US aims to raise $20bn ‘facility’ to support Argentina’s struggling economy

The head of the United States Treasury, Scott Bessent, has announced he is working to corral the private sector around a new $20bn “facility” to support Argentina’s embattled economy.

“We are working on a $20bn facility that would be adjacent to our swap line, of private banks and sovereign wealth funds that I think would be more aimed at the debt market,” he told reporters on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

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Bessent added that he had spent “weeks” working on the private-sector solution to Argentina’s upcoming debt payments, which would come on top of the $20bn currency swap the US Treasury recently set up to prop up the country’s peso.

“So that would be a total of 40 billion for Argentina,” he said, in remarks that triggered a rebound on Argentinian stocks.

Bessent’s comments mark the latest round of US support for Argentina’s right-wing populist leader Javier Milei, whose party faces an uphill battle in the country’s midterm elections later this month.

Milei enacted sweeping budget cuts after taking office in 2023 in a bid to quell inflation and turn the Argentinian economy around, drawing fierce opposition and widespread protests.

But US President Donald Trump, a fellow right-wing leader, has maintained close relations with Milei. In 2024, a presidential spokesperson for Milei revealed that Trump called the Argentinian leader his “favourite president”.

On Tuesday, President Trump once again hosted Milei at the White House and threw his support behind him before the elections.

He also suggested that the US’s economic support was contingent on Milei’s continued success at the ballot box.

“If he does win, we’re going to be very helpful,” Trump said. “And if he doesn’t win, we’re not going to waste our time, because you have somebody whose philosophy has no chance of making Argentina great again.”

Trump repeated the sentiment several times during Tuesday’s meeting. “If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina,” he warned.

But in his comments on Wednesday, Bessent appeared to walk back some of the implications of those statements.

He clarified that the US would continue to support Argentina financially as long as President Milei’s government pursues “good policies”, regardless of the outcome of this month’s election.

The strong showing of US support this week unfolded on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Washington, DC.

The IMF, which has its own multibillion-dollar loan programme with Buenos Aires, has supported the US’s bilateral support for Argentina’s economy.

In a broadcast interview on Wednesday, Milei said he was confident of US financial support so long as he remains in office. He also pledged to maintain his libertarian agenda.

“We continue to advance the ideas of freedom, so at least until 2027 we have that support assured,” he said, according to the dubbed-over voiceover of an English interpreter.

Milei, an economist, voiced hope that the midterm elections would increase his base to allow him to pursue his policies.

“I have no intention of changing course until the end of my term,” he said. “I am committed to the agenda of lowering taxes, deregulating and keeping the economy growing.”

Bessent said Milei would continue to enjoy US support for as long as he had a blocking veto on legislation in Argentina’s Congress.

Princess Andre confirms future of TV show after it sparked ‘feud’ with mum Katie Price

Model Princess Andre has shared a major update on the future of her ITV2 documentary series, The Princess Diaries, despite the huge rift it caused between her parents

Princess Andre has shared a huge update on her own ITV series after welcoming fans into her life earlier this year. The daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre made the bold decision to follow her famous parents into the spotlight.

She launched her ITV2 documentary show, The Princess Diaries, over the summer as she let cameras follow her branching out into the modelling world. Princess, 18, has been keen to launch her own beauty business as well, which was documented on screen.

Her hard work certainly seems to be paying off despite the explosive row between her parents, as she has now revealed her show has been renewed for two more seasons. It means fans will be able to carry on getting a closer look into her life in the limelight.

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Sharing her news, Princess said: “I’m so excited to tell you what I’m about to tell you. I want to thank everyone who gave me so much love for season one of The Princess Diaries.

“I’m here to announce that I have not only one, but two more series of The Princess Diaries coming out in 2026. I honestly can’t wait, I’m so excited. Loads of people have been asking me but I’ve not been able to tell you but now you finally know. See you in 2026.”

Despite the success, Princess’ mum Katie recently said she was “very, very upset” that her daughter’s career was being managed by her ex-husband’s team and claimed she is being left out. She also said prior to the show airing that she won’t be watching the reality show as she wasn’t involved.

Katie’s sister Sophie suggested the young star demand her mum appear on the show with her. Sophie told The Katie Price Show podcast: “Ultimately I do think it’s down to Princess to put her foot down a bit.”

“But, she’ll be scared Soph,” Katie answered. Amid rumours of a feud, Princess was asked whether she should simply call her mother to sort things out after Katie’s comments.

She said ‘it’s not worth it’ as she told The Guardian: “Mum can be annoyed about something and then we send each other a message and we’re fine.” In July, Katie claimed in an episode of her podcast that she had been excluded from Princess’s 18th birthday party.

The former glamour model suggested the fact it was being filmed for Princess’ TV show meant she couldn’t go to the party as she was “banned”. Katie fumed: “It’s pathetic. I’m her mother. It’s so sad. Everyone knows she’s doing this documentary, and I’m not in it.”

In the days leading up to the show’s release, Katie lashed out at her ex Peter again – and his management company, The Can Group, over not being involved in Princess’ show. It followed a tearful plea from her to producers as she asked to take part with her daughter.

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Princess’ management company told the Mirror: “As a company, our duty of care to our clients is paramount. We would never advise a client on their personal life unless asked and we have never stopped anyone seeing their families.”

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Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop policy sparks bitter backlash as huge star speaks out

Jeremy Clarkson and his partner Lisa Hogan’s farm shop Diddly Squat in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has been the subject of a major complaint from fans of the couple and their farm

Punters at Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop were left seething after the Cotswolds outlet in Oxfordshire brought in a controversial new policy.

The former Top Gear host has owned Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington since 2008, but the vast countryside estate has only transformed into a tourist hotspot in recent years following its starring role in his Amazon Prime series, Clarkson’s Farm.

Audiences first witnessed Jeremy’s shift to agricultural life in 2021 as they watched his frequently comical efforts to operate a thriving farm.

After the programme’s triumph and several recommissions, the 64-year-old and his partner Lisa Hogan launched the Diddly Squat Farm Shop in 2020, which became an instant sensation as devotees flocked from across the country to taste locally-grown goods.

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Their enterprise grew in 2024 when a temporary outlet appeared on the site of the pair’s boozer, The Farmer’s Dog.

The marquee outside the establishment also houses Butcher’s Hops and Chops, a catering truck called The Farmer’s Puppy, and a merchandise stall for Clarkson’s Farm enthusiasts.

However, despite the appeal of the diverse products available to its thousands of patrons, not every shopper was chuffed with one significant regulation.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their grievance directly to Jeremy, one supporter demanded: “Why won’t you accept cash at your shop? Do you support digital currency? Bad move, my son.”

To which the Grand Tour host swiftly replied: “I’m with you. But it’s just completely impractical, I’m afraid.”

Another supporter added: “If you take cash, you have a near impossible task of trying to find a bank on the high street that’s not been closed down, to deposit said cash.

“The amount that Diddly Squat Farm Shop takes would be dangerous to have just lying around. Cash is king, just not practical anymore, unfortunately.”

This emerges just months after Lisa addressed their cashless policy following one visitor’s complaint posted beneath a clip on the farm’s official Instagram account.

The supporter highlighted the privacy concerns of a cashless society – including heightened vulnerability to hackers and fraudsters.

In the extensive message, they wrote: “Visited the farm shop and bar on the weekend. Why card only? Please consider accepting cash, too.”

They also argued that “if cash dies, your location and purchases will be tracked automatically. You won’t be able to opt out or unsubscribe.

“People in abusive situations are often financially reliant on their abuser. If cash is removed, their way out will be that much harder or close to impossible.”

They finished: “Elderly, blind and people with disabilities will struggle. Many people can’t or don’t know how to use technology. They would also be vulnerable to scams and other technological difficulties. #keepcashalive.”

Responding from her personal account, Lisa remarked: “I agree with you on so many levels.” The complainant then responded: “Good to hear, hope you make the change.”

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Itauma to ‘pursue’ Pulev bout after multiple rejections

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Moses Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren says his heavyweight is happy to fight Kubrat Pulev next after the match-up was ordered by the WBA.

Pulev, the WBA’s ‘Regular’ champion, was ordered to defend his belt against the 20-year-old rising star.

Team Itauma has been considering a fight for the Englishman in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card with Itauma on 13 December in Manchester.

“We’ve had several top heavyweights already turn down a fight with Moses but if Pulev fancies the job now that it’s been ordered we will absolutely be pursuing it. It’s a brilliant fight,” Warren told BBC Sport.

Itauma last fought in August when he blew former world title challenger Dillian Whyte away in one round.

The result improved Itauma’s undefeated record to 13 fights and eleven knockouts.

Itauma has since been linked with a slew of potential opponents including Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Warren is keen to give Itauma more rounds as the youngster only has 26 rounds under his belt so far.

Pulev is a veteran of the sport at the age of 44, with 35 fights on his record.

The Bulgarian has twice challenged for world titles, losing to Anthony Joshua in 2020 and Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.

Queensberry boss Warren has cooled talk of an imminent fight with the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, but says Itauma “is already one of the best heavyweights in world boxing”.

“Our job is to make the right fights for him at the right time,” Warren said.

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‘I’ve put TikTok’s two most viral lip stains to the test to see which one lasts the longest’

Shopping Writer Meghan has replaced a lot of her lipsticks with lip stains, but she’s now testing which of TikTok’s most viral lip stains, Wonderskin or Sacheu, are worth adding to your makeup bag

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Wonderskin Lip Stain, which I’ve reviewed in several shades already, but beauty buffs will have no doubt noticed there’s a new viral lip stain on the block – and it’s backed by several celebrities and beauty influencers, earning a place in many makeup bags. That is, of course, the Sacheu Lip Liner.

Both have gone viral online for their long-lasting pigment and easy application, but which one truly comes out on top? I’ve decided to conduct a wear test of both the Wonderskin Lip Stain and the Sacheu Lip Liner to determine which one delivers better colour and longevity, so you know which is worth your money.

The Wonderstain Lip Stain retails for £18 at Wonderskin’s website or for £17.47 on Amazon. Meanwhile, the Sacheu Lip Liner sells for £13 at Revolve or £14 at Beauty Bay.

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The Sacheu long-wear lip stain is said to keep your lips in line all day and night. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for conditioning benefits, it also nourishes your lips while working its magic.

It’s designed to blend slightly to achieve a full lip tint, or follow A-lister Billie Eilish’s routine of applying the liner ahead of the rest of her makeup, then peeling it off ten minutes or so later, revealing perfectly lined lips that last for most of the day.

Meanwhile, the Wonderskin lip stain is described as easy to use; simply apply the mask and let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds before wiping it off with a damp cloth. The result is a natural-looking lip stain that stays in place all day, even when you’re eating and drinking. It includes a number of ingredients, such as squalane, to keep lips hydrated while they stain, although many shoppers follow it up with lip balm.

In terms of packaging, both lip stains come with a doe-foot applicator, with the Sacheu Liner offering a slightly thinner and more precise doe-foot, ensuring it’s easily used as a lip liner or as an all-over colour.

While the Wonderskin’s first colour may be slightly off-putting to start, as it comes out in a blue/purple metalic shade that won’t resemble the hue you’ve picked out of the 17 shades on offer – until wiped off, that is – the Sacheu lip liner is argueably even more alarming, as it’s formula appears thick, tacky and nearly black once you open the packaging.

It is worth noting that before applying any lip stain, I recommend exfoliating your lips. Use a lip scrub or mask, as this reduces the amount of dry or cracked skin on your lips, allowing the pigment to cling to them more effectively. I’ve found that, when applied to dry or chapped lips, the colour will appear uneven or patchy, regardless of the brand used.

When it comes to application, Wonderskin’s thinner formula allows for a more seamless application, making it easier to spread evenly across the whole lip without excessive bleeding outside the lip line or transferring onto your teeth.

The Sacheu’s almost tarr-like consistency does make for a messy application; it’s not easily spreadable, and due to its tackiness, it can be somewhat difficult to get a precise line without excessive patience and delicacy. Plus, Sacheu may not be the best pick if you’re in a hurry, as the colour can (and definitely will) transfer onto your teeth, tongue and fingers, leaving stains behind. This colour transfer does come off after some time, but it’s not ideal if you’re about to head out of the house.

When it comes to the novelty ‘peel off’ design of these lip masks, Sacheu definitely comes out on top. I’ve never been able to peel off the Wonderskin lip stain and have instead opted to use a makeup wipe. However, the Sacheu Lip Liner tends to peel off nearly perfectly every time, with only the occasional patch left behind. This isn’t a deal breaker for me when it comes to the Wonderskin lip stain, as I don’t mind using a wipe, but what I will say is – despite the satisfaction of the peel off design, the Sacheu is definitely messier as the colour will transfer onto your fingers and nails, unless you use tweezers.

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When it comes to colour payoff, the Wonderskin leans towards a higher level of pigment and lasts the longest. I’ve also always noticed a less patchy finish with the Wonderskin lip stain. That said, this time I tried one of the newest shades, Hush, which is described as a more neutral brown colour. However, much like my old favourite shade, Lovely, this lip stain still results in a dark pink colour that’s similar to my natural lip colour but more saturated. This is fine and I like the look, but if you’re actually looking for a more nude/brown colour, Wonderskin isn’t going to do it.

EU, Spain reject Trump’s US tariff threats over NATO spending

The European Commission and Spain’s government have dismissed US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose higher tariffs on Madrid over its refusal to meet his proposed NATO target for defence spending.

Trump said on Tuesday that he was “very unhappy” with Spain for being the only NATO member to reject the new spending objective of 5 percent of economic output, adding that he was considering punishing the Mediterranean country.

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“I was thinking of giving them trade punishment through tariffs because of what they did, and I think I may do that,” Trump added. He had previously suggested making Spain “pay twice as much” in trade talks.

Trade policy falls under the remit of Brussels, and the European Commission would “respond appropriately, as we always do, to any measures taken against one or more of our member states”, commission spokesperson Olof Gill said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The trade deal between the European Union and the United States signed in July was the right platform to address any issues, Gill added.

“The defence spending debate is not about increasing spending for the sake of increasing it, but about responding to real threats,” Spain’s Economy and Trade Ministry said in a statement.

“We’re doing our part to develop the necessary capabilities and contribute to the collective defence of our allies.”

Spain has more than doubled nominal defence spending from 0.98 percent of gross domestic product in 2017 to 2 percent this year, equivalent to about 32.7bn euros ($38bn).

Defence Minister Margarita Robles said allies weren’t discussing the 5 percent target for 2035 in Wednesday’s meeting because they were prioritising the present situation in Ukraine, but wouldn’t completely rule out a shift in Spain’s position.

Targeted tariffs by the US against individual EU member states are rare, but there are precedents, said Ignacio Garcia Bercero, a senior fellow at the Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel.

In 1999, the US hit the EU with 100 percent punitive tariffs on products such as chocolate, pork, onions and truffles in retaliation for an EU import ban on hormone-treated beef. But those tariffs excluded Britain, which at the time was still a member of the trade bloc.

The US could impose anti-dumping penalties on European products that are mostly produced in Spain, said Juan Carlos Martinez Lazaro, professor at Madrid’s IE business school.

In 2018, Washington imposed a combination of duties of more than 30 percent on Spanish black table olives at the request of Californian olive growers. Spain’s share of the US market plummeted from 49 percent in 2017 to 19 percent in 2024.