Beyond regional doubt: why more acts are touring the UK’s far-flung venues – and why it’s worth making the effort

With touring costs rising and venues closing, many acts are only playing big city dates. But as the Beatles and Led Zep showed in the past, more scenic routes can pay off

Why Trump is backing Argentina’s Thatcherite economics

While Javier Milei’s shock therapy to tame inflation has won support from Washington and the IMF, ordinary Argentinians seem less impressed

Pfizer sued in US over contraceptive that women say caused brain tumours

US class action lawsuit alleges company failed to warn about risks of using contraceptive injection Depo-Provera

‘I couldn’t look’: European farmers on losing crops as the industry collides with worsening drought

Global heating means annual drought losses across Europe could reach €17.5bn. Shipping and power generation are also being affected by low water levels

US set for largest mass resignation in history as Trump continues deep cuts

Federal workers say they have little choice but to depart, with 100,000 leaving under deferred resignation program

‘A serious disappointment’: Labour has to regain business sector’s confidence at conference

After being promised last year they could ‘partner’ with party on policy, many executives are asking what happened

UK government will underwrite £1.5bn loan guarantee to Jaguar Land Rover after cyber-attack

Britain’s largest automotive employer plans to restart engine manufacturing in early October, report says

A lot at steak: US beef and cattle prices soar to record highs

From supermarkets to restaurants, rising meat costs amid tight supply and strong demand are hitting Americans hard

‘Go woke, go broke’? New study challenges claims progressive films flop at the box office

Film data analyst Stephen Follows finds no evidence that ‘woke-adjacent’ cinema is doomed commercially – and claims some genres may benefit from diverse casting

Outrage mounts as Republicans in Congress move to protect pesticide makers from lawsuits

Bayer, maker of Roundup weedkiller, founded group pushing to block cancer claim suits against pesticide makers

Profiteers or keeping the lights on? The power plants that make millions a day

Concerns over whether gas generators are making fair profits are prompting fresh proposals to reform the system

How switching your current account can help to boost your savings

Offers encouraging people to move can mean ‘free money’ and access to best-paying savings accounts

FCA faces battle over £1m ad campaign rejecting car loan claims firms

City watchdog aims to tell drivers they will not need to use companies to apply for share of £18bn compensation scheme

Starmer asks Conservative peer to write planning bill to block judicial reviews

Exclusive: One option could be to leave treaty that allows legal claims against projects such as Heathrow expansion

Sexless, snug and still here: the secrets of Birkenstock’s enduring success

On a tour of Birkenstock factories in Germany, we delve into fashion’s greatest paradox – the shoe that wows with a focus on function