Ceremonial county in North West England, bordered by Cumbria, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside.
Police say nine men are charged in a long-running operation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales, with offences dating back to 1985–1996. Victims were children; the defendants are due at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Bob MacIntyre ends the Open with a two-over week, after opening with 67 and 69 but posting weekend rounds of 71s, leaving him a shot behind the leaders. He has admitted to temper issues and accepts warnings as part of his game, with Cameron Young leading after a 64.
The government has announced £132.5m to fund after-school clubs and enrichment activities in schools, aiming to broaden access to music, engineering, debating and sports. Ofsted will weigh a school’s enrichment offer in personal development assessments, and the move responds to loneliness among digitally connected youth. Online-safety restrictions for under-16s are expected soon, with discussions around an Australian-style ban.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.
A collision between two East Midlands Railway trains near Bedford has left one driver dead and more than 100 people injured. RAIB is investigating after a stationary train unexpectedly braked due to a fault in its AWS system, and a second train failed to stop, colliding at Elstow. Disruption is expected on the Midland Main Line as engineers work to recover the scene.
Energy bills for millions in England, Scotland and Wales have risen by 13% due to higher gas costs amid tensions in the Middle East. Regulators warn the impact will persist into winter, with calls for targeted support and possible social tariffs.
Two men, William Hutchinson and Stuart Tallis, were found inside a blue Peugeot 106 off the A584 Preston New Road in Newton-with-Clifton, near Preston. Police believe they are the missing men; investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Sizewell B will continue generating electricity until 2055 after a 20-year life extension, with a contract for difference guaranteeing 370.50 per megawatt-hour from 2035. The move aims to shield billpayers and secure thousands of jobs and clean power, while backing new nuclear projects.
A cross-border crackdown on county lines has led to multiple seizures, arrests and safeguarding actions as authorities target recruitment of vulnerable youths and drug distribution networks in Merseyside and across the UK.
The annual UK climate report shows that 2025 was the warmest year on record, with a shift of warmer conditions moving north and uphill. Days over 30C and nights over 18C have quadrupled in London, while rainfall fell sharply and droughts became more common. Authorities warn that extreme heat, sea levels, and water shortages will shape policy and daily life ahead.
The New York Times and The Scotsman publish evolving restaurant lists, highlighting standout eateries across cities and regions. The coverage notes shifting trends toward casual dining, authentic regional specialties, and the balance between value and quality. Readers are guided through top picks and changing lineups as venues open and close.
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.
Ayrshire golfer has secured a second Open appearance after final qualifying at Dundonald Links. He has decided to pursue PGA qualification and is aiming to compete again at The Open, even as he prepares to return to PGA training. The Open week at Royal Birkdale has brought him personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
Northern leaders are steering a push for investment and culture to rejuvenate the region, with Andy Burnham’s influence and a revived civic approach guiding new projects like local food festivals and arts hubs. The pieces highlight Todmorden and Ouseburn as exemplars of a broader northern renaissance in outdoor spaces, culture and community cohesion.
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.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau thrill fans as their third/fourth rounds unfold at the Open, delivering powerful drives, bold play and near misses. Fleetwood and Burns also contribute, leaving the leaderboard tight and the drama high as the weekend approaches.