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US senators urge crackdown on wildfire betting amid warnings of arson risk
The Guardian

US senators urge crackdown on wildfire betting amid warnings of arson risk

Experts say growing trend on sites such as Polymarket and Kalshi could motivate people to start fires to win moneyA group of US lawmakers is sounding the alarm over prediction market platforms that allow users to bet on wildfires, as experts warn the emerging trend could raise the risk of arson.Democratic senators from six states sent a letter this week to the chair of the Commodity Futures Tradin...

Diageo shares bounce back as new CEO Dave Lewis lifts spirits with $1bn savings plan
The Guardian

Diageo shares bounce back as new CEO Dave Lewis lifts spirits with $1bn savings plan

Ex-Tesco boss known as ‘Drastic Dave’ for his cost-cutting zeal pledges more of the same at flagging Guinness ownerShares in Diageo have bounced after the Guinness owner’s chief executive, “Drastic Dave” Lewis, passed the first big test of his plan to revive the flagging fortunes of the UK-based drinks company.Lewis, a former Tesco boss known in the City for his cost-cutting zeal, promised to deli...

Reform will jail directors of companies employing illegal workers for up to five years, says Yusuf – UK politics live
The Guardian

Reform will jail directors of companies employing illegal workers for up to five years, says Yusuf – UK politics live

Party says employers would be held responsible even if they were unaware of the worker’s immigration statusA Reform government will introduce national licensing for vape shops, which Zia Yusuf says will see a decrease of 70% in the businesses on British high streets.“We will also end financial disincentive,” he says. Reform will establish a central prosecution fund for local authorities to pursue ...

‘Mamma mia!’: Trump tariffs refund ignites 53% profit spike at Nintendo

‘Mamma mia!’: Trump tariffs refund ignites 53% profit spike at Nintendo

The Guardian

Quarterly profit jump fuelled largely by unknown US refund amount as Japanese video game giant records overall sales drop Nintendo has reported a jump in profits, as the Japanese game maker’s earnings were buoyed up by a long-awaited refund on Donald Trump’s tariffs.The company said profits surged 53.5% to ¥147.4bn (£694m) over the three months to June, substantially beating expert forecasts for ¥...

Is King Charles a ‘white Briton’? Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe won’t say

Is King Charles a ‘white Briton’? Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe won’t say

The Guardian

Lowe questioned on BBC about definition in report for hard-right party that both parents need to be born in UKRupert Lowe, the leader of Restore Britain, refused to say he believes King Charles can be classified as a “white Briton” in an extraordinary interview on the BBC’s Today programme.Questioning Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, over his claims that “white Britons will become a minority by 2063”,...

‘Mama mia!’: Trump tariffs refund ignites 53% profit spike at Nintendo

‘Mama mia!’: Trump tariffs refund ignites 53% profit spike at Nintendo

The Guardian

Quarterly profit jump fuelled largely by unknown US refund amount as Japanese video game giant records overall sales drop Nintendo has reported a jump in profits, as the Japanese game maker’s earnings were buoyed up by a long-awaited refund on Donald Trump’s tariffs.The company said profits surged 53.5% to ¥147.4bn (£694m) over the three months to June, substantially beating expert forecasts for ¥...

All bodies of water in England polluted with toxic chemicals, official data shows

All bodies of water in England polluted with toxic chemicals, official data shows

The Guardian

Environment Agency assessments find just 14.3% of country’s surface waters in good ecological statusEvery single English water body is polluted with toxic chemicals, new government data shows, while just 14.3% of surface waters achieved good ecological status.Each of the country’s rivers, lakes and estuaries was assessed by the Environment Agency as part of a six-yearly evaluation into England’s w...

Virginia teens at golf tryouts rescue family from drowning and then make squad

Virginia teens at golf tryouts rescue family from drowning and then make squad

The Guardian

Gavin Cain, Andrew Tuggle and Jackson Castro were at golf team tryouts when they heard screams from nearby lakeA trio of Virginia teenagers recently showed up to golf team tryouts, jumped into a nearby lake to rescue three people – including a preschooler who couldn’t swim – after their kayaks capsized, and then earned spots on the squad, according to officials who are hailing their actions as “he...

Top Democrats accuse Trump officials over Israeli settlers’ ‘unbridled violence’

Top Democrats accuse Trump officials over Israeli settlers’ ‘unbridled violence’

The Guardian

Letter says lifting of sanctions sent ‘clear message’ settlers can use deadly force in West Bank without consequencesSenior Democrats have accused Donald Trump’s administration of giving a green light to violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, warning that its policies created “a climate of impunity and unbridled violence” that endangers both Palestinians and US citizens.In a letter se...

‘Morocco feels emboldened’: Trump’s influence in spotlight after Ceuta disaster

‘Morocco feels emboldened’: Trump’s influence in spotlight after Ceuta disaster

The Guardian

Washington-Rabat ties under scrutiny as questions swirl over what led to deadly influx into tiny Spanish territoryThe cosy relationship between Washington and Rabat has long been flaunted by both sides, from Morocco’s announcement this year that it would be the first African state to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to the congratulatory message recently sent by Trump to mark King Mohammed VI’s...

Lithuania warns Russia could be considering possible ‘false flag’ strike on the Baltics – Europe live

Lithuania warns Russia could be considering possible ‘false flag’ strike on the Baltics – Europe live

The Guardian

Lithuania’s defence minister says they are ‘monitoring’ Russia’s plans and exchanging information with Poland and other Nato alliesLithuania’s defence minister Robertas Kaunas warned that Russia could be considering possible “false flag” provocations against Nato countries in the Baltic region.A “false flag” is a term for an event or attack which would later be blamed on someone other than the act...

Restaurants, pubs and theatres ban Meta’s ‘spy glasses’ over privacy fears

Restaurants, pubs and theatres ban Meta’s ‘spy glasses’ over privacy fears

The Guardian

Meta says safeguards are in place to prevent surreptitious filming, but some UK venues now prohibit them from being worn at allWhen Meta used superstar Kylie Jenner to promote its sleek new line of “spy glasses”, the social media company hoped the devices would reach the same broad acceptance that tablets and smartwatches have found before them.But those plans have hit a snag in the UK, where venu...

Blue Note to bring world-famous jazz club to London

Blue Note to bring world-famous jazz club to London

The Guardian

Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper will headline opening of club’s first UK venue in Covent Garden next monthThe world-famous New York jazz club Blue Note will open its first UK venue in London next month.Located in the basement of St Martins Lane hotel, Covent Garden, the club promises the best of British jazz alongside world-class international artists, with a programme featuring emerging and...

University of Greater Manchester ends contract of embattled vice-chancellor

University of Greater Manchester ends contract of embattled vice-chancellor

The Guardian

George Holmes was suspended in 2025 over allegations involving financial mismanagement and other misconductThe University of Greater Manchester’s embattled vice-chancellor has had his contract terminated by the university’s governing body, ending a period of uncertainty over the university’s leadership.Sir George Holmes, who had led the university for two decades, was initially suspended last year...

‘Performative reductions’: Labor MPs and business groups urge Burke against sweeping immigration changes

‘Performative reductions’: Labor MPs and business groups urge Burke against sweeping immigration changes

The Guardian

MPs say they are anxious for the government to avoid cuts to family and humanitarian visa categoriesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMajor business groups have urged Labor to suspend its immigration changes and consult further with industry about how to get more skilled workers into the country, amid questions about looming Labor tweaks on permanent migration.With home af...

Reform to unveil controversial plan to fine firms and jail bosses who employ illegal workers – UK politics live

Reform to unveil controversial plan to fine firms and jail bosses who employ illegal workers – UK politics live

The Guardian

Reform say employers would be held responsible even if they were unaware of the worker’s immigration statusHello and welcome to the UK politics live blog.Reform UK says it will fine firms 10% of their global revenues and imprison bosses who employ illegal migrant workers under the party’s latest plans to bring down immigration.Under a Reform government, Britain will have the harshest penalties in ...

Iran says a deal with Oman to reopen the strait of Hormuz is close to being finalised – Middle East crisis live

Iran says a deal with Oman to reopen the strait of Hormuz is close to being finalised – Middle East crisis live

The Guardian

Under the proposed agreement Tehran would control inbound traffic according to reportsUnderstanding reached on coordinates for shipping route through Hormuz, Iran saysAn Israeli strike that killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and injured her colleague Zeinab Faraj in April was a war crime, three rights organisations said on Thursday.Investigations from Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty Internat...

Icac witness asked about ‘filthy schools money’ messages – as it happened

Icac witness asked about ‘filthy schools money’ messages – as it happened

The Guardian

This blog is now closedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 60-year-old man has died after an alleged assault in Melbourne, where he was allegedly set upon by a group of youths.Victoria police said the man sustained critical injuries on 1 August after the group of young people allegedly attempted to steal items from a nearby store in the suburb of Sunshine. The victim alleg...

Labor faces fierce backlash from gambling giants as Coalition and Greens push for new controls on inducements

Labor faces fierce backlash from gambling giants as Coalition and Greens push for new controls on inducements

The Guardian

Despite reports the PM wants Labor’s bill to be passed in full or withdrawn, Anika Wells insists she is prepared to negotiateFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor will face strong opposition from gambling giants if it accedes to Coalition and Greens demands for a tough new ban on financial inducements for betting, par...

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries as Moscow continues attacks on Ukrainian cities – Europe live

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries as Moscow continues attacks on Ukrainian cities – Europe live

The Guardian

Zelenskyy says military managed to hit two refineries in targeted attacks At least six people were killed and 36 injured in another round of Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine, targeting the eastern city of Balakliia and the northern region of Sumy.But the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noted that Ukraine’s military managed to hit two Russian refineries in targeted attacks, hitting “R...

Positive Persimmon looks to tap into ‘Burnham bounce’ on housebuilding

Positive Persimmon looks to tap into ‘Burnham bounce’ on housebuilding

The Guardian

Firm lifts outlook saying it’s well placed to benefit from PM’s focus on new homes despite ongoing cost pressures of Iran warUK housebuilder Persimmon has lifted its outlook, saying it is “well-placed” to benefit from prime minister Andy Burnham’s policy agenda, despite growing costs linked to the Iran war.Despite rising cost pressures, Persimmon has lifted its outlook for the full year and now pl...

High-profile Indian investigative journalist convicted of raping colleague

High-profile Indian investigative journalist convicted of raping colleague

The Guardian

Tarun Tejpal, ex-editor of Tehelka magazine, was initially acquitted in 2021 in case that drew nationwide attentionAn Indian court has convicted a high-profile former editor of an investigative news magazine of raping a junior colleague, overturning his acquittal in a case that drew nationwide attention.Tarun Tejpal, 63, the founder and former editor of Tehelka magazine, was accused of raping a jo...

Starbucks Korea raided by police after ‘Tank Day’ campaign sparks public outrage

Starbucks Korea raided by police after ‘Tank Day’ campaign sparks public outrage

The Guardian

Coffee chain faced backlash over marketing promotion tied to anniversary of Gwangju massacreSouth Korean police have raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea as part of an investigation into a marketing campaign accused of trivialising the country’s 1980s pro-democracy movement.Investigators searched the building in southern Seoul on Tuesday, police said on Wednesday. No further details were rel...

Australia news live: Icac witness asked about ‘filthy schools money’ messages; evacuation declared after industrial shed fire creates toxic smoke in Adelaide

Australia news live: Icac witness asked about ‘filthy schools money’ messages; evacuation declared after industrial shed fire creates toxic smoke in Adelaide

The Guardian

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 60-year-old man has died after an alleged assault in Melbourne, where he was allegedly set upon by a group of youths.Victoria police said the man sustained critical injuries on 1 August after the group of young people allegedly attempted to steal items from a nearby store in the suburb of Sunshine. The victim alle...

‘Orange elephant in the room’: Pauline Hanson’s political rise is inspiring racism, inquiry hears

‘Orange elephant in the room’: Pauline Hanson’s political rise is inspiring racism, inquiry hears

The Guardian

Former AFL inclusion manager tells inquiry One Nation leader’s conduct is encouraging people to use ‘similar behaviour and words’The rise of One Nation is fuelling racism, a federal parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people has been told, with high‑profile Indigenous journalists warning the inquiry that 1970s‑style racism “is back”.The inquiry is holding...

Australian politician admits to sending text saying ‘my job is boring’ during a hearing

Australian politician admits to sending text saying ‘my job is boring’ during a hearing

The Guardian

Mark Parton defends sending text message but denies he sent it to a sex worker, saying he is a ‘multi-tasker from hell’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn Australian politician has admitted sending a text message that read “fuck, my job is boring” during a parliamentary hearing , but denied an allegation that he sent it to a sex worker.Mark Parton, the leader of the oppos...

Alan Jones’s alleged victim denies ‘fabricating’ claims against broadcaster during robust cross-examination

Alan Jones’s alleged victim denies ‘fabricating’ claims against broadcaster during robust cross-examination

The Guardian

Former 2UE and 2GB radio broadcaster is facing 22 charges. Jones, 85, has pleaded not guiltyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA former student sports star has denied in a Sydney court that he “fabricated” indecent assault allegations against broadcaster Alan Jones after he lost his police job and fell on “extremely hard...

Healey urged to be bold on borrowing in first test of Burnham’s growth pledge

Healey urged to be bold on borrowing in first test of Burnham’s growth pledge

The Guardian

Some want the chancellor to exploit newly flexible fiscal rules – others want a more creative approach, such as borrowing from marketsWith just 12 weeks to go until his first budget, new chancellor John Healey is seeking ways to ramp up public investment, without busting the Treasury’s fiscal rules – and some economists are urging him to be bold.As he settles into No 11 Downing Street, the former ...