UK - The Independent

*Please note: The news links below will open a new window.

1. Ten-term Democrat Steve Cohen drops House reelection bid after Tennessee redistricting

   The announcement comes after the Supreme Court’s decision virtually killing the Voting Rights Act

2. Colin Jost reveals ‘too ridiculous’ Hegseth sketch became reality

3. AP begins implementing layoffs of US-based journalists, part of a pivot away from print journalism

   The Associated Press has confirmed it is laying off an unspecified number of U.S.-based journalists

4. Burnham approved to stand in by-election opening path to Westminster to challenge Starmer

   Labour’s ruling body had faced intense pressure to allow Mr Burnham to run, following its decision to block him from running in the Gorton and Denton contest earlier this year

5. Trump heads home from China with a meagre goody bag from Xi

   Just like the failed Putin summit in Alaska, Trump’s China trip brought theatre – but no action, with the US president predictably played by a man he hoped to impress, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley

6. Texas high court rejects removal of Democratic lawmakers who led quorum revolt over redistricting

   Gov. Abbott and state Republicans wanted to severely punish the more than 50 Democrats who temporarily bolted from Texas in a bid to stop a vote on the maps during a special legislative session

7. Social Security recipients could see a major cost of living boost in 2027

   As inflation continues to rise, current projections for Social Security benefit increases may not be enough

8. Trump refuses to say if he’d defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression

   Donald Trump has refused to say if he would defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China.

9. Wembley should ‘make a stand to Pep’ I have been there so often, jokes Guardiola

   Saturday’s FA Cup final will be Manchester City’s third visit to the national stadium in the space of eight weeks.

10. American staffers told to ditch burner phones before leaving Beijing over fears of Chinese ‘spying’

    Americans were asked to turn off their US phones and utilize burner phones while in China, one reporter said