If you’re a nuisance ‘headphone-dodger’, you’re crying out for a hefty fine

I recently decided to leave my car keys at home and travel by coach from London to Bristol. Forget hunching over the wheel for the hours – I could sit back and relax and let someone else do the driving for a change. Hey, I could finish White Lotus season three – even read a book.

Plus, let’s face it, I couldn’t afford the train fare. A cross-country return ticket would have cost more than £100, whereas the coach came in under a tenner. It was a no-brainer.

I also hadn’t been on a proper coach trip since I was at school and, for some reason, was rather excited. And, when I boarded, it was actually quite nice – thumbs up to the National Express for its reasonable leg room and sardonic drivers making some anti-tourist lols on loudspeaker. Double guns to my double seat with one seat unoccupied! Shame about the toilet being out of action – or rather, what a stroke of luck.

But then my halcyon day-tripping took a sudden and distinct turn downwards, because the woman across the aisle from me decided to watch a movie on her laptop… at full volume. Without headphones. I know.

It didn’t matter that it was actually a good choice of film – the 2005 Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen version of Pride and Prejudice, since you asked. But what fresh hell was this?

Decidedly routine hell, actually. As anyone who’s a commuter will know, ever since smartphones were fitted with a built-in speaker (some time in 2007), headphone-dodgers have been a scourge on our trains, buses and coaches, but especially London Underground. Since it has got noticeably worse after the Covid pandemic – during which we learned to live in our own little bubbles, and all civic niceties went out of the window – there’s now a name for it: “bare-beating”.

And despite new efforts, announced this week, to curb it – the mayor of London Sadiq Khan has rolled out a new campaign to tackle “nuisance” offenders, amounting to what appears to be putting up a few posters in Tube carriages – I’m going to hazard that it simply won’t make any difference.

I’m not just being neggy, I just think that, realistically, the kind of people who are socially unaware (or inept) enough to play their own terrible music from their phones or to flick blithely through dozens of TikTok reels without consideration to those around them probably aren’t going to take any notice of a poster urging them to “Travel Kind”.

And that’s because the kind of people who play their “guilty pleazures playlist” out loud on a packed Tube carriage at 7.53 in the morning, feat. Ed Sheeran wailing “Girl, you know I want your love… your love was handmade for somebody like me” – or, the arguably less offensive Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s WAP (“Yeah, you ******* with some ***-*** *****”), either a) genuinely believe we all want to hear it, because their taste in music is so brilliant; or b) don’t give a monkey’s.

They’re playing it out loud because they want to play it out loud. They like playing it out loud.

Some of them probably take a deep and twisted pleasure in being a nuisance. And a few posters stretching across the entire TfL network isn’t going to stop them or make them think twice about being antisocial. Those only work on people who wouldn’t dream of sharing their friend’s 15-minute voicenote about her cat’s latest trip to the vet with an entire bus full of strangers, in the first place.

And while yes, it’s good that the mayor is doing something – even if it’s ineffectual, the initiative at least marks the behaviour out as a problem – I just wish he had gone further. After all, there’s already been a prod from both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives urging ministers to take action, with the shadow transport secretary Richard Holden amusingly going as far as to say that passengers should not have to “endure somebody else’s choice of crap music”.

The Lib Dems have suggested fines of up to £1,000, saying TfL should follow in the footsteps of Irish Rail (the transport provider has introduced £86 fines for rail passengers who vape and watch videos out loud onboard). But I think slapping offenders with an on-the-spot £150 penalty – like the Fixed Penalty Notices for dropping litter, including cigarette butts – would do it.

It’s hefty enough to be properly offputting, to make sure you never do it again – but not so ridiculous that it cripples oblivious (or young and stupid) offenders in a serious cost-of-living crisis. My guess is that being stung for £150 would be enough to put them off listening to Tyler, The Creator for life – or at least, on the Elizabeth Line – and isn’t that doing us all a public service?

In my case, when confronted with Pride And Prejudice blaring at top volume on the coach, I did what any self-respecting Brit would do: glared at her a lot, tutted and sighed and shook my head, but ultimately said nothing.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a volume button, must be in want of an eye-roll from their fellow passenger. Now, let that eye-roll come straight from the Mayor of London – and hit them in the pocket, where it would really hurt.

Couple killed in Isle of Wight helicopter crash pictured for first time

A couple killed when a helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight have been named by their “devastated” daughter.

Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski were on board the Northumbria Helicopters-operated aircraft when it was seen “spiralling” toward the ground near Shanklin on Monday morning.

They died alongside a third passenger, said Ms Czoska’s daughter, Julia Buzar.

A fourth person remains in hospital in a serious condition following the crash, now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The couple are reportedly from Bloxham in Oxfordshire and had gone on the flight as part of a birthday present from Ms Buzar for her stepfather.

Following Monday’s incident, Ms Buzar’s husband, Jacob Butler, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring the couple’s bodies back to their native Poland.

Sharing the fundraiser on her Facebook page, Ms Buzar wrote: “I have no words, the world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone.

“I never thought I’d be writing something like this. Please if anyone could help bring them back to Poland so they can be with [their] families, it would mean the world to me. Rest in peace mum and Wojtek.”

The fundraising page has so far raised more than £700 through dozens of donations.

Mr Butler wrote on the site: “My partner’s beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.

“This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home.

“The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve.”

On Tuesday, the AAIB confirmed its investigation into the crash near the A3020 Shanklin Road was ongoing after it sent a team to the crash site. The investigation is likely to take a year to complete.

A spokesperson said: “Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire for further detailed investigation.”

Tracking data showed the helicopter was a Robinson R44 II helicopter, with Civil Aviation Authority records stating it was owned by Adventure 001 Ltd, but operated by Northumbria Helicopters.

In a statement reported by The Times, Northumbria Helicopters said the aircraft departed on a flying lesson from Sandown airport at around 9am with four people on board, including the pilot. The crash took place at around 9.20am.

Leigh Goldsmith, a witness to the crash, told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.

Shanklin Town Council said it was “shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town”. In a statement to the BBC, it praised the pilot for “bringing the helicopter down” away from urban areas.

The island’s two MPs – Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson – led the reaction on social media.

Mr Quigley said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved. And my thanks to each and every one of the island’s emergency services who attended the incident.”

Mr Robertson added: “It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport. The whole community is in shock.”

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “My thoughts are with the families of the three people killed in the Isle of Wight helicopter accident in Ventnor this morning. A fourth person is critically ill in hospital. This is a tragic incident. The families and loved ones of those involved are being supported.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a statement: “We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.”

Watching With Love, Meghan is like being gaslit by a multimillionaire

“There are easy ways to show up lovingly,” Meghan Sussex, nee Markle, says during the second season of her Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. In fact, the word “easy” seems to be the watchword for the entire eight-episode run – and boy, is it doing some heavy lifting.

Making homemade graham-cracker s’mores with vanilla-bean turmeric marshmallows and here’s-one-I-made-earlier tonal chocolate bark is, apparently, “easy”. Whipping up boba tea and persimmon-topped sourdough is “easy”. Crafting necklaces using pressed flowers for your children’s individual birth months and setting them in UV resin is “easy”. In the surreal and saccharine world created by the actor turned royal turned Instagram-grid-come-to-life, nothing, it seems, is complicated.

This second outing of the madly aspirational hostessing show doesn’t stray far from the format of its predecessor. Each instalment sees an impeccably if blandly presented Meghan swaddled in neutral tones as she invites guests round to a house in Montecito, California.

It’s not her house, obviously, but a rental property down the street, which makes the whole “at home with” brand feel slightly bogus. References to spouse Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, are generally kept sporadic and vague – “I would’ve told H to come!” she trills to an awkward John Legend, who, one assumes, is contractually obliged to duck into the kitchen when dropping off wife Chrissy Teigen.

Her visitors range from good friends, like repeat guest Daniel Martin, her makeup artist, to people she’s never met, such as Queer Eye’s Tan France or celebrity chef David Chang. Each episode sees Meghan throw together an OTT snack and drink for her guests’ arrival before forcing them to participate in a mandatory making-and-baking activity (painting children’s aprons using limes as stamps feels particularly unhinged). Oh, and just to ensure no one goes away empty-handed, she presents an aggressively thoughtful handmade gift to each person who crosses the threshold: homemade rosewater, say, or a silk scarf with a water marbling effect.

Here, aesthetic is everything. Edible flowers are sprinkled with alarming abandon, ribbons are tied in perfect bows around colour-matched presents, and even when the bright, airy kitchen is being used to marinade steaks and pummel flatbread, it somehow never gets truly messy – thanks, one must presume, to the 80-strong crew who work tirelessly to curate the “effortless” vibe. It’s like an AI was fed every Nancy Meyers film ever made and instructed to burp out a TV series.

I can just about see the appeal of a show that sells pure escapism at a time when the world feels increasingly uncertain and hostile. The stakes in With Love… are so low as to be non-existent. “Drama” comes courtesy of attempting to weigh out exactly 113g of water for a sourdough starter; “I don’t like the pressure!” squeals Meghan when Chang says he’s excited about trying her vinaigrette. But there is no pressure. Nothing can or will ever go wrong in this cossetted, fictional slice of California lifestyle.

Netflix must be fairly confident, too, given that the streamer announced earlier this month the extension of a “multi-year, first-look deal” for future films and TV shows with Harry and Meghan’s Archewell production company. This, despite With Love…’s viewing figures hitting a paltry 5.3 million for the first season, meaning it didn’t even rank in the streamer’s top 300 shows for the first half of 2025.

But the main takeaway word for the casual viewer is “inadequate”. For how else are the rest of us supposed to feel when gaslit by a multimillionaire insisting that constructing homemade necklaces or flower arrangements is a cinch – a statement she’s making from the comfort of her “craft barn”? When she lectures us while grilling French toast that “it’s not as complicated as most people think it is” to make a hot breakfast for your partner and kids every morning?

I’m merely a working woman, not even a working parent, and I can still feel the burgeoning tendrils of shame blossoming when I consider my own morning “ritual” of chucking cereal into a bowl. And yet the show’s purpose doesn’t seem to be to demonstrate how one might pull off these ridiculous feats. Recipes are only half explained; specifics of paints and craft materials aren’t actually shared. It’s as if they already know that no one in their right mind is going to attempt this stuff.

In which case, it’s a show that needs to be carried by the “talent”, kept afloat by so much warmth, wit and charm that it resembles “a hug in a mug”, as Meghan describes one of her homemade beverages. Unfortunately, she is not the woman to deliver such a thing, plumping instead for cloying sentimentality and flavourless wholesomeness.

“It brings me so much joy to see everyone just having fun and trying so many cool new things,” Meghan says earnestly at the end of episode one, as she toasts marshmallows over the bonfire with her new friends. Excuse me while I book an emergency dentist appointment – the whole thing’s as sickly sweet as a vanilla-bean and turmeric s’more…

Alcaraz stuns rival, Boulter begins campaign

Katie Boulter is among the British player in action as the US Open first round continues. Boulter will be playing the 27th seed Marta Kostyuk while Sonay Kartal faces the 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia looking to join Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper in the second round.

Carlos Alcaraz cruised past the challenge of big-serving Reilly Opelka to being his US Open campaign but all the talk afterwards was of his new haircut, with the Spaniard admitting the new-look was a mistake. Alcaraz laughed off comments from a stunned Frances Tiafoe, who called the buzz-cut “horrendous”.

Novak Djokovic will return to action tomorrow after admitting that he was concerned by his physical difficulties during his first-round win over Learner Tien. The 38-year-old struggled in the long rallies and took a medical timeout for treatment on the painful blisters on his foot.

Elsewhere, the shock of the US Open so far has been the exit of Australian Open champion and sixth seed Madison Keys, while Daniil Medvedev’s meltdown during his wild defeat to Benjamin Bonzi has sparked concern among fellow and former players.

Two Australian police officers shot dead with massive manhunt underway for gunman

Two Victoria police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant linked to historical sex offences in rural Australia on Tuesday morning.

The incident in Porepunkah in Victoria has triggered a manhunt for 56-year-old suspect Dezi Freeman who, police said, has described himself as a “sovereign citizen” – a movement known for promoting conspiracy theories and hostility toward law enforcement.

The town remained on high alert, with a large police presence and helicopters at the scene, as the search for Freeman extended through wet and cold conditions into Tuesday night.

Victoria Police said a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed during the operation, and a third officer was seriously wounded and undergoing surgery.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria premier Jacinta Allan praised the officers’ bravery, while the Australian Federal Police Association offered condolences to the victims’ families and colleagues.

A school located not far from the shooting was placed into lockdown and council buildings were closed while the situation was ongoing, with the authorities urging residents to stay indoors until the suspect is apprehended.

Freeman was considered “very dangerous” and believed to be armed, possibly including with firearms retrieved from the bodies of the fallen officers, police said.

Ms Allan said police would continue working through the night to locate the suspect.

“Clearly every resource is being deployed to apprehend this offender,” she said. “This offender will be found. He will be dealt with.”

Mr Albanese said the threat of “sovereign citizens” and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously.

“We saw a tragic loss of life in Queensland as well previously, and I attended the funeral service – which was so sad – of the officers there,” Albanese said on ABC 7.30.

“We know that the Director General of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States.

“The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society… we’ve seen people here, in Canberra as well, put forward those positions, who have demonstrated outside the Parliament.

“And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it.”

Australian media reports initially suggested the suspect had fled the scene of the shooting, where Freeman was believed to be staying in the grounds of a property, with his wife and other family members.

Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush later told the press that the police “are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen heading into the bush with them”.

Mr Bush said arresting the gunman was the force’s “top priority”.

“The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, we believe he is armed,” said Bush.

“We have deployed every special resource into this … to locate him. That is our priority.”

A neighbour described the property where the officers were killed as isolated and gated “like a bloody prison”, with many people coming and going.

The man, who didn’t want to be named, said there was a community of people living on the property where the arrest warrant was served on Monday morning. “I didn’t know the bloke who did the shooting, I didn’t know his name,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But there’s a lot of people living up there, it’s like a little community. You see a lot of cars driving in and out. They’ve got a huge gate there. You couldn’t get in, it’s like a bloody prison gate and I think it’s got a keypad on it to get in. I just can’t understand why the bloke who owns it would let people like that live on his property.”

Summer escapes made easy: find your perfect sunbreak fuss-free

When it comes to booking your summer getaway, finding the perfect break can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Whether it’s a fun-packed family holiday, a romantic couples trip, an activity-filled solo break or a group trip where you need to tick everyone’s travel boxes, there’s a lot to consider, and a vast range of options to choose from. So it can be tricky knowing where to start.

To make it easier to plan your perfect break, holiday experts Travel Republic have you covered, whether you’re researching dream destinations or making last-minute plans. With over 20 years of travel know-how, plus big-name airlines, top hotels and exciting attractions – they make booking your next great value getaway easy, affordable and totally stress free.

From trending destinations to incredible money-saving deals and travel ideas tailored to you, Travel Republic has everything you need to find and book your perfect trip. On top of all that, they offer flexible payment plans, super low deposits, are ATOL protected and offer all the holiday extras you need such as car hire, airport parking, transfers and travel insurance.

Ready for some travel inspo? Here’s our guide to four diverse, versatile destinations that offer it all: dreamy beaches, family entertainment, culinary delights, active adventure, and history and culture by the spadeful.

With over 6000 islands and islets, 200 of which are inhabited, not to mention a culture-rich mainland, Greece definitely has something for every type of traveller. For couples, friends and singles looking to party, head to the clubs and beach parties of Ios, Zante (Zakynthos) or Mykonos – enjoy the growing foodie scene in the pretty white-washed, streets of Mykonos Town, while adrenaline junkies will feel at home on the water, with kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and jet skiing on offer. For sandy beaches and calm waters, book into the islands of Rhodes or the family friendly Kos. If chilling on the beach is your priority, some of the world’s best can be found in Crete or Halkidiki – sporty types take note of the 13km scenic coastal cycling route. Or head to Faliraki with the kids for banana boat rides, snorkelling and splashing about at Faliraki Waterpark.

History lovers won’t want to leave Greece: explore the archeological wonder that is the Athens Acropolis, walk the capital’s charming old Plaka neighbourhood and stop at one of the many local cafes to enjoy souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. For another UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the island of Corfu’s Old Town and submerge yourself in a world of Venetian cobbled streets, fortresses and tunnels.

Whether you want the perfect package holiday with breathtaking beaches, buzzing bazaars and cafes on your city break or a boutique stay to explore a multitude of ancient ruins, Turkey has a dream holiday for everyone.

Istanbul will keep every generation entertained: visit the impressive Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, go haggling in the Grand Bazaar, then grab a traditional pide (folded pizza) and a Turkish tea before making a trip to the array of castles and fortresses. There’s also a zoo, aquarium and entertainment parks.

Turkey has an abundance of historical sites, with many accessible from top beach resorts such as Side and Izmir. Head to the Dalaman region, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast in reference to the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon beach. Make the short journey from Daylan town to the magnificent ancient port city of Kaunos, which dates back to the 9th century BC and be sure to go turtle spotting at the neighbouring İztuzu Beach. Thrill seekers should head to the nearby resort of Fethiye, to spy its rugged scenery and historic sites from a paraglider. While Marmaris offers everything from parties and waterparks to romance. Head inland to Anatolia to experience the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia from the skies in a hot air balloon — a true bucket list experience.For resorts that offer a bit of everything, choose Bodrum and Antalya for everything from Roman ruins, bazaars and nightclubs to yacht-filled marinas, waterparks and pristine beaches. Lots to keep little ones entertained, and party goers busy while couples can enjoy luxe adult-only hotels.

From the Costas to the Canaries and Barcelona to the Balearics, Spain really does have it all. If it’s a city break you’re after, choose the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid: take in art at the impressive Prado Museum, stroll through the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and tour the famous Bernabeu Stadium, home to the mighty Real Madrid. Or if you like beach vibes with your culture, opt for the city of Barcelona. Visit the Gothic Quarter for breathtaking architecture, marvel at the iconic Sagrada Família and enjoy tapas and cava in the narrow streets of the El Born district – home to the Moco and Picasso museums.

For full-on beach action, stay on the mainland and choose between Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or the ‘Golden Coast’ of Costa Dorada. Here,Salou is a good option for those looking for buzzing restaurants and bars, active types keen on coastal walks, kayaking and snorkelling and kids keen to mix rollercoasters and waterparks at PortAventura theme park.

If you’re more about ‘island life’ there’s no shortage of options: head to Ibiza or Majorca for parties galore and secluded beaches with crystalline waters or opt for one of the equally idyllic Canaries. For a break that feels out of this world, choose volcanic island Lanzarote, which offers pristine white sand beaches across the island, including the main holiday resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. The latter offers a wealth of bars and restaurants, waterparks, 5km promenade and lively marina with a daily market.

Dramatic coastlines with crystal clear waters, buzzing city life with pop-up restaurants and dolphin and whale watching for wildlife lovers are just some of what is on offer in Portugal, making it a must-visit for group and solo travellers alike. Head to the south coast for the holiday haven of the Algarve, home to some of Europe’s top beaches. There’s 30km of coastline to enjoy at Albufeira alone, peppered with beachfront family friendly and adult-only hotels. Be sure to explore the cobbled streets and palm tree-lined squares of the Old Town before settling down for local seafood specialities including the Cataplana stew. Want to get active? Hike the coastal Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for views of rock formations against the backdrop of turquoise waters. While nightlife lovers should head to the Algarve cities of Lagos and Faro for rooftop cocktails and tunes that play until the sun comes up.

For culture fans, head to capital city Lisbon for countless museums, galleries and beautiful historic buildings including the huge, Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town of Alfama and soak up the smells and tastes of Portuguese baking including the delicious Pastéis de Belém. Beach lovers worry not, you can have sand between your toes after a quick bus ride, while surf lovers can train it to Estoril or Cascais to catch some waves.

For more travel ideas, inspiration and great value getaways, visit Travel Republic

Trump fires Federal Reserve governor – she says she is not going anywhere

Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook said that she will not resign after Donald Trump vowed to remove her from the role “immediately”.

In a letter to Cook posted to social media by the White House on Monday evening, Trump claimed there is “sufficient reason” to believe that the policymaker “made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements.”

Trump touted his powers under the Constitution and U.S. law to justify the unprecedented move for a president to dismiss a member of the central bank’s leadership.

The letter cited a criminal referral from William Pulte, the director of federal housing, to Attorney General Pam Bondi dated August 15. Pulte claimed Cook declared a property in Michigan as her primary residence in 2021, and then two weeks later, declared a property in Georgia as her primary residence.

Cook has not been charged with any wrongdoing or convicted of a crime.

“It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second. It is impossible that you intended to honor both,” Trump wrote in the letter to Cook, who former President Joe Biden nominated for the Fed board in 2022.

“At a minimum, the conduct at issue exhibits the sort of gross negligence in financial transactions that calls into question your competence and trustworthiness as a financial regulator.”

In response, Cook released a statement through her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, on Monday evening claiming that Trump lacks the authority to fire her and she would not leave her post.

“I will not resign,” she said. “I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022.”

Lowell added that they “will take whatever actions” are needed to prevent the president’s “attempted illegal action.”

Norman Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer in the Obama administration, blasted the move and accused Trump of acting on partisan pressure from Pulte.

“Donald Trump doesn’t care about the Constitution,” Eisen said on MSNBC’s The Weeknight. “He doesn’t care that Congress has said you can only fire somebody for cause. He doesn’t care that he has no cause here.”

Trump raged at Cook last week, the first African American woman to serve on the central bank’s board of governors, demanding she “must resign, now!!!” in a Truth Social post about the mortgage fraud allegations.

Firing back in a statement released by the Fed last Wednesday, Cook said: “I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet.”

She added: “I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.”

When announcing the criminal referral last week, Pulte wrote on X, “When someone commits mortgage fraud, they undermine the faith and integrity of our System. It does not matter who you are — no one is above the law.”

He claimed in the criminal referral that Cook potentially falsified documents to get better loan terms and lower interest rates, The New York Times reported.

The Times explained in another article that mortgage lenders tend to charge a higher interest rate for a second property as they believe there is more risk involved.

Pulte said in his X post that the Justice Department “should go wherever the facts may lead them.”

The removal of Cook, which Trump said was “effective immediately,” comes amid the president’s public disapproval of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Trump has railed against Powell for keeping interest rates the same during his second term. The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 as inflation cooled in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the Fed’s last rate-setting meeting at the end of July, Cook voted alongside Powell and most of the 12 committee members to maintain U.S. interest rates.

On Friday, Powell signaled the Fed may cut interest rates in the coming months.

Criticising Angela Rayner for buying a second home is pure snobbery

There’s this awful woman – you might know her. She’s really common, very strong northern accent. Grew up in some dump called Stockport. She vapes while she’s exercising, she flashes her knickers at male colleagues, she’s tattooed, she wears Doc Martens at work, she had a thing with a married man, bought her own former council house that she’s no right to own. She became a grandmother at 37, people! Everyone decent is shocked and appalled by her.

The only thing is, nobody can tell her where to go, because of quotas, diversity, equal opportunities rubbish. Oh, and she’s been known to drink whisky with the King, has a grace-and-favour pied-a-terre in central London, if you please, and she’s currently second in command behind the prime minister.

Step forth, Angela Rayner, who right now is the most slagged-off woman in Britain.

This weekend, spurred on by the right-wing press, she took a battering from the angrier corners of Facebook – the ones with flags for avatars, mostly. Angela’s great, unforgivable crime? The purchase of a seafront property on the south coast – in Hove, actually – for a reputed £800,000. Hence the current tabloid sobriquet “Three Pads” Rayner.

Given that chancellor Rachel Reeves is threatening to impose a supertax on second homes in the autumn Budget, this has commentators in a ferment of teeth-gnashing rage – despite there being no suggestion that Rayner will escape the levy.

Her holiday home has also triggered some truly desperate headlines. “Three Pads” is less a witty pun, more a gynae problem. And, of course, Rayner does not “own three homes”, nor does she puppet-master a cynically acquired “property empire” from her golden throne, while stroking a snowy Persian cat.

In truth, Rayner has the use of a small flat in Admiralty House, in Whitehall, which has been used by every deputy PM before her, where she can stay over after late voting sessions. She has a modest constituency house in Ashton-under-Lyne, which she has represented since 2015. Having failed to bag herself an official country residence when Labour came to power – foreign secretary David Lammy got Chevening in Kent, Rachel Reeves got the keys to Dorneywood in Buckinghamshire – she’s gone and bought her own weekend retreat. Evil!

Ever since she was elected to the Labour deputy leadership, Rayner has faced every accusation imaginable short of armed robbery.

When she stood in for Keir Starmer in the Commons, she was accused of “doing a Sharon Stone” – uncrossing her legs provocatively – to distract then prime minister Boris Johnson. If she wears a skirt, she’s using her sexuality to get ahead. If she wears a trouser suit, it’s “baggy” and “unflattering”. If she speaks, she’s common as muck; if she doesn’t, she’s “tight-lipped”.

If she dances on holiday, she’s “partying while Britain collapses”. (Last summer, a viral video showed her dancing behind a DJ deck in Ibiza, belting out Gotye’s hit song Somebody That I Used to Know – and, lo, the nickname “Angela Raver” was born.) And if she sucks on a vape in an inflatable canoe off Brighton Beach, as she did this weekend, the image triggers a thousand cruel memes.

And yet the outrage over Rayner is nothing to do with her “hypocrisy”. It’s because a successful, attractive woman from a comprehensive school near Manchester, who doesn’t talk as if she’s swallowed all the plums in the icebox or dress like a Home Counties wife, has dared to raise her head above the political parapet. She is a threat to everyone who believes that politics is a big boys’ game, or that only those who went to Oxbridge deserve a say in the running of the country. It’s classist, sexist, ad hominem and profoundly unfair.

Don’t agree? Here’s a little quiz to see if you’re assessing Angela Rayner politically or personally: Did you ever hold a well-spoken male Tory cabinet minister to the same exacting standards? No, I thought as much.