commutation of Tina Peters by governor would free up federal funding for clean drinking waterRepublican congresswoman Lauren Boebert suggested that Donald Trump blocked funds for a clean drinking water project in her state over the prosecution of…
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Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election
If the Greater Manchester mayor goes on to win the by-election, he would be able to launch a leadership challenge against the PM.
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Kash Patel lobs false claims about top Democrat as they spar over allegations of FBI chief’s excessive drinking on the job – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Kash Patel denies excessive drinking allegations as ‘total farce’ in Senate hearingSign up for the Breaking News US emailThe Pentagon revealed on 29 April that the US war on Iran had cost about $25bn for roughly two months of spending. Today, when…
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Analysis: Has Starmer done enough to save his premiership?
Was the prime minister's speech enough to avert a challenge to his leadership less than two years after he won a landslide general election victory?
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Sean Duffy faces backlash for new family reality show: ‘unfocused and out of touch’
US transportation secretary announces The Great American Road Trip amid transportation crises and rising fuel pricesSean Duffy, the US transportation secretary, hauled his family into a van for a wholesome, seven-month trek across the nation, which was filmed for an upcoming…
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Virginia supreme court blocks state’s new congressional map in blow to Democrats ahead of midterms – live
High court strikes down a redistricting referendum that recently passed which would’ve given Democrats four more House seatsSign up for the Breaking News US emailA reminder that my colleagues are covering the latest on the conflict in the Middle East. Including secretary of…
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Labour expected to lose Senedd after century of winning elections in Wales
Labour sources have told the BBC the party's century-long winning run is expected to come to an end.
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Michigan’s Combative Democratic Senate Primary Heats Up
Attacks are flying, prominent Democrats are taking sides and the fight is just getting started.