Top World News
Vance appears to walk back Trump’s offer of $5,000 ‘dividend’ if Republicans win midterms – US politics live
Vice-president suggests payment would not go to all and would be paid for by tariff revenues despite supreme court rulings against much of Trump’s programUS citizens will receive $5,000 if Republicans win midterms, Trump claims Sign up for the US Breaking News emailNight one of Trump’s midterm convention in Dallas faced a major challenge in attracting viewers: it had to compete with the NFL’s season kickoff, a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.The tug-of-war for viewership appeared to resonate with Trump, in any case, as the President was adamant Thursday morning that he’d won more attention that the NFL – even before any official ratings were in. Continue reading...
People in the US: how have you coped during this summer of record heat?
We’d like to hear from people about the impact of extreme heat this summer – and if you’ve had your power cutIt’s been a record summer of heat in the US with rolling heat domes and July being the hottest month ever recorded in the country, surpassing temperatures stretching back 132 years of reliable measurements, to 1895. July’s temperatures surpassed previous high marks set in July 1936, in the teeth of dust bowl conditions, and in July 2012. We want to hear from people across the US on how they have coped with the heat – and what it has meant for utility bills. Has the heat affected you or your family physically? Have you had to change your daily routines?Have your bills soared with the cost of keeping your home cool? And we especially want to hear from people who have had their electricity cut off during the extreme heat or have had trouble keeping up with utility payments. Continue reading...
English winemakers expect ‘vintage year’ after record-breaking summer heat
Hot weather means sweeter grapes, but outlook gloomier for beermakers, as drought diminishes barley harvestEnglish sparkling winemakers expect their earliest grape harvest and a “vintage year” after a scorching summer quickly ripened grapes.However, beer sellers have warned of a potential shortage after record-breaking temperatures and a drought hitting much of England has caused poor yields of barley. Continue reading...
Hawaii has often dodged the path of hurricanes. Why did it see so many storms this summer?
Despite its location, the island chain has avoided the worst effects, but Hurricanes Lowell and Lala left a trail of damage this yearHurricane Lowell surged near the Hawaiian Islands this week, leaving a trail of downed trees and power lines, crumbled roads, sunken boats and destroyed piers on the island of Kauai.Residents were left to grapple not only with the damage, but the rising risks to the tropical archipelago as sea surface temperatures climb. Continue reading...
Visitor levy powers should be in place by March 2028 in England, ministers say – UK politics live
Downing Street gives more details of plan, saying it would be charged as a percentage of accommodation costs, not a flat feeTourists in England face nightly levy on hotel and Airbnb stays under new plansThe Centre for Cities, a thinktank that focuses on promoting growth in cities, has welcomed the government’s plans to let mayors in England impose a tourism tax. This is from its chief executive, Andrew Carter.The overnight visitor levy is a great step forward for fiscal devolution. This marks the first time that mayors in England have gained more autonomy over funding.The overnight visitor levy means places will get rewarded for doing what they need to attract more visitors and grow their local economies.Labour’s solution to every issue is always to hike taxes. This is just the latest method they’ve found to squeeze more money out of hardworking families and the economy.The hospitality industry has already been hit by colossal business rates hikes thanks to Labour, on top of their Jobs Tax and employment red tape that have driven up costs. Now hotels and other businesses face another blow that will harm local economies and discourage local tourism. VAT is already charged at 20% on hotels - much higher than in other countries - and now they’ll pay VAT on this tourism tax too: a Labour double whammy. Continue reading...
Much of Europe already levies a tourist tax – a nice little earner for Italian hotspots
While England makes its first foray into unfamiliar territory, it’s proved a boon for Italy’s cash-strapped municipalities A nightly tourist tax may be unfamiliar territory in the UK, but countries in continental Europe have been cashing in on these kinds of levies for decades.Tourists usually need to pay the tax on the day they check out of a hotel or holiday let, and are often surprised by an extra fee on top of their accommodation costs. Continue reading...
Anthropic Whistleblower Explains Why AI Is Bigger Threat Than Nukes
The researcher, who says he spent three years conducting research at Anthropic and OpenAI, labelled AI "possibly the most dangerous technology that humanity has ever created."
Kim Jong Un's Daughter Believed To Have Younger Sibling: Report
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter is believed to have a younger sibling, South Korea's spy agency said on Thursday, offering a view into his family structure.
Japan seeks change to new UN world map over Russia 'misconception'
The new ‘true-scale’ map shrinks Europe and North America while enlarging Africa – and depicts the disputed Kuril islands as ruled by MoscowJapan has asked for the revision of a new world map adopted by the UN because it said it made the disputed Kuril islands appear to belong to Russia.The UN general assembly voted on Friday to adopt the new map, which makes the African continent larger while also shrinking North America and Europe, drawing condemnation from the US. Continue reading...
Chemical companies reach $455m settlement with North Carolina over ‘forever chemicals’ claims
Chemours, DuPont and Corteva reach settlement after lawsuits accuse companies of polluting drinking water Chemours, DuPont and Corteva on Thursday reached a $455m settlement with North Carolina and 11 local entities over Pfas contamination claims tied to Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant and other historical discharges.Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic Pfas chemicals – a group of pollutants referred to as “forever chemicals” – have led to settlements worth billions of dollars, including one struck by the three companies in New Jersey last year. Continue reading...
Fact-Checking Trump's 9/11 Claims: Where Was He On September 11, 2001
Donald Trump narrated a story about allegedly being carried away by firefighters due to fears of an imminent building collapse at some point after the incident.
Elon Musk's Ex Reveals He Wanted "Legion Of Children Before Civil War"
Ashley St. Clair revealed that Musk's team offered her a $40 million payment and a monthly stipend of $100,000 if she signed a non-disclosure agreement.
