Government lays out housing plans but Burnham backtracks on social renting pledge – UK politics live

• The United States has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," a strategic initiative designed to sever Iran's economic lifelines. • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the U.S. will intensify sanctions to choke off Iranian revenues and further isolate the nation globally.

• The US has introduced "Operation Economic Outcast," a strategic plan to launch an "economic onslaught" against the Iranian regime. • Under this initiative, the US threatens to target the economies of any third-party countries that continue to cooperate with Iran.

• A "maximum worldwide alert" warning claiming that "the war begins" has spread rapidly across social media, causing widespread public concern. • The reports are characterized by dramatic imagery and recycled footage, raising significant questions about the authenticity of the claims.

• Over 600 political prisoners are currently held in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, where severe overcrowding has become a critical issue. • The report suggests that these conditions are a symptom of deeper structural crises and escalating internal conflicts within Iran's political system.

Member for Solomon was charged after an alleged incident at a cultural festival in Darwin in JulyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNorthern Territory police has charged federal Labor MP Luke Gosling with one count of breaching bail conditions less than one month after he was arrested over the alleged assault of the Territory’s administrator, David Connolly.Gosling was charged with two counts of assault over an incident that allegedly occurred at a cultural festival in Darwin on 18 July. Continue reading...

Man arrested after being restrained and pinned down by ‘heroic’ bystanders, Victoria police sayGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA mother has been taken to hospital after allegedly being repeatedly stabbed by a stranger while protecting her 10-year-old son during a “random attack” in Melbourne’s CBD.The alleged attacker, 27, was arrested at the scene after he was restrained and pinned down by three bystanders, according to Victoria police. Continue reading...

The flagship environmental project has achieved ‘negligible’ results. Why so little progress, and what are the risks as the planet gets hotter? Plus, fusion dance pioneer Usha Jey• Don’t get This is India delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereIndia set out to expand its forested areas a decade ago. Last week, however, we learned that the forest cover programme had barely taken root when the government’s auditors released their findings of the flagship Green India Mission. The shortfall of 97.57% from India’s initial pledge in 2014 was stark enough to alarm the government’s own auditor, who described the progress as “negligible”.Yet if you ask the government about forest cover, you’ll get a far greener picture. Continue reading...

Bills have jumped 42% in England over the past 10 years – and that excludes the cost of breakfast clubs and extracurricular activities Parents of primary schoolchildren in England will pay 42% more for after-school childcare this year than they did 10 years ago, with annual bills now exceeding more than £2,800 a child in some parts of the UK.A Guardian analysis of data collected by the children’s charity Coram has revealed that the annual cost of after-school care for children aged 5 to 11 in England has risen by 5% over the past year to £2,636. Continue reading...

UK PM to join delegation of leaders lobbying US president to step up suppliesBurnham plans trip to New York as Ukraine pleads for US-made missilesIt’s worth reading Zelenskyy’s social media post about Trump in full (particularly the last line). Here is what he wrote on X:I received warm and heartening congratulations from President Trump on the 35th Anniversary of the Restoration of Ukraine’s Independence:“Dear Mr. President: Continue reading...

Bitcoin rises above $80,000 for the first time since May amid uncertainty over US fiscal plansBusiness live – latest updatesGold prices hit their highest level in more than three months on Tuesday as continued conflict in the Middle East and ongoing political uncertainty fuelled the latest rally in the precious metal.Gold is viewed as a safe haven by investors and its price tends to rise at times of uncertainty. Continue reading...

Danish toymaker also scores success with KPop Demon Hunters, Star Wars and botanicals productsBusiness live – latest updatesLego sales have risen by more than a fifth as tie-ups with the football World Cup, Formula One and the hit film KPop Demon Hunters as well as its flower-based and Star Wars kits drive demand.The Danish toymaker said its revenues increased by 21% to 41.9bn Danish kroner (£4.8bn) in the first six months of 2026, driven by strong growth in the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific regions. Sales by its clients to consumers rose by 22%. Continue reading...