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Just as the party leader had hoped to change the narrative, along came Channel 4 to spoil his conference funWhy, oh why, oh why? You could almost feel Nigel Farage’s frustration. Why was it always him? Surely it was about time that someone gave him a break. There he was trying to earn some money from a Thai crypto billionaire and a gold bullion dealer, and yet still Reform kept getting linked to dodgy cash.It was almost as if a pattern was emerging. First there was the £5m gift, then the Posh George donations via Dicky Tice, and now Channel 4 News had done a sting on him and two of his most trusted aides in which it looked as if they were happy to break the law on political donations. Life can be so damned unfair at times. Always kicking you when you are down. Continue reading...

• The U.S. Postal Service has finalized new election plans under the Trump administration that allow the agency to refuse delivery of ballots from states that fail to comply with updated procedures. • USPS describes these changes as a "neutral administrative check" intended to strengthen election confidence, despite receiving over 200,000 public responses containing both support and opposition. • Critics argue the rule has legal deficiencies and could create significant implementation difficulties, potentially impacting the broader political and social landscape of voting.

Move to dilute ZEV mandate from 80% down to as little as 50% could add millions of tonnes of CO2 to emissions and comes amid record UK heatwaves Andy Burnham’s government has said it will look at cutting electric vehicle sales targets, in proposals that could add millions of tonnes a year to the UK’s future carbon dioxide emissions.The government launched a consultation on Friday on cutting the target for new EVs to as little as 50% of all new cars in 2030, down from 80% under existing rules. The consultation will include several options, including leaving the headline target unchanged, or cutting it to 70%, 60% or 50%. Continue reading...

• Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, undermining the stability hoped for following a recently signed memorandum of understanding. • Gulf nations are increasingly analyzing the conflict in Ukraine to understand how global geopolitical shifts and converging conflicts impact their own regional security. • This convergence of crises highlights a deeper transformation in international politics, where legal and administrative decisions are reflecting broader strategic realignments.

Firm lifts outlook saying it’s well placed to benefit from PM’s focus on new homes despite ongoing cost pressures of Iran warUK housebuilder Persimmon has lifted its outlook, saying it is “well-placed” to benefit from prime minister Andy Burnham’s policy agenda, despite growing costs linked to the Iran war.Despite rising cost pressures, Persimmon has lifted its outlook for the full year and now plans to complete 12,500 new homes by year-end, at the upper reach of its previous guidance. Continue reading...

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is facing a leadership crisis following the removal of its chief prosecutor. • The ouster occurred after allegations of sexual misconduct were brought against the prosecutor, leaving the global institution in "uncharted territory." • Supporters of the court are currently working to chart a course forward to maintain the stability and legitimacy of the international legal body.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing for a new social media roadmap that treats Big Tech platforms like physical product manufacturers. • The proposal argues that companies, rather than parents or children, must be legally responsible for the safety of their digital products, similar to how car manufacturers ensure vehicle safety. • This shift is significant because it could move online child safety regulations into the realm of consumer protection laws, increasing corporate liability.