‘Republicans ran up the tab’: Democrats outraged over $40tn national debt – live 20. August 2026 (14:51) US national deficit has doubled over the past decade with spending growing under Trump and BidenUS gross national debt tops $40tn for first timeSign up for the US Breaking News emailNatalie Harp, special assistant to President Donald Trump, continues to be the focus of media attention Thursday after an MSNOW report revealed that she had worked at the White House for nearly a year without obtaining a security clearance.Harp, a former One America News Network show host, has emerged as a key gatekeeper to the president. Her presence with Trump when the president left Air Force One as a decoy while sneaking onto another plane in a service cart – even as senior officials remained behind – drew attention. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Travelodge boss quits amid fallout over hotel chain’s security failings 20. August 2026 (14:47) Joanna Boydell steps down after widespread criticism over company’s handling of guest safety issuesBusiness live – latest updatesThe boss of Travelodge has resigned after a backlash over security failings at the hotel chain, including a case where a domestic abuser was given a key to a woman’s room before assaulting her.In a company statement on Thursday, Travelodge said Joanna Boydell had stepped down and been temporarily replaced by its finance chief, Ray Reidy. The company has launched a formal search for a permanent substitute. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Boohoo fined €2.3m by French watchdog over deceptive discounts 20. August 2026 (14:40) Fashion site also broke rules on labelling by using terms ‘leather’ or ‘suede’ for synthetic productsThe British online fashion seller Boohoo has been fined €2.3m (£2m) by France’s consumer watchdog for deceptive practices such as offering fake discounts.The Manchester-based firm, whose parent company renamed itself Debenhams Group last year, was found to have exaggerated the discounts it was offering, giving shoppers a false impression of the savings they were making, according to the directorate-general for competition, consumer affairs and fraud control. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israel’s Ben-Gvir posts video of gallows site for hanging Palestinians 20. August 2026 (14:34) Far-right minister says those convicted in military courts of terror offences will be executed after passing of death penalty law that does not apply to IsraelisIsrael’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has attracted international sanctions and condemnation for his activities, has posted a gloating video of the construction of the site of a gallows where Palestinians convicted of terror offences, but not Jewish extremists accused of similar crimes, will be hanged.Ben-Givr said the new execution site would be equipped with viewing booths where families of victims could watch the hangings. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Harry and Meghan’s security funding on UK return is private matter, Burnham says 20. August 2026 (14:30) Prime minister wishes couple well in their move back from the US to a non-royal residence outside London• Harry and Meghan: key moments and controversies since US moveSecurity funding for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they return to live in the UK this month is a “private matter”, Andy Burnham has said.News of Harry and Meghan’s planned return to Britain from the US came as a surprise to many on Wednesday night; King Charles was only informed three days earlier. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
