The Bee Network put a message out on social media stating that due to a police incident all tram service has been cancelled between Bury and Whitefield.

There is, however, bus services operating in the area.

The Bee Network said: “Due to a police incident, there are no services operating between Bury and Whitefield.

“There is ticket acceptance in place on the following bus services: 17, 41, 52, 53, 90, 95, 97, 98, 99, 112, 117, 118, 119, 135, 156, 163 and 524.

“Simply show the driver your Metrolink ticket or pass when boarding.

“To continue your journey by bus, please visit our journey planner

“Please select ‘options’ and check only the bus icon is highlighted. This feature is also available on the Bee Network app where you can also find bus tracking information.”

The UK could see a warmer-than-average summer with the potential for more heatwaves, according to latest forecasts.

The Met Office released its three-month summer outlook on 1 June – the first day of meteorological summer – citing higher-than-normal chances of hotter weather during the month.

And for the whole summer – which runs through to the end of August – the outlook suggests “an increased chance of heatwaves and heat-related impacts”.

It comes after a late spring heatwave saw temperature records shattered across the UK.

A new all-time May record of 35.1C was set in Kew Gardens, London, replacing the previous record of 32.8C from 1944.

Yellow and amber heat health alerts were also issued for the first time this year.

Now, long-range forecasts from the Met Office and MeteoGroup – the latter being providers of BBC Weather data – suggest the summer ahead will bring the risk of additional heatwaves.

A “few notable high temperature spikes” are also possible according to MeteoGroup.

They also go on to say that “above-average temperatures” are expected for each of the months of June, July and August, and “significant bursts” of heat are expected in the UK, and across Europe.

But, according to the Met Office, the higher than average temperatures forecast comes as having a hotter summer is now twice as likely than the reference averaging period of 1991-2020, consistent with our warming climate.

The warrant was carried out in partnership with Manchester City Council Trading Standards, Licensing and Anti-Social Behaviour teams, with support from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations Branch, including the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) and Specialist Dog Unit.

Following the execution of a warrant at a business on Tib Street, one man, aged 56, was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession with intent to supply Class C drugs.

At a separate address in North Manchester, a second man, aged 23, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

A third man, aged 23, was also later arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Enquiries remain ongoing, and the three men have been released on bail.

A closure notice for the business for an initial 48-hour period has been secured, with an application for a Closure Order to be heard at the Magistrates’ Court.

The action follows concerns raised by residents and businesses across Piccadilly Gardens and the Northern Quarter, particularly in relation to drug dealing, drug misuse, and associated anti-social behaviour.

Officers say they have been working closely with partners to gather intelligence and take targeted enforcement action.

Inspector Kam Hare, from the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by residents and businesses across the Northern Quarter, who have been reporting various typed of anti-social and drug criminality.

“Acting on that information and intelligence, officers executed a warrant yesterday, targeting those believed to be linked to criminal activity in the area.

“This action demonstrates our commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities, disrupting criminal networks and improving safety in the city centre.

“We will continue to work closely with local partners, residents, and businesses to ensure Manchester City Centre remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Capricorn Moon links with Venus in Cancer, giving the day a sense of balance and equilibrium. Make sure you extend this security to your relationships.

Cancer, Leo and Virgo, friends and family may need you to find some common ground today. You can take some time out, but don’t be totally absent.

Don’t up the pressure. The cosmos primes you for positive interactions, if you do your own work too.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Wednesday June 3, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Today’s Moon-Venus face-off could find you discouraged if you can’t get enough done. Be good to yourself at work by taking breaks and eating properly. Also, look to leave your home organised so you don’t feel bad about returning to an untidy scene. Want to be more productive? Write a to-do list and think of ways you can weave acts of self-care into the day.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Wondering or worrying about someone who is going on a long trip, or taking on a challenge? It’s natural to feel like this, but being overly concerned could leave them a tad deflated. A thoughtful conversation could help reshape your perspective and allow them room to get on with their plans. Looking for a restorative? A get-together with friends could perk you up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Feel in need of a little retail therapy? With Venus in your money zone, shopping could feel rewarding if you invest wisely rather than spend wildly. The Moon in Capricorn encourages you to keep an eye on your outgoings, but not to the extent that you feel deprived. Do something nice for yourself, even if it’s only a small treat. It can be a real boost.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

The Capricorn Moon opposes Venus in your sign, so relationships may seem like a finely balanced scale. You can feel pulled between meeting your needs and those of someone close to you. Don’t go too far either way, as caring for others doesn’t mean forgetting about yourself. Equally, focusing on you doesn’t exclude true connection. Find the middle path and relax.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

There’s a lot to gain by taking time out of your daily routine to explore your spiritual side. Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re doing nothing but meditating and relaxing. If you’ve felt jaded by daily tasks, today’s Moon-Venus tie encourages you to see nurturing and rest as an investment. It could open a space for wonderful ideas to emerge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tempted to ignore your social group and do your own thing? You might feel guilty for letting some friends down, especially if they’re looking forward to you all going out together. Consider a compromise or maybe find a way to do both. You could feel deeply inspired by your inner muse; if so, note those ideas down and return to them later.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Your ability to make others feel at ease and your warm, engaging way with people in authority can work to your advantage now. It’s a good time to socialise with those in your professional sphere. Yet responsibilities at home could clash with duties at work, so make informed decisions. Your natural diplomacy will smooth over possible tensions.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Beliefs could be at the heart of an unsatisfactory conversation. You’ll be ready to compromise and find a way around a thorny subject, but someone may want to stick to their principles. Don’t bend yourself into a pretzel, as your views count too. Having an honest discussion makes it easier to embrace other ideas and see things from a new perspective.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

You may question what you truly need versus what you feel obliged to buy. The Moon in Capricorn opposes Venus in Cancer, so a desire to take the easiest route around finances can be tempting. It’s best to do some in-depth research. Need to pare back spending? Go for treats that you know you will enjoy, without spending so much that you’ll regret it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You’ll want to focus on your own path, but you may need to address other people’s issues first. No matter how keen you are to complete something, you’ll likely have to sit down with someone and talk to them. You’ll also need to tap into your sensitive side to offer the right words or wise advice. Then you can get back to tackling practical plans and tasks.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You may feel productive on the surface but be aware that something deeper is asking for attention or care. Don’t brush this aside; rest and reflection can aid progress rather than disrupt it. Small, thoughtful changes to your routine can ease buried tension, which can be key to feeling happier and more relaxed all around. A little self-care works wonders now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

A firmer boundary can help you enjoy a leisurely space. You may have a new romance on the go, be about to initiate one, or want to get out the art or craft equipment or a musical instrument, as you’ll be keen to make something beautiful. Such ideas can conflict with a group activity you’re supposed to support but would honestly rather avoid.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of June here.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

Advertisement

MORE: Daily horoscope June 2, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope June 1, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: What is a blue moon and can it be seen in the UK today?

Political satire has mocked the powerful for centuries. But in an age of endless headlines, rolling news and social media outrage, satire can often feel strangely powerless.

In Georgian Britain, satire had the power not just to entertain the public, but to shape reputations and destroy careers. Satire meant a scandal could define a politician for decades. Few figures embodied this more completely than Charles James Fox, as my research explores.

Fox was one of the most famous politicians of his age. He was a brilliant parliamentary speaker, early supporter of the French revolution, notorious gambler and political celebrity long before the term even existed.

Though technically a Whig (a former political party), Fox transcended party labels. Admirers celebrated him as a champion of liberty and the “man of the people”. Critics saw him as reckless, corrupt and morally unfit for office.

He fascinated the public because politics itself was changing. The late 18th century was an age of expanding print culture, coffeehouse debate and increasingly personality-driven politics. The boundary between the public and private lives of politicians was beginning to erode. Rumour, gossip and scandal became central to political life in ways that feel remarkably modern.

What made scandals like these so politically potent was the rise of the caricature and visual satire. In Georgian Britain, political scandal was not just reported but also illustrated, exaggerated and displayed for public consumption.

London print shops filled their windows with satirical prints mocking politicians, royalty and public figures. Crowds gathered outside to laugh, gossip and debate the latest controversy. Those who could afford the prints bought and collected them, while others encountered them in coffeehouses and public spaces.

À lire aussi :
How 18th-century politician Charles Fox mastered personality politics long before Trump and Farage

Fox’s public image was shaped as much by scandal as by policy. Even as a child, he was associated with allegations of corruption surrounding his father, Henry Fox, who had served as paymaster of the armed forces, the sole domestic banker of the army. Henry Fox was accused by critics of enriching himself in office, which led to satirical prints of him being drawn and distributed.

As Fox entered politics himself, the accusations followed him. During elections, he was repeatedly accused of bribing voters with food and drink through his ally Sam House, who was a popular publican and political organiser. Other rumours claimed Fox had illegally transported labourers into his constituency to secure extra votes.

Rumour and infamy

The most infamous stories surrounded Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, one of Fox’s most devoted supporters. According to persistent rumours, she canvassed for Fox by exchanging kisses for votes, and, in more scandalous versions of the story, sexual favours too.

The allegations became political theatre, feeding a public appetite for scandal that blurred entertainment and politics. Caricatures were drawn up and shared among the population.

But Fox’s greatest controversy came in 1783, when he entered a coalition government with his former rival Lord North. North was the prime minister widely blamed for losing the American colonies after the war of independence in 1776. Many viewed the alliance as cynical and hypocritical.

The deeper scandal, however, centred on the East India Company. This was the vast trading corporation that effectively functioned as Britain’s colonial arm in India. Fox attempted to reform the company through legislation that would transfer oversight to a board of commissioners appointed by parliament.

Critics accused Fox and North of using the reforms to place political allies and family members into positions of power. Opponents portrayed the scheme not as reform, but as naked political patronage. The controversy proved disastrous. Public outrage contributed to the collapse of the government after less than a year in office.

Because caricatures were visual, artists could ridicule politicians in ways written journalism could not. Fox was regularly depicted as grotesque, drunken or corrupt. Following the East India Company controversy, critics nicknamed him “Carlo Khan”, portraying him as a despot attempting to seize imperial power for himself.

These images travelled slowly compared with modern media, but that slow speed gave them lasting force. Prints had to be designed, etched, published and physically distributed before reaching audiences. People spent time with them. Scandal lingered in public consciousness for years rather than days.

Fox himself recognised their power, admitting that caricatures had “certainly a vast effect upon the public mind”. Even after returning to government in 1806 as foreign secretary in the Ministry of All the Talents, he could not entirely escape the reputational damage inflicted more than two decades earlier.

The speed of scandal

Today, scandal moves at a radically different speed. News cycles turn over within hours, and outrage competes constantly for public attention. Satire remains everywhere – on television, online, across social media feeds and in endless memes – but its very abundance can dilute its effect.

The 18th century reminds us that political scandal is nothing new. Nor is the public fascination with flawed, theatrical politicians. But it also suggests that satire once possessed a greater ability to linger, shaping how political figures were remembered long after the immediate scandal had passed.

For Charles Fox, scandal was not simply a temporary embarrassment. It became part of his identity. That may be the greatest difference between the world of Georgian satire and our own. It’s not the existence of scandal itself, but the length of time we are able to remember it.

As Sony announce Until Dawn 2, they also reveal release dates for multiformat games including Onimusha: Way Of The Sword, Silent Hill Townfall, and Ace Combat 8.

It may have been one of the longest State of Plays ever, at over an hour, but Tuesday night’s showcase was a little short on surprise announcements. There was God Of War Laufey, which took up 20 minutes at the end, but that had been heavily rumoured beforehand – not that that took anything away from the actual reveal.

In fact, almost everything shown, including both first and third party games, looked interesting and the one thing the event did provide was lots of release dates, with games such as Silent Hill Townfall, Control Resonant, Ace Combat 8, and Onimusha: Way Of The Sword finally revealing their schedules.

Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis was also dated, but unfortunately it confirmed previous rumours that it has been delayed. Either that or it’s trying to get out of the way of GTA 6 in November. It’s hard to tell, but at least it didn’t go with a September release date, unlike seemingly everything else.

Marvel’s Wolverine – September 25

Surprisingly little time was spent on Wolverine, which may mean there’s a dedicated State of Play coming up in the future. It looked great, just as you’d expect, and extremely gory, with a cameo from Jean Grey and confirmation of villains such as Mystique and Sabertooh. Its release date wasn’t news though, as that had been previously announced.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – August 6

The release date for Arc System Works’ one-on-one fighter also wasn’t a revelation, although Sony did announce a number of villains for the game, namely Doctor Doom, Magneto, Green Goblin, and Carnage. We weren’t sure who the character sitting on the throne was but apparently he’s called the Champion of the Universe (aka Tryco Slatterus) and he’s the big bad of the whole game.

Rayman Legends Retold – October 1

There’re almost no surprises in preview events nowadays, with everything being leaked out weeks and often months in advance. The reveal of a 3D remake of 2013’s Rayman Legends was a surprise though, in the fact that it looked really good. There are a few new into-the-screen sections but the gameplay is still mostly 2D and the new 3D visuals look really nice, and seem to maintain the same charm as the original.

Bancho The Chef – TBA

Speaking of charm, we’re not sure it’s a good idea to create a spin-off from not-indie game Dave The Diver that doesn’t maintain the same pixel art style graphics. That made the visuals look rather bland in comparison, but nevertheless there was a good energy to the trailer, with a prequel that shows how Bancho became the talented sushi chef you see in the original game. There was no mention of a release date though.

Kemuri – 2027

One of the only major surprises of the night was the latest from The Evil Within’s Ikumi Nakamura and her new studio Unseen. It seems to be a co-op action adventure, somewhat in the style of Devil May Cry et al. There’s lots of jumping and gliding around, as you fight yōkai and then… turn them into clothes you wear in order to use their powers. Because why not.

Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis – February 12, 2027

A delay for the (second) remake of the original Tomb Raider seemed inevitable after the rumours began but at least it still looks good, with some impressive visuals and lots of focus on dinosaurs. There was also lots to suggest the game is sticking pretty close to the original story, although we’re yet to see much evidence of how it will handle platforming, which was originally the antithesis of the Uncharted style action from the more recent games.

The Lost Wild – 2027

Speaking of dinosaurs (and there’s few things we enjoy doing more) this new game comes from Annapurna Interactive and is by a new British studio called Great Ape Games. It seems to be some kind of survival games, and a lot more scientifically accurate than most dinosaur media, with a lot of feathered dinosaurs and some gigantic Quetzalcoatlus flying reptiles (pterosaurs are not dinosaurs, ackchyually).

Dune: Awakening – September 22

A survival game and MMO that takes influences from both the books and movies, this has been out on PC for almost a year now. It’ll come to PlayStation 5 this September, bringing with it a new single-player story mode, which we imagine will also be made available for the PC and Xbox Series X/S versions.

Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered – October 1

Not a remaster we look forward to with much enthusiasm but there you go. Like most of these games it’s available on Xbox Series X/S and PC at the same time, although unsurprisingly the State of Play made no reference to that.

No Rest For The Wicked – October

Despite what we just said this is coming to PlayStation 5 first, sometime in October, with Switch 2 and Xbox versions arriving only at a ‘later date’. This will be the final 1.0 version of the game, which will hopefully improve on the slightly questionable impression made by the early access release.

Onimusha: Way Of The Sword – September 25

This release date would’ve been one of the bigger reveals from the State of Play, except it leaked out early too. Either way, Capcom’s Resident Evil-esque zombie samurai game was already one of our most anticipated games of the autumn, as we were very impressed by our hands-on preview last year. Although you can give it a whirl yourself now, as there’s a free demo out today.

Silent Hill Townfall – September 24

For a game set in Scotland we’re still yet to hear a single Scottish accent in any of these trailers, which is weird because developer Screen Burn are actually Scottish. They’re responsible for the excellent Stories Untold and the awful Observation, so we’re not sure what to expect with this one, although in terms of Silent Hill atmosphere everything does seem to be on point.

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve – October 2

Available in early access from September 29, presumably if you buy one of the more expensive editions, you can see what we mean about September getting very busy. It’s all obviously GTA 6’s fault but we hope this doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Although there’s a pre-order bonus of a port of PlayStation 2 game Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War on offer, to tempt you into making an early purchase.

Stuntman: Hollywood – TBA

It probably says a lot about us that the only licensed car we didn’t instantly recognise was the first one, which is apparently from Fast & Furious. Although apparently that’s not Mad Max towards the end, but the Jason Statham version of Death Race. The game itself is a revival of the old Stuntman series from Driver creator Reflections, which is surprising as the original’s trial and error gameplay made it an acquired taste.

Ill – 2007

There’s no doubting the craft in this first person action horror game but it is a very grim prospect, with some truly horrible imagery and some extremely difficult to kill zombie style enemies. It’s certainly going to scare off a lot of more casual Resident Evil fans but in terms of hardcore horror thrills this is definitely one to watch.

Control Resonant – September 24

A lot of these publishers will be finding out about the release dates of other games at the same time as you, so if they’ve any sense some of them will change them pretty quickly, because at the moment Remedy’s Control sequel is coming out on the same day as Silent Hill Townfall and a day before Onimusha: Way Of The Sword – which isn’t good news for any of the games.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds – autumn

Apparently, this is the first time a RuneScape game has been on a PlayStation console, although only in the form of this action-orientated spin-off, rather than the original MMO.

Until Dawn 2 – 2027

One of the only recent big name games not to be leaked in advance, Sony’s obsession with the series continues to defy explanation, considering none of the games and spin-offs seem to have made much impact. They are popular with streamers though and somehow this is the first actual sequel, with Horizon Call Of The Mountain creator Firesprite taking over development duties, which seems to have led to a lot more gore, if nothing else – which we consider a good thing when you’re dealing with a horror game.

The premise is that you’re part of a fake ghost hunter programme investigating an abandoned tropical island where something unpleasant is going on. Despite the change in setting there seems to be one recurring character, in the form of Peter Stormare’s psychologist Dr Alan Hill.

God Of War Laufey – TBA

It’s hard to say why Sony didn’t even given this a release year but it may be because they don’t want to imply anything about Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, whose release plans are also a mystery. Surely one or the other will be out next year though, unless they’re being held back for the PlayStation 6 launch or something.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

MORE: Arc Raiders fan plays game on a Nintendo handheld – but not the one you think

MORE: Forza Horizon 6 rival Clutch is by many of the same devs and the writer of Skins

MORE: New cheaper Lego Pokémon sets let you battle and train with digital smart bricks

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has tapped Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence — elevating a real estate scion with no clear national security credentials to a key post as the U.S. remains at war with Iran.

Trump made the surprise announcement Tuesday on social media that Pulte would be replacing Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman who had served as the director of national intelligence. Trump said Pulte will keep his other positions even as he fills in for Gabbard, who resigned last month after revealing her husband’s cancer diagnosis.

Trump’s choice to elevate Pulte, who would also continue in his post at FHFA, shows how the president is putting a greater priority on loyalty to him, even as the Iran war has damaged Trump politically going into November’s midterm elections and raised concerns about the quality of advice that aides are giving to a president who has rewarded flattery.

It’s unclear what national security expertise Pulte brings to bear as the U.S. faces conflict in the Middle East, helps Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s assault and manages the emergence of artificial intelligence as a military tool. But Pulte, who’s 38 years old, has been a frequent guest on Air Force One as Trump has traveled to Mar-a-Lago, his home and club in Palm Beach, Florida.

On one such flight, the housing finance director stood in a doorway as Trump discussed with reporters the ballroom he’s building at the White House and handed Trump a series of renderings of the project that the president held up.

Questions about Pulte’s experience

Several Senate Republicans reacted skeptically to Pulte’s appointment, questioning whether the housing finance director has the experience necessary to oversee the intelligence agency.

“We don’t need a weaponized DNI. We need professionals there,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota. “I’m trying to get more information about the current state of their thinking about that position. And, again, if he’s somebody they want in that position permanently, he’s got, as you all know, a lengthy road ahead of him.“

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in response to questions about Pulte’s national security credentials: “I have no observations on the matter.”

Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Cornyn of Texas, all of whom are leaving the chamber after this year’s elections, joined the chorus of wariness against Pulte.

“Doesn’t seem qualified,” Cassidy said.

“I don’t see any evidence of qualifications for that job,” said Cornyn, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

“When we looked at his background for the current confirmation, I thought most of his experience was in the building industry,” Tillis said. “I didn’t know he had any national security experience.”

Democrats noted that Pulte’s major qualification appeared to be his enthusiasm for fulfilling Trump’s requests.

“The concern is not only that Mr. Pulte lacks the ‘extensive national security experience’ required by statute for the job, which was created after intelligence failures led to the deaths of thousands of Americans on 9/11,” said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., in a statement. “It is that he appears to have been selected precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Pulte has been “abusing his authority” as the federal housing finance director and Trump is now “rewarding his lackey — who has no national security experience — with a perch atop our nation’s intelligence community. What could go wrong?”

Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, the liberal consumer rights advocacy group, warned that Pulte was “Trump’s hatchet man” who would use the government against those Americans who object to the president’s actions.

“Placing Pulte in this post would position him to use the nation’s massive surveillance apparatus and police capacity to harass, intimidate and threaten the many, many people that Trump considers his enemies,” Weissman said.

As the grandson of the founder of PulteGroup, one of the country’s largest homebuilders, Pulte has cut a combative streak on social media and used his post at the FHFA to attack perceived opponents of the Trump administration.

His time overseeing mortgage finance has been linked with criminal referrals over allegations of mortgage fraud by public officials Trump sought to punish, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat; Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Lisa Cook, a board member of the Federal Reserve, who was nominated by a Democratic president, Joe Biden.

The prosecution against James was dismissed in November after a judge concluded that the prosecutor who filed the charges was illegally appointed. Other referrals made by Pulte, including against Schiff and Cook, have not yielded any criminal charges. Lawyers for both have denied any claims of wrongdoing. But Trump did try to use the possibility of mortgage fraud as grounds for removing Cook from the Fed.

Cook’s lawyer accused Pulte of pursuing mortgage fraud on a partisan basis, focusing on Democrats and refusing to pursue similar allegations against Republicans.

Pulte told reporters at the White House several months ago that he had also made criminal referrals regarding at least one Republican official, but he declined to provide the name.

He has famously gone after then-Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting the central bank’s benchmark interest rates as aggressively as the president wanted. He has also been linked to ideas such as the 50-year mortgage and efforts to lower mortgage rates through the purchase of home loan debt that have not paid off as promised, as mortgage rates began to climb after the Iran war started at the end of February.

Pulte has a reputation for cultivating enemies. In a legal feud pursued by Pulte that involved his family namesake’s homebuilding company, he accused his grandfather’s widow of insider trading. He was believed to be the driving force behind a website trashing an aunt as a “fake Christian.” And he publicly blasted another relative as “a fat slob,” “weirdo” and “grifter,” according to court records.

Politico reported in September that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to punch Pulte in the face. The showdown occurred at a private dinner, and the treasury secretary claimed that he had heard Pulte had been badmouthing him to Trump.

Still, he had fans inside the White House elsewhere.

“Bill Pulte is a terrific guy, very careful person, very much in the details of things, trusted by the president, and a really, really close friend to everybody in the White House,” Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council at the White House, told reporters on Tuesday. “He’ll do a great job.”

If formally nominated, Pulte would need to be confirmed by the Senate to hold the position full-time.

In his first term, Trump at various points had acting officials leading the Justice and Defense departments and in top posts at Homeland Security and the Interior.

___

Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.

Riot police were called in as objects were hurled at officers during a Southampton protest sparked by outrage over bodycam footage showing Henry Nowak’s desperate pleas for help being ignored after he was stabbed by his killer Vickrum Digwa

Riot police have arrived at the protest scene in Southampton following fury over bodycam footage that revealed stabbed student Henry Nowak’s pleas for assistance were dismissed.

Officers have faced a barrage of projectiles near the location where Nowak was fatally stabbed, as masked individuals also hurled bikes at shield-carrying police.

After the demonstration outside Southampton Central Police station, a substantial crowd marched across the city to St Denys, adjacent to the murder site. While the vast majority of the hundreds present demonstrated peacefully, certain masked individuals began creating disorder with officers.

Police in riot equipment were pelted with chairs, cans and flares, ultimately compelling officers and three police vans to retreat from their established position. Visible damage to the surrounding vicinity included a torn-down fence. Officers were also observed forcing the crowd back with riot shields while chants of “I can’t breathe” echoed.

The murderer of finance student Nowak, 23 year old Vickrum Digwa, deceived attending officers at the Southampton stabbing scene on December 3 in 2025, claiming he had been targeted in a racist assault, reports the Daily Star.

Body-worn camera recordings from the incident captured Nowak repeatedly stating: “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer responds: “Don’t think you have, mate.” This footage provoked widespread anger, with the Prime Minister declaring he “felt sick” upon viewing it. A police helicopter was also spotted circling overhead following a largely peaceful demonstration outside the station, which far-right activist Tommy Robinson had joined.

Speaking to the gathered crowd, Robinson declared: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race. Because he (Mr Nowak) was white he was handcuffed.

“Even after they found out he (Digwa) had stabbed him five times, they still didn’t handcuff him. A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”

The scenes unfolded after Nowak’s father Mark stated: “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that investigators are scrutinising a substantial volume of body-worn camera footage alongside evidence presented throughout Digwa’s trial.

Sir Keir commented: “It is absolutely right that the IOPC are looking at this. There are clearly serious questions that need to be addressed, not least how accusations of racism informed the decision-making in this case.”

Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for fatally stabbing Nowak with a ceremonial knife bearing a 21cm blade, which prosecutors identified as a kirpan — a blade carried as part of his Sikh faith.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture agency charged with protecting the country against invasive pests has repeatedly been infested with bed bugs, leading offices to be fumigated and staff to be sent home.

Employees reporting to the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, were reportedly warned of the infestation in mid-May.

The irony of the outbreak happening in the offices of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service “was lost on no one,” a USDA employee told NOTUS.

Since then, USDA has reportedly fumigated the building, authorizing employees to work remotely, then letting them telework again when employees complained that lingering fumes inside the center were making them sick.

The Trump administration has pushed federal employees to work from the office five days per week, after widespread remote work during the pandemic.

Bed bugs were reportedly observed inside the center again on Friday, and employees told NOTUS they were no longer being allowed to telework, prompting disgust about the conditions inside the building and concern that workers would bring the highly invasive pests home.

“They are scared,” one worker told the publication. “If you bring them home, the answer is to trash all of your belongings and fumigate your house at your own expense.”

Others said they were paranoid about getting bitten and feeling constantly itchy.

“USDA took prompt and robust action several weeks ago,” an agency spokesperson told The Independent. “Unfortunately, personal belongings left in the offices caused further issue. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service management is working with employees to ensure the spaces are emptied for proper mitigation.”

Bed bug infestations can lead to people facing bites on their skin and unsanitary stains on their linens, plus time-consuming and costly efforts to find and eradicate the bugs.

Nearby Baltimore is one of the worst cities in the country for bed bug infestations, according to pest control company Terminix.

The infestation comes as the USDA has multiple pressing matters on its hands, including an attempted reorganization meant to shift agency employees out of Washington as well as the threat that the flesh-eating, parasitic New World screwworm could return to the US, after being eradicated in the second half of the 20th century.

Many federal workers have signaled they will oppose the relocation effort or leave the USDA in response.

The USDA has been one of the agencies hit hardest in the Trump administration’s mass downsizing of the federal government, losing more than 24,000 people through a combination of firings and resignations since President Donald Trump took office.

“The whole country will be behind him and if we can do something in this tournament to make him feel a little bit better then great.”

Stunned Steve Clarke says his Scotland side will be striving to put a smile on the face of Kenny Dalglish at the World Cup after the bombshell news of the legend’s cancer diagnosis. The football world reacted in shock today when it emerged that the Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland idol is now facing up to the biggest battle of his life.

And Clarke, who was Dalglish’s right hand during their time together in the dugout at Anfield, believes nothing will perk up his old pal like watching the national side make history here in the States this summer. He said: “It’s obviously come as a bit of a shock for everyone.

“But I know Kenny well and I’m sure he’ll deal with this the way he has dealt with every other difficult situation in his life and we all wish him well. Obviously he’s got a very important status with the national side. He’s the record cap holder and joint record goal scorer and he’s a Scottish icon.

“The whole country will be behind him and if we can do something in this tournament to make him feel a little bit better then great. That’s what we will try to do – that’s what we want to do.

“I think, over the last seven years, we’ve helped a lot of people to maybe feel better about their country and better about the national team. So let’s continue that through the summer.”

Clarke has stayed in contact with Dalglish since their early days as players in the same Scotland squad. And the Scotland boss also revealed how Dalglish has been a mentor to Liverpool and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson during his ten years on Merseyside.

The manager went on: “We don’t speak regularly but we still keep in touch after we’ve had a game or whatever, there’s always a quick phone call.

“It’s a difficult one to answer because it comes up with no number on your phone and you can’t be sure who’s going to be on the other end of the line! He’s also been good for Andy Robertson at Liverpool in terms of his early years there, telling him what the club is about.

“But he’s had a big influence on the careers of a lot of people and he certainly had an influence on mine. So, just personally, I would like to wish him well.”

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.