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Politics
Policy, power, and the news of the day.
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Guardian and ITN have ‘duty to public and sources’ to publish sexual allegations against well-known figure, court hears
Individual known in court as PPT is seeking a permanent injunction, with lawyers citing his risk of suicide Two news organisations have a duty to the public and their sources to publish allegations of exploitative sexual behaviour by a well-known figure despite claims he is “highly likely” to attempt suicide, the high court has heard. The anonymous individual, known in court simply as PPT, is seeking an injunction against the Guardian and ITN to stop them publishing the allegations, which he denies. Continue reading...
Dolores Huerta, California labor leader and civil rights champion, dies aged 96
Huerta co-founded United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez, improving pay and conditions for farm workers Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Dolores Huerta, an iconic 1960s labor union leader and civil rights activist, died on Wednesday in California at the age of 96, her family said. Huerta was co-founder with Cesar Chavez, another veteran unionist and political activist, of the United Farm Workers union (UFW), which was credited with improving pay and conditions for agricultural workers through a series strikes, boycotts and protests in the 1960s and 1970s. Continue reading...
Russell Brand tells trial he had sex obsession but that consent is ‘non-negotiable’
Former comedian, in court on rape and sexual assault charges, denies setting goal to sleep with 5,000 women Russell Brand has told a court he had an obsession with sex as a younger man but denied setting himself a “goal” to sleep with 5,000 women. The former comedian, 51, insisted as he gave evidence to his rape trial that he has never forced himself on a woman, telling jurors consent is “non-negotiable” and “more important than sex itself”. Continue reading...
Socialist Hasan Piker is suing conservative counterpart for ‘violent racist’ portrayal
The $72.5m suit alleges Scott Jennings falsely told listeners Piker had a ‘plan of returning our country to lynchings’ The prominent socialist political commentator and influencer Hasan Piker is suing his conservative counterpart Scott Jennings for $72.5m over comments on a podcast that he said portrayed him as “a violent racist” who advocated the lynching of Black people. Piker’s defamation lawsuit , filed Tuesday in US district court for the District of Columbia, states that Jennings misrepresented his comments in a podcast and subsequent social media post in August. Continue reading...
‘A revolution in slow motion’: is Arizona’s wealthiest district finally done with Trump?
Circumstances are ripe for change in this onetime Republican stronghold given the current dissatisfaction with Trump agenda, experts say Donald Trump has repeatedly asked voters to pretend that he is on the ballot in November’s crucial midterm elections. And in the comfortable confines of Arizona’s most affluent and fiercely contested congressional district, Trump is definitely on voters’ minds. But whether that helps or hurts the warring congressional candidates in this sun-drenched swath of suburbia, where Teslas and walled-in luxury homes dominate, depends on who you ask. Continue reading...
In Serbia, a new type of democracy is taking hold, and Europe is watching closely
A movement that began in outrage has delivered remarkable election upset, showing that change is possible and prompting questions over what comes next • Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up here In April of last year, dozens of students set off from Serbia, intent on making it to Strasbourg, France on bicycles. The aim of the arduous, 13-day transcontinental journey was simple: to make their voices heard in Europe and beyond. In their home city of Novi Sad, students had been holding near-daily protests after a deadly roof collapse at the city’s main railway station. As their push for accountability and justice spread across the country, it was met with baton-wielding police, teargas and a political class that branded these young people as traitors. Continue reading...
Will John Healey’s ‘breathing space’ budget deliver what Britain needs? Our panel responds | Panel
Amid global economic storms, the new chancellor has promised to steer the course – with promises of more help to come. Will it be enough? Continue reading...
Cruise guests stranded in Cambodia after company ends voyage due to high fuel costs
The luxury MV Odyssey ship slated for a years-long voyage around the world suspends operations amid high fuel prices A luxury cruise ship that had embarked on a years-long voyage around the world was forced to suspend its operations and leave passengers stranded in Cambodia because of remarkably high fuel prices. The ship, known as the MV Odyssey, had been carrying 203 passengers, mostly Americans, along with 156 crew members, Cambodian officials told the Associated Press . The ship has a 650-passenger capacity. Continue reading...
Woman woke up to see stranger invited into bedroom by husband, court hears
Jury at Winchester crown court sees video evidence by Joanne Young, 49, in trial of four men accused of sexual assault A woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by men invited into their family home by her ex-husband described how she would wake in the middle of the night restrained and blindfolded and feeling “hazy”. Joanne Young said that on one occasion she managed to remove her blindfold and was shocked to glimpse a stranger in her bedroom who her husband, Philip Young, had allegedly arranged to have sex with her. Continue reading...
US lawmakers demand action on overcharging at 7-Eleven, Dollar General and other chains
Democrats urge FTC to tackle ‘systemic failure’ of biggest convenience and dollar stores over pricing practices after Guardian investigations Thirty-four members of Congress are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate reports of widespread overcharging by some of America’s most-recognized brand-name retailers. The 28 October letter to the FTC comes in direct response to Guardian investigations of four of the nation’s largest dollar-store and convenience-store chains. Both investigations revealed pervasive mismatches between shelf labels and register prices. Continue reading...
Israel election: what we know so far
With nearly all votes counted, Netanyahu’s coalition government has lost its majority, but main opponents also fail to gain outright majority; marked gains by Palestinian parties Israel election – live updates Full report: Coalition talks loom in Israel Analysis: Rise of Palestinian parties will redraw political landscape With almost all votes counted, Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has lost its majority, but his main opponents, an alliance of Jewish Israeli parties unofficially led by Gadi Eisenkot , have also failed to gain an outright majority. Israeli media report that Netanyahu’s bloc is ahead, with projections he could take 53 seats under the current vote share, but this could change further. The projections put Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc on 48 seats and the Palestinian parties on 19 seats. Sixty-one seats are needed to form a majority to govern in the Knesset. The remainder of votes to be counted come from absentee ballots , according to Israeli media. We can expect absentee ballots to be counted on Wednesday night, with final results by Thursday. The Palestinian Israeli parties have received a historically strong vote. The Joint List, a new ticket of several Arab-majority parties, triumphed with at least 12 seats, while Ra’am, the other Islamic party, won seven. The key question is whether the Eisenkot-led “Change” bloc (consisting of the rightwinger Naftali Bennett’s Together party, the centre-left Yair Golan’s Democrats and the rightwing Yisrael Beiteinu party) will partner with Palestinian Israeli parties or if they will resort to a new election, or even working with Netanyahu. Netanyahu took the stage at a post-election rally in Jerusalem just after 3am, telling his supporters that official results will show that “Likud is the largest party in Israel”. He told his supporters that the country must “establish a strong, rightwing national government” – adding that a government that relied on the support of Palestinian parties must not be formed. Eisenkot told cheering supporters in Tel Aviv that the “Israeli public has voted against Netanyahu’s service as Israel’s prime minister … a worthy leader would have accepted the people’s non-confidence and announced today his retirement from politics”. In his speech, he also warned Netanyahu not to “use Israel’s security” for political ends, playing on fears that the prime minister could use this period of uncertainty to launch a new attack on Iran. The Palestinian Israeli vote, which represents about 20% of the population, had long been seen as a decisive factor for who will be able to form government, and the high turnout of this election was driven by the community experiencing increased racism and discrimination under Netanyahu’s government. This is the most voted-for election in Israel’s political history, with many Israelis flying back into the country to cast their vote, and nearly 80% of IDF soldiers voting. Donald Trump said his endorsement had helped Netanyahu perform better than polling estimates. Continue reading...
Income tax: Healey’s budget leaves thresholds frozen again. How much more will you pay?
Tax policy means freezes reduce take-home pay as earnings rise in line with inflation Income tax thresholds are set to remain frozen after John Healey’s first budget as chancellor. One of the biggest tax rises in recent years has happened without a change in the rates at which people are taxed on their incomes. Instead it has come from successive government decisions to keep the thresholds associated with the tax at the same level each year, regardless of inflation. Continue reading...
Tommy Robinson found guilty of harassing journalists
Daily Mail reporters and their families fled homes after far-right activist targeted them over coverage The far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been found guilty of harassing two journalists to the point where it caused them fear of violence. Journalists from the Daily Mail and their family members fled their homes after “bullyboy, intimidatory tactics” were deployed by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, his trial was told. Continue reading...
Chiefs reportedly signing kicker Justin Tucker in wake of ban as Butker struggles
Tucker was banned under NFL’s conduct policy Butker has missed five of 16 FG attempts this season The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly signing the former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad after Harrison Butker’s poor start to the season. Tucker was widely considered one of the greatest kickers in NFL history until the Ravens released him in May 2025. The Ravens said his departure was a “football decision” after a slump in form, but the move came months after he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. Tucker denied the allegations and never faced criminal charges but he served a 10-game NFL ban for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Continue reading...
Second fatal train collision this year casts doubt over Spain’s high-speed rail network
Questions were raised before Toledo crash over rail safety in a country where train travel has surged by 40% Deadly Spanish rail collision – latest updates Spain’s high-speed rail network, the most extensive in Europe and the second largest in the world after China, has long ranked as a point of pride in the country. But Wednesday’s deadly crash – the second in nine months – has recast the spotlight on questions about safety. Officials said at least 64 people were killed on Wednesday morning after two trains collided, leading to the derailment of several carriages. The two trains were carrying 544 passengers. Continue reading...
OBR slashes UK growth forecast for 2027 despite Healey’s budget measures
Outlook for living standards also downgraded as part of impact of Middle East conflict on economy Healey offers £100 payment to households to help navigate ‘global economic storms’ Budget 2026: key points at a glance Budget 2026 live – latest updates Britain’s economy has taken a multibillion-pound hit as the war in the Middle East drags down growth and triggers a fresh cost of living crisis, according to the government’s independent forecaster. In a report as John Healey announced his first budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) issued a sharp downgrade for growth, living standards and the public finances despite the measures taken by the chancellor . Continue reading...
Egypt fines prominent editor Lina Attalah and shuts independent news outlet Mada Masr
Warnings of escalating clampdown on press freedom come after Cairo court convicts Attalah of managing an unlicensed website Lina Attalah, a prominent Egyptian journalist and the editor-in-chief of the news outlet Mada Masr, has been released from detention by Egypt’s authorities and had her website ordered to be shut down by a court amid an intensifying crackdown on independent media in the country. Attalah was taken briefly into custody after a Cairo court convicted her of managing an unlicensed website, prompting fresh international concerns over press freedom in Egypt. Continue reading...
How Trump is trying to disrupt the midterms – video explainer
From redrawing electoral maps to installing a sense of uncertainty around the electoral process ahead of the midterms elections on 3 November, Republicans have deployed several tactics to try and skew the vote in their favor. As the president's popularity continues to drop, it is crucial for him and his administration to retain a majority in Congress or they could face investigations and even impeachment. Guardian political reporter Shrai Popat looks at the ways the Republicans have tried and are still trying to influence the election The US midterm races that will decide control of Congress – mapped US midterms: what are they and why do presidents dread them? – explainer Continue reading...
Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths
NSW government imposes water restrictions after Menindee water volumes fall below 2021 levels Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Water levels at Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales have fallen to their lowest point in five years, prompting the state government to impose upstream water use restrictions as experts warn of potential mass fish deaths over summer. Combined storage at Menindee Lakes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time since 2021. Continue reading...
US teen whose father arranged her marriage to Islamic State fighter convicted for weapons training
‘You try to leave, it is death,’ Halima Salman testified. Her mother and defense attorneys wept after the verdict A New York woman whose father took her to Syria as a teenager and arranged her marriage to an Islamic State fighter was convicted on Tuesday of receiving weapons training from the militant group. Prosecutors said Halima Salman, a US citizen, pledged loyalty to the extremist group and willingly participated in its activities. Jurors were shown a video of her holding an assault rifle, a photo of her with the group’s flag and loving text messages she sent her husband. Continue reading...
Give UK workers right to know colleagues’ pay to prevent disparities, says watchdog
EHRC says we need transparency if workers suspect other staff are being paid more for similar work Workers should have a legal right to know their colleagues’ pay to help prevent pay discrimination, particularly against women, the UK’s human rights watchdog has said. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) made the recommendation in response to government proposals to overhaul equal pay laws, saying workers deserve a right to transparency if they suspect other staff are being paid more for similar work. Continue reading...
Budget 2026: John Healey offers £100 payment to households to help navigate ‘global economic storms’
Cash to 20m households part of package to help cut energy bills and ease cost-of-living crisis Budget 2026: key points at a glance Budget 2026 live – latest updates John Healey promised to steer Britain through “global economic storms,” as he announced a package of measures to cut consumers’ energy bills in his first budget. The chancellor said 20m households in council tax bands A to D would receive a £100 payment – a measure he said would cost £2.6bn. A VAT cut on electricity bills will be extended to next July, added Healey. Continue reading...
RFK Jr assailed over ‘wildly racist tirade’ about Arabs at Michigan campaign stop
US health secretary falsely claims at Mike Rogers rally that Arabs have never won major prizes in science or literature Robert F Kennedy Jr , the US health secretary, faced backlash on Wednesday for a “wildly racist tirade” during a campaign stop in Michigan in which he falsely asserted that Arabs never won major awards in science or literature. Kennedy was speaking at the Monday night event in Grand Rapids in support of Mike Rogers, the Republican US Senate candidate who is trailing his Democratic midterms opponent Abdul El-Sayed , a Muslim, in polling. Continue reading...
Business secretary writes to Poundland owner as administration fears build
Jonathan Reynolds has written to Gordon Brothers, which bought retailer for £1 last summer, to ‘establish the facts’ The business secretary has written to the owner of Poundland amid fears that the cut-price retailer could collapse into administration, threatening to overshadow John Healey’s budget. Sources said that Gordon Brothers, the US investment firm that bought the 600-store Poundland chain for £1 last summer, looks set to appoint administrators to the struggling retailer. Continue reading...