Trump officials reveal plan to roll back regulations in Endangered Species Act 20. November 2025 (12:00) Experts fear plan, one of many attempts Trump’s made to dismantle wildlife protection, will speed up extinction crisisThe Trump administration presented a new plan to roll back regulations in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Wednesday, a move experts fear will accelerate the extinction crisis if adopted.The proposed changes would allow the federal government more power to weigh economic impact against habitat designations, remove safeguards against future events – including the impacts from the climate crisis – and rescind the “blanket rule” that automatically grants threatened species the same protections as those designated as endangered. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Larry Ellison discussed axing CNN hosts with White House in takeover bid talks 20. November 2025 (12:00) Senior officials indicated favorability toward Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros DiscoverySenior White House officials have discussed internally their preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in recent weeks, and one official has discussed potential programming changes at CNN with Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount.The discussions, according to people familiar with the matter, comes as Paramount portrays itself as the best bid for Warner Bros Discovery, after it announced last month it was open to offers, because it would have an easier time getting through regulatory review. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Male and female former employees of Smokey Robinson accuse him of sexual assault 20. November 2025 (11:52) Motown star denies allegations, in addition to four existing sets of allegations against himTwo more former employees of the soul music star Smokey Robinson, both male and female, have alleged he sexually assaulted them, which he denies.Robinson is already facing similar allegations from four other former employees, who filed a joint lawsuit in May. This week, lawyers for the accusers filed a motion to have two further accusers added to the lawsuit, both anonymously. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mahmood says she is considering ‘big’ increase in amount paid to refused asylum seekers to get them to leave – UK politics live 20. November 2025 (11:36) Home secretary says scheme could increase the £3,000 cap currently in place that is given to those who agree to leave voluntarily Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has said that she is considering a “big” increase in the amount the government pays to people refused asylum to encourage them to leave the country voluntarily.The Home Office already gives people relatively small sums in these circumstances, as it did with Hadush Kebatu, the Epping sex offender recently returned to Ethiopia. He got £500 to help persuade him not to legally challenge his removal.I’ve already asked my officials to pilot a small programme where we offer more than what we currently do for a period just to see how that changes behaviour.I haven’t alighted on the full sums involved yet, but I am willing to consider a big increase on what we currently pay. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Jailhouse shock: Brazil coup monger Bolsonaro finally faces life behind bars 20. November 2025 (11:30) The former president’s far-right supporters have discovered a new interest in prison conditions as incarceration loomsHe fought the law and the law won.Two months after receiving a 27-year sentence for trying to “annihilate” Brazil’s democratic institutions, former president Jair Bolsonaro finally looks jail-bound. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ukraine’s PM hosts US army secretary after American and Russian officials draft plan to end war – Europe live 20. November 2025 (11:18) The draft plan, reportedly developed by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, would force draconian measures on UkraineUkrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko has met with US army secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, saying the pair had a chance “to assess the situation on the ground and to witness first-hand the consequences of Russian aggression.”“While Russia continues killing innocent civilians, destroying homes, and targeting critical infrastructure, the strategy of pressure on Russia is proving effective. It is crucial to further strengthen energy and financial sanctions against the aggressor state,” she said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Coalition to help Labor rush through new nature laws if environmental protections dropped 20. November 2025 (10:00) Sussan Ley’s offer allows a clear path to pass laws to rewrite Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in final sitting weekGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Coalition has offered to help Labor rush through new nature laws if it agrees to gut environment protection, challenging Labor to side with business interests over green groups to implement the long-awaited changes.Environmental lawyers are urging the government against further weakening already flawed laws at the “behest of industry”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Edinburgh TV Festival could leave Edinburgh 20. November 2025 (10:00) Organisers look at other UK venues amid concerns over costs and industry’s lack of working-class voicesFor almost 50 years, the great and the good of British broadcasting have descended on Edinburgh each summer to discuss the trials and tribulations of the TV world. David Attenborough, Tina Fey, Emily Maitlis and Rupert Murdoch are among those to have previously given speeches at the city’s TV festival.Yet amid concerns about the industry’s lack of working-class voices and the high cost of a hotel room in the city, the event’s organisers are thinking the unthinkable: the Edinburgh TV festival could be leaving Edinburgh. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ford UK boss warns Rachel Reeves against higher taxes on electric vehicles 20. November 2025 (09:49) Lisa Brankin says new levies could discourage switch to EVs amid reports chancellor mulling pay-per-mile chargeBusiness live – latest updatesThe boss of Ford UK has warned Rachel Reeves against increasing taxes on electric vehicles in next week’s budget, saying it could discourage drivers from making the switch away from petrol and diesel cars.Lisa Brankin, the managing director of Ford UK, said it was “certainly not the right time” to introduce new levies on EVs, amid reports that the chancellor could implement a new pay-per-mile charge on electric vehicles (EVs) from 2028. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
