Pam Bondi admits to ‘redaction errors’ in Epstein files release during House testimony 29. May 2026 (16:06) Ex-attorney general defends her handling of the release of files related to the late sex offender US politics live – latest updatesThe former attorney general Pam Bondi is testifying before the US House oversight and reform committee this morning to answer questions about the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and its release of the Epstein files under her leadership.In Bondi’s prepared opening statement, obtained by the Guardian, she defended the department’s record under her leadership, saying: “We demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency in the department’s search for, collection and review of the Epstein files.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Fire in train car near New York City’s Penn Station injures five and disrupts service 29. May 2026 (15:02) Amtrak car caught fire in Hudson River tunnel resulting in overhead wire damage, according to New Jersey TransitA fire in a rail yard train car near New York’s Penn Station injured five people and disrupted service for many commuters early on Friday, authorities said.The fire resulted in train delays on the New Jersey Transit and Amtrak rail services into New York and briefly suspended Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service, more than a week after a strike had shut down that system. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Bank of England’s Bailey says no rush to raise interest rates amid Iran war uncertainty 29. May 2026 (14:49) Inflation can be tolerated above 2% target for now ‘given context of softness in real economy’, governor saysBusiness live – latest updatesThe Bank of England is in no rush to raise interest rates while the outcome of the Iran war remains uncertain and the UK’s growth rate stays weak, the governor, Andrew Bailey, said.In a signal that borrowing costs will remain at 3.75% at least during the summer, Bailey said it was tolerable for inflation to stay above the Bank’s 2% target during the current crisis. However, that would change if a more permanent increase in prices began to take effect. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US designates Brazil’s two largest gangs as terrorist organizations 29. May 2026 (14:31) Announcement by Marco Rubio is being widely seen as setback for Brazil’s president, and a boost for his far-right challengerThe United States has designated Brazil’s two largest criminal gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organisations.The announcement, made by Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, on Thursday, is being widely seen in Brazil as a setback for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president who had strongly opposed the designation – and a boost for Lula’s main challenger in October’s presidential election, the far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Student awarded CBS News scholarship explains why he called out network at event: ‘I had to do it’ 29. May 2026 (14:00) Santiago Campos says he felt obligated to criticize the network’s direction, which ‘stains legacy of Mike Wallace’Standing in front of the most powerful and well-known people in the television news business on Wednesday night, in a glitzy New York City ballroom, 18-year-old high school student Santiago Campos shocked – but also delighted – many in attendance when he called out the network that funded the scholarship he received: CBS News.Campos, a graduating senior at the District of Columbia international school who had traveled to New York for the 47th annual news and documentary Emmy awards with his mother and teacher, was awarded the Mike Wallace memorial scholarship, honoring the legendary television interviewer. Campos was given the award by veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, who said: “Mike would see something of himself in this year’s recipient.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New York City sued over alleged racial discrimination in removal of children by protective services 29. May 2026 (14:00) Plaintiffs say children’s services uses ‘emergency removal’ disproportionately against Black and Latino familiesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailOn Thursday, two families filed a class-action lawsuit against the city of New York, alleging that the administration for children’s services (ACS) abuses its emergency removal power to take children from their parents without a court order. The families say that Black people and Latinos are disproportionately affected by the practice.The “emergency removal” power is supposed to be used only in extreme and urgent situations in which there is not enough time to obtain a court order. Instead, the lawsuit alleges, the ACS is using a racially discriminatory emergency removal policy that allows the agency to bypass judicial review. The policy, which separates parents from their children, can cause lasting harm to the families that are affected. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mutual retailer triples boss’s pay to £2.2m despite fall in profits 29. May 2026 (13:58) OurCoop criticised by members after withholding annual profit-share payment despite soaring executive payOurCoop, an independent mutual that runs about 500 food stores across England, is facing criticism from members after it more than tripled its chief executive’s pay to £2.2m despite falling sales and profits.The chain, which is a separate company from the Co-op Group but relies on the much bigger business to supply some products, has not approved an annual profit-share payment to members this year, although they have received discounts on shopping. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hungarian police approve Budapest Pride in break from Orbán era 29. May 2026 (13:56) Policy U-turn comes after rightwing nationalist government was swept from power in April after 16-year ruleEurope live – latest updatesPolice in Hungary have said they will allow next month’s Pride parade in Budapest to take place, signalling a reversal from last year when they sought to block the event on the orders of the government of the rightwing former prime minister Viktor Orbán.Last year’s march made headlines around the world after Orbán’s Fidesz party backed legislation – the first of its kind in the EU’s recent history – that created a legal basis for Pride events to be banned, citing a widely criticised need to protect children. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump’s former attorney general to face closed-door questioning from House committee over Epstein files – live 29. May 2026 (13:45) Lawmakers to have fresh chance to dig for information on Trump administration’s handling of Epstein case by grilling Pam BondiSign up for the Breaking News US emailVice-president JD Vance said Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing a deal to extend their ceasefire in the Middle East war, but the potential breakthrough still hangs on president Donald Trump’s approval.Trump remained notably silent into Friday morning, despite US sources telling AFP a deal just needed his sign-off, underscoring the volatility of talks three months after the war rattled the Middle East and the global economy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cause of deaths of three sisters found in sea at Brighton still unclear, inquest hears 29. May 2026 (13:35) Medical investigations ongoing ‘to finalise the cause of death’ but police say they do not suspect foul playThe cause of the deaths of three sisters found in the sea off Brighton beach is yet to be ascertained but police say they do not suspect foul play at this stage.The bodies of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, from Uxbridge, west London, were found earlier this month. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
