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Ted Cruz and Newt Gingrich call the US midterms election a failure and Watergate-level repudiation' as Democrats overtake both chambers of Congress

EU transport commissioner says too early' to say if bomb threats to 20 flights are linked

British College of Aesthetic Medicine launches checklist as part of vet it before you get it' campaignCosmetic tourism is often sold as a package of sun, sea and surgery, but experts have said travelling overseas for procedures can end in infections, disfigurement and death.Nora Nugent, a consultant plastic surgeon and former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said travelling to countries such as Turkey for surgery comes with myriad risks - and not just on the operating table. Continue reading...

New report finds that record label Ador stripped child protections from group's contracts when they were minorsThe superstar K-pop group NewJeans signed restrictive record label contracts that waived their right to sleep, rest and free choice".A new report from the New York Times found that the contracts were signed when the members of the record-breaking girl group were aged 14 to 17. Continue reading...

Judge says actor and comedian faces significant custodial term' after being convicted of raping a woman and assaulting three othersRussell Brand has been found guilty of raping a fan and sexually assaulting three women, ending a years-long legal saga that has raised questions about how he was able to commit his crimes at the height of his fame.Brand, 51, was described during his trial as a ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator. He was accused of raping women in a hotel room, in a bar toilet and at his luxury London townhouse. He sexually assaulted women in front of his entourage at their workplaces, at a radio station and TV studio. Continue reading...

Measure in Democratic state says students must submit health documents verifying biological sex for girls' teamsVoters in Washington state have passed a ballot measure banning transgender girls from playing on girls' sports teams, a major loss for LGBTQ+ rights in a solidly Democratic state.The measure says students in elementary, middle and high school who want to join girls' athletics must first submit statements from their healthcare providers verifying their biological sex". Opponents have raised alarms the measure may force girls to endure invasive and extreme" genital exams to participate in school sports. Continue reading...

The document has been described as the core policy statement coming from No 10Yesterday the pro-Brexit Guido Fawkes website published a list of items that it said could be banned as a result of Andy Burnham's reset with the EU. It was based on items that have been banned under EU regulations passed since the UK left. Under the deal on food exports that has been agreed (but not yet published), the UK will have to align with EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules. And any further move to bring the UK closer to the EU could result in further regulatory alignment.One of the items on the Guido Fawkes list was smoky bacon flavouring in crisps.Oh, Stig. I mean, really, we've had EU straight bananas, and now we're talking about banning smoky bacon crisps. I think you should get a life.This is actually about ensuring that we can do business with our closest neighbours.The transition is a balance between getting and accessing those benefits as quickly as possible, but dealing with some of the transitional issues that you have to deal with whenever you're moving from one system to another. Continue reading...

Failure to agree lower fees for EU citizens studying in UK should delay prized food and drink deal, members say

Concerns remain that media industry is still failing to confront troubling behaviour

Ten-year high shows sterling's strength against other currencies following fall of dollar after US midterm elections

Telecoms group reports 1.1bn pre-tax profit in six months to end of September and share price touches five-year high

Foreign Office says 10-year sentence shows city's security law is being used to target individuals for political expression'

New policy would permit passengers to take firearms to their seats in lockboxes on 1,500 trains a day across the USThe Transport Workers Union, which represents 360 onboard service workers at national passenger rail operator Amtrak, has lambasted the planned implementation of a new policy that would permit passengers to bring their guns on its US intercity trains.The forthcoming protocols will allow people to carry on firearms in personal lock boxes. Continue reading...

Albanese should tread carefully as he struggles to make case for how the new technology will benefit ordinary voters

Transparency experts raise concerns about plans to use NDA to gag attendees at event featuring Pauline Hanson in lead-up to NSW election

Hospital workers, air traffic and rail staff expected to join industrial action as 70,000 police officers deployedHundreds of thousands of people are expected to march in demonstrations across France as trade unions call for a nationwide strike expected to extend to hospital workers, air traffic control, the post office, teachers and rail staff.A total of 70,000 police officers were deployed across France on Thursday morning as street demonstrations began in cities including Marseille, Grenoble and Lyon. Continue reading...

Dismissals follow Houthi victories and pressure from southern Yemenis for more powerThe UN-recognised government of Yemen has shaken up its political and military leadership in an attempt to regain territory lost to the Houthis in September and lift the four-week siege of Taiz, the country's third largest city.A counteroffensive launched on 5 October and aimed at liberating the entire country from Houthi control has failed amid fighting that has left thousands dead on both sides. The air superiority of the government's ally Saudi Arabia - which has had to fend off near-daily Houthi attacks on its airports and military bases - has not translated into progress on the ground. Continue reading...

Decision by MPC a week after the budget comes as Iran war continues to drive up energy costs

In the Netherlands many felt the move, while welcome, was mishandled and say it opened up a new phase of reckoningAndy Burnham's pledge to seek a structured dialogue" with former colonies to help shape Britain's first formal state apology for slavery marks the UK's first tentative step down a path the Netherlands set out on five years ago.The prime minister's attempts to initiate a historic shift alongside the royal family - whose customary expressions of profound personal sorrow", falling short of an apology, was repeated by King Charles this week - echo a process begun by the Dutch state in 2021. Continue reading...

Agents pinned down Erik Zepeda, a 20-year-old with disabilities, and left him with a broken wrist in latest example of ICE brutality as activity surges in CaliforniaThe violent ICE detention of a US citizen with disabilities as he walked to his high school has sparked outrage in California where leaders are condemning the incident as racial profiling and calling on authorities to investigate.Erik Zepeda, a 20-year-old high school student, was stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers last month in the small agricultural city of Santa Maria, famed for its strawberry harvest, where 79% of residents are Latino. His wrist was broken and later required surgery. Continue reading...

Leeds and Edinburgh among areas previously hit by fireworks-related violence, as fire brigades union warns of insufficient resourcesEmergency services are preparing for potential disorder in parts of the UK on Bonfire Night, amid concerns over the safety of firefighters from rising attacks and shortages of resources.Some communities have already been hit by unrest and antisocial behaviour in the days leading up to 5 November, with police in several towns and cities using enhanced powers, such as dispersal orders, to tackle groups letting off fireworks in public places. Continue reading...

Democrats gain hundreds of seats in historic victories - and party set to embark on aggressive legislative spreeThe blue wave that swept Republicans out of power across the United States didn't just strike Congress. In Tuesday's midterm elections, Democrats gained hundreds of seats in state legislatures across the country, under-the-radar victories that may have major implications for life in America.Though ballots are still being counted, the party's success appear to be historic - Democrats haven't won full control of government in Arizona in 60 years, in Pennsylvania since the 1990s, and Wisconsin since their wipeout in 2010. In Michigan and Minnesota, they regained trifectas they lost after the 2024 election, while in Texas, they will control the state house for the first time since 2002. Continue reading...

Voters in Nevada, Virginia, Missouri and Idaho passed or strengthened protections for women's reproductive freedomReproductive rights were on the ballot on Tuesday night as voters weighed in on several abortion-related measures, delivering a largely successful night for reproductive rights advocates encompassed by a historic blue wave.In Nevada, voters approved an amendment enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, permanently protecting access to abortion through the second trimester after a second referendum on the measure. Continue reading...

Tej Singh Bhandal, 68, was pulled from a queue and detained under terrorism law in creeping criminalisation of protest action'The Metropolitan police have settled a claim brought by a 68-year-old pro-Palestinian activist who accused the force of treating him like a criminal" when he was arrested under anti-terrorism legislation.Tej Singh Bhandal was returning to the UK on Eurostar earlier this year when he was pulled from a queue by police at St Pancras International, London. Continue reading...

Wong, 30, in prison since 2020, is only activist in Hong Kong prosecuted twice under national security law

But the president still has veto power, which he can wield to dictate policy over tariffs, the war in Iran or aid for UkraineIn a rare occurrence, a US election may have actually been decided by foreign policy. Donald Trump's war in Iran and international tariffs are seen as playing a key role in the inflationary pressures that drove so many Americans to vote against his party on Tuesday in what has been described as a generational wipeout" for the Republicans.And in the coming months, the president is going to face severe headwinds on those policies as Democrats storm back into control of Congress, threatening investigations of some of his top envoys and Pentagon contractors, big fights over budgets linked to the Iran war, and greater scrutiny of US relationships with allies such as Israel. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Consultation led by Department for Transport will consider parking standards, fleet sizes and insurance requirementsMinisters are seeking to end the wild west" of parked e-bikes blocking pavements, as they attempt to crack down on antisocial behaviour such as cyclists jumping red lights.The consultation, led by the Department for Transport, will aim to establish national standards on issues including parking, ending the current patchwork of agreements between individual bike companies and councils. Continue reading...

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Former police officer gives evidence in court after pleading not guilty to murdering Baird and Luke Davies in early 2024

William the Conquerer-built Hastings Castle and Swiss-style writing retreat in Kent two of nearly 200 additions to listA castle built by William the Conquerer, a Swiss-style chalet where Charles Dickens wrote and a swathe of fire-blasted moorland are among sites that have been added to Historic England's heritage at risk register.Almost 200 historic places have been added to the already extensive list, including Hastings Castle in East Sussex, Dickens' wooden writing retreat in Kent and Fylingdales Moor in North Yorkshire, which was devastated by a wildfire in the summer. Continue reading...

Controversial theory that Verica, who incited Emperor Claudius's AD43 landing, was a woman could put a new spin on British history if trueIt was a moment that changed the course of British history: in AD43, Roman troops under the emperor Claudius landed in Kent. Now, an archaeologist has claimed the British ruler who persuaded Claudius to invade was not a king but a queen.The controversial conclusion, made by Dr Miles Russell, the director of archaeological fieldwork at Bournemouth University, could throw new light on Britain's history. Continue reading...

Court finds clear and numerous similarities' between two medical dramas, allowing lawsuit by ER creator's widow Sherri to go to jury trial in 2027The Pitt is similar enough to ER to allow Michael Crichton's widow to pursue a long-running lawsuit over the award-winning medical drama, a US appeals court has ruled.In a unanimous opinion filed on Wednesday, a three-judge panel denied an appeal from Warner Bros Television (WBTV), which has argued for two years that the shows are unrelated. Continue reading...

Australia's Fair Work Commission heard that Davide Tamburella was sacked for refusing to use the controversial toppingWith its sea foam-green and white decor, exposed brick columns and classic Italian dishes" served atop European oak tables, La Costa was billed as an elegant slice of Italy in the urban heart of Queensland, Australia's sunshine state.We promise, it'll only take a moment to realize you're not in Brisbane anymore, you've made it to the Italian Riviera," the now closed restaurant's website still reads. Continue reading...

Seoul to seek parliamentary approval to extend anti-piracy Cheonghae unit's area to about 650km from the vital strait after criticism from Donald Trump on Iran war supportSouth Korea plans to expand the operations of its anti-piracy unit to waters closer to the strait of Hormuz, its defence ministry has said, after pressure from Donald Trump to provide support for his war in Iran.The government is to submit a motion to parliament that would expand the Cheonghae unit's area of operation to waters near the port of Duqm in Oman, which is about 650km (403 miles) away from the strait. The motion also needs to be approved by President Lee Jae Myung and the cabinet. Continue reading...

Future of Australia's upmarket department store in jeopardy after years of steep losses, and outer suburban and regional locations vulnerable

Journalist Molly Ball reports from Washington DC after the Republicans' resounding midterms defeat. Will the party finally distance itself from Donald Trump? And what will the Democrats do with the power they've just gained? Send your comments and questions to tif.questions@theguardian.comHow will Donald Trump react to the Republicans' midterm drubbing? And do the Democrats have a plan beyond being the anti-Trump party?The veteran political journalist Molly Ball talks through the ramifications of a historic set of midterm results as Trump oversaw a string of losses in red states from Kansas to Texas to South Carolina. Continue reading...

Police and prosecutors open investigation into death of the 55-year-old Bavarian state deputy leaderA prominent German politician was found dead in a Berlin hotel on Wednesday, police said, adding they had launched an investigation.The cause of death of Hubert Aiwanger, 55, who was deputy leader of southern Bavaria state, was not immediately clear. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Government should introduce flexi-jobs' alongside subsidies and skills support, former minister will sayThe British state should create and subsidise paid jobs for thousands of disabled young people as part of an opportunity revolution" aimed at reversing years of labour market discrimination, the Milburn review of youth employment will recommend.The review, due to report this month, will say the government should introduce flexi-jobs" alongside employment subsidies and intensive skills support to make it easier for disabled and chronically ill 16- to 24-year-olds to get work. Continue reading...

Antigua and Barbuda's prime minister says there was a consensus at Commonwealth summit on way forwardThe UK has agreed to structured dialogue" in the next year with Caribbean nations affected by the slave trade and its legacy, Commonwealth leaders have said.Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda's prime minister, said there was a consensus" in discussions between governments about a way forward on slavery reparations at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm). Continue reading...

Telco blames its MessageBank service and apologises for customer confusion

Interior ministry claims suspects tortured and intimidated protesters detained in garage of government compoundSerbian authorities detained nine active police officers and one former officer on Wednesday for allegedly using excessive force against detainees during anti-corruption protests last year in Belgrade, the country's interior ministry said.Anti-corruption protests swept across Serbia, a candidate for European Union membership, in 2025 and 2026 after 16 people died when a concrete canopy on a renovated railway station in the city of Novi Sad collapsed on 1 November 2024. Continue reading...

In early, preliminary figures, the news channel trailed several other networks in prime-time viewershipOn a midterm election night that was a huge disappointment for Republicans, with Democrats taking control of the US House and Senate, the country's most prominent conservative television network felt the brunt of viewer disillusionment with Donald Trump and his party, according to preliminary audience numbers.The Fox News Channel, which often leads in viewership on election night, appears to have come out far behind the competition. According to preliminary Fast Nationals" ratings dating from the Nielsen firm, the network averaged 3.882 million total viewers between 8 and 11pm, far behind broadcast networks NBC (6.519 million viewers) and ABC (4.906 million viewers), and even trailing fellow cable networks CNN (3.927 million viewers) and MS Now (3.922 million viewers). Fox News did, however, defeat CBS News, which attracted just 2.629 million viewers. Continue reading...

Analysis by human rights organisation Global Echo shows 85 of 132 shipments over eight years contained more than US$5m of organic dates grown in settlements

State representative Rosenthal's win comes after national backlash to French's social media remarks targeting south Asian AmericansJon Rosenthal has won a seat on the Texas railroad commission, a powerful state regulatory agency, beating out two challengers including the controversial Republican nominee Bo French whose campaign ignited a firestorm over his bigoted remarks.Rosenthal, a Democrat, will join the three-member body that Democrats have been shut out of for decades. The state agency is charged with regulating Texas's multibillion oil and gas industry, and has not had railroad oversight since 2005. Continue reading...

Patient, who is in stable condition, is expected to arrive in Britain on Wednesday or ThursdayA British healthcare worker with Ebola is being evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UK for medical treatment, it has been confirmed.A British citizen currently in the DR Congo has tested positive for Ebola," a spokesperson for the UK government said in a statement on Wednesday. The UK has well-established procedures for dealing with cases like this, and those processes have been activated ... The risk to the UK public from Ebola remains low." Continue reading...

Nine men are on trial in Manchester accused of either taking part in abuse or encouraging offending on internetA husband who invited other men to rape and sexually assault his wife arranged for more and more individuals" to visit his marital home, as he resolved to satisfy his own perversity", a jury has been told.The husband, who is in his 60s and from Stockport in Greater Manchester, has pleaded guilty to more than 60 offences against his wife. He cannot be named in order to protect the anonymity of his victim. Continue reading...

Jacqueline Kelly, who took part in Sean Diddy' Combs case, will head criminal inquiry into 2024 incident at universityThe New York attorney general, Letitia James, has tapped a former prosecutor involved in the Sean Diddy" Combs case to head a criminal investigation into 2024 sexual assault allegations at Cornell University.On Wednesday, James appointed Cornell alum Jacqueline Kelly to serve as outside counsel and lead a fair and comprehensive criminal investigation". Kelly, formerly chief of the civil rights unit in the US attorney's office for the southern district of New York, will report directly to James's office. Continue reading...

President's party stripped of control after he spent weeks pleading with Americans to pretend he was on ballot

Stance signals vice-president seeks to distance himself from the unpopular conflict ahead of possible 2028 run

Reported move from Republican speaker of House comes in light of party's disastrous midterms defeat