Ceremonial county in North West England
A wave of workers-turned-entrepreneurs is reshaping how success is defined. From two-market families to flexible careers, individuals are stepping away from relentless hustle toward autonomy, personal boundaries, and wellbeing. The changes are driven by motherhood, burnout, and the search for meaningful work.
Police have charged eight men in connection with a long-running investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales. The defendants, aged 54 to 73, face multiple rape and associated offences dating from 1985 to 1996. They are due before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Ryan Fox has won The Open at Royal Birkdale, finishing ten under par to secure his first Open title and New Zealand’s fourth major. The victory comes on the back of a swift final round, with Fox finishing birdie-birdie to seal victory as conditions tested players on a sunlit, windy Southport course.
A wedding in Ormskirk was saved when two local restaurants stepped in after the caterers failed to show up. The couple, Kate and Matt Dean, organised a last‑minute shift, with Piri Piri Grill and Scoozi Pizza and Pasta feeding 100 guests at Lost and Found Ormskirk while staff supported the couple and their guests throughout the day.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has welcomed two new African lion cubs born to Zamaya on July 4, while keepers monitor their health behind the scenes. The birth underscores ongoing conservation work for the species, with public debut planned after vaccines are complete and the cubs join the pride in a larger 13-acre African Adventure habitat.
Hulls and Woad post solid rounds in challenging conditions on the Lancashire coast to stay within reach of Ryu Hae Ran, who is closing in on a third straight major title. Other leaders include Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda and Shiho Kuwaki.
Canadian 17-year-old Anna Huang has won the Centurion Club event, while Charley Hull finishes runner-up after a late collapse. Hull’s surge and Huang’s finish mark a dramatic conclusion to the tournament at Centurion Club, with Lydia Hall in the mix.
Four separate fatalities have claimed lives in the UK: a car crash in Huyton, a pedestrian collision in Lancashire, and two condolence-focused tributes in Wirral and Huyton. Investigations are underway as families honour loved ones and communities rally.
Five Palestine Action activists convicted of criminal damage at a Barclays branch in Burnley in August 2024 face possible terrorist sentencing after the judge considers a “terrorist connection” to the offence. The development follows Woolwich and Bristol cases where such a connection was recognised.
Bill Oddie, the Goodies star and longtime wildlife presenter, has died aged 85. His agent says he was a multi-talented figure who championed conservation, with Springwatch and Birding with Bill Oddie among his notable programs. He faced battles with mental health throughout his life.
Fringe performers from The Scotsman, Guardian and Independent discuss their journeys, challenges and upcoming Edinburgh shows, offering a window into the festival’s evolving landscape.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has executed warrants across Bolton, Burnley, Liverpool, London and Swansea, seizing devices and documents as part of a crackdown on firms behind mass text messages about car finance mis-selling. Regulators say more than 12 million complaints have been logged since September 2025, with up to 100,000 reports daily.
Chief Constable Chris Noble has resigned just before a misconduct hearing, with a panel ruling the allegations proven but reporting restrictions apply. Becky Riggs remains acting chief constable as oversight calls intensify around police leadership selection.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a pygmy hippo calf born on July 31 to Gloria and Otto. The gender is pending health checks; the calf is bonding with its mother in private, away from public view, while keepers monitor its early development.
A round of legal actions crosses borders: a Jordanian activist faces renewed legal pressure after an extradition attempt; Egyptian and UK cases involve drugs, fraud and abuse of position. The DOE and international agencies are coordinating to pursue accountability in several high-profile cases.
Robert Bush has been jailed for 20 years at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to 67 offences linked to Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. Police uncovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes stored in deplorable conditions, with victims recounting misidentified ashes, fraud, and fake funeral plans. The case has spurred calls for tighter regulation of the UK funeral industry.
A UK study across 18 cities shows a rise in e-scooter-related injuries among under-16s and adults, with limb, head and facial injuries most common. Helmet use remains very low. Researchers urge clearer public health messaging and tighter private-e-scooter regulations as trials continue.
The England Lions head coach has stepped away as he prepares to take up a head coach role with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. The move ends his 23-month tenure with the Lions, during which he helped develop a new generation of players and oversee England’s white-ball work. England’s performance director praises his impact and notes plans to grow coaching opportunities.
The UK has endured a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures pushing into the mid-30s in parts of England and Wales. Health alerts remain in place as drought conditions deepen, with millions under hosepipe bans and reservoirs running low. Forecasters warn the heat could sustain into the week, while authorities prepare extreme heat measures and monitor infrastructure strain.
The Hundred has undergone a branding revamp under private ownership, with teams rebranded to IPL-style identities. Attendance has stagnated this season despite record investment, and executives say bold branding is essential to attract new fans while navigating ongoing financial strains and market adjustments.
England endures a fourth heatwave this summer, with drought conditions expanding across the country. Hosepipe bans are in place or expanding, reservoirs remain low, and experts warn that only sustained rainfall will ease the strain on water resources and wildlife.
A government-wide crackdown on illegal waste dumping is expanding, with new powers to seize assets, higher fines, and regional enforcement to tackle organised waste crime that has blighted communities across England. The effort follows a BBC investigation identifying several supersites and a rising tide of waste crimes.
e.l.f. Cosmetics is expanding its pickle-flavored Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm line with new shades and a plumping formula, following the viral success of the original pickle balm. The range includes Real Dill, von Dill, and Spicy Lil’ Dill, plus the Briny Blender sponge. The campaign rides the pickle trend while offering easy, wearable color through Sheer For It Blush Tint and Main Stain Lip Marker. Discounts and special promos accompany recent launches.
A judge has ruled that five Palestine Action activists convicted of criminal damage to a Burnley Barclays branch in August 2024 will not face terrorism sentencing provisions. The group has said they damaged windows and threw red paint to protest Barclays' past shareholdings in Elbit Systems. The defendants will be sentenced on 4 September.
A roundup of UK travel features highlights scenic routes, coastlines and towns from multiple outlets, focusing on accessible nature, iconic landscapes and local culture. The pieces span Gleneagles in Scotland, Lake District gems, Edinburgh’s outdoor scene, and Shetland’s northern beauty.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has fined Elderly Aids Limited (EAL) for making nearly 760,000 cold calls to TPS-listed individuals to sell call-blocking devices. The firm faced an enforcement notice and may face further action if the fine is unpaid. Calls continued during investigation; the company also attempted to strike itself off Companies House.
UK drought conditions persist despite a spell of heavy rain. Morecambe records 52.5mm in 24 hours, a third of the region’s rainfall for June–mid-August. Reservoirs sit at 62.6% capacity as the National Drought Group urges continued vigilance and a longer period of sustained rainfall.
Inditex’s Lefties opens its first UK store in Liverpool, featuring robotics to sort clothes and a new online-first proposition. The move, part of a broader UK expansion, targets a budget-conscious segment and faces competition from Primark, Shein and others. The retailer plans more UK outlets based on early performance.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.
A van was struck by a train at a level crossing in Burscough, Lancashire. The driver died at the scene. Two train passengers suffered minor injuries as emergency services responded. Trains are disrupted with lines blocked between Wigan Wallgate and Southport, and buses are replacing some services.
England expands a seven-minute cholesterol test to 100 pharmacies as part of a national push to spot heart-disease risk early. Patients aged 40-84 without recent tests can get a fingertip cholesterol reading, a blood pressure check, and tailored lifestyle advice. Early detection aims to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and NHS pressure.
Big changes to England and Wales’ criminal justice system are moving forward as overcrowding drives policy decisions. Government plans to accelerate prison construction and expand early release schemes have been revised after public backlash and safety concerns. Officials are also deporting foreign prisoners and reviewing IPP sentences to free up space, with new measures to monitor released prisoners.
Police are investigating the theft of around 800 barrels of Guinness valued at about £205,000 from an industrial estate in Runcorn. Trailers connected to two HGVs were used, with both drivers yet to be identified. Dashcam footage and witness accounts are being sought to recover the barrels and complete the investigation.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
Prison governors are weighing plans to install a second bed in rapid deployment cells across multiple facilities to cope with overcrowding. Leaked emails show officials argue for rapid capacity gains, while officials warn this could breach health and safety rules and risk safety.
Residents near the AGC Chemicals site in Thornton-Cleveleys have shown elevated PFAS levels, especially PFOA, in blood tests. Authorities warn that tests cannot predict individual health outcomes, while calls for more research and clearer guidance intensify as investigations continue.
A Guardian Country Diary entry notes rosemary beetles spreading in UK herb borders amid warmer autumns, threatening rosemary, lavender and other Lamiaceae. RHS monitors sightings and urges hand-picking where possible as the invasive species establishes in the UK.
The Ministry of Defence has raised concerns about the Hope Moor onshore wind project in County Durham, warning it could hinder aircraft detection within a RAF Low Flying Area. The plan is among several wind farms objected to on national security grounds, as the government weighs onshore wind expansion against radar integrity and peat soil risks.