Britain’s public service broadcaster, founded 1922, shaping national journalism and culture.
A wave of personal accounts and expert insights shows couples navigating aging, monogamy, open arrangements, and menopausal changes. The pieces highlight communication, mental health, and the role of technology in intimate life, with updates on ongoing trends and evolving relationship norms.
Ofcom has fined Virgin Media £28 million after findings that millions of calls were mishandled between 2022 and 2024, delaying or blocking contract cancellations and encouraging staff to retain customers via incentives. The regulator says customers faced hold times, transfers, and deliberate call-dropping, impacting switching to rivals. Virgin Media has overhauled its customer services and will compensate affected customers.
A rocky exoplanet in the habitable zone, LHS 1140 b, has an atmosphere, with helium observed escaping into space. The discovery, using the WINERED spectrograph and Magellan telescope, confirms the first atmosphere on a rocky planet in another star’s habitable zone. JWST will continue to study its composition and stability.
Prince Harry has met King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House and has reunited his children Archie and Lilibet with their grandfather for the first time since 2022. The visit has followed Harry's loss in a privacy case against the Daily Mail, a dispute over state-funded security for his family, and a schedule of charity events including Invictus promotions.
Andrew and Tristan Tate have been arrested by US Marshals in Miami after Britain has brought 38 additional charges, including rape, trafficking and offences involving indecent images. The Crown Prosecution Service has requested their extradition to the UK; the brothers have denied wrongdoing and await extradition proceedings in Florida.
Bryson DeChambeau has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving his backswing by trampling on long grass at Royal Birkdale. The Open field reacts as Rory McIlroy criticises the episode as a poor look, while Lucas Herbert leads, and Ryan Fox climbs the leaderboard. The incident unfolds in a tense Friday to Saturday transition.
South East Water has faced a fresh disruption, with up to 7,000 properties in Kent and surrounding areas experiencing low pressure or no water due to a temporary instrument failure at a Tunbridge Wells treatment works. Bottled water stations remain open and storage tanks are being replenished as the company works toward a stable, continuous supply.
BBC’s annual report shows licence-fee income has fallen amid changing viewing habits, with 80% of households paying for a licence despite 94% using BBC services. The corporation is considering reforms, including subscriptions or a broad levy, to preserve its public-service mission ahead of the 2027 charter renewal.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have had plans to switch to an expenses-only model halted. Current arrangements remain, with further engagement planned to understand how CROs can be recognised and rewarded. The change was scrapped after pressure from MPs, unions and coastguard volunteers who warned the move would damage public safety.
A heatwave has intensified wildfires across Spain, France and parts of Europe. In Spain’s Almería province, the Los Gallardos and Bedar fires have claimed lives and forced evacuations as firefighters struggle against extreme heat. Authorities warn the fires will persist as temperatures remain above normal and wind conditions shift.
Growing pressure surrounds North Sea developments as Labour’s Burnham weighs policy changes. Rosebank and Jackdaw face regulatory reviews and environmental scrutiny, while the EPL windfall tax looms over investment. Officials caution against early approvals as consultations wrap up, with debates centring on energy security, jobs, and climate impacts.
Andy Burnham has promised a bold start as prime minister and is selecting his top team, with Shabana Mahmood widely expected to lead the Treasury. The transition follows Keir Starmer's resignation and a flurry of cabinet speculation as potential replacements and policy directions come into focus.
Fire has intensified in France’s Fontainebleau forest and across Spain’s Zaragoza region, triggering evacuations and disrupting transport as heatwaves extend across southern Europe. Authorities say the blazes remain active, with thousands displaced and investigations underway into arson in several cases.
Toby Peart, 13, has become one of the first patients in Scotland to undergo brain surgery using a 3D exoscope, enabling surgeons to view with enhanced depth perception. The system is installed at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with outcomes described as promising as Toby recovers and returns to school.
Fleetwood is chasing a maiden Open title at Royal Birkdale as Sam Burns leads with Lucas Herbert and DeChambeau in pursuit. The local favourite has two late bogeys in round three that dashed the dream but remains in contention ahead of Sunday’s final round.
Scottish League Cup group-stage action sees Dundee United upset by Montrose; Ayr United and East Kilbride among winners as St Mirren and others push for early momentum. Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and St Johnstone collect wins; others suffer shocks.
Andy Burnham has won the Labour leadership and is preparing to become Britain’s prime minister, with a government lineup and priorities taking shape as Sir Keir Starmer steps down. The transition is moving quickly, with cabinet appointments and policy promises expected in the coming days.
A UK NHS pathfinder is evaluating rapid, non-invasive tests for endometriosis, aiming to shorten diagnosis times after decades of delays. Reading patient stories highlights the toll of late diagnoses, while research points to a potential blood test. The push arrives as health services seek faster, accessible options for women’s reproductive health.
In a dramatic Open at Royal Birkdale, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns have posted 62s, joining the club of majors record scores. Ryan Fox matches the 62 in the third round to move within striking distance, while Rory McIlroy fights to make the weekend as DeChambeau navigates a penalty controversy and Fleetwood pushes toward the lead.
Castleford Tigers have come from 16 points down to claim a victory over Leeds Rhinos in a high-scoring Super League clash at OneBore Stadium. Maika Sivo starred for Leeds in the first half, but Castleford overturned the deficit to seal a 36-34 win as the game produced 13 tries.
Six foreigners have died after drinking methanol-tainted alcohol at a Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng in November 2024. Laos authorities say autopsies were not conducted, but tests found excessive methanol in vodka linked to the Tiger distillery. Charges have been laid against the distillery owner for illegal business and health-hazard offences, with penalties up to one year in jail and fines. Australia has pressed Laos for tougher charges and justice for the victims, as families express anger at the outcomes.
Andy Burnham is set to become Britain’s prime minister after Keir Starmer’s resignation. A formal handover at Buckingham Palace will precede his oath and a first address from Downing Street, as Labour seeks to steady governance amidst a decade of rapid leadership changes.
The incoming Labour leader has pledged to honour the 2024 manifesto not to issue new North Sea licences, while policymakers, industry groups and Green voices clash over whether Rosebank and Jackdaw should be opened or kept closed. Trump has amplified the debate with charged social posts from downing Street to Aberdeen.
A batch of environmental reports shows birds across the UK and Iran facing threats from habitat loss, war, and conservation efforts. Breeding osprey in Dorset reaches a milestone; Bitterns return to Dorset; curlews in Shropshire are being headstarted; and falcon nests in Iran face challenges amid conflict.
A 20-year-old prisoner, Marwan Jumaa, has absconded from a hospital transfer in Greater Manchester. He is considered a risk to himself and others. Police are appealing for information and warning the public not to approach him as the search continues across multiple localities.
A series of investigative reports have surfaced alleging Morocco used the Pegasus spyware to monitor French officials, including ministers, and that France considered acquiring the software. The disclosures come ahead of a high-level Franco-Moroccan visit focused on security, energy and investment. Rabat denies the claims.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks have clinched the T20 Blast Finals Day title after Sonny Baker’s five-wicket haul, sealing a dramatic win over Hampshire. Ricardo Vasconcelos starred with 88 in the Steelbacks’ 169 all out; Weatherley’s 75 wasn’t enough as Northants defended their total by 14 runs on a pulsating day.
East Midlands Railway has issued a temporary reduced Intercity timetable on the Midland Main Line amid ongoing reliability problems with Hitachi's Class 810 Aurora trains. Hundreds of services are cancelled or shortened, with managers saying the changes aim to restore a more reliable service while Hitachi works on improving performance.
The England men’s Test head coach Brendon McCullum has been removed after a string of defeats and off-field incidents, while Rob Key leads a search for a new head coach. McCullum remains in charge of white-ball teams as the ECB reassesses the red-ball setup amid a flux of captaincy and coaching options.
Spain has secured a second World Cup title with Ferran Torres’s extra-time winner against Argentina, finishing 1-0 in a match defined by Spain’s dominance and Argentina’s discipline issues. Enzo Fernandez’s red card proved pivotal as Spain capitalised on their superior ball control and tactical discipline to seal victory.
Scotland have forged a strong position in the Nations Championship, building momentum with a bonus-point win over Fiji after an intense first half. The side's depth has shone through as substitutes impacted the game, while Fiji showed moments of quality before Scotland finished stronger.
Scottish sides feature in Europa and Conference League draws. Hearts, Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell have updated pathways for European ties after Monday draws in Nyon, with next rounds and potential opponents outlined for each team.
Infantino has steered a record 2026 World Cup across the US, Canada and Mexico, logging extensive travel and attendance figures. The event has drawn praise for scale and unity, while drawing scrutiny over costs, security and geopolitical tensions.
UK Home Office data show a drop in small-boat arrivals this year, with 11,884 migrants arriving Jan–June 2026, down from 19,982 in the same period last year. However, the size of boats has increased and a new France deal is expanding enforcement with mixed results. The broader EU context and casualties abroad complicate the trend.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has moved to replace President Tamás Sulyok after parliament passed a constitutional amendment ending Sulyok’s term. Sulyok has signed the amendment. Magyar has proposed chess grandmaster Judit Polgár as a temporary president and said he will meet her on Monday; parliament, where Tisza holds a two-thirds majority, is expected to confirm the choice.
Thousands of supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party have massed at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and tried to march on parliament today after police removed hunger-striker Sonam Wangchuk to hospital. Security forces have blocked routes, used batons on some protesters and closed nearby metro stations as the movement demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam leaks.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a window dislodgement shortly after takeoff, causing rapid decompression. A Serbian passenger was pulled halfway out of the cabin but was pulled back inside by his wife and fellow passengers. Investigations are under way with multiple authorities involved.
The 2026 World Cup, staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is drawing to a close with an Argentina–Spain final in New Jersey. Closing ceremonies are planned as a marquee event with star performances and a longer halftime, while the final kicks off at 20:00 UK time on July 19, 2026.
The CMA has urged the UK and devolved governments to bolster safeguards for heating oil consumers after a price spike triggered by the Middle East crisis. It finds rising wholesale costs largely explain price increases, but protections for oil users lag those for gas and electricity customers. About 1,700 orders were cancelled with some patients paying up to £350 extra; regulators plan enforcement and compensation for affected customers.
A string of fraud cases involving PPE suppliers and crypto fraudsters has led to convictions and sentences. A PPE gloves scheme involved Jogesh Bhandari and coworkers defrauding hospitals; other cases include rug returns at TJX stores and crypto-officer simulations that stole funds from victims. Sentences range from three to six years with assets recovered.
Scientists have been granted nearly £1m to study movement and breeding grounds of blue shark, porbeagle, and tope with tags, ultrasound, and angler workshops. Findings could update Red List guidance and improve survival rates for released sharks.
Public schools and universities in the region are undergoing formal audits of books and digital resources. Authorities say the reviews aim to remove misleading or unlawful content, while critics warn of growing censorship and threats to academic freedom. The move follows protests and the removal of two books from school libraries earlier this year.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his World Championship lead after winning at Spa-Francorchamps, while George Russell retires on the opening lap after a clash with Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton serves a five-second penalty; Leclerc finishes second and Verstappen third as title race tightens entering the next round.
Sir Garfield Sobers has died at 89 in Barbados. A legendary West Indies all-rounder, Sobers transformed cricket with his batting, bowling and fielding. Tributes describe him as the greatest all-rounder and a symbol of Caribbean excellence.
Bryson DeChambeau has incurred a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his lie at the fifth hole of Royal Birkdale, while Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns share the Open lead after a record-tying second round.
California Rep. Ro Khanna has stated that his delegation was detained by armed Israeli settlers for over an hour while traveling in the West Bank. Israeli forces later dispersed the settlers; Khanna is calling for accountability and an apology if the itinerary was mishandled. Reports from multiple outlets vary on coordination with the Israeli government.
Heatwaves are intensifying as El Niño drives hotter summers. Studies link rising temperatures to increased deaths and strain on infrastructure, prompting cities to expand cooling programs while media imagery shapes urgency.
Argentina faces potential FIFA disciplinary action after players displayed a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' following their 2-1 win over England. The incident has drawn comments from US officials on free speech and from Downing Street urging investigation, with the Falkland Islands' government calling for sanctions in line with FIFA rules. The matter unfolds as Argentina and Spain prepare for the World Cup final.
Ugandan and Kenyan health leaders are pushing for integrated sickle cell care and stronger newborn screening, funded by domestic health authorities. The push aims to reduce poverty, prevent severe complications, and ensure sustainable access to treatment.
Skyroot Aerospace has launched Vikram-1 from Sriharikota, placing payloads into a 450 km orbit in its maiden orbital mission. The privately developed rocket is designed for small satellites and aims to offer a “cab service to space.” The launch signals India's growing private space role and potential new commercial capabilities.