British free-to-air flagship channel of the BBC
Disability groups warn that funding for the Access to Work scheme is being cut, with delays and reductions in support across the system. The government argues reforms would redirect resources to broader disability services. Independent and BBC coverage frame the debate around the potential impact on disabled workers and public sector funding.
Georgia Hunter Bell has cemented her status as Britain’s sprint icon after winning Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medals. Her path from retirement to the European Championships in Birmingham shows resilience and hunger for more gold, while she balances sport with academia.
Scotland have faced Brazil in Miami in Group C. They have conceded costly goals and now wait to see if they advance to the knockout rounds. Manager Steve Clarke has acknowledged mistakes while John McGinn says the players are gutted but committed.
Scotland has progressed with three points but faces a high-stakes finale against Brazil; outcomes depend on results elsewhere and injuries to key players. The scenario remains live as groups near completion.
The United States Men’s National Team has secured a top-of-Group D finish and now faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara. Christian Pulisic is fit to start, boosting hopes of a last-16 tie while fans pack the San Francisco Bay Stadium amid high demand for tickets.
Australia’s World Cup run ends in Dallas after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, with Egypt converting all four penalties to advance. Coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to substitute the keeper, while Lucas Herrington and Harry Souttar faced heartbreak in the shootout.
Evri has filed a defamation claim in the High Court against the BBC over Panorama's December broadcast, arguing the segment wrongly alleged exploitative courier practices and misled Parliament. The claim seeks around £1.2m in special damages plus general damages and an injunction to prevent repetition. The BBC has not yet filed a defence.
Folarin Balogun has been ruled to continue for the World Cup knockout clash after FIFA suspends his automatic red-card ban following a personal appeal from President Trump. The decision has drawn sharp reactions from Belgium and other observers as the co-hosts push toward the quarterfinals.
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, restoring Russian athletes' access to many international qualifiers ahead of Los Angeles 2028 while leaving decisions on flags, anthems and full national symbols unresolved. Several international federations, including World Athletics, are maintaining bans and legal challenges are being signalled.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
Ofcom has found 26% of UK viewers now turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%, while ITV is first for 15%. YouTube viewing has surged: TV viewing of YouTube has doubled since 2022 to 19 minutes a day and total daily YouTube time is 41 minutes. Traditional broadcasters’ weekly reach has fallen to 70%.
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon; prosecutors have charged 28‑year‑old Joshua Kerry with her murder after his arrest in Rotherham. Counter‑terrorism teams have taken the lead and police are continuing to investigate whether the attack had a political or terrorist motive.
The BBC has highlighted a funding crisis as licence-fee income declines and audience habits shift. The corporation is exploring options from subscriptions to a universal levy while warning that current funding may not sustain its public-service mission. With 23.3 million licences active and around 80% of households paying, the BBC is under pressure to reinvent its funding model before the 2027 charter renewal.
Micah Richards has shared that his father Lincoln died shortly before he went on air for BBC’s World Cup semi-final coverage, choosing to continue presenting. He describes his father as his greatest fan and recalls how the moment shaped his on-air performance during England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a gripping extra-time win. Messi has delivered decisive moments, setting up late goals and demonstrating why he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. England faces a bronze final as they prepare for a different challenge.
The BBC’s Fake or Fortune? has authenticated a portrait as the work of 18th-century Scottish artist Katherine Read, marking it as the earliest European female-artist portrait of an Indian sitter. A sleeping-bag-wrapped work, found by Mary-Louise Wedderburn, is now valued well over 100000 pounds, with experts calling the attribution crucial for art history and the market.
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast will see Katty Munchetty move from BBC Breakfast to host the flagship show from January, while Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards are stepping down this December. Munchetty has praised the move and the programme’s live-news format, and the network confirms a new co-host will be announced later this year.