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Singer says America is on the brink of history' as Kamala Harris said Trump would seek to make state's abortion ban nationwideBeyonce lent her star power to Kamala Harris at a high-octane rally in Texas on Friday, declaring that the America was on the brink of history" as the vice-president warned the state's near-total abortion ban could become the law of the land if Donald Trump is elected.For all the men and women in this room, and watching around the country, we need you," Beyonce told a roaring crowd of 30,000 people at the open-air Shell Energy stadium in her native Houston. Continue reading...

Israeli forces say military targets hit in Iran in response to continuous' attacks on Israel, as UK and US warn against escalation

Find out who's up and who's down in the latest US presidential election opinion pollsOn 21 July, Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris. This historic move changed the landscape of the election and how many felt about the race. As the election enters its final weeks, Guardian US is averaging national and state polls to see how the two candidates are faring. We will update our averages once a week, or more if there is major news. Continue reading...

Ghana's foreign minister since 2017, Botchwey supports calls for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialismCommonwealth members have appointed Ghana's foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the new secretary general, on the final day of the group's summit in Samoa.Botchwey, a former lawmaker who has served as Ghana's foreign minister since 2017, has supported calls for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism - a position that was also shared by the two other candidates who had vied for the position. Continue reading...

High-stakes retaliatory attack could bring Middle East closer to full-scale regional war

Man, 21, to appear in court on Saturday after Deonte Mowatt-Slater died in IslingtonA man has been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Islington, north London.Deonte Mowatt-Slater was found with injuries in Courtauld Road shortly after midnight on Tuesday and died at the scene, the Metropolitan police said. Continue reading...

Treasury plans 5bn total investment in housing supply and reduction in discounts under right-to-buy schemeThe Treasury has announced an extra 500m for social homes in the budget, in what appears to be a compromise with the housing department, led by Angela Rayner, over the scale of ambition required in the sector.The promise of an additional 500m for the government's affordable homes programme (AHP) is intended to add up to 5,000 extra social homes. The Treasury said it will bring total investment in housing supply to 5bn. Continue reading...

UK prime minister stresses need to avoid further regional escalation in the Middle East

Manifesto really clear', prime minister says amid reports that national insurance increases are plannedKeir Starmer has denied misleading the public over tax rises during the election campaign, amid reports that the government is planning to increase employers' national insurance contributions.Asked if he had misled voters by not warning them about the billions of pounds in tax rises expected in the budget on Wednesday, the prime minister said: No, we were very clear about the tax rises that we would necessarily have to make whatever the circumstances ... I listed them I don't know how many times in the campaign. Continue reading...

Figures for 2024 show 46 private schools have closed with 77 opening, despite reports claiming VAT threat has toppled some schoolsMore than 80 private schools closed every year in England on average over the last decade, official data has shown, with no apparent increase in the trend since Labour announced it was imposing VAT on fees.A number of media reports have highlighted the closure of some private schools as supposedly being caused by the policy, which is intended to raise money for more teachers in state schools. Continue reading...

UK government stresses it does not pay reparations and said before Chogm summit that issue was not on agendaCommonwealth leaders have resolved that the time has come" for a conversation on reparatory justice despite the UK's insistence that the issue was not on their agenda.The language, agreed at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) on Saturday, is a blow to the UK, which wanted to avoid reparatory justice being mentioned. Continue reading...

Revamp of Oxford Street store follows opening of Fenwick's largest beauty hall outside London' in NewcastleWith their perfectly groomed and liveried assistants being stood down during the Covid pandemic, it seemed the department store beauty hall may have had its day. But the high-street temples of pampering are making a comeback as Britons prioritise looking good.This week, as part of a wider revamp of its Oxford Street store, John Lewis opened a new-look beauty hall that is almost 25% bigger and rammed with 175 brands. Continue reading...

Updated accountability measures aim to get school leavers to look at wider range of institutions and vocational optionsThe government will no longer measure schools in England on how many of their students go to Russell Group or Oxbridge universities, in an effort to encourage school leavers towards a wider range of universities and vocational options.The Department for Education's updated accountability measures for students aged 16 to 18 state that the department will not include the percentage of school leavers who progress to Russell Group universities, or to Oxford and Cambridge universities, as part of each school's student destinations data. Continue reading...

Observers say country's democracy at stake after Moscow-aligned ruling party's threats to ban oppositionGeorgians are heading to polls in a critical election that could determine whether one of the once most pro-western former Soviet states will veer towards a more authoritarian, Russia-aligned path.For the past three decades, Georgia - a country of 3.6 million people nestled in the Caucasus mountains - has maintained strong pro-western aspirations, with polls showing up to 80% of its residents favour joining the EU. Continue reading...

Price cap set by Great Britain's regulator rose to 1,717 a year this month but there are cheaper fixed dealsThere are plenty of fixed energy deals that are cheaper than the current Ofgem price cap, so now is a good time to lock into a lower tariff before the start of winter.That was the message from some energy experts this week. Continue reading...

Exclusive: family say case of Kay Melhuish is stark reminder of the dangers of criminalising vulnerable womenThe daughter of a vulnerable woman who took her own life in prison after being left without clean underwear for 10 days and denied phone calls with loved ones has called for urgent reform of England's justice system.A jury at Avon coroner's court concluded last week that Eastwood Park prison in Gloucestershire failed to provide for Kay Melhuish's basic human needs" and that neglect contributed to her death in July 2022 after gross failings" in her care. Continue reading...

All-party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations to discuss how to bring justice to countries blighted by slaveryPoliticians and campaigners are due to host the second national conference on reparations this weekend, as the issue continues to dominate the Commonwealth summit.The All-party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR), a group of cross-party MPs, plans to build on the growing momentum to provide reparations and justice to countries blighted by transatlantic slavery. Continue reading...

NSW police say two crime scenes secured after reports two light planes collided near Oakdale

MPs with children in family homes close to London favour shorter days while others want more time in their constituenciesMPs tasked with modernising parliament are divided over family-friendly hours, with some favouring shorter days to return home to their children and others hoping for shorter periods away from their constituencies.Working hours will be one of a number of areas examined by the House of Commons modernisation committee, as well as driving up standards and culture and methods of voting in parliament. Continue reading...

Many believe new offensive, along with tightening of siege, is following blueprint for removing remaining populationHospitals shelled, shelters set alight, men and boys separated from their families and taken away in military vehicles; a year into Israel-Hamas war, civilians clinging on in northern Gaza say the situation is worse than it has ever been.About 400,000 people have remained in Gaza City and surrounding towns since Israel cut the area off from the rest of the territory and issued evacuation orders. Some are unwilling to leave home, afraid they will never be allowed to return; others decided to stay put for the sake of elderly or disabled family members. Civilians have reported that the routes to the relative safety of the south are unsafe, citing sniper fire and detention by Israeli forces. Continue reading...

This blog is closed - follow the news on our new liveblog hereLebanon's health minister, Firass Abiad, has told reporters that over 163 rescuers and health workers had been killed and 272 injured in Israeli airstrikes during more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.Hezbollah, the Iranian backed Lebanese militant group, began firing rockets into northern Israel in support of Palestinians on 7 October 2023, the day after its ally Hamas's attack on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed.We have been very clear that this cannot lead - should not lead - to a protracted campaign and that Israel must take the necessary steps to avoid civilian casualties and not endanger UN peacekeepers or the Lebanese armed forces. Continue reading...

Upgraded Triton Island outpost in the Paracel archipelago expands China's surveillance capabilities in the regionThe Chinese military is constructing a new counter-stealth radar system on a disputed reef in the South China Sea that would significantly expand its surveillance capabilities in the region, satellite imagery suggests.Analysis by Chatham House suggests China is upgrading its outpost on Triton Island, on the south-west corner of the Paracel archipelago, building what may be a launching point for an anti-ship missile battery, as well as the sophisticated radar system. Continue reading...

About 200,000 e-cigarettes found in Box Hill South after officers were told of reported burglary on Thursday

Keir Starmer to announce expansion in region that will also include business club to increase economic tiesThe UK will increase its military and economic presence in the Indo-Pacific to support regional stability, Keir Starmer will announce on Saturday.In an effort to counter China's influence, ministers will expand the Royal Navy's presence in the region and carry out more joint patrols with Pacific island nations. Continue reading...

Exclusive: move will cap amount that can be deducted from benefit payments to repay short-term loans and debtsMore than 1m of the UK's poorest households will be 420 a year better off on average as a result of a change to universal credit set to be announced in next week's budget.The measure is intended to primarily help the worst-off families, and will be seen as a way for ministers to head off criticism over decisions to cut winter fuel allowance for most pensioners and maintain the two-child benefit cap. Continue reading...

Since 2017 in NSW, 120 officers have been charged with domestic violence offences. But advocates believe many victims are too scared to report

VP party holds Maduro regime responsible for death of Edwin Santos who had been picked up by security officialsA major Venezuelan opposition party has said that one of its activists was murdered this week after being detained by security officials in the western state of Apure.Edwin Santos was murdered after being abducted by members of the state security forces" on Wednesday, Voluntad Popular (VP) party said, blaming the iron-fisted regime of the leftwing president, Nicolas Maduro. Continue reading...

Suspect is being held on suspicion of attempted murder after incident in DagenhamA man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman and two girls were stabbed in east London, police said.Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Dagenham at about 5.30pm on Friday. Continue reading...

Employees outraged at chicken-shit' move that breaks 30-year precedent, alleging Jeff Bezos quashed Harris supportThere was uproar and outrage among the Washington Post's current and former staffers and other notable figures in the world of American media after the newspaper's leaders on Friday chose to not endorse any candidate in the US presidential election.The newspaper's publisher, Will Lewis, announced on Friday that for the first time in over 30 years, the paper's editorial board would not be endorsing a candidate in this year's presidential election, nor in future presidential elections. Continue reading...

The musician was a founding member of the influential band and died surrounded by his family and full of love'Phil Lesh, the influential bassist of the Grateful Dead who powered many of the jam band's touring incarnations after the 1995 death of Jerry Garcia, has died. He was 84.Lesh's death was announced on his Instagram page. Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning," the caption reads. He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love. We request that you respect the Lesh family's privacy at this time." Continue reading...

Newspaper condemned for chicken-shit' decision on White House race as staffers say they are deeply concerned'

TV presenter praises and thanks staff at Birmingham women's hospital for exceptional' care his partner receivedThe comedian Joe Lycett has announced he has become a father to a baby boy.Lycett, 36, shared a picture on Instagram of him holding the infant, whom he said was born at Birmingham women's hospital. Continue reading...

Election workers contacted the district attorney's office after noticing several suspicious applicationsOfficials in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, are investigating about 2,500 voter registrations after election workers discovered signs that they may be fraudulent.The registrations under investigation were dropped off in two batches just before Pennsylvania's voter-registration deadline on Monday. Election workers contacted the district attorney's office after they noticed several suspicious applications that contained the same handwriting, signatures for voters that didn't match what was on file, and inaccurate personal identifier information, including names, addresses, social security and driver's license numbers, said Heather Adams, the district attorney, during a press conference on Friday. Continue reading...

Sister tells investigators Seattle boy, 15, accused of shooting parents and three siblings was in trouble for failing testsA 15-year-old boy accused of killing his parents and three of his siblings this week east of Seattle tried to pin the deaths on his younger brother, but a sister who survived after playing dead escaped to a neighbor's house and told police who really carried out the shootings, authorities said in a court document made public on Thursday.The boy was charged on Thursday in juvenile court with five counts of aggravated murder. Under Washington state law, a hearing is required before the case can be moved into adult court. Continue reading...

No 10 says issue is off the table for Commonwealth summit but other nations are prepared to defy UKLabour MPs have urged Keir Starmer to clarify his government's position on non-cash reparations for Britain's historical role in the slave trade, as No 10 says the issue is off the table.In the run-up to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), the government said it would not be issuing an official state apology. Continue reading...

Boyband also have three songs in Top 40 singles chart, including two in the Top 10, after singer's death last week Liam Payne of One Direction - a life in picturesThe whole of One Direction's five-album back catalogue has charted in this week's Top 40, as fans revisit their songs in the wake of Liam Payne's death.Midnight Memories from 2013 charted the highest at No 13, with Four at 22, Take Me Home at 25 and debut album Up All Night at 38. Continue reading...

Exclusive: MoJ attempts to fight back against brazen deliveries that often include household items like ketchup alongside drugsThe number of drones seen carrying drugs into prisons soared to more than 1,000 last year as police waged a constant battle" against gangs flying in cocaine and cannabis from miles away.Official figures reveal the number of drone incidents at prisons in England and Wales has risen almost tenfold since 2020, climbing to 1,063 incursions last year. Continue reading...

Neal's Yard Dairy delivered 22 tonnes of artisan cheddar after scammer posed as distributor for French retailerArtisan cheesemakers have been dealt a blow by fraudsters who stole more than 300,000 worth of award-winning clothbound cheddar in a sophisticated scam.Neal's Yard Dairy, a distributor and retailer of British artisan cheese, is working with UK and international law enforcement agencies to try to identify the scam's perpetrators. Continue reading...

Artwork satirically commemorates people who broke in to the Capitol and defecated on the House speaker's deskA new temporary bronze installation depicting a pile of feces on Nancy Pelosi's desk was erected in Washington DC this week across from the US Capitol, appearing to satirically honor" the people behind the January 6 insurrection.The scatological statue, which was installed on Thursday, features a swirl somewhat resembling the common poop" emoji sitting on a desk with Pelosi's name. Continue reading...

Jaskirat Kaur stabbed 10-year-old Shay Kang 11 times because she believed they were targeted by tech and lasers'A woman who stabbed her sleeping daughter 11 times in the chest because she believed they were being targeted by tech and lasers" has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.Jaskirat Kaur, 33, called 999 hours after she had killed 10-year-old Shay Kang with a Swiss army knife at their home in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, in March. Continue reading...

Far-right activist has been charged with failing to provide the pin to his mobile phone over an incident earlier this year in FolkestoneDowning Street is blocking moves to include a ban on smoking outdoors in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes bill amid fierce opposition by the hospitality trade.No 10 officials privately believe that banning people from lighting up in pub gardens is an unserious" policy and is not backed by good evidence showing that it harms non-smokers. Continue reading...

Government scrambles to address challenging' situation after Ecctis Ltd passed fees on with no legal authority

Trade body Energy UK also estimates total energy cost of leaving bloc could reach 10bn by end of decadeBrexit has added up to 370m a year to the price of power supplies from Europe, according to industry representatives who calculate that the total energy costs of leaving the EU could amount to 10bn by the end of the decade.Energy UK, the sector's trade body, has called on Keir Starmer to negotiate a closer trading relationship with the bloc as part of the reset" he is seeking with Brussels. Continue reading...

Fresh funds are liquidity bridge' to stabilise firm and give it time to secure long-term investment, says bossThames Water is racing to secure a 3bn lifeline as the struggling water company battles for financial survival.The fresh funds are meant to act as liquidity bridge" to stabilise the business" and give it time to secure long-term investment, its chief executive, Chris Weston, said on Friday. It will further balloon its operating company's debt pile, taking it to 17.9bn by March next year, Alastair Cochran, Thames's chief financial officer, said. Continue reading...

Concerns from party that significant cuts to key departments will set damaging tone for new governmentWhen Rachel Reeves stands up in the Commons on Wednesday, her budget will end months of speculation, allowing the government to fully set out what it stands for. And that, some Labour MPs fear, might herald a whole new set of problems.For all the expectation management about a disastrous economic inheritance and the fabled 22bn fiscal black hole, the sheer lack of money and tight constraints over tax rises mean that however well Reeves presents her choices, many of them will be painful. Continue reading...

Brandon Woolveridge was let out of prison under the government's early release schemeA man who was let out of prison under the government's early release scheme, after being jailed for blackmailing people over their missing pets, went on to blackmail one of his previous victims within a fortnight of being freed.Brandon Woolveridge, 25, had been jailed for 42 months at Preston crown court in October last year. On Friday, he was jailed for 27 months at the same court for what judge Heather Lloyd described as offence with an identical modus operandi". Continue reading...

Appeal court rules unlawful force used on Edwin Afriyie, who was standing with arms folded during road stopA black youth worker who was Tasered while standing with his arms folded during a road stop has won an appeal for damages from City of London police.The appeal court ruled that the police used unlawful force against Edwin Afriyie, 38, after he was pulled over in the City while driving home from a party in 2018. Continue reading...

Starmer says new low-tax zones, a policy inherited from the Tories, will have this government's stamp on them'Downing Street will announce five new freeports in next week's budget as part of its effort to drive economic growth.Ministers will set out plans to establish five new low-tax zones, plus an investment zone in the East Midlands, where businesses will benefit from tax breaks such as lower tariffs and customs. Continue reading...

Plus: Trump alleges foreign interference in the election while an Aussie hiker gives us all something to smile aboutFriends in New York with non-American accents are careful not to go canvassing in swing states (or anywhere else). Stuffing envelopes is one thing. But the assumption among those in the US with non-American backgrounds is that, to a person in Pennsylvania or Arizona, the single thing more annoying than having a canvasser at your door, is having a canvasser with a British, Australian or Canadian accent telling you who they think you should vote for. Continue reading...

Low-income writers and those without space to work will be prioritised under the RSL's new Scriptorium awards, with 10 people a year allowed to stay for up to a monthOn the wall of a Ramsgate house owned by Booker winner Bernardine Evaristo hangs a large-scale cover of Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. It might just as well read A Cottage of One's Own", as that is precisely what the Royal Society of Literature (RSL) president is offering: writers will be able to stay in the property for free.I bought this cottage as my pension, and I decided that I could put it to use as a writer's retreat," Evaristo says. The choice was in part motivated by her own experience - for many years I didn't have my own home, I led a very peripatetic lifestyle, and I didn't earn much money from my writing." Continue reading...