4 h. ago The Guardian view on Trump’s assault on the Fed: it is part of an affordability blame game | Editorial

Attacking Jerome Powell distracts from Republicans’ thin legislative record and policies that continue to squeeze American household incomesThe US government’s authoritarian and vexatious attack on Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, should be seen in the light of America’s affordability crisis, which Donald Trump once dismissed, but is now scrambling to claim as his cause. The cost of living is eroding his support ahead of the congressional midterms. By launching a legal assault on the Fed, Mr Trump is trying to shift blame for borrowing costs.Yet despite controlling the presidency, Senate and the House, Republicans have passed little beyond a large tax-cutting bill that benefits the rich. They have not legislated on housing supply, childcare, healthcare costs or wages. Indeed most of their actions are worsening affordability, notably deferring action even though millions face a sharp rise in their health insurance bills. Mr Trump’s sudden enthusiasm for credit card ca...

Politics

5 h. ago More than 5,000 pubs face brutal business rates hike after property tax values DOUBLE

The head of the Valuation Office Agency told MPs that 13 per cent of pubs - a total of 5,100 - have been hit with a 100 per cent rise in their so-called 'rateable value'.

Economics

7 h. ago Sacha Lord condemns Rachel Reeves as being 'worse for pubs than Covid' as landlords say rescue package is not enough to save them after Chancellor's hammer

The Treasury signalled a major U-turn on business rate hikes for pubs last week amid warnings hundreds could be forced to close.

Events

7 h. ago Starmer and Reeves will 'kill off' Britain's pubs with 'nail in coffin' booze tax hike

Despite sparking warnings the move will devastate Britain's remaining bars, chancellor Rachel Reeves is intent on hammering landlords with a 'last straw' tax jump in a matter of weeks.

Events

8 h. ago More than 5,000 pubs facing sharp business rate hikes as tax valuations double

It comes after weeks of criticism from pub bosses, industry chiefs and politicians over changes to business rates in the Budget.

Economics

22 h. ago Businesses sound the alarm over the 'devastating' impact of Labour's tax hikes and soaring energy bills

As confidence collapses to the lowest level since the pandemic, the financial squeeze means jobs are being cut and investment plans have stalled, a poll by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said.

Economics

33 h. ago Jeremy Clarkson makes 'bleak' admission as his pub bill soars

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has opened up about the challenges at his pub the Farmer's Dog and the new £55,000 tax bill

Events

58 h. ago Hidden tax change that could see thousands of tax bills quadruple from April due to Labour rules

WHITE van men are facing a tax bombshell as annual bills have quadrupled under rules introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Thousands of tradespeople and small business owners who rely on double-cab pick-up trucks are being hammered by a little-known tax hike quietly introduced back in April 2025. Experts say a "little-known tweak" in the 2024...

Economics

4 d. ago Flagship Reform council proposes to raise tax almost 4% after pledging cuts

Kent County Council produced a draft budget for 2026-27 on Thursday evening, revealing a 3.99% council tax hike.

Politics

4 d. ago Tennessee university reinstates professor fired for post criticizing Charlie Kirk

Austin Peay State University will also pay theater and dance professor Darren Michael $500,000 in settlement Austin Peay State University has reinstated a professor who was fired for his social media post after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Tennessee school is also paying the teacher $500,000 in the settlement.Austin Peay spokesperson Brian Dunn said Darren Michael returned to his position as a tenured faculty member at the public university in Clarksville effective 30 December. A copy of the settlement agreement obtained through a public records request includes a $500,000 payment and reimbursement of counseling, as reported earlier this week by WKRN-TV. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago Rachel Reeves’s pub reprieve is nothing for Labour to cheer about

Editorial: The government’s latest U-turn, over business rate relief, will be welcomed by publicans – but it only comes after a noisy nationwide campaign that saw MPs banned from more than a thousand boozers. It is sadly emblematic of how this administration goes about its business

Politics

5 d. ago Ministers face calls to expand business rate relief beyond pubs as U

Trade bodies said ‘piecemeal responses’ will not ‘save our high streets’.

Politics

5 d. ago Will you be hit by another bills rise? Slew of town halls already planning inflation

In a fresh blow to hard-pressed families, a number of local authorities have already unveiled proposals to increase council tax by the maximum 4.99 per cent for 2026/27.

Economics

5 d. ago Minister hints at pubs support package amid growing Labour rebellion over tax raid

Backbench MPs have expressed concerns over business rates hikes and the withdrawal of a Covid-era tax breaks announced at the budge

Politics

5 d. ago Household burning of plastic waste in developing world is hidden health threat, study shows

The practice is ‘much more widespread’ than previously realised, researchers say, with serious environmental impactThe household burning of plastic for heating and cooking is widespread in developing countries, suggests a global study that raises concerns about its health and environmental impacts.The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, surveyed more than 1,000 respondents across 26 countries. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago Pubs threaten shutting doors in tax hike protest 'before they close for good'

Pub landlords up and down the country are demanding a rethink of a Labour tax hike that could force many to close for good. It comes as many boozers have barredLabour MPs

Events

6 d. ago Builders suffer biggest slump since Covid in blow to Labour's plans to deliver 1.5m new homes

Housing activity in the construction sector was the weakest since May 2020 as experts warned tax hikes and red tape have 'smashed sentiment'.

Society

6 d. ago AI chatbot maker Anthropic plans to raise $10bn to reach $350bn valuation

Startup founded by former OpenAI staff is aiming to more than double its annualized revenue run rate this yearAnthropic is planning a $10bn fundraise that would value the Claude chatbot maker at $350bn, according to multiple reports published on Wednesday.The new valuation represents an increase of nearly double from about four months ago, per CNBC, which reported that the company had signed a term sheet that stipulated the $350bn figure. The round could close within weeks, although the size and terms could change. Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC and Coatue Management are planning to lead the financing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Ministers look at concessions for UK pubs as business rate backlash grows

Changes in the Budget mean landlords are facing higher bills over the next three years

Politics

6 d. ago Owner of pedalo firm accuses Rachel Reeves red tape and tax hikes of killing his family's 50

Sam Jones said he can no longer afford to operate the seasonal service on Weymouth Beach in Dorset following two successive Labour budgets.

Events