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Trump allies warn he's caught in a 'toxic' trap as everything goes haywire: report

Donald Trump’s unrelenting drive to implement his policies has turned them into “liabilities” that threaten his next three years in office, and his allies are growing increasingly worried that he has painted himself into a corner.The past week has laid bare the consequences of Trump's overreach—a combination of policy missteps and self-inflicted damage that is tanking his poll numbers and his ability to command congressional support.A stagnant labor market and skyrocketing gas prices fueled by the Iran conflict are ravaging the economy. The sudden ouster of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has shone a harsh spotlight on the administration's deeply unpopular immigration agenda. Wall Street analysts are now warning that surging oil prices could trigger stagflation, and the cascade of bad news has jeopardized the GOP's ability to keep voters focused on Trump administration policies supposedly designed to ease the rising cost of living.One Trump ally, granted anonymity to speak freely, captured the political peril: "If you combine an economy that people don't like with a prolonged war that you know nobody in his base believes they voted for, that's a toxic problem." Though Trump isn't on the ballot this year, Republicans desperately need his approval ratings to improve if they hope to maintain control of Congress."Don't drag this war out," the person warned. "That's my best advice for the administration. The country is in no mood for a prolonged war."The Iran conflict has sent oil and gas prices soaring—pump prices have climbed more than 11 percent in a single week. With employers cutting payroll and Trump reshuffling his immigration leadership, the president has lost the upper hand on the two issues critical to GOP midterm success.Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist and former Trump State Department appointee, acknowledged the predicament: "We are a year into the Trump presidency, and it seems as if everything has changed but the economy. Now, as we head into the midterms, our only message on the economy is, 'You should thank us for the One Big, Beautiful Bill.' That's always going to be a challenge."Republican operatives are already resorting to damage control. One midterms strategist, speaking anonymously, offered blunt counsel: "Focus just on the local s--t, stop focusing on the world. Even if you obviously can't bring prices down, just do everything you can to make the people feel like the economy is getting better."You can read more here.

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Politicians seek meeting with Travelodge CEO after Maidenhead sexual assault case

Call for urgent meeting comes after woman was assaulted by man who had been given her key card by hotel staffMore than 20 MPs have demanded an urgent meeting with the CEO of Travelodge after a woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had been given her room number and a key card by hotel staff.The MPs said the case of Kyran Smith, 29, who was jailed for seven-and-a-half years last month, raised “deeply concerning” questions. He attacked the woman after a party in December 2022. Continue reading...

US agency did not perform safety checks of more than 100 food ingredients, analysis finds

Review of FDA records by the Environmental Working Group reveals firms are exploiting rule to send new chemicals in food systemMore than 100 substances widely used in common US foods, supplements and beverages underwent no health and safety review by the US Food and Drug Administration, a new analysis of federal records finds.The review of FDA records by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) non-profit reveals that diverse products across the food pyramid, such as Capri Sun drinks, Kettle and Fire organic broth, Acme smoked fish, and Quaker Oats snack bars, use a range of substances that have not undergone review by regulators. Continue reading...

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UK recruiter emerges from insolvency for third time, avoiding millions owed in tax

Hampshire business seems to have benefited from ‘phoenixism’, which costs the taxpayer about £800m a yearA UK recruitment business has been acquired out of administration for a third time in four years as part of a succession of deals that left some of the former management team in place and millions of pounds owed to the public purse.The chain of insolvencies appears to contain more examples of phoenixism – a process when companies are liquidated and directors are able to rise from the ashes with a new entity, free of debts. Continue reading...

Jamie Dunn, radio personality and Agro puppeteer, dies aged 76

Presenter who entertained children with his sharp-witted, furry puppet Agro Vation, remembered for his brash and unapologetic humourGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJamie Dunn, a veteran radio personality who unleashed the puppet Agro on Australia, entertaining children and adults alike for decades, has died aged 76.Dunn, who was once Australia’s longest-serving breakfast radio host, died on Saturday. Continue reading...