40 m. ago Trump praises Doge in first cabinet meeting and claims ‘billions’ in savings without evidence – live

Elon Musk attends first cabinet meeting of Trump’s second term amid chaos and confusion caused by his efforts to cull the federal government workforceThere has been reaction to Trump’s proposal for a “gold card” for wealthy foreigners (post 11.14am) which would give them the right to live and work in the US as well as a route to citizenship in exchange for a $5million fee.Immigration and wealth advisers have said the proposed initiative is unlikely to trigger a major inflow of wealthy global investors seeking US citizenship because of concerns over higher taxes, Reuters reports.I do not believe that the current POTUS offer will have a big impact, as getting a green card in the US if you meet certain criteria, is not difficult.Paying $5 million for a golden visa and getting taxed on your global income defeats the purpose. Continue reading...

Politics

57 m. ago How SNP is overruling local decisions to force windfarm developments on rural communities

It would save taxpayers’ money and hard-pressed planning officers’ time, if every renewable energy project just went straight to SNP minsters for a rubber stamp

Politics

1 hour ago BP's radical shift from green energy to fossil fuels has stunned the market... but what does it mean for YOU? Read our ultimate guide on whether you should invest in the oil giant

The boss of BP insists investors will 'love' his radical plans to revive the struggling oil giant - but the jury remains very firmly out.

Economics

1 hour ago ‘Champagne for my real friends!’ Francis Bacon masterpiece escapes to the artist’s old drinking den

Seeing Bacon’s stunning depiction of his lover Peter Lacy hanging in a reincarnation of the watering hole where his skeletal friends would drink, stagger and cackle was a fleeting yet unforgettable experienceWhen a work of art fails to excite, interest or move me, the word that comes to mind is “dead”. Bad art is lifeless, good art is alive and great art is supervital. And it’s a supervital masterpiece I am looking at right now. Face as sharply hewn as a Congolese mask, with a flesh-coloured pullover melting into the shadows of his loins, Peter Lacy dominates the room, captured in a gold-framed portrait by his lover Francis Bacon.That room is the Colony Room Green in London, not the original Colony Room but a bar nearby that lovingly recreates, with the precision of an art installation or stage set, the bohemian drinking den run by Muriel Belcher where Bacon would order drinks all round with his famous toast: “Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends!” Its gre...

Politics

1 hour ago Everyone has gone nuts for pistachios. But they’re just an upmarket green peanut, aren’t they? | Emma Brockes

Encased in chocolate, blended into martinis, baked in a croissant – tasty, maybe, but let’s not kid ourselves about the health benefitsOn my desk as I write this I have a packet of shelled, unsalted pistachios, a snack about which I have no particular feelings beyond the fact they’re better for me than Hula Hoops and, like so many things I’ve been persuaded to buy by my doctor, can be integrated into a “heart healthy diet”. Pistachios are also, it turns out, having a moment. We’ve been here before, with pomegranates and acai and, a few years ago, bone broth and anchovies. Now it’s the turn of the upmarket green peanut (oh look, I do have an opinion), which, once you start noticing it, you’ll find appears to be everywhere.It started last year with the rise of what is informally known as Dubai chocolate, the so-called confectionery invented by the British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, that took over the world – and that became, according to Deliveroo, one of last year’s top ite...

Politics

2 h. ago Carbon emissions in Cardiff reduce but huge challenge remains to reach net

Cardiff Council's cabinet member for climate change, Cllr Dan De'Ath, told councillors last year that Cardiff needed a 'green revolution'

Events

2 h. ago Nitrogen gas is banned in Louisiana to euthanize dogs. The state plans to use it to kill a death row inmate next month

‘This is a state that hasn't executed anybody in 15 years, and suddenly there’s this rush to kill,’ Jessie Hoffman’s attorney told The Independent

Events

2 h. ago EU reveals plans to hit climate goals by helping dirty industries clean up

European Commission recommits to 90% emissions cut by 2040, and will support steel and cement in transitionThe EU executive has insisted it will stay the course on its climate goals, while setting out plans to help Europe’s most polluting industries reach the green transition and watering down environmental reporting demands on companies.Publishing its “clean industrial deal” on Wednesday, the European Commission said it had a plan to help polluting industries, such as steel and cement, make the switch to the net zero emissions future, as well as boosting clean tech companies, such as firms making electric vehicle charging points. Continue reading...

Events

2 h. ago Half a million more London families in line for £150 energy bill discounts

Cost of scheme could add £15 to average household bills next winter

Economics

2 h. ago Green Touring Goals Boosted at London’s International Live Music Conference

Green Touring Goals Boosted at London’s International Live Music Conference  Billboard

Society

2 h. ago Martin Lewis reveals how to save £150 on your energy bills with one simple change

Almost three million extra households will be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount next winter after the Government announced changes to the criteria of the scheme

Economics

2 h. ago The heated throw 'worth every penny' that 'saves money on energy bills'

The Monhouse heated throw could save you money while keeping you warm

Economics

2 h. ago BP slammed as it ramps up oil and gas cash and slashes investment in green energy

Campaigners said the oil giant was committing a 'conscious act of climate vandalism' as it ditched targets to reduce fossil fuel production.

Economics

2 h. ago Byway Maps set to make train travel around Europe easier than ever

The site is the first of its kind

Politics

2 h. ago Oscars producers promise fresh energy, big stars and surprises at the show

Last year’s Oscars was by all accounts a successful show, with memorable performances and unscripted moments, and a winning movie that most people had seen

Politics

3 h. ago Gucci signals creative transition with lush looks recalling eras past

Gucci signaled its creative transition on the first day of Milan Fashion Week by sheathing the showroom in a plush green carpet and pleated drapery, replacing the deep red of the Sabato De Sarno era

Politics

3 h. ago EU plans to relax gas storage filling targets for member states

Brussels hopes a ‘more flexible’ policy will reduce market disruption

Events

3 h. ago Martin Lewis challenges Ofgem boss: Would peace in Ukraine bring down energy costs?

Martin Lewis challenged the Ofgem CEO to confirm whether peace in Ukraine would bring down the cost of energy.

Economics

3 h. ago Survivors reveal full horror of prison inferno where more than 100 women inmates were raped and burned alive when male convicts staged breakout: 'They let us die like animals'

Survivors say children began to die in the inferno when responding DRC police began firing tear gas into the women's wing, leaving them with 'almost no way to breathe'.

Events

3 h. ago Doctor warns fizzy drinks consumed by millions trigger hair loss... and reveals how to prevent it from happening

According to Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, a Florida-based specialist in critical care medicine, sodas and energy drinks could 'contribute to hair loss and anxiety in men'.

Events