Tom Ambrose

The Guardian’s UK politics live blog reports Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s demand for swift approval of the Jackdaw and Rosebank North Sea oilfields, accusing Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government of delaying decisions because it lacks commitment to domestic energy production. Other developments include a larger-than-expected £1.8bn July government deficit ahead of Chancellor John Healey’s first budget; a court ruling limiting the use of terrorism sentencing provisions against five Palestine Action activists who attacked a Barclays branch; and the possibility that trafficking victims could be protected from deportation to Albania. The blog also covers Burnham’s plan to second civil servants to mayors’ offices, calls from Emily Thornberry for a ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, criticism of council-tax pressures in London, French action against small-boat crossings, concerns about support for terrorism survivors, and government debates on education, racism and misogyny.

Prime minister Andy Burnham announced that the National Crime Agency will work with the Environment Agency to target organised gangs behind illegal waste dumps, with offenders potentially forced to pay clean-up costs under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The live coverage also reported Bridget Phillipson’s concerns about the normalisation of racism and misogyny, possible changes to special educational needs reforms, GCSE results and education policy, asylum accommodation plans, Ed Miliband’s condemnation of Israeli settlement expansion, and criticism of Nigel Farage from Rowan Williams. Reform UK faced continued scrutiny over its handling of Tim Montgomerie’s suspension, while Richard Tice defended Farage and the party’s direction. Sue Gray separately described working in Keir Starmer’s Downing Street as unbearable.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham launched a £442 million national drive to offer rough sleepers accommodation by Christmas, including £102 million in immediate funding and an £8.4 million increase for community and voluntary groups. He acknowledged that government money alone may not be sufficient and appealed to councils, charities, faith groups and local communities to help, while Angela Rayner said she was confident enough accommodation could be found. The plan aims to build longer-term support addressing housing, mental-health and addiction problems, but campaigners warned that the wider temporary-accommodation crisis remains unresolved. The live coverage also reported Conservative criticism of potential approvals for the Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea oil and gas fields, Green warnings that Labour could lose up to 50 seats over climate policy, charity opposition to possible disability-benefit cuts or tougher sanctions for young people, Scottish scrutiny of large data centres, a water-safety tragedy in Sussex, and plans for devolved bus control in the West Midlands.

Donald Trump announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave at the end of August to spend more time with her family and become an outside adviser. The Guardian reviews her combative tenure, highlighting false claims about US-funded condoms in Gaza, attacks on the media and a potentially improper partisan statement that may violate the Hatch Act. The live coverage also reports Democratic and Republican primary results, including David Crowley’s narrow Wisconsin gubernatorial victory and Mike Lindell’s refusal to concede in Minnesota. Other developments include the administration’s defense of restrictions on mail-in voting, a federal Medicaid rule targeting gender-affirming care for transgender minors, inflation rising 3.4% year-on-year, military interceptor shortages amid conflict with Iran, and a lawsuit challenging Trump Media’s $100,000-a-month Truth API service.

Prime minister Andy Burnham is considering a ban on disposable barbecues as wildfires spread across parts of the UK and prepares to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on extreme heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach 36–38C in parts of England, while drought conditions, crop losses and wildfire risks intensify. Yvette Cooper has instructed NHS England to plan for recurring summer heatwaves, amid estimates of more than 2,800 heat-related deaths and £4.4bn in lost economic output. Fire services are tackling blazes in the New Forest, Scotland and London, while the National Trust warns visitors away from Dunwich Heath. Climate advisers and campaigners say the crisis will worsen without emissions cuts and stronger adaptation measures, criticizing limited government staffing, fossil-fuel projects and inadequate water infrastructure for farmers.

Progressive Minnesota lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic Senate primary over moderate Representative Angie Craig in a contest shaped by opposition to immigration enforcement, while former NFL broadcaster Michele Tafoya won the Republican nomination. Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth defeated Trump-endorsed election denier Mike Lindell for governor, setting up a general election against Senator Amy Klobuchar. Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary remained too close to call between Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, while Republican Tom Tiffany won his nomination. The live coverage also reported congressional primary results, election-monitoring disputes in Minnesota, Alabama redistricting consequences, visa revocations, ICE procurement of electrified gloves, and the release of former U.S. marine Robert Gilman from Russia.

The Met Office says summer 2026 is on course to become the UK’s hottest on record, following exceptionally warm June and July temperatures, with another heatwave expected to bring temperatures of 37–38C. Extreme heat warnings cover large parts of England, while drought conditions have contributed to parched landscapes, depleted reservoirs, early and reduced harvests, disrupted water supplies and record wildfire activity. A major blaze in the New Forest has affected about 1.6 square kilometres and is expected to require firefighting efforts for several more days. Authorities and environmental groups warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, centered near San José del Palmar in the remote Chocó region, killing at least 110 people and injuring many more. The quake damaged roughly 1,600 buildings, collapsed at least 61, disrupted airports and communications, and trapped residents beneath rubble in cities including Pereira, Cali and Quibdó. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national disaster and directed rescue, medical assistance, security measures and temporary housing support. Volunteers and emergency crews continued searching for survivors, while the United States pledged $15.5 million in aid and other countries offered assistance.

Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to overhaul childhood vaccine recommendations by separating the MMR vaccine into three shots, spacing vaccinations across multiple visits, and dropping recommendations for hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for children. Medical groups and lawmakers condemned the changes as unsupported by evidence, costly for families and potentially harmful to public trust and vaccination rates; experts reiterated that vaccines have no proven link to autism. The live coverage also reported that Trump secretly left Turkey on an alternate aircraft amid an alleged Iranian assassination threat, extended a Jones Act waiver for energy shipments, swore in Todd Blanche as attorney general, and appointed Will Scharf as White House counsel. Other developments included questions over possible ICE surveillance of Ilhan Omar, continued pressure on Ohio representative Max Miller to quit amid domestic abuse allegations, and a temporary court block on New York City’s proposed pied-à-terre tax.

Most of England will face amber heat-health alerts from 11 to 14 August, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C or higher and the North East under a yellow alert. Four additional regions have been declared in drought, leaving 71.3% of England affected and 27 million people subject to water-use restrictions. Extremely low rainfall, depleted rivers and reservoirs, wildfires and rising river temperatures are placing pressure on households, farmers, ecosystems and infrastructure. The National Farmers’ Union warned of poor crop yields, livestock feed shortages and possible food shortages, while more than 120 firefighters tackled a major blaze in the New Forest. The government said it was supporting farmers and investing in reservoirs and water-transfer infrastructure, while health authorities urged people to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

A federal appeals court upheld an injunction halting construction of Donald Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom after the administration demolished the historic East Wing without congressional authorization. Trump called the ruling a serious national-security threat and said he would appeal to the Supreme Court. The live coverage also reports Bill Cassidy’s decision to support Todd Blanche as attorney general, Trump’s renewed effort to remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship, a 15% tariff on polysilicon imports, and investigations and controversies involving immigration detention, data centers, Justice Department personnel and Air Force One security.

The UK government says more than 17,000 people have been arrested for illegal working since Labour won the July 2024 election, with 2,357 deportations. Conservative plans to restrict social-housing eligibility for foreign nationals, potentially freeing about 228,000 homes, face criticism from Shelter as divisive and potentially harmful to long-term tenants. Wes Streeting condemned violent anti-immigration protests in Thetford and said the possible early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers was unacceptable. Alan Milburn’s review of youth worklessness is expected to recommend that schools identify children at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training, drawing lessons from Ireland’s falling NEET rate. Anna Turley also defended Andy Burnham’s football- and pub-themed social-media videos as authentic rather than excessively ‘blokey,’ while Conservative officials urged councils to follow guidance on single-sex facilities.

Labour’s membership fell from 333,235 to 264,754 during 2025, bringing it close to the Green party, which reported rapid growth under Zack Polanski and claimed 230,000 members in May. The live coverage also reports that nearly 50 asylum seekers returned to the UK after deportation under the “one in one out” scheme; record Prevent referrals; Reform UK proposals to fine companies and imprison directors employing undocumented workers; and new sanctions on Russia. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy approved Paramount’s proposed $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after securing legally binding commitments on UK investment, broadcasting diversity and editorial independence. Other developments include rising council-home sales, concerns over grooming-gang offenders’ eligibility for early release, NHS warnings about recurring heatwave pressures, an SNP accounts controversy involving Peter Murrell’s motorhome, and disputes over political appointments and Westminster pub licensing.

The Conservative Party faced mounting criticism over selecting Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi jailed for antisemitic abuse against Luciana Berger, as a Somerset council candidate. Jewish representative bodies declined to meet Bonehill-Paine but agreed to meet the party and urged it to reverse the decision, while Kemi Badenoch defended his eligibility and Green Party leader Zack Polanski argued that rehabilitation should remain possible. Other developments included continued government defense of the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, confirmation that a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's UK activities was not being actively considered, planned reforms to maternity standards, and a Charity Commission investigation into donations to Israeli settlements. Uber and Wayve also received London licences to begin self-driving taxi trials with safety drivers.

US and Iranian-Omani officials reported progress toward an arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially using separate Iranian- and Omani-controlled shipping routes, although no final agreement had been reached. Marco Rubio expressed hope for a deal shortly, while Scott Bessent said an agreement could come within a day. Qatar said diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remained ongoing, and Iran’s president denied plans to resign. Separately, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected withdrawal from Gaza before Hamas disarms, while US-mediated Israel-Lebanon talks resumed in Rome over Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli redeployment. The conflict has also strained US missile-defense stocks, disrupted oil exports and maritime trade, and contributed to attacks in the Red Sea and continuing humanitarian losses in Gaza.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that the House Ethics Committee will investigate Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse and illegal drug use. Miller denies the accusations and says he welcomes the inquiry, while his former father-in-law, Senator Bernie Moreno, and several Republican senators call for his resignation. The coverage also follows the Senate Judiciary Committee’s party-line advancement of Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after he pledged that a proposed $1.8bn fund for Trump allies was cancelled. Other developments include Jay Clayton’s swearing-in as the nation’s top intelligence official, immigration authorities’ detention of University of Maryland instructor Berhanu Kibret, a diplomatic dispute between the United States and Brazil, Michigan’s Senate primary and proposed restrictions on Chinese data-center components.

Donald Trump declined to call for Ohio representative Max Miller’s resignation after Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, accused him of domestic abuse; Miller denies the allegations and is pursuing a defamation lawsuit. The Senate advanced a continuing resolution to fund the government through 11 December, while Republican senators agreed to support Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination after he withdrew a proposed $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund, though Democrats and legal experts said the assurances were reversible. Twenty-five states sued over new Trump administration tariffs, and border-wall contractors in New Mexico halted new well drilling after ranchers raised concerns about groundwater during a severe drought. Other developments included an ethics panel’s recommendation to censure Chuck Edwards, a request for former special counsel Jack Smith to testify, proposed State Department mission closures, a measles outbreak and reported deaths from cyclosporiasis.

Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of falsely claiming that he had proposed a phone call, while saying his offer of an electoral pact remained open. Farage said he was open to talks but not yet negotiations and defended the possibility of a broader centre-right alliance. Reform’s plan to use the Royal Navy to intercept small boats crossing the Channel faced criticism from the government and a former naval officer. The live coverage also reported investigations involving Reform deputy leader Richard Tice and DUP MP Sammy Wilson, questions over Farage’s political return and undeclared funding, and wider UK political developments involving constitutional reform, devolution, education, climate change and youth transport in Greater Manchester.

The Justice Department moved to dismiss charges against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn after renovation records showed that flawed installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, rather than vandalism, caused damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The live coverage also reported that the Treasury Department may have intervened to support the Japanese yen; a proposed Colorado River framework would impose major potential water cuts on California, Arizona and Nevada; and Donald Trump used footage of migrants in Spain’s Ceuta to warn about US immigration. Trump defended his Iran war, remained uncertain about supplying Patriot missiles to Ukraine, blamed Minnesota leaders for a cyberattack, and attacked Senator John Cornyn. Kamala Harris said she had not decided whether to run in 2028, while Democrats criticized Republican deference to Trump and immigration advocates condemned accelerated deportations of children.

Donald Trump announced what he called a breakthrough agreement requiring Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza, but he did not clarify which step should come first. Israel has not formally accepted the plan, and officials insist on Hamas’s complete and genuine disarmament before withdrawal, while Hamas says it will surrender heavy weapons only alongside an Israeli pullout, an end to attacks and the entry of a new Gaza administration and international force. The agreement’s implementation remains uncertain as fighting continues in Gaza and Lebanon. Trump also threatened to strike Iran “very hard” and said he was losing faith in nuclear negotiations, while reports highlighted civilian casualties and concerns over US military safeguards.

The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election count continued after turnout fell to a record low of 25.14%, with Labour’s Bev Craig expected to lead but likely to require second-preference votes under the supplementary voting system. Andy Burnham indicated he may abandon plans to restrict jury trials, citing his experience with the Hillsborough justice campaign, while the Law Society urged wider action to address court backlogs without weakening safeguards. Chancellor John Healey set 28 October for the autumn budget and pledged adherence to Labour’s fiscal rules. The government also backed tighter funeral-sector regulation after funeral director Robert Bush was jailed for 20 years for mistreating bodies and misleading bereaved families. Other developments included expanded mayoral powers over transport projects, criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino over World Cup commercialization plans, BP’s proposed sale of its North Sea business, and Diane Abbott’s readmission to the Labour Party with a formal warning.

Iraq denied prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes on its territory that reportedly killed at least 20 Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces members, contradicting Donald Trump’s claim that the attacks were coordinated with Baghdad. Iraq also demanded evidence that Iran-aligned groups launched drones at Saudi Arabia. The live coverage reported continuing US-Iran hostilities, Iranian attacks on US facilities, restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi preparations for an offensive against Yemen’s Houthis. Separately, Trump announced a Gaza agreement involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but Hamas said implementation depends on Israel meeting its obligations, while Israeli officials maintained that complete demilitarization must precede withdrawal. Pakistan said negotiations between Washington and Tehran remained ongoing, and Australia welcomed the Gaza plan while calling for humanitarian access and reconstruction.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, causing deaths, injuries, power outages, fires and extensive damage to roads, bridges and buildings. An explosion and partial collapse at Aeon Mall Kumamoto left many people feared trapped or dead, while rescue teams searched the site and investigated a possible gas leak; several people were later rescued and others remained unaccounted for. Damage was also reported at a Nippon Paper Industries plant, where a chimney collapsed, and at a train station and Kumamoto Castle. About 300,000 people were directed to evacuation centres, hospitals faced operational problems, and authorities warned of further strong earthquakes and landslides after more than 60 aftershocks.

Donald Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s advice preceding US military action against Iran, claimed Tehran sought talks because of the strikes, and said he was prepared for stronger action if negotiations failed. The live coverage also followed a bitter Michigan Democratic Senate primary debate between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, who clashed over electability, corporate and pro-Israel funding, immigration enforcement, healthcare and military aid to Israel. Trump’s Michigan speech was disrupted by protests over data centers and the Epstein files, while he repeated false or misleading claims about mail voting and a supposed Michigan “Man of the Year” award. The administration asked the Supreme Court to revive nationwide restrictions on mail-in voting, the Senate advanced Walter “Jay” Clayton’s intelligence nomination, and Jamie Raskin sought congressional records from FIFA over its ties to Trump. Veterans also condemned the Pentagon’s reclassification of Iran-war casualties as disrespectful and potentially damaging to accountability.

US strikes around Iran’s Qeshm Island escalated tensions as Tehran accused Washington of a nearby attack that forced the evacuation of a children’s cancer hospital in Ahvaz. Regional military activity intensified, with Kuwait reporting drone attacks, the Houthis threatening Saudi infrastructure, and Syria announcing the seizure of weapons allegedly bound for Hezbollah. Oil markets rose amid disruptions, while diplomatic figures across the region urged a return to negotiations. Plans for Gaza reconstruction under Donald Trump’s Board of Peace narrowed to a small pilot scheme due to stalled progress and Israeli political constraints.

Donald Trump plans meetings with newly appointed senator Darline Graham and El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele while preparing a primetime address on election security. Lawmakers scrutinize controversial nominees Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton during confirmation hearings, with witnesses criticizing Blanche’s conduct. Fuel prices rise amid renewed US‑Iran tensions, and Trump announces the release of US citizen Dena Karari from Iran. The administration faces criticism for replacing a Philadelphia slavery exhibit and for imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods, prompting condemnation from Brazil. Germany warns the US against political interference after a grant program targeting Maga‑aligned causes in Europe. The day’s agenda includes additional Senate hearings and a White House briefing.

US forces carried out new waves of strikes on Iranian military, air defense and coastal assets around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks on US-linked sites in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian officials reported casualties across several cities amid continued explosions and air defense activity, including in Tehran. The US disabled an oil tanker attempting to breach its naval blockade, and Trump warned of wider attacks unless Iran returned to negotiations. Regional states reported intercepting Iranian projectiles, and diplomatic tensions rose as both sides signaled readiness for escalation alongside limited gestures such as Iran allowing the departure of a dual US-Iranian citizen.

President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Todd Blanche, faces a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, with potential Republican defections threatening his confirmation. Multiple other confirmation hearings are scheduled, including Jay Clayton for intelligence leadership and Erica Schwartz for CDC director. Immigration enforcement remains under scrutiny after several fatal encounters involving federal agents, prompting calls to curtail ICE operations. Advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging Trump administration sanctions affecting Palestinian rights organizations and ICC-related work. Joe Biden will release a memoir in November, and Supreme Court justices have requested increased security funding amid rising threats.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed strikes on US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain and other regional targets as US Central Command reported completing new attacks on Iranian military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz. The US reimposed its naval blockade amid escalating exchanges, while Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if negotiations fail. Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones, Bahrain sounded sirens, and new US sanctions targeted a shipping network linked to Iran’s oil exports. US military leaders said Iran has attacked multiple commercial vessels, causing civilian casualties, while Senate Democrats opposed Trump’s widening conflict, accusing him of pursuing an unauthorized war.

Donald Trump dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Lindsey Graham’s death, saying no foul play was suspected as federal agents continued investigating out of caution. The day’s developments included escalating US strikes on Iran, a dropped proposal to impose a toll on the strait of Hormuz, multiple deaths linked to immigration enforcement operations, and growing scrutiny of ICE vehicle stops. Darline Graham was sworn in to temporarily fill her brother’s Senate seat, while Supreme Court justices pressed lawmakers for increased security amid rising threats. The House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent, and environmental groups sued the administration over changes to the Endangered Species Act. A lawsuit filed by Mahmoud Khalil accused Trump officials and pro‑Israel groups of targeting pro‑Palestinian advocates. Senate Democrats blocked a defense bill in protest of continued hostilities with Iran, underscoring tensions between Congress and the administration.

US forces completed a new round of strikes on Iranian military targets across several provinces as tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz intensified. Iranian media reported multiple explosions and limited casualties, while Iran claimed drone and missile attacks on US assets in the region. Bahrain and the UAE accused Iran of further attacks, including missile strikes on tankers. Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a maritime blockade on Iran, plans to charge transit fees through the strait, and ongoing US strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s capabilities, while suggesting a deal with Tehran remained possible. Oil prices surged amid mounting uncertainty over regional energy flows.

Federal immigration officers fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian man during an ICE operation in Biddeford, Maine, triggering widespread political condemnation and protests. DHS stated the man was shot after attempting to flee in a vehicle, while Senator Angus King later said he was not the target of the operation. Democratic lawmakers called for abolishing ICE, citing repeated fatal encounters during Trump’s second term. The blog also covered broader political developments, including Darline Graham Nordone’s appointment to her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, ongoing US military actions against Iran, and Marco Rubio’s campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court.

State election officials across the US received letters from the justice department threatening criminal charges if voter registration lists were not turned over, prompting bipartisan backlash and warnings of federal overreach. Democratic lawmakers also launched investigations into a fatal ICE shooting and accused the administration of diverting FEMA resources toward immigration enforcement. Courts dismissed a seditious conspiracy case against Proud Boys leaders at the administration’s request, and Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner formally withdrew from his race. Additional developments included new Iran sanctions, security upgrades at the White House, bipartisan movement on Russia sanctions legislation, and escalating political disputes ahead of the midterm elections.

Iran and the United States exchanged their most intense strikes since an extended ceasefire, with Iran accusing the US of hitting targets near the Bushehr nuclear plant and key transport infrastructure. Fourteen people were reported killed by US strikes, prompting Iranian retaliation across several Gulf states, though the US reported no significant damage. Israel signaled readiness to renew its military campaign against Iran, with leaders asserting Iran’s weakened position while acknowledging ongoing conflict. Massive funeral processions continued across Iran for the assassinated former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, accompanied by strong anti‑US and anti‑Trump sentiment. Regional tensions heightened around the strait of Hormuz, where Iran said US actions were disrupting shipping. Meanwhile, global markets steadied amid uncertainty over the conflict’s escalation and potential impacts on oil prices and inflation.

Nigel Farage intensified criticism of the Commons standards committee while under investigation for undeclared donations, framing the process as biased and politically motivated. Scrutiny of Reform UK’s finances grew following reports of suspicious activity related to donations from allies including George Cottrell. Andy Burnham outlined shifts in Labour’s foreign policy stance and faced internal disputes as he prepared for party leadership. Additional political developments included debates over disability benefit reforms, criticism of comments by MP Rupert Lowe, and the launch of the Green Party’s Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto.

Maine Democrats will hold a nominating convention to replace Senate candidate Graham Platner after he withdrew following sexual assault allegations that he denies. Several potential contenders, including Troy Jackson and Dan Kleban, have expressed interest ahead of the 27 July deadline. Party leaders emphasized maintaining the energy generated by Platner’s campaign as they prepare to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Additional developments include Donald Trump’s call for the US supreme court to revisit birthright citizenship, travel changes during the Nato summit, his intervention in a Fifa suspension case, market reactions to continued US strikes on Iran, and a federal court’s order to release funds owed by Trump to E Jean Carroll.

Donald Trump declared the US–Iran truce over and warned that new US strikes against Iran could come imminently, following American attacks on Iranian targets after assaults on commercial vessels in the strait of Hormuz. Iran reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, while regional tensions rose with missile and drone activity involving Kuwait and Bahrain. Oil prices spiked amid fears of prolonged instability, and diplomatic friction deepened as Israel blocked the Arab League’s secretary general from visiting Ramallah. Reports also highlighted ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed scrutiny of the treatment of Palestinian detainees. International leaders called for restraint as negotiations in Rome were conditioned on Israeli troop withdrawals from specific areas in southern Lebanon.

Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race following multiple sexual assault allegations, intensifying a Democratic succession struggle as party leaders prepare a replacement process. Platner denies the accusations, including a new claim reported by Politico and the Washington Post. Republican leaders attempted to calm speculation surrounding Mitch McConnell’s health amid internal party unrest. Donald Trump renewed calls for the US to acquire Greenland and questioned NATO commitments, while a federal appeals court struck down a major provision of Ron DeSantis’s Stop Woke Act. A new poll found overwhelming public concern about affordability as economic pressures persist ahead of the midterm elections.

A High Court ruling dismissed all allegations of unlawful information gathering brought by Prince Harry and other high‑profile claimants against Associated Newspapers Limited, finding they failed to prove that information was obtained illegally. The judgment accepted the Mail titles’ explanations for sourcing their stories and rejected claims based on inference or suspicion. Associated Newspapers celebrated the decision as a major vindication of its journalism and said it would seek to recover substantial legal costs. Claimants expressed disappointment, while legal experts noted the fact‑specific nature of the ruling and its limited broader impact on privacy law. A separate hearing will determine consequential orders later in July.

Leading Democrats urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after an ex-partner accused him of sexual assault, prompting the loss of support from key figures including Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Ro Khanna and Elizabeth Warren. Platner denied the allegation in a video posted to X. The developments come as Democrats view the Maine seat as critical for regaining control of the Senate. Additional updates include a federal judge rejecting Donald Trump’s bid to delay payment of a defamation judgment, Trump ringing the NYSE bell from the White House for the launch of Trump accounts, and Tennessee National Guard troops fatally shooting a man during a patrol in Memphis.

Multiple Democratic lawmakers and political groups withdrew endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following a report alleging he sexually assaulted a former partner. Platner denied the accusations but acknowledged the political damage, as party leaders, including top Senate Democrats and the Maine Democratic Party, urged him to exit the race before replacement deadlines. Public figures and progressive organizations also rescinded support, citing the credibility and seriousness of the allegations. The live coverage additionally reported Trump administration developments, including Trump launching federal investment accounts for children, his involvement in a World Cup disciplinary issue, and other national news events.

Millions in Tehran began a multi‑day funeral procession for former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, whose death in a US‑Israel strike continues to fuel calls for retaliation. Senior Iranian officials appeared publicly for the first time since the war began, while Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba, stayed out of sight. Regional tensions persisted, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon, warnings over military sales to Turkey, and developments in Gaza as Hamas agreed to hand governance to a UN‑backed technocratic body. Additional reporting covered humanitarian concerns, settlement expansion involving UK charity funding, and Israel’s extensive wartime targeting system.

Downing Street defended allowing pubs to stay open until 5am for England’s World Cup match, following police criticism over the late notice. Andy Burnham signalled potential tax adjustments within Labour’s manifesto while preparing for a Reddit Q&A. Lisa Nandy and the culture department announced their departure from X over concerns about misinformation, while No 10 said usage decisions remain up to individual departments. Hollie Ridley will step down as Labour’s general secretary ahead of the party’s leadership transition. Police chiefs warned that extended pub hours could heighten alcohol-related incidents and strain resources. Campaigners displayed children’s shoes in Parliament Square to call for improved support for bereaved parents. Analysis showed that shifting infrastructure funds to boost defence spending could cost the UK a net loss of jobs despite projected gains in the defence sector.

Rosie O’Donnell condemned Donald Trump after he shared an AI-generated video mocking her, calling for his removal under the 25th amendment. The live coverage detailed controversies involving the Trump administration, including legal concerns raised by former special counsel Jack Smith, the indictment of Olympian Davey Hearn, right‑wing calls to restrict pregnant foreigners’ entry to the US, and court decisions affecting national park exhibits. Additional developments included military protests against Trump, Tucker Carlson’s musings about a third political party, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsing Abdul El-Sayed in a key Senate race. The blog closed with updates on Ukraine diplomacy, Supreme Court rulings expanding presidential power, and broader political fallout across the US.