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The shooting of two members of the National Guard in the US capital has shined a spotlight on President Donald Trump's controversial decision to station more than 2,000 troops in the city.

Since Trump's reelection last year, four separate criminal cases - including his hush money conviction and federal allegations of election interference and illegally hoarding classified documents - have either been dropped, resolved or put aside.

With no backpack, books or uniform, 11-year-old Layan Haji navigates the ruins of Gaza City and heads to a makeshift classroom after two years of war halted her education.

Residents anxiously awaited news of their loved ones Thursday at a temporary shelter as one of Hong Kong's deadliest fires in decades engulfed a 2,000-unit high-rise complex.

Three construction industry employees arrested after police allege unsafe scaffolding materials may have been behind fire’s rapid spreadHong Kong fire – latest updatesExplainer: what we know so farBamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of fireHong Kong police have alleged unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during maintenance work may have been behind the rapid spread of a devastating fire at a group of residential tower blocks that has killed at least 44 people and left almost 300 missing.Firefighters were still battling to reach residents who may be trapped on the upper floors of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Thursday due to the intense heat and thick smoke generated by the fire. Continue reading...

Three men arrested as 26 rescue teams on site at Wang Fuk Court residential apartment complex in Tai Po district. Follow the latest updates liveFull report: Death toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missingWhat we know so far about the blazeBamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fireThe death toll has risen again to 44, fire officials say.Officials said they are still having difficulties proceeding into the upper floors in some of the buildings in the residential complex as the fire continues. Continue reading...

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar and the Welsh first minister, Eluned Morgan, both face humiliating defeat in next year’s elections, according to pollingLabour leaders in Edinburgh and Cardiff sought credit for the most progressive measures in Rachel Reeves’ budget on Wednesday, pinning their hopes for next year’s critical elections on a package that increases funding for Scotland and Wales by nearly £2bn.That funding boost and the abolition of the two-child limit for universal credit recipients were seen as a relief in both capitals. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said: “I demanded a Labour budget rooted in Labour values and that is what the chancellor has delivered. This budget means child poverty down, energy bills down, wages up and austerity rejected.” Continue reading...

Treasury says concession could be worth £30m next year and then £70m annually until 2030Rachel Reeves has eased inheritance tax on agricultural property after pressure from farmers.As the chancellor made her budget speech on Wednesday, the Treasury announced changes it said could save farmers and business owners £30m next year when passing on property and £70m a year in the following four years. Farmers, who had driven tractors up to the doors of parliament, were protesting outside at the same time. Continue reading...