16 h. ago Senate passes budget funding Trump’s mass deportations; Pentagon reportedly delays firing civilians – US politics live

Republicans approve spending plan that will pay for hardline immigration policies; sackings on hold amid concerns they could hit military readinessMass firings could cause ‘monumental’ bill, say expertsNational security adviser Mike Waltz told a crowd of Donald Trump loyalists that he believes the president will receive the Nobel peace prize.“This is the presidency of peace. He’s going to end the war in Europe. He is going to end the wars in the Middle East. He is going to reinvest the United States and our leadership in our own hemisphere, from the Arctic to the border to Panama all the way down to our good friends in Argentina,” Waltz told the Conservative Political Action Conference.The pause comes after CNN reported on Wednesday that the mass terminations, which could affect over 50,000 civilian employees across the Pentagon, could run afoul of Title 10 section 129a of the US code. Following that report, Pentagon lawyers began reviewing the legality of the planned terminations m...

Politics

17 h. ago Senate passes budget funding Trump’s mass deportations; federal workers brace for more firings – US politics live

Senate Republicans approve spending plan that will pay for hardline immigration policies; mass layoffs get all-clear after judge lifts blockMass firings could cause ‘monumental’ bill, say expertsThe defense department will delay a plan to fire civilian employees on probation as it assess whether the move complies with the law and if it affects military readiness, CNN reports.The cuts were to be made as part of Donald Trump’s effort to dramatically downsize the federal government, which is being led by Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency”. Here’s more, from CNN:The pause comes after CNN reported on Wednesday that the mass terminations, which could affect over 50,000 civilian employees across the Pentagon, could run afoul of Title 10 section 129a of the US code. Following that report, Pentagon lawyers began reviewing the legality of the planned terminations more closely, the officials said.That law says that the secretary of defense “may not reduce the civilian workforce ...

Politics

20 h. ago First Minister John Swinney challenged over Dumfries and Galloway pylons project

The Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement project has been given planning approval - despite a Scottish Government reporter recommending refusal.

Politics

39 h. ago Hundreds of new homes to be built on land next to the M4 in Cardiff

Cardiff Council's planning committee approved the plans despite concerns from local councillors about public transport, noise and air pollution

Politics

62 h. ago Council drops school music service cuts as final draft budget approved

The plans will go for final approval next week with other cuts still on the table

Culture

66 h. ago Future of Pembrokeshire attraction that 'makes a real difference to thousands of lives' secured

The Willhome Farm Barn farm park, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers in 2023 - but has now been approved after a petition of support

Politics

2 d. ago Additional Support Needs expansion plans for South Ayrshire approved by council

Plans for a dedicated space for ASN learning at Troon Primary School have been given the go-ahead

Politics

3 d. ago A huge section of Cardiff city centre is being transformed into this

The site of the former Debenhams store in Cardiff city centre will be home to a new public square. Cardiff Council has approved plans for the square, which will include a splash pad and space for outdoor performances, markets, local street food vendors and other events.

Politics

3 d. ago Huge decision on future of Port Talbot steelworks as new £1.25bn electric arc furnace approved

The development could begin by the summer of 2025 and follows the decision to shut down the blast furnaces with the loss of thousands of jobs

Economics

3 d. ago MP says he intends to appeal against approval of Thames Water restructure plans

Barristers for Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard previously told the court the company should be put into special administration.

Politics

3 d. ago Steel giant Tata hails planning approval for Port Talbot plans

Tata is switching to an electric arc furnace-based steelmaking process which is greener, but needs fewer workers.

Politics

3 d. ago Judge approves emergency plan to keep Britain’s largest water company afloat

A judge has approved an emergency plan to keep Britain’s largest water company afloat and averted a possible temporary government takeover

Events

3 d. ago Thames Water is handed £3bn emergency loan to rescue ailing utility firm from financial collapse

Thames Water Utilities Holdings Limited (TWUH), the parent company of Thames Water Group (TWG), England's biggest water company with about 16 million customers, is in around £16 billion of debt.

Economics

3 d. ago Plans to restructure struggling Thames Water are approved by High Court judge

Thames Water Utilities Holdings Limited (TWUH), the parent company of Thames Water Group (TWG), England's biggest water company with about 16 million customers, is in around £16 billion of debt.

Events

4 d. ago New housing estate set for former railway cutting classed as ‘wildlife corridor’

It has taken more than five years for detailed plans to be submitted following the approval of outline proposals

Politics

4 d. ago Thames Water to discover if restructuring plan has been approved on Tuesday

The High Court heard several days of arguments over whether the plan should be approved earlier in February.

Politics

4 d. ago Council considering closing two learning support centres in Neath Port Talbot

It is part of a council review to assess the best use of its resources and facilities

Politics