The Guardian: Fresh turmoil as candidate for chair quits “toxic” grooming gang inquiry
The UK’s grooming gangs inquiry has been plunged into crisis after Jim Gamble, the last remaining candidate to chair it, withdrew citing “political opportunism,” “vested interests,” and a “lack of trust.” His resignation followed the departure of four survivors from the inquiry’s liaison panel, who accused the government of politicising the process and trying to widen its scope to deflect scrutiny. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Baroness Louise Casey as an adviser in a bid to stabilise the inquiry, but survivors continue to demand a politically neutral, judge-led investigation and greater accountability from ministers. In other developments, a feature from Ukraine highlights the devastating human toll of ongoing Russian attacks. In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, a nursery was struck during a wave of airstrikes, underscoring the persistent danger faced by civilians more than three years into the war.
Financial Times: Lawyers and accountants rail against Reeve’s plans for tax raid on partners
Lawyers, accountants, and other professionals have sharply criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s reported plan to impose national insurance contributions to partners in limited liability partnerships, warning it would damage a key sector of the UK economy. The proposal, expected to feature in the November Budget, could raise £1.9 billion annually and lift partners’ effective tax rate from about 47% to 54%, cutting take-home pay for high earners. Industry figures argue the move contradicts the government’s goal of promoting growth, could push firms to restructure or relocate, and risks collapsing smaller practices. Reeves has defended taxing the wealthy as necessary to close a £20–30 billion fiscal gap but says she aims to “get the balance right.” Meanwhile, FCA sues US crypto exchange linked to billionaire buyer of US President Donald Trump memecoins.
The Washington Post: With Venezuela, Trump is beating drums of war
The front page reports that there has been a surge of U.S. troops, warships, and hardware into the Caribbean Sea, with President Trump announcing an “armed conflict” against drug trafficking groups, although some view as a mission to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. air operations have reportedly destroyed at least seven boats carrying narcotics and killed dozens of suspected traffickers. In addition to these overt military manoeuvres, Trump authorized CIA covert operations targeting Maduro directly, labelling him as “illegitimately elected” and accusing him of leading a narcotics cartel. On another note, there is a congressional stalemate over extending COVID-era health insurance subsidies, risking a government shutdown and driving ACA premiums up by over 28%, or about $1,900 per year, as enhanced subsidies expire ahead of open enrolment.
The New York Times: Pro-Palestinian activists lament the steep cost
Young activists reflect on last year’s Gaza protests with mixed feelings—welcoming the cease-fire but doubting their impact. Many, like Harry Campbell, say backlash has weakened faith in civil disobedience. The pro-Palestinian movement is now cautious, with activists masking identities over career fears. Campus protests have quieted amid tighter restrictions, while some turn to local organizing and labour movements. Meanwhile, President Trump has appointed election denial activists like Heather Honey to key government roles. These officials push false claims about the 2020 election and are dismantling election security measures. This raises concerns about federal overreach in elections ahead of the 2026 midterms.
La Vanguardia: Barcelona, segunda ciudad europea donde más sueldo se destina a vivienda
Barcelona reported to have high housing costs within a wider European crisis. It notes that leaders of the 27 EU member states are currently debating the ongoing housing crisis. Over the past decade, apartment prices have surged by 58% across the EU and by 72% specifically in Spain. In response, Catalonia’s political leadership, represented by Salvador Illa, is considering measures to ban speculative housing purchases to help address the issue. Meanwhile, tensions between Junts per Catalunya and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government are rising, with Junts signalling a major political shift ahead. Despite impatience from former Catalan President Puigdemont, the government believes the current term is secure. Junts’ Miriam Nogueras warned Sánchez in Congress, “People are fed up, and then they’ll say the right is coming,” highlighting growing public frustration.
Clarín: El tesoro de EE.UU. intervino fuerte y el dólar cayó por primera vez en cinco ruedas
The wholesale dollar fell for the first time in five sessions, dropping 2.5 pesos due to strong intervention by the U.S. Treasury, led by Scott Bessent, who reportedly sold around $450 million to stabilise the currency. The retail dollar remained steady at 1,515 pesos. Despite high trading volumes, bond prices fell about 2% amid growing financial tension ahead of upcoming elections. The Central Bank did not intervene Wednesday, and Economy Minister Luis Caputo assured the current exchange rate system would remain unchanged. Meanwhile, stock markets showed mixed but generally positive performance. Another headline reports that flights to Brazil and Peru are getting pricier due to new taxes. Brazil plans to raise its VAT to 25%, increasing ticket costs, while Peru will add a transit fee at Lima airport. Taxes now make up about 40% of the final ticket price.
