Aneesa Ahmed

Thousands of fans gathered in Mumbles, Swansea, as Bonnie Tyler’s coffin was taken to her former home ahead of her funeral. Draped in the Welsh flag, the coffin was accompanied by flowers, applause and a crowd rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Tyler, whose real name was Gaynor Sullivan, died in Portugal on 8 July aged 75. Fans travelled from across the UK and as far as Austria to honour her music and Welsh roots. A public screening will accompany her invitation-only service at Swansea Minster, followed by a private family gathering.

Jason Arday, a former University of Cambridge professor, was found dead at his south London home and his death was treated by police as unexpected but not suspicious. Political leaders, academics and friends offered tributes, with Andy Burnham urging reflection and Sadiq Khan condemning what he described as public abuse and shaming. Arday had resigned after plagiarism allegations he denied; a Liverpool John Moores University review nevertheless upheld his PhD. Supporters argued that the scrutiny reflected racism and a broader backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion, while others questioned his appointment and aspects of his personal history. More than £20,000 was raised for his family.

The US and Iran exchanged further strikes after an attack on a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing the other of violating a ceasefire and undermining negotiations. Donald Trump threatened that Iran could cease to exist if the US were forced to complete its military campaign, while JD Vance said the US would benefit whether or not a final deal was reached. Iran then launched missiles and drones at US-linked sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting regional condemnation and warnings of escalation. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called for a regional security framework and warned that challenges to Tehran’s control over maritime traffic in Hormuz would increase tensions. Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon also continued despite a recently signed framework agreement.

The United States carried out roughly 90 minutes of airstrikes against Iranian missile, drone-storage and coastal radar sites after Iran attacked the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz. JD Vance said the US had honored a ceasefire and warned that “violence will be met with violence,” while Iran’s deputy foreign minister argued that ships must coordinate with Iranian authorities under the existing memorandum of understanding. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps promised a swift response. The live coverage also reported a US-brokered framework involving Israel and Lebanon intended to dismantle Hezbollah and restore Lebanese government control, alongside domestic developments including Texas requiring Bible passages in public-school reading, criticism of Trump’s attacks on New York’s democratic socialists, a false child-welfare allegation against Pete Buttigieg’s family, a federal review of California’s coastal-management program, and the cancellation of a Trump-linked national celebration concert because of rain.

A severe heatwave continued across Europe, with the UK provisionally recording 37.3°C at Santon Downham, breaking the June temperature record for the third consecutive day. Red heat warnings remained in parts of England and Wales, while hospitals, schools, transport systems and energy supplies faced mounting pressure. Ozone levels exceeded World Health Organization safety thresholds at many UK monitoring sites, and Spain reported 327 heat-related deaths since Sunday. The heat shifted eastward, with temperatures forecast to reach 39–41°C across parts of the Balkans, Germany and Poland, where low rainfall had sharply increased wildfire risks. France postponed Paris Pride, Belgium cancelled a Waterloo battle reenactment, and Italian cultural and judicial institutions restricted access. Experts attributed the intensity of the heatwave unequivocally to human-caused climate change and warned that vulnerable people, women and low-income families were bearing the greatest burden, while the episode exposed broader risks to public health, infrastructure, energy systems and the economy.

A devastating pair of earthquakes in northern Venezuela killed 589 people and injured 2,980, according to acting president Delcy Rodríguez, though other officials reported higher injury figures. La Guaira suffered the worst damage, with more than 100 buildings collapsing and thousands of people displaced. Search efforts continued amid fears that many remained trapped, as rescue teams and humanitarian supplies arrived from at least 17 countries. The United States temporarily eased sanctions to permit earthquake-relief transactions and pledged $150 million in aid, while China and numerous other governments offered assistance. Venezuela lifted social-media restrictions to support searches for missing people, and Amnesty International urged that humanitarian relief be delivered alongside stronger protections for press freedom and human rights.

Israel and Hezbollah reportedly agreed to renew a ceasefire in Lebanon at 4pm local time, after Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people and wounded 97, while the Israeli military said it would continue operating in southern Lebanon until given different orders. Donald Trump said he urged Israel to “calm down” and accept the truce. The escalation led to the cancellation of planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland, raising uncertainty over negotiations intended to implement a provisional peace agreement and address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, called a comprehensive ceasefire essential to further talks with Washington, while the US pressed for Hezbollah’s disarmament. The report also covers EU consideration of trade measures over illegal West Bank settlements, Iran’s position on nuclear inspections, and Barack Obama’s criticism of the war and Trump’s agreement with Tehran.

Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with 55% of the vote and a majority of 9,231, defeating Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon and returning to Westminster after nine years as Greater Manchester mayor. Burnham called the result a “last chance” to change Britain and proposed a new national political direction, prompting growing demands from his allies and some Labour figures for Keir Starmer to step aside. Starmer rejected the idea of leaving office, saying he would contest any Labour leadership election and arguing that Reform UK had reached its peak. The results also included a Conservative victory in Aberdeen South, attributed partly to anger over North Sea oil policy, while the SNP retained Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. Labour must now select candidates for both the national leadership contest and the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election that will follow Burnham’s departure.

Donald Trump said the US expects a complete ceasefire across the Middle East, including between Israel and Hezbollah, after the US and Iran signed an agreement to end their conflict. JD Vance said a 60-day period for negotiating a final accord had begun, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the US would resume military action and blockade Iran if it failed to comply. Despite the agreement, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed three people and Hezbollah said it was fighting Israeli forces. The US ended its Strait of Hormuz blockade, allowing ships to pass, while Pakistan cancelled a planned signing ceremony because the memorandum had already been signed remotely. Iran’s leadership authorized the deal with reservations, and reports suggested Tehran may permit IAEA inspections. Relations between Israel and the EU deteriorated after Israel’s foreign minister cut contact with EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas over alleged apartheid comparisons, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the importance of preserving close ties with Washington.

Parkrun has reached its millionth event since being founded in Bushy Park in 2004, growing from 13 runners and five volunteers to 2,800 locations worldwide and more than 12 million registered participants. The free, volunteer-run 5km events emphasize community, accessibility and routine rather than competition, attracting beginners, walkers and people from lower socioeconomic groups. Parkrun is increasingly used in public-health and rehabilitation programmes, including social prescribing through more than 2,100 UK GP surgeries and events in prisons. The charity aims to expand participation among inactive people, ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities.

Donald Trump said the US was cancelling planned airstrikes on Iran after claiming Tehran’s leadership had approved a peace agreement that could be signed in Europe within days. Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the suggestion that a final decision had been made, saying negotiations remained unresolved and that Tehran would not compromise on its red lines. Israel said it was not party to the emerging memorandum but welcomed assurances that any final deal would restrict Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and support for regional proxies. Hopes of an agreement sent oil prices to two-month lows and boosted Asian stock markets, while tensions continued in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran stopped a tanker and US forces reportedly downed two Iranian drones. The conflict also caused casualties in Lebanon, drew an Indian protest over the deaths of three seafarers, and prompted the World Bank to lower its global growth forecast.

Dan Jarvis has been appointed defence secretary after John Healey resigned, arguing that the government’s proposed defence spending increase was inadequate and could leave Britain less safe. Armed forces minister Al Carns also quit, accusing ministers of failing to provide military personnel with the equipment and support they need. Keir Starmer defended the plan as a sustainable, unprecedented increase in defence spending, while former general Richard Barrons and other commentators said the government was moving backwards. The live coverage also reports criticism of Kemi Badenoch over her stance on a possible minority Reform UK government, continuing anti-immigration unrest in Northern Ireland and Scotland, the emptying of the Bell Hotel in Epping, and new government targets and investment for walking and cycling.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the June 2025 Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, is demanding honesty, transparency and answers as the anniversary approaches. He says he continues to suffer significant psychological and emotional trauma, grief over his brother’s death and financial hardship, and has been unable to return to work normally. Investigators have yet to publish their final findings, although a preliminary report said both fuel switches moved to the cut-off position shortly after take-off. Ramesh’s representatives say meetings with Air India and Tata Group have made some progress, but important issues remain unresolved and civil claims are being considered. They also criticized the UK government for a lack of direct contact and tailored support for affected families.

Annabel Rook’s parents paid tribute to her altruism and lifelong commitment to helping others after Clifton George was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 23 years, for murdering her in her Stoke Newington home. George stabbed Rook 31 times and started a basement fire after she ended their relationship and asked him to leave. Evidence at trial portrayed him as an aggressive, controlling and abusive partner. Rook’s family emphasized the heightened danger during relationship separation and urged victims of domestic abuse to reach safety. They also want her legacy to continue through MamaSuze, which supports refugee women, and her other community and arts initiatives.

The Guardian’s live coverage reports that Donald Trump nominated his former personal lawyer Todd Blanche to become permanent US attorney general. Senator Adam Schiff urged the Senate to reject Blanche, arguing that he has continued acting as Trump’s personal defender while overseeing controversial Justice Department actions, including cases against James Comey, proposed IRS exemptions for Trump and his family, and an anti-weaponization compensation fund. Republican senator Chuck Grassley praised Blanche as qualified, though Senate leaders acknowledged the confirmation is not certain. The live blog also covers Trump’s claims about achieving victory in the Iran war, legal and immigration actions by his administration, election-related misinformation linked to Kalshi and Polymarket influencers, Nithya Raman’s advance to the Los Angeles mayoral runoff, Bernie Sanders’s opposition to Trump and support for Graham Platner, and a hostile reception for Trump at Madison Square Garden.

Israel and Iran halted a new round of attacks after Donald Trump pressed both sides to stop fighting, though Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond forcefully to any future Iranian strike. Trump reportedly threatened to withdraw US support if Netanyahu continued escalating. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he would not meet Netanyahu before a deal ends the war, favoring a non-aggression or security agreement over a separate peace treaty. The renewed violence included Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Iran, Iranian missile attacks on Israel, and reported Houthi activity from Yemen. Israeli strikes damaged the archaeological site at Tyre and wounded four Lebanese Red Cross paramedics. Israel also agreed to gradually reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing to Gaza after humanitarian groups condemned the closure of aid routes.

Clifton George, 45, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of murdering his partner Annabel Rook, 46, after she attempted to end their 10-year relationship. Prosecutors said George punched and strangled Rook before stabbing her at least 22 times, including through the heart, and then caused a propane gas explosion that severely damaged their Stoke Newington home and a neighbouring property. The jury rejected his claim of loss of self-control, with the trial presenting evidence of a pattern of abuse and angry outbursts. George remains in custody and is due to be sentenced on 9 June.

Former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson, who performed under the name Ross William Wild, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to 14 years in prison for two rapes, an attempted rape, three sexual assaults and two voyeurism offences against six women between 2013 and 2019. Prosecutors said some assaults were filmed and involved women who were asleep and unaware. Davidson claimed the encounters were consensual but was convicted across two trials. The judge said he had abused the women’s trust and treated them without respect. Five victims attended the sentencing and urged others affected by sexual violence to seek support. Defense counsel cited undiagnosed ADHD, drug and alcohol use, remorse and improvements in prison as mitigating factors.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Mark Rowley accused Green Party leader Zack Polanski of sharing inaccurate and misinformed criticism of officers who arrested a 45-year-old suspect after two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green. Rowley said Polanski’s intervention could have a chilling effect on officers and urged political and community leaders to show solidarity with police and confront antisemitism. The Green Party said Polanski had not seen the full picture and wanted more information about the response, while reiterating its condemnation of the attack.

Stephen Fry is seeking up to £100,000 in damages from CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events after falling from an inadequately protected stage at the CogX festival in London in September 2023. He suffered fractures to his hip, leg, pelvis and ribs. Court documents allege negligence and breach of statutory duty over stage and backstage safety. CogX declined to comment while proceedings continue, while Blonstein Events says it has not been formally served and denies responsibility. Fry has praised the NHS and Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his treatment.