OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
♈ ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Rethinking long-time goals is a sign of strength, not weakness, so if you sense something is not working for you, this is your moment to act.
A better way forward can be right there when you decide to see it.
With Mercury’s quick thinking now in your work zone, you can see and seize chances the moment they come up.
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Your daily horoscope for Tuesday
♉ TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
You have a gift today for turning creative ideas and abilities into marketable products – so do take your inspirations seriously, even if no one else does.
As for love, security is important to you and it’s not fair for anyone to play this down, even in fun.
Be clear in your own heart what you really need, then ask for it.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♊ GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
You only have to see a property to spot its potential as Mercury sharpens your home-making instincts.
So living in an unusual way can start to look less like a fantasy, more like reality.
A message you are delaying replying to may signify more than it first seems, so do explore this.
Passion is ready to talk – and to listen.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♋ CANCER
June 22 to July 22
All those words you have stumbled over in the past can flow freely now, so do give a key conversation another try.
You are able to see flaws in any document or deal and speak up about it so smartly.
Trust has special value for you and can’t be taken lightly – this is something to underline in all relationships.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♌ LEO
July 23 to August 23
Making money from something you love is a dream that’s coming closer.
You need to play your part by getting facts and figures into line, but also taking your own skills seriously.
A health-minded moon reminds you that your own needs matter as much as other people’s – do make time for these.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♍ VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
With Mercury now on board, you have all the support you need to take a personal step forward and be seen as you really are.
At work, this can mean admitting what you find hard and asking for help.
At home, instead of covering up conflict, you can deal with it openly.
Love may be a mystery, but you can’t get enough of it.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Passion has intensity but also understandingCredit: Getty
♎ LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
Neptune’s influence can mean feelings run high in a family – the more you can calm these, the better.
That may mean putting a personal project on hold, but this can help your determination grow even stronger.
Friendship, like love, needs care to thrive – if you’ve been neglecting this, today you can reconnect.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
♏ SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
Friends or colleagues who talk about doing something different together can start making this happen from today.
But first, work out the difference between those who are all talk, and those who are ready for action.
You are the sharpest negotiator in the zodiac, with the ability to get any deal over the line – but it’s vital to stick to your principles, whatever may happen on the surface.
This is how you can keep moving forward. What may seem like celebrity gossip can have special meaning for you in a love sense.
Luck circles “D”.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
We’ve made it to September. It’s a transitional time in SoCal gardens as well as in our daily lives. It’s the end of summer! The beginning of school! The triumphant return of pumpkin spice! 🤮
In this year of seemingly ceaseless transitions, let’s just take a minute to catch our breath.
Below, you will find, as always, a list of plant-related workshops and events, but I’d first like to consider this lightning-fast year, where titanic changes keep coming with bewildering speed, from devastating and deadly wildfires to ICE raids, tariffs and gut-wrenching international conflicts, to name several.
If you pitched this stuff for a movie (even turmoil with Canada?), it would seem too preposterous to be made. Except we’ve been living this preposterous movie, and it’s been a lot.
A volunteer tomato plant — variety unknown — grows like a champion against a fence, sans any kind of tending, yet it’s outproducing all the other vines planted in carefully prepared beds full of compost and other amendments. To the left is a huge colander of tomatoes picked off the plant with many more left to ripen.
(Jeanette Marantos / Los Angeles Times)
But here’s the thing: Our gardens don’t care, and there’s a certain beauty and reassurance that comes with that. Take the volunteer tomato plant that appeared in a corner of my yard last winter. It grew up and over my fence, while I was preoccupied with everything else going on in the world. Since July, it has been happily producing tons of tomatoes, which are particularly delicious when they’re roasted with garlic and olive oil.
Or consider how at the fire sites in L.A. County, many oaks and other venerable trees survived next to houses destroyed in the flames. I’ve visited burned properties where tall tangles of native sunflowers literally emerged from the ashes to delight native bees, and even roses, supposedly the fussiest of flowers, are blooming on scorched properties sans water, tending or expectation.
Our gardens can’t change the turmoil in our world, but they can help us cope. Even if all you have is a balcony with room for a couple of pots, find a way to plant something this September that can sustain you with fragrance or food or just plain beauty.
Winter veggies
Yvonne Savio ran Los Angeles County’s UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program for 25 years before she retired. She’s been gardening for nearly 60 years, so I’d put her in the expert category. For many years, she’s been sharing her wit and wisdom on her website GardningInLA.net, and just recently she started writing for L.A. County’s Master Gardeners’ online newsletter, offering timely tips for plant lovers.
Savio has a huge, envy-inspiring garden in Pasadena. She considers September a transitional time to plant the last of her fast-growing warm-season crops such as green beans and summer squash, and the first of her cool-season crops such as lettuces, kale, peppery greens like mustard and arugula, beets, broccoli and peas (edible) and sweet peas (not edible but beautifully, deliciously fragrant).
For those with smaller gardens, she recommends focusing on cool-weather crops. Even a wide container can grow a thick crop of loose-leaf lettuce — just trim a few leaves from each plant to fill your salad bowl.
At Urban Homestead, a family farm in residential Pasadena, salad mix seeds are planted thickly in narrow trenches, so when the plants emerge they can be easily harvested just a few leaves at a time.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Remove spent warm-season plants first. Bag any diseased plants and put them in the landfill trash so you don’t taint compost piles. Then, she said, enrich your soil with a few inches of compost and mix in some slow-release organic fertilizer such as earthworm castings or Dr. Earth.
Now comes the fun part — choosing your plants. Browse your local nursery for starter packs of greens, lettuces or brassicas like broccoli. But be sure to pick up some packets of seeds as well, especially for beets, which are a double treat with delicious leaves — a bounty in soups! — and colorful roots. They are so good roasted.
Sweet peas such as Renee’s Garden varietal ‘Fire and Ice’ come in a huge mix of colors, but almost all offer a similar prize: an unforgettable sweet fragrance that fills a room with happiness.
(ReneesGarden.com)
Spring blooms
Bulbs are a miraculous boon of color in snow country, when early spring is otherwise grim and gray. They’re easy to plant, and once established, they spread and return year after year, making that initial sometimes pricey investment seem very worthwhile.
Sweet peas such as Renee’s Garden varietal ‘Fire and Ice’ come in a huge mix of colors but almost all offer a similar prize: an unforgettable sweet fragrance that fills a room with happiness.
(ReneesGarden.com)
But here’s the scoop about bulbs: Although most will grow in SoCal, many require freezing temperatures to spread and thrive, Savio said.
If you have the cash and patience to treat bulbs like annuals and replant them every year, that’s great. But for the rest of us, Savio recommends focusing on bulbs purchased from Southern California nurseries that do well in our climate. Find out your hardiness zone on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map (most of the Greater Los Angeles Area has a zone around 10, meaning our low temperatures generally stay above freezing) and be sure to choose bulbs that will thrive in your zone.
Some of Savio’s tips for choosing bulbs: Buy the biggest, firmest, driest bulbs you can, without any mold, early in the season. Avoid end-of-season sales because those are usually smaller bulbs that didn’t sell from the previous year.
Savio said she’s found that frilly double-type varieties or late-season bloomers don’t do as well in warmer climates. Try a few by all means, she said, but invest most of your budget in simpler varieties that bloom early in the spring and will likely spread and flourish to give you years of repeat blooms with just one planting.
She said daffodils, paperwhites and fragrant colorful freesias do particularly well.
And finally, don’t forget to order some sweet peas! Renee’s Garden and Enchanting Sweet Peas in Sebastapol, Calif., have an inspiring selection. Get some now and be sure to plant them before Thanksgiving as a little happiness insurance for next spring.
Need gardening help?
The UC Master Gardeners of Los Angeles County are once again offering their modestly priced Grow LA Gardens classes, a series of four basic gardening classes in September and October in Boyle Heights, Van Nuys, Hollywood, San Marino, West Adams, Long Beach and South Pasadena. The classes are on Saturdays or Sundays. Times and prices vary, but most cost $70 for all four classes (the highest rate), or $30 for those who need financial assistance.
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Jeanette Marantos gives you a roundup of upcoming plant-related activities and events in Southern California, along with our latest plant stories.
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Upcoming events
Sept. 6 and ongoing The new Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market from Food Access Los Angeles and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center opened Aug. 30, and will continue to operate every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the JACCC’s Isamu Noguchi Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. Admission is free. foodaccessla.org
Sept. 6, 7 and 13 Santa Monica Mountains Fund’s free milkweed giveaways provide four to six narrow-leaf milkweed plants per household that were grown and distributed by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. Milkweed is the host plant for endangered monarch butterflies whose caterpillars dine exclusively on their leaves. Plants will be given away, with instructions on how to put them in the ground, at the Tarzana Community & Cultural Center from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 6; at the Encino Farmers Market in Encino from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 7; and at the Pacoima Back-to-School Resource Fair at Vaughn Global Green Generation Elementary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Admission is free, but registration is required. eventbrite.com
Sept. 7 Gardening 101: The Whys of Gardening in San Diego is a free class at City Farmers Nursery in San Diego from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. that will offer growing advice and plant tips for gardeners. Admission is free, and no RSVP required. cityfarmernursery.com
Sept. 11 Intro to California Native Plant Garden Design with Theodore Payne Foundation Horticulture Director Tim Becker. It’s from 9 a.m. to noon at the foundation in Sun Valley. Register online, $103.22 ($81.88 members). eventbrite.com
Sept. 12, 19 and 26 3-Part California Native Garden Design with landscape designer Carol Armour Aronson of Seco Verde. It’s from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day at the Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley. The prerequisite course, Right Plant, Right Place, is available online on Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. for $37.66. The design course is in person. Register online, $396.11 for one; $471.96 for couples working on one design. events.humantix.com
Sept. 13-14 Southern California Begonia Society’s Begonia Show & Sale is from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. The show includes free talks and demonstrations about growing begonias in terrariums at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13, basic begonia culture at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 14 and a tour of the garden’s begonia collection at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 14. The show is free with a $5 admission to the garden (members and children 3 and younger enter free). thesherman.org
Sept. 13 Re-wild: Site Design and Establishing New Plants, led by Tree of Life Nursery co-founder Mike Evans, is from 10 a.m. to noon at the nursery in San Juan Capistrano. Learn how to design a native plant landscape. The class is free, but registration is required. eventbrite.com
Avocado 101 Seminar, a free class about avocado varieties and best practices for growing the trees in your garden, is 10 to 11 a.m. at Otto & Sons Nursery in Fillmore. Reservations are not required. ottoandsonsnursery.com
California Native Plant Container Gardening, taught by Theodore Payne Foundation nursery technician Terrence Williams, is at the nursery in Sun Valley. Register online, $55.20 ($44.52 members). eventbrite.com
Monrovia Community Garden’s Green Care Day is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the garden in Monrovia. Help weed, mulch and otherwise improve the garden with raised bed maintenance and soil topping. Participation is free. monroviacommunitygarden.org
Your Backyard Orchard, a free class about planning and caring for fruit trees taught by the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County, is from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at the Santa Margarita Water District in Rancho Santa Margarita. ucanr.edu
Rose Care Basics, a free class at City Farmers Nursery in San Diego, is from 9 to 10 a.m. and will offer tips about growing roses in San Diego. Admission is free, and no RSVP required. cityfarmernursery.com
Native Plant Summer Maintenance Basics with Theodore Payne Foundation horticulture educator Erik Blank is from 9 to 11 a.m. at the foundation’s demonstration garden in Sun Valley. Register online, $55.20 ($44.52 members). eventbrite.com
Sept. 14 California Biodiversity Day Free Day is from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at California Botanic Garden in Claremont. The event includes bilingual tours of the garden’s production nursery at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; a native plant loteria game with help from the Chino Basin Water Conservation District from noon to 1 p.m.; and activities provided by exhibitors from various community organizations between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. calbg.org
Horticulturist Andrew Hankey discusses four new ledebouris species from the Steenkampsberg, Mpumalanga in east South Africa, at the September meeting of the South Coast Cactus & Succulent Society at Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park’s McTaggart Hall in Rancho Palos Verdes. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Admission is free. southcoastcss.org
Gardening for Wildlife, a free class at City Farmer’s Nursery in San Diego, is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and covers how to create a wildlife-friendly sanctuary garden for birds, pollinators and small mammals in San Diego. Admission is free, and no RSVP required. cityfarmernursery.com
Sept. 19 Propagating California Native Plants From Cuttings, a Theodore Payne Foundation class led by Horticulture Director Tim Becker, is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the foundation’s new Los Angeles satellite Los Nogales Nursery at the Audubon Center at Debs Park in Montecito Heights. Each participant will leave with a flat of a few starts for their own garden. All materials provided. Register online, $108.55 ($81.88 members). eventbrite.com
Sept. 20 Southern California Horticultural Society’s 2025 Annual Awards Banquet is from 5 to 9 p.m. at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club and honors native plant horticulturist Katherine Pakradouni with the society’s first-ever Pathmaker Award, created to recognize forward-thinking individuals breaking new ground in horticulture. Pakradouni developed the native plant nursery for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project, collecting about 1 million native seeds from the surrounding region, and has developed several micro forests and other ecological landscapes through her business Seed to Landscape. The society’s Horticulturists of the Year award will go to native plant horticulturist Melanie Baer Keeley, who is developing Alta Vista Natives Nursery in Three Rivers, and her husband, botanist and fire management scientist Jon E. Keeley. Banquet tickets, which include dinner, are available online, $80 ($70 members). socalhort.org
Sept. 20-21 Carbon Culture Workshop: Hands-On Hugelkultur is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Granada Hills and led by Studio Petrichor’s regenerative garden designers Leigh Adams and Shawn Maestretti. Learn how to build hugelkultur berms out of logs and layers of wood chips and soil; and lasagna mulching to tamp down weeds. Bring gloves and a water bottle; lunch provided. Register online $44.52. eventbrite.com
Sept. 26 and 27 California Botanic Garden’s Seeds Walking Tour involves guided tours through the state’s largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants to learn about what seeds can tell us about their native plants. Tours available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. both days at the garden in Claremont. Register online, $20 ($10 members). calbg.org
Sept. 26-28 44th Edition of the Fascination of Orchids International Festival of Orchids & Exotic Plants is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana. The event includes thousands of orchids and exotic plants on display as well as classes about growing orchids and vendors selling supplies. Purchase tickets online, $5.49 per person, valid for all three days. ticketleap.events
Sept. 27 Love Your Lands: National Public Lands Day Event with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is from 9 a.m. to noon at the conservancy’s White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro. It will be a day of helping to remove nonnative plant species, watering new native plantings, seed preparation, garden walks and activities for children. Participation is free, but registration is required. pvplc.volunteerhub.com
Re-wild: Planting Design and Installation, led by Tree of Life Nursery co-founder Mike Evans, is from 10 a.m. to noon at the nursery in San Juan Capistrano. Learn how to implement your native plant landscape design. The class is free, but registration is required. eventbrite.com
After two winters of next-to-no rain, SoCal is heading back into drought conditions. Is this the year you finally remove your lawn? If you need inspiration, here are two of our latest stories about Angelenos who pulled out their turf to create native plant landscapes, with the help of an ocean-conscious designer in Long Beach and a creative DIY couple in Harvard Park determined to transform their dead lawn into a vibrant habitat.
Altadena was lush with plants before the Eaton fire, and resident Laurie Scott is intent on replacing that green — and lifting her community’s spirit — with her Regrow Altadena project, which gives free plants to residents to plant around their fire-damaged properties.
For much of the country, September marks a transition to autumnal weather. While that’s technically true in L.A. too, Angelenos know that the month is also known for its cascade of back-to-back heat waves.
On L.A.’s heat map, you’ll often find the hottest temperatures concentrated in the San Fernando Valley. But despite this reputation, there are still plenty of places worth ducking into for more than a blast of cool AC. Home to roughly half of L.A.’s population and dozens of neighborhoods, the Valley boasts a parade of sushi restaurants along Ventura Boulevard, a thrilling Thai food scene, long-standing burger shacks and plenty of breweries, wine and cocktail bars. And arguably the best restaurant in the region just reopened its doors after remodeling its dining room.
Outside of the 818, there are plenty of bars across the city, from a Mexico City-inspired wine bar in Chinatown to a Parisian haunt in West Adams. And if you’re abstaining from the booze or looking for a daytime option, L.A. has a slew of stellar remote-work destinations, including a plant-filled bookstore in Silver Lake and a two-story bistro in downtown L.A.
On your quest to avoid the summer heat, consider heading to the coastal South Bay region, where you’ll find so many Japanese dining options, including an ice cream shop and daily-prepared tofu.
It can be hard to beat the crowds when it comes to Europe’s most popular destinations, however a travel vlogger has revealed that September is the perfect month to visit this much-loved country
September is the best time to visit this popular European country(Image: Getty Images)
A travel expert has revealed that September is the best time to visit this popular European destination if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
While many of Europe’s top destinations end up rammed during the summer months, September remains an underrated time for holidaymakers. With mild weather, fewer crowds and kids back in school, it can actually be the best way to experience a new place – regardless of whether you want to unwind or explore.
However, there is one European country in particular that is a must-see once the crowds die down, according to travel vlogger Clara Alessandria. In a TikTok video, Clara revealed that September is one of the best times to visit Italy. Not only is the weather easier to handle, but there are far fewer crowds.
September is an ideal time to visit Italy(Image: Simona Sirio via Getty Images)
The TikTokker has lived in Italy for over 20 years and has made several guides allowing visitors to “travel like a local”, which means she has plenty of experience with the country’s tourism industry.
She explained: “[In September] the weather is still super warm, but not boiling hot like during summer, so you can visit cities and countryside without having to sweat all day long.” As an added bonus, she explains that the sea is also at its most pleasant as it has been “warming up all summer”.
Plus, it’s also a much quieter time to visit. She continued: “While you will find some tourists around, there will be nowhere near as many as in summer, which makes it a lot more enjoyable – especially for visiting touristy places.”
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Many commenters were quick to confirm that September was an idyllic time to go. One wrote: “I can attest to this! I spent 3.5 weeks in Italy mid-September to early October and it was INCREDIBLE!!!!”
A second added: “Agree! September is such a great month for a feel-good Italian vacation.” A third even jokingly chastised her for spilling the “secret”. They wrote: “Noo, why did you say the secret, the first three months of summer are for tourists and September is for locals.”
Sassi di Matera, Basilicata, Italy(Image: Getty)
If you’re wondering where in Italy to visit, there are plenty of popular options, including Rome, Florence and Sicily.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little more under the radar, a travel journalist recently revealed her favourite Italian holiday spot, as previously reported by The Mirror.
Writing in Business Insider, Kaitlyn Rosati, who has explored every region in Italy, said she considered the region of Basilicata to be “the country’s best-kept secret”.
The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. It is located South-East of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.
It’s a dream destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway in September(Image: Mark Meredith via Getty Images)
The Caribbean is a treasure trove of cultural gems, offering a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Indeed, the vibrant culture of the Caribbean is its biggest draw, showcasing a mix of architectural wonders, colourful festivities, and historical treasures.
Tourism is a key pillar in the economies of all Caribbean islands, which welcome visitors with open arms. One island, in particular, has won over many British holidaymakers, offering the ultimate tropical retreat.
Barbados, an eastern Caribbean island neighbouring Saint Lucia, the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent, is considered one of the safest islands in the region.
This popular cruise ship port is also famed as a foodie paradise, with delicious food and rum at the heart of its culture, reports the Express.
Barbados is the perfect island getaway for those looking to escape to the heat in September(Image: Getty)
In fact, several annual Food and Rum Festivals are held here, attracting visitors who return year after year to enjoy its delights.
With direct flights from London and an average temperature of 29C in September, Barbados is the perfect autumnal escape.
Surrounded by coral reefs, the island’s crystal-clear waters are warm and invigorating, and the mostly flat terrain is ideal for leisurely strolls to soak up the tropical atmosphere.
The region boasts delightful temperatures all year round, seldom going above 30C or below 22C.
There’s plenty to do on the island including swimming with the turtles and kayaking(Image: Getty)
Navigating the island is a doddle, with a top-notch road network and an international airport situated near the southern coast.
Barbados is an outdoor lover’s dream, featuring mountains, rainforests, beaches and coral reefs.
The area is famed for its sugarcane fields, tropical trees and rich wildlife.
Don’t be surprised if you come across dolphins, monkeys, mongooses, barracudas, and even flying fish during your journey.
Fields of sugarcane surround the island which is mostly flat and easily walkable(Image: Getty)
The national dish of Barbados is Cou Cou and fried flying fish, with pudding and souse also being popular choices.
No Caribbean holiday would be complete without a refreshing rum punch, a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
With a plethora of activities on offer, including swimming with turtles, catamaran cruising, monkey feeding, rum tours and kayaking, this island retreat promises to rejuvenate and refresh any weary traveller.
Settling for a smaller cash sum, or less respect, than you deserve may have felt the only answer – until this week.
You have new staying power to revisit a deal or relationship and correct the balance.
Meanwhile Mercury mentors you to express even the most complicated feelings in simple terms, and love, at any stage, can be the winner.
The moon highlights five-digit numbers.
DESTINY DAYS Early-morning calls or meetings have extra impact all week.
Thursday is your day for fitness pledges.
Find great bargains, plus something “P” recently lost, on Saturday.
What your zodiac sign says about your home decor
LUCKY LINKS Your oldest relative. A picture of a famous “R” lead singer. Gold-flecked fabric.
I CHING INSIGHT The symbol REVOLUTION shows your personal wheel of fortune is spinning now and bringing new opportunities and potential progress your way.
Even if you don’t feel quite ready, you should embrace invitations and initiatives that take you on to a new path, whether this is career, home life, love – or maybe all three.
Instead of aiming for perfect, and trying to avoid mistakes, you have the energy to grow and learn, and adjust as you go.
Someone you know casually in your career sphere can move to the heart of your emotional future.
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
These companies can help strengthen your long-term portfolio.
The stock market makes it easy to build wealth. All you have to do is invest in strong businesses that are growing and profitable. Choosing top stocks from among brands or services you use regularly is a great place to start.
To give you some ideas, three Fool.com contributors are here to offer three timely stocks to buy in September. Here’s why they chose Apple(AAPL -0.19%), Airbnb(ABNB -0.01%), and RH(RH -1.55%).
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Apple still has an ace up its sleeve
John Ballard (Apple):Shares of Apple are up 40% over the past three years but are currently trading below their 52-week high of $260. Apple has a tremendous competitive moat around its ecosystem of products and services that locks in customers and generates enormous profits. While flat iPhone sales and the lack of a compelling artificial intelligence (AI) strategy has created uncertainty for investors, the recent dip is a good buying opportunity.
Apple is one of the strongest consumer brands. Its installed base of active devices, including iPhones, continues to hit all-time highs. Apple reported more than 2.35 billion active devices at the beginning of the year. This continues to fuel steady growth in services, including subscriptions and app purchases, which now make up more than a quarter of Apple’s revenue.
While Apple Intelligence has had a positive impact on iPhone 16 sales, it hasn’t been the game-changer investors were expecting. For a company that generates $96 billion in free cash flow and has massive cash resources on its balance sheet, Apple has surprisingly missed the boat on building its own proprietary AI models. But the good news is that Apple’s enormous cash resources will allow it to catch up quickly through acquisitions, which is a catalyst to watch.
Apple’s sticky ecosystem of products and services, growing installed base of devices, and profitability make the stock a solid investment. These advantages buy some time for Apple to figure out its AI strategy, providing investors a good opportunity to buy shares before better news sends the shares higher.
2. This travel powerhouse is thriving, but its stock isn’t keeping up
Jennifer Saibil (Airbnb):Airbnb stock has not kept up with its growth, but as it continues to expand and increase sales, it looks poised to soar.
Airbnb has become the premier platform for vacation rentals, changing the landscape of the travel industry. While short-term rentals are its bread and butter, it offers a large assortment of services today, including longer-term stays and even living in Airbnbs.
It had already launched an entire segment devoted to experiences, which dovetails with its travel categories, and recently launched a new segment with all kinds of services, like salons and photography. Each of these new features increases its addressable market and its brand presence, making it the go-to name for travel-related services.
That’s important to maintain its growth levels. Revenue growth has slowed, but it remains in the double digits, and revenue increased 13% year over year in the second quarter. Aside from the expansion, Airbnb is constantly adding new features and updates to improve the user experience and generate higher engagement and sales. Some of its updates include more flexible payments and a more fine-tuned search system, which makes it easier for customers to press the button.
It’s also been building its brand in countries where it has plenty of rentals but lower name recognition. Just as many travelers use it domestically in the U.S., it’s trying to make that happen in other regions.
It’s done a spectacular job of generating free cash flow, which reached $1 billion in the second quarter at a 31% margin, and it’s also highly profitable, with a 21% profit margin in the quarter.
The market has been disappointed in Airbnb’s decelerating growth, and it has been concerned about regulatory hurdles. But Airbnb continues to thrive as a business, and its stock should eventually follow suit.
3. Housing stocks are coming back
Jeremy Bowman (RH): It’s been a rough few years for RH, the home furnishing company formerly known as Restoration Hardware, but a number of tailwinds appear to be forming for the company.
First, after a long wait, the Federal Reserve appears to be ready to lower interest rates following Jerome Powell’s comments at the Jackson Hole conference, and RH is likely to be one of the beneficiaries.
The company’s business is correlated with the housing market, as home sales tend to trigger purchases of home furnishings. Even in a challenging housing market, RH has delivered solid results, returning to growth after an earlier lull as revenue rose by 12% in the first quarter.
Additionally, the company is expanding both geographically and into new businesses. It’s opening up several galleries across Europe, and has launched new verticals, including a handful of guesthouses and restaurants, and leasing charter jets and yachts. That’s all part of a strategy to extend the luxury brand beyond home furnishings, and it could significantly expand RH’s addressable market.
The stock is still down significantly from its all-time high, and looks cheap based on forward estimates, trading at just around 15 times next year’s expected earnings.
The company is set to report second-quarter earnings on Sept. 11, and better-than-expected results could spark a surge in the stock, and a rate cut from the Federal Reserve later in the month could do the same.
Over the longer term, RH has a lot of upside, especially if the housing market recovers.
As September begins, legions of Californians have just wound up their summer travels, which often follow family traditions. Frequently there are lakes involved. Or islands. Or a national park.
We’re asking readers to tell us about a place you keep going back to, how you keep the tradition alive and what makes it special. If you are able to share up to three of your own photos, even better. We may feature you in an upcoming story.
As temperatures start to drop across the UK, many Britons will longingly begin contemplating warmer destinations.
Greece remains a beloved holiday retreat for British travellers – and one petite island enjoys glorious weather with September temperatures averaging a pleasant 25C and peak daytime highs reaching 27C.
However, what the charming island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea is truly renowned for is serving as the backdrop to the enormously successful film Mamma Mia!, reports the Express.
Skiathos features an incredible 60 beaches with sparkling azure waters alongside dense pine woodlands. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene offering a wealth of culinary hotspots, pubs and nightclubs.
Thanks to its proximity to the airport, beach visitors on the island can also watch commercial aircrafts soaring mere metres overhead.
Greek tourism platform Visit Greece described the island as “paradise on earth” and stated: “Skiathos [is] the most cosmopolitan island in the Northern Sporades.”
Skiathos is the perfect holiday break(Image: Boarding1Now via Getty Images)
The tourism website also noted: “The island is picturesque, unspoilt and blessed with more than 60 beautifully crystal clear waters and beaches.
“The most famous is Koukounaries, which is considered as the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. When you add in its bustling nightlife, it is only natural that the island attracts thousands of young visitors every year!”
Travel bloggers are equally smitten with the destination, with one delighted visitor describing the island as “postcard perfect”.
The island is “postcard perfect”(Image: clu via Getty Images)
Lynsey from travel blog lynseysnotebook.co.uk said: “For my first introduction to Greece, Skiathos could not have been more perfect.
“I took ages to decide where I wanted to visit for my first trip to Greece – Rhodes and Zante both looked beautiful – but Skiathos has an authentic charm that I couldn’t resist.”
She added: “While Mamma Mia certainly put Skiathos on the map, it still retains its authenticity and simplicity.”
Meanwhile, travellers have flocked to review website Tripadvisor to rave about this breathtaking destination. One declared that Koukounaries beach has “got to be the best beach in Greece”.
Supreme Court will rule on ex-president’s fate in case dividing nation that could result in lengthy prison term.
Brazil’s Supreme Court says it will hand down a verdict and sentence in former President Jair Bolsonaro’s coup trial early next month, in a case that has polarised the country and drawn in the ex-leader’s ally, United States President Donald Trump.
The court announced on Friday that the five-justice panel overseeing the proceedings will deliver decisions on the five charges between September 2 and 12. A coup conviction carries a sentence of up to 12 years.
Bolsonaro, under house arrest since August 4, is accused of orchestrating a plot to cling to power after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He denies the allegations.
Prosecutors allege Bolsonaro led a criminal organisation that sought to overturn the election results.
The case includes accusations that the plot involved plans to kill Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the trial. They have presented messages, handwritten notes and other material they say document the conspiracy.
Defence lawyers counter that no coup attempt was carried out and that Bolsonaro allowed the presidential handover to take place, undermining claims he tried to block it.
The five charges against Bolsonaro include attempting a coup, participation in an armed criminal organisation, attempted violent abolition of the democratic order, and two counts linked to destruction of state property.
Two separate five-justice panels operate within Brazil’s top court. Justice de Moraes, a frequent target of Bolsonaro’s supporters, sits on the panel hearing the case. Although Bolsonaro appointed two justices during his 2019–2022 presidency, both serve on the other panel.
Separately, right-wing Brazilian lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro said on Friday that he met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week as part of his campaign to secure sanctions against officials linked to the trial of his father, Bolsonaro.
In a post on X, Bolsonaro said the meeting took place on Wednesday, the same day Bessent had been expected to hold talks with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad.
Haddad told journalists earlier in the week that the US Treasury cancelled his meeting without offering a new date.
The younger Bolsonaro has been vocal in defending his father and calling for sanctions on his own country following his father’s alleged coup attempt.
The Supreme Court headquarters in Brasilia was one of the targets of a rioting mob of supporters known as “Bolsonaristas”, who raided government buildings in January 2023 as they urged the military to depose Lula, an insurrection attempt that evoked Trump supporters on January 6, 2021.
The rioting also prompted comparisons to Brazil’s 1964 military coup, a dark era that Bolsonaro has openly praised.
The trial has captivated Brazil’s divided public. Tensions deepened when Trump linked a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports to his ally’s legal battle, calling the proceedings a “witch hunt” and describing Bolsonaro as an “honest man” facing “political execution”.
The Trump administration has also sanctioned Justice de Moraes and imposed further trade restrictions on Brazil, a move widely criticised in the country as an assault on national sovereignty.
A recent Datafolha poll found more than half of Brazilians support the decision to place Bolsonaro under house arrest, while 53 percent reject the idea that he is being politically persecuted.
Turkey’s serene Konakli is the most affordable destination for couples looking for a break, with prices averaging £421 per person for an all‑inclusive stay, according to TravelSupermarket
Konakli is the place to go for a cheap holiday(Image: Getty Images)
TravelSupermarket, a holiday comparison site, has revealed the most affordable beach destinations for couples looking to escape once the summer holidays end, with September offering great value for romantic getaways.
Alanya features prominently on the list(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Konakli sits on the Turkish Mediterranean coast and is best known for its beautiful beaches. Hospitality is by far the biggest business in the region, with 15 five‑star hotels in a town of just 18,000 people.
It’s just 20 minutes away from Alanya, which is a bustling resort packed full of restaurants, bars and holidaymakers from across the world. If Konakli begins to feel a little quiet, then a visit to Alanya is a good bet.
If Konakli doesn’t float your boat, fear not. There are plenty of other cheap all0inclusive resorts to choose from.
TravelSupermarket ranked Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife second on the list at £487 per person. Turkey’s popular Alanya resort claims third place at £493 per person, while Spain’s Costa Dorada destination Salou ranks fourth at £506 per person.
Greek destinations feature prominently with two Corfu locations making the list, alongside Zante’s Alykes which secures fifth place at £508 per person. Marrakech in Morocco offers excellent value in sixth position at £531 per person, with Corfu’s lively Kávos ranking seventh at £543 per person, followed by Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach at £557 per person in eighth place.
Steph Marinkovic, head of editorial at TravelSupermarket, shares her expert couples tips for five of the destinations below, alongside a great deal for each destination:
Konakli – £421 per person
Turkey is a great bet for couples on a budget, and serene Konakli offers the best of all worlds. There’s a quiet, sandy beach for sunbathing, the Taurus Mountain for hiking and lively Alanya – ideal for fun nights out – just 20 minutes away.”
Deal: Seven nights all‑inclusive at the 5‑star NoxInn Deluxe Hotel from £419pp
Puerto de la Cruz – £487 per person
“Puerto de la Cruz is a world away from the resorts in Tenerife’s south. Colourful streets splashed with huge murals make this north coast city a joy to explore. The black‑sand beaches and cool Lago Martiánez pools are just the cherry on top!”
Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 4‑star Melia Costa Atlantis Tenerife from £479pp
Alanya – £493 per person
“Couples can combine culture, history and plenty of opportunities for R&R in sun‑drenched Alanya. Highlights include Cleopatra Beach, Alanya Castle, and the city’s excellent range of traditional Turkish hammams and spa hotels.”
Deal: Seven nights all‑inclusive at the 4‑star Club Big Blue Suite Hotel from £465pp
Salou – £506 per person
“Salou’s three‑park PortAventura World is much quieter in September, so kids‑at‑heart can indulge their inner child without the crowds. Couples will also love the resort’s chilled‑out side – think romantic seaside strolls, spa hotels and wine tasting in ‘cava country’ close to nearby Tarragona.”
Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 4‑star H10 Salauris Palace from £440pp
Alykes, Zante – £508 per person
“Low‑key Alykes is the perfect antidote to rowdy Laganas just 30 minutes’ drive away. The village centres around a golden beach lined with loungers and relaxed bars. Paddleboard together by day, then sip cocktails as the sun sinks over the Ionian Sea.”
Deal: Seven nights B&B at the 4‑star Koukounaria Hotel & Suites from £499pp
Aug. 11 (UPI) — AOL announced it plans to end dial-up Internet service after 40 years in operation by the end of September.
The company said in a press release that its dial-up service and associated products will be shuttered on Sept. 30.
“AOL routinely evaluates its products and servies and has decided to discontinue dial-up Internet,” the company said.
“The AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser, which are optimized for older operating systems and dial-up connections, will be discontinued.”
Although the dial-up mode of connection, which at a top of 56 kilobits per second, is far less optimal when compared to modern connections that are measured in megabits and gigabits, was still able to provide an online option where broadband wasn’t available or for low-income families.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureaushows that in 2023, around 163,400 Americans still completely counted on dial-up service alone as an internet connection.
The termination of the service does not affect any of the other benefits offered to AOL customers.
Australia has announced a plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, following similar moves by the UK, France and Canada.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the move will happen at the UN General Assembly and after it received commitments from the Palestinian Authority.
“A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza,” he said on Monday.
Israel, which is under increasing pressure to end the war in Gaza, has said recognising a Palestinian state “rewards terrorism”.
The Palestinian Authority, which controls parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has earlier said recognition of statehood shows growing support for self-determination of its people.
Albanese said the decision was made after his government received commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would play no role in any future state.
The hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” is making its way to the big screen on Sept. 5.
Lin-Manuel Miranda announced the theatrical release date for the Tony Award-winning musical Tuesday night during an interview on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“We always wanted to release it theatrically, but then the pandemic hit and so we decided to release it on streaming, so that everyone could see it at home whenever they wanted,” Miranda said on the show. “[Soon] you will be able to see ‘Hamilton’ in movie theaters nationwide and in Puerto Rico.”
The show’s cinematic release marks a major milestone: It’s been nearly 10 years since the off-Broadway premiere of “Hamilton,” which was based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States. Created by Miranda, who also composed the music, lyrics and book, the hip-hop- and R&B-inflected musical used source material from “Alexander Hamilton,” a 2004 biography written by Ron Chernow. The musical went on to win 11 Tony Awards, including best musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2016.
The film was shot in June 2016, during a live performance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, and features much of the original cast. This includes Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.
The film was originally slated for release in movie theaters in October 2021. Disney paid $75 million for worldwide movie rights in 2020 and released it later that year exclusively on its streaming platform; the film went on to win two Emmy Awards in 2021.
The “Hamilton” anniversary is being celebrated in more ways than one. Prior to Miranda’s “Tonight Show” interview, Madame Tussauds New York unveiled a wax figure of Miranda dressed as Alexander Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
Two special performances of the hit musical will also take place at the same theater today. Every actor who has performed on the Broadway musical since its opening has been invited, according to the Associated Press.
Attendees for the matinee were already selected via a lottery process and the evening performance is an invite-only fundraiser for the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition — a host of 14 immigrant service organizations that uplift immigrant communities across the country.
Tickets for the film are now available for purchase.
Stevie Nicks has postponed several upcoming tour dates after fracturing her shoulder.
“Due to a recent injury resulting in a fractured shoulder that will require recovery time, Stevie Nicks’ scheduled concerts in August and September will be rescheduled,” the Fleetwood Mac singer announced over the weekend.
The affected shows include all her August and September shows, which include Detroit, Brooklyn and Florida dates. Those dates have been rescheduled for later in the fall and winter.
Nicks’ shows scheduled for October are still on as planned, including Portland, Sacramento and Las Vegas.
“Stevie looks forward to seeing everyone soon and apologizes to the fans for this inconvenience,” the statement continued.
Nicks recently delighted Fleetwood Mac fans by reaching enough of a detente with her on-and-off bandmate Lindsey Buckingham to reissue their beloved 1973 collaborative LP “Buckingham Nicks,” their only album together before joining Fleetwood Mac. That LP is out Sept. 19.
France will officially recognise a Palestinian state in September, President Emmanuel Macron has said.
In a post on X, Macron said the formal announcement would be made at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” he wrote.
Palestinian officials welcomed Macron’s decision, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move “rewards terror” following Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack in Israel.
In his Thursday post on X, Macron wrote: “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine.
“We must also guarantee the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza.
“Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative.”
Macron also attached a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision.
Responding to Macron’s announcement, Abbas’ deputy Hussein al-Sheikh said “this position reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state”, according to the AFP news agency.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu wrote in a post on X: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the 7 October massacre.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Netanyahu added.
Hamas said France’s decision was a “positive step in the right direction” and urged all countries of the world “to follow France’s lead”.
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised by more than 140 of the 193 member states of the UN.
A few European Union countries, including Spain and Ireland, are among them.
But Israel’s main supporter, the US, and its allies including the UK have not recognised a Palestinian state.
In a statement on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he will hold an “emergency call” with French and German leaders on Friday to discuss “what we can do urgently to stop the killing”.
Statehood is an “inalienable right of the Palestinian people”, Starmer said, adding that a ceasefire would “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution”.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry praised France’s decision, saying it “reaffirms the international community’s consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state”.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the attack on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 59,106 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble since then.
More than 100 international aid organisations and human rights groups have also warned of mass starvation in the Gaza Strip – pressing for governments to take action.
Israel, which controls the entry of all supplies into the Palestinian territory, has repeatedly said that there is no siege, blaming Hamas for any cases of malnutrition.
President Emmanuel Macron says France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
France will recognise Palestine as a state, President Emmanuel Macron has said.
Macron said in a post on X on Thursday that he will formalise the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.
“In keeping with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote.
“I will solemnly announce this at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year,” he added.
Football governing body says ticket sales for tournament in North America will be released in phases, with the process kicking off on September 10.
FIFA has announced that the process to purchase tickets for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada will launch on September 10, urging fans looking to attend games to formally register their interest on its website.
The announcement on Tuesday came a day after the FIFA Club World Cup concluded in the US, a tournament that the international governing body for football hailed as a “rousing success”.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place – these will be the most coveted seats in world sport.”
FIFA did not provide details for how the tickets will be released, but it said on September 10, pre-registered fans will be able to “apply for their first chance to buy tickets”.
“There will be several distinct ticket sales phases from the start of sales on 10 September 2025, through to the final match on Sunday, 19 July 2026,” FIFA said.
“Each phase may differ in purchasing processes, payment methods and ticket products, and full details on each phase will be released in the coming months.”
The World Cup will kick off in Mexico City on June 11 next year and conclude in New Jersey on July 19.
Canada, Mexico host 13 World Cup games each
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, it will see 104 games, with Canada and Mexico hosting 13 matches each.
The rest of the games will take place in the US, including all the fixtures from the quarterfinal onwards.
The US had a de facto test run for the big tournament with the Club World Cup that kicked off last month, with mixed results.
While the final at MetLife Stadium, which saw Premier League giants Chelsea beat European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, attracted a sold-out crowd of over 81,000 people, some games saw an abysmally low turnout.
The searing hot weather also proved to be a challenge for players and fans, especially during midday games. However, many matches drew large crowds and a festive atmosphere, as well as some notable footballing upsets.
US President Donald Trump appeared to take a strong interest in the tournament. He hosted Italian club Juventus at the White House when the team was in Washington, DC, for a group stage game last month.
He attended the final in New Jersey and joined Chelsea players on stage for the trophy presentation.
However, Trump’s restrictive immigration policies have sparked concerns about the ability of international fans to visit the US next year.
In June, the US president imposed travel bans and restrictions on citizens of 19 countries, including Iran, whose national team has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
While football is known as the world’s game, the sport has been behind American football, baseball and basketball in popularity in the US. Still, football has been steadily gaining interest in the country over the past decade, a trend accelerated by Argentinian great Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023.
Qatar hosted the last World Cup in 2022, with Argentina lifting the trophy for the third time in their history, cementing the status of Messi as one of the greatest players of all time.
July 14 (UPI) — U.S. President Donald Trump‘s state visit to Britain will take place Sept. 17 through Sept. 19 at Windsor Castle where King Charles III will host him and First Lady Melania Trump, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.
Buckingham Palace said Trump had formerly accepted the invitation, six years on from his first state visit when he was the guest of the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 2019. The visit is unprecedented because Trump will become the first U.S. president to receive the honor twice — second-term presidents traditionally receive a tea or lunch invitation.
Itinerary details remain pending but will comprise a packed schedule of events — including a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet in the castle’s Saint George’s Hall — with all senior members of the royal family involved, including Prince William and Kate, said the palace.
Trump and the first lady will spend two nights at Windsor Castle. The location was moved from the customary Buckingham Palace due to renovations that are underway at the king’s official residence.
Trump, who has hereditary roots in Scotland, is known to be a fan of Britain, and in particular the royal family and all the associated pomp and grand ceremonies.
British Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson said Trump could expect a warm welcome.
“He should expect a warm reception because he really does love Britain. He hugely admires it,” said Mandelson.
“He trusts [British Prime Minister] Keir Starmer. It’s not a question of expressing our gratitude. My lodestar here is to demonstrate respect, not sycophancy. I don’t think the administration has any problem with that.”
However, the timing sidesteps the issue of the traditional address given to parliament by visiting heads of state, as Trump will arrive a day after the legislature rises for the month-long ‘conference” recess, when political parties hold their annual conventions.
A group of 20 MPs signed a motion back in April calling on the speakers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords not to allow Trump to officially address either chamber, saying his “misogynism, racism and xenophobia, comments on women, refugees and torture” made it inappropriate.
The motion noted “several concerns on his comments about the U.K., parliamentary democracy, the Middle East and equalities; expresses concern about his conduct around Ukraine; believes it would be inappropriate for President Trump to address Parliament.”
Of the lawmakers who backed the motion, 15 belong to Starmer’s ruling Labour Party.
The stance of parliamentarians contrasts with the optics surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron‘s state visit last week, during which he addressed a packed joint session of parliament and laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey.
The king initially extended the royal invite to Trump in February in a letter that Starmer brought with him on a visit to Washington to meet with Trump in the White House, which the president accepted on the spot.
During his last visit in 2019, mass street protests forced the cancellation of a procession down the mall leading to Buckingham Palace for security reasons and he traveled between events by helicopter, instead of by road.
He also became embroiled in a social media spat with the mayor of London and appeared to breach royal protocol by walking ahead of the queen.
