Olivia Beeson

A charter plane carrying two pilots and six passengers crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in western Alaska after departing Anchorage. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center launched a search and rescue mission, while National Transportation Safety Board official Clint Johnson said the available information was preliminary and the occupants’ status was not yet known.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned move back to Britain was announced at 10pm, a timing attributed to UK digital publishing embargoes designed to align major exclusives with late-night broadcasts and the next day’s newspapers. The announcement was reportedly made by The Telegraph and The Sun after print editions had been prepared, allowing the story to lead the overnight news cycle. The couple are expected to remain private, non-working members of the Royal Family without a “half-in-half-out” arrangement. The King was reportedly informed beforehand and welcomed the prospect of seeing more of his family, while the reaction of the Prince and Princess of Wales remains uncertain.

M&Co collapsed into administration after mounting financial difficulties following the pandemic, leaving 1,800 jobs lost and more than £46 million in debt. Reports show that 608 unsecured creditors were owed about £34 million, though they received only a prescribed-part distribution equivalent to 2.32p in the pound. The retailer’s decline was driven by store closures, high inflation, rising costs, weaker consumer spending and more than £12 million in unpaid supplier bills. AK Retail-Holdings, the owner of Yours Clothing, acquired the M&Co brand and online business for £2.5 million. Secured debts to HUK and HSBC were repaid, as was £2.6 million owed to HMRC, while other creditors received little or no recovery.

The Met Office forecasts frequent and locally very heavy showers across 154 UK areas on Thursday, with the heaviest rain expected in northern England, northern and western Wales, and parts of Scotland. Rainfall will be variable and is not expected to resolve drought conditions immediately. Cooler-than-average temperatures are also forecast after the UK’s fifth heatwave of the summer. The weather change comes as Wessex Water imposes its first hosepipe ban in 50 years, while more than 27 million people in England face water-use restrictions.

Morrisons reduced its workforce by 4,912 people in the year to October 2025, including more than 4,200 shop-floor roles. The company attributed the cuts to the closure of its newspaper home-delivery service, restructuring of its retail people team and downsizing of the Rathbones bakery business, while saying stores had no additional redundancy programme. The reductions came as reported net debt rose to £7.52 billion and the supermarket recorded a £629 million pre-tax loss, amid market-share losses to Aldi and Lidl. Morrisons said like-for-like sales grew each quarter, underlying EBITDA remained at £835 million and a turnaround programme was addressing difficult trading conditions.

Wetherspoon has introduced rules across its 792 pubs asking customers to keep phones on silent or use headphones for calls, videos and games. The policy follows complaints about loudspeakers and amplified conversations disturbing other customers. Founder Tim Martin said the rules are intended to preserve the chain’s quiet atmosphere.

A 19-year-old man, Camron Harris, was arrested after allegedly hiding in a Virginia State University dormitory wardrobe following an overnight shooting that wounded five people aged 17 to 23. One victim suffered critical injuries, while a student was released from hospital. Police issued eight felony warrants, including charges of malicious wounding and firearm use during a felony, but have not disclosed a possible motive. The campus lockdown was lifted, although a large police presence remained, and the university said it would provide further safety information and support to students.

A record 262,820 UK 18-year-olds had secured university or college places by A-level results day, up 3% from the previous year, while total successful applicants reached 446,690. UCAS also reported rising international admissions, including an increase in accepted Chinese students, and expected record use of Clearing, with almost 22,700 undergraduate courses available in England. Maths remained the most popular A-level subject and helped drive a third consecutive rise in top grades, but regional disparities widened: 32.7% of London entries achieved A or A* compared with 23.1% in the North East and East Midlands. Tuition fees in England and Wales were also set to rise to £9,790 per year, while government figures suggested nearly 58,000 18-year-olds in England would receive no results because they had left education or training.

A partial solar eclipse visible across the UK can be viewed safely using a colander to project multiple images of the Sun onto a sheet of paper, allowing observers to look away from the Sun. The Royal Astronomical Society and UK Health Security Agency warn that viewing the Sun directly—even during an eclipse or through sunglasses and dark goggles—can cause painless, permanent retinal damage within seconds. Certified eclipse glasses must display ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015. The eclipse is expected to be most pronounced in South West England, with around 95% coverage, and around 90% coverage in London.

Donald Trump allegedly avoided a potential Iranian assassination attempt after the NATO summit in Turkey by being secretly moved in an airport catering cart to a military aircraft bound for the United Kingdom, rather than boarding the older plane he publicly identified. The account, attributed to a senior U.S. official and reports by The New York Times and The Washington Post, has not been confirmed by the White House. The report links the operation to Israeli intelligence warning of an Iranian plot and to renewed U.S.-Iran strikes after a fragile ceasefire collapsed. Trump subsequently said he was Iran's top assassination target and threatened overwhelming U.S. military retaliation if Iran acted.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has permanently closed Kumba, the Florida roller coaster that opened in 1993 and once held records for height, speed, length and vertical-loop size. The ride operated for more than three decades and became a major attraction for thrill seekers despite later losing its records. Busch Gardens plans to replace it with Kumba’s Revenge as part of a $100 million investment, although details of the new attraction have not yet been announced.

A 14-year-old student allegedly carried out a shooting at the Nonthaburi branch of Debsirin School near Bangkok, killing at least six people, including teachers and students, and injuring at least 15 others. Reports on the total number of deaths and injuries conflicted, with earlier accounts citing as many as eight dead and more than 30 injured. Authorities said the suspect died after shooting himself, and the public health minister later stated that the teenager had also killed his grandparents at home using his grandfather’s 9mm handgun. Police recovered 26 spent rounds and additional ammunition from the school, while witnesses described teachers and students suffering gunshot wounds.

The Met Office issued an 11-hour yellow thunderstorm warning for eastern Scotland, while flood alerts were issued across seven Scottish areas and a flood warning was issued for Strath Oykel. Rain is expected to spread across northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but central and southern England are likely to remain relatively dry. The warnings follow a prolonged heatwave and severe dryness, including the driest July on record in southern England, although forecasters say further hot and below-average rainfall spells remain possible in August.

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and other retailers have temporarily removed disposable barbecues from sale because hot, dry weather has increased the risk of wildfires across the UK. The withdrawals follow voluntary guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council and the British Retail Consortium. Labour MP Jon Pearce welcomed retailers’ action but called for the guidance to become mandatory and for the government to consider a wider ban ahead of next summer. Fire services have responded to more than 700 wildfires in England and Wales so far this year.

Jeanine John Taele, 38, was arrested near Donald Trump’s golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after allegedly photographing the site and observing security activity ahead of a Republican National Committee fundraiser. Authorities reportedly found ammunition on him, a loaded pistol and additional ammunition in his car, then discovered more weapons, body armour, high-capacity magazines and notebooks containing concerning statements at his Downey home. He faces suspicion of concealed-firearm and illegal-ammunition offenses and is also being investigated over a nearby robbery. Police said there was no credible threat to the community.

Cannock-based travel agency Jab Travel Ltd is due to hold a creditors’ meeting to consider appointing a liquidator. Its latest accounts show £120,226 falling due within one year, and creditors must submit proofs of debt before the meeting. The report also notes that TS Travels Group Ltd, a West Yorkshire coach operator, entered liquidation after reporting more than £250,000 in debts.

A three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being hit by a van at Red House Farm campsite in Earnley, near Chichester, on Saturday evening. He was airlifted to hospital and remains under treatment. Sussex Police are investigating the circumstances, and no arrests have been made.

Martin Lewis advises credit-card borrowers to consider switching existing debt to a 0% balance-transfer card, which could save about £120 in annual interest on a £1,000 balance and help repay debt faster. HSBC is highlighted with a 36-month 0% period, a 3.09% transfer fee and a limited cashback offer, while Virgin Money is cited with a similar 36-month offer and a 3.1% fee. Eligibility depends on credit checks, transfer restrictions between cards in the same banking group and how quickly the borrower can clear the debt.

Donald Trump says the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. He presents the deal as a major step toward a new Palestinian government, improved Israeli security, and lasting peace, with implementation planned in phases. Israeli forces would withdraw as disarmament progresses, while an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force would assume security responsibilities. Trump credited Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and his negotiating team, while acknowledging that significant work remains after the war, humanitarian crisis, and hostage-taking.

UK temperatures are forecast to fall sharply at the end of the week following highs of around 32C. WXCharts projections suggest some Scottish counties could drop to 3C, with parts of northern England also experiencing notably low temperatures. The UK Health Security Agency’s amber heat-health alert remains in effect until Thursday morning, while the Met Office expects fresher conditions, rain in northern Scotland and temperatures closer to average over the following week.

A major overnight fire severely damaged the roof of St Andrew’s Church on Jarrom Street in Leicester, sending thick smoke across the city and prompting residents to close doors and windows. No casualties were reported, and firefighters rescued a church warden’s coffin ahead of a planned funeral. Road closures temporarily disrupted access to Leicester Royal Infirmary but Jarrom Street later reopened, while hospital services remained operational. The cause was unknown and police and fire investigators began examining the scene.

More than one million UK passports could fail Schengen entry requirements this summer because they either have fewer than three months’ validity remaining or were issued more than 10 years before travel. Britons visiting destinations including France, Greece, Italy and Spain are advised to check both their passport expiry date and issue date, since unused validity transferred during renewals before 2018 may cause passports to breach the EU’s 10-year rule. HM Passport Office data also shows that 2.37 million passports are due to expire during 2026.

Gatwick Airport is expected to launch the UK’s first airport robotic parking service at its South Terminal. Passengers will leave their cars in dedicated garages while robots move them to secure spaces, allowing drivers to retain their keys. The Stanley Robotics service is expected to accommodate about 95% of car models, although vehicles with unusual dimensions or features may require advance checks.

Met Office forecast maps indicate that at least 35 areas across western and northern parts of the UK could experience rain around 1pm on Sunday. The heaviest rainfall is expected in parts of north-east Scotland, while Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, Wales, Devon and Cornwall are also forecast to see wet conditions. Southern and eastern England should remain largely dry, and the Met Office advises residents to monitor updated local forecasts because rainfall timing and intensity may change.

The UK is expected to experience a hot spell from Monday through Friday, with temperatures reaching 35C in Berkshire and 34C in parts of East Anglia, London and East Sussex. Several regions are forecast to exceed 30C for at least four consecutive days, while the Met Office expects temperatures to be above normal and potentially hot in southern areas.

Forecasts indicate UK temperatures may reach 36C at the end of July, exceeding those in much of Greece. Greater London, Surrey, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are projected to be the hottest areas, with other regions also reaching the mid‑30s. The Met Office warns that conditions could become very warm again by early August, potentially triggering an official heatwave. Previous episodes have caused national disruption, and similar impacts are possible if the projected temperatures materialize.

PC Andrew Harper’s mother condemned the potential early release of two men convicted of his manslaughter under the government’s new Sentencing Act, calling it an insult and a slap in the face. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, sentenced to 13 years for their roles in Harper’s 2019 death, may now be eligible for release halfway through their terms, prompting strong criticism from the Police Federation and renewed scrutiny of the early release scheme. The Ministry of Justice defended the measures as necessary to address the prison capacity crisis while assuring that the most dangerous offenders will not qualify. Calls have intensified for the Justice Secretary to reconsider the policy, though the government has declined to confirm any exemptions under review.

Forecasts indicate a late July to early August heatwave in the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching 37C in southern regions and remaining high into mid‑August. London may see highs above 30C, while peak temperatures are expected in Sussex, Gloucestershire, Suffolk and Norfolk. The Met Office warns of likely heat and health alerts and notes the possibility of thunderstorms despite predominantly dry conditions.

Rain and patchy drizzle are expected across parts of the UK, especially in northern Scotland, eastern England, and parts of Northern Ireland, while southern areas will remain mostly dry with warmer temperatures reaching up to 26C. Northerly winds will bring cloud and scattered showers, though high pressure is expected to limit widespread rainfall through the week. Twelve regions are listed as likely to see rain, mostly in northern areas, with conditions potentially becoming more unsettled toward the end of July.

Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami following a UK-led investigation that resulted in 38 new sexual offence–related charges, bringing the total accusations to 59 across both brothers. UK police and the Crown Prosecution Service are pursuing charges including rape, trafficking for sexual exploitation and offences involving indecent images, spanning conduct alleged between 2010 and 2017. The CPS has requested their extradition to the UK while they continue to face legal proceedings in Romania. Authorities urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues.

A 33-year-old woman from Tonypandy received a five‑and‑a‑half‑year prison sentence at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after admitting involvement in cocaine and crack cocaine supply and possession of criminal property. Police linked her phone to a drug line operating in the Rhondda and found cash and white powder, including drugs hidden in a Kinder Egg, during searches of her home and car. Officers stressed the wider harm caused by illegal drugs and pledged continued action against regional drug lines.

Construction teams completed the main shielding of the second undersea tunnel of Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao, advancing a project that includes 3,258 metres of newly dug tunnel and uses a large-diameter slurry balance shield machine designed to manage high water pressure and geological faults. Project managers highlighted innovations that reduce slag issues and cutter wear while ensuring tunnel integrity. With 70 percent of the work finished, the full 17.48‑kilometre tunnel—nearly 10 kilometres of which runs undersea—remains on schedule for completion in 2028, improving travel between Qingdao’s urban area and Huangdao District.

Secret Garden Distillery in Midlothian has entered voluntary liquidation after nearly a decade of producing award‑winning Scottish gins. Business advisory group Opus Restructuring LLP has been appointed as joint liquidators, with filings indicating a formal winding‑up resolution earlier in July. Founded by Hamish Martin and expanded from a herb garden venture, the distillery attracted around 20,000 annual visitors and earned multiple major spirits awards. The reasons for its collapse remain unclear, though a public notice confirms the company has ceased trading.

Tesco confirmed its Express stores in England will maintain normal Sunday hours after England’s loss to Argentina ended plans for an early 7:30pm closure ahead of a potential World Cup final. The supermarket had intended to shut early to allow staff to watch the match but will now operate until usual closing times of 10pm or 11pm. Stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland remain unchanged, and existing online orders and Whoosh deliveries will continue as scheduled.

Health authorities are investigating a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis across 34 U.S. states, with nearly 7,000 suspected cases and over 1,600 confirmed. Michigan has reported the highest case numbers, with dozens hospitalized. Lettuce or salad greens are considered a likely source, though no specific supplier has been identified. The CDC and FDA are conducting investigations, and Americans are urged to avoid lettuce pending confirmation. Taco Bell has temporarily removed some ingredients as a precaution, though no link to the chain has been established.

Co‑op is adding 33 East Anglia stores to its online delivery network through a new partnership with Uber Eats supported by Snappy Technologies’ OA platform, increasing convenience and flexibility for local shoppers and expanding the retailer’s digital reach.

Severe storms have repeatedly damaged the Devon village of Torcross, threatening its survival and destroying parts of the A379 road. The Environment Agency has approved a £19.8 million plan to reinforce sea defences with tens of thousands of tonnes of rock, though residents fear the work may not be completed before further storms. Repairs to Slapton Line remain unfunded, leaving transport links strained. Officials describe the scheme as a temporary measure to buy time while long-term solutions are evaluated.

Post Office branches across the UK will receive major upgrades under the new Post Office Plus model, offering in‑person services through partners including Utility Warehouse, Octopus Legacy and the Good Things Foundation. Leaders describe the initiative as an important step in supporting the high street and meeting demand for face‑to‑face assistance after hundreds of branch closures in 2025. The first upgraded locations will open in Derby and Barnsley, with additional concept stores planned later in the year.

Light rain and overcast conditions are expected in several UK counties, offering brief relief from an ongoing heatwave that continues to drive high wildfire risk. The Met Office forecasts limited showers across parts of eastern England, the Midlands and Scotland, while warning that high temperatures will persist. Fire services in Derbyshire, East Sussex and West Sussex have been tackling multiple moorland and open-land fires amid very high to exceptional wildfire danger levels. Record-breaking heat has made 2026 the first year to reach 35C on six separate days and to exceed that threshold across three different months.

Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection shortly after a phone call with Donald Trump, following what was described as a brief and sudden illness. His relationship with Trump, once contentious, had evolved into a close alliance, and tributes were issued by Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement before a special primary determines the next nominee for the upcoming Senate election.

Forecasts indicate that the UK's current heatwave will end abruptly as temperatures drop to as low as 7C across several regions, including Scotland, Wales and northern England. WXCharts maps show steep declines particularly in the south, Midlands and Yorkshire. Conditions may remain cool for days, with the Met Office warning of potential thunderstorms, wet weather and increased low-pressure systems toward the end of the month.

Martin Lewis advises UK households to open a temporary bank account to take advantage of generous switching incentives, noting that eight banks currently offer rewards of £175 or more. He explains that the seven‑day switching service handles the transition automatically, though subscriptions must be updated manually. Lewis warns that switching may briefly affect creditworthiness and should be avoided shortly before major financial applications. Several banks, including HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and others, currently offer bonuses ranging from £175 to £220, with premium accounts offering even higher rewards for high‑income customers.

Police charged a 56‑year‑old man with incitement to hatred after a replica mosque and anti‑immigration signs were placed on a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. The bonfire was lit early, preventing police from removing the material as evidence. Authorities condemned the display as a hate‑motivated crime, noting similar controversy at the site in previous years. Investigations continue, and the man is set to appear before Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

Riot police were deployed to Edgware Road in northwest London after large crowds gathered following Morocco’s 2-0 World Cup defeat to France. Footage showed fireworks, flares, traffic disruption and clashes between supporters and officers. One officer was injured and several arrests were made as police worked to disperse the crowds.

Morrisons is expanding its partnership with Quadient to install parcel lockers in 500 stores, allowing customers to collect and return parcels while shopping. The lockers support multiple carriers and additional services such as click-and-collect and prescription pickup. Quadient reports strong consumer preference for supermarket-based lockers and plans to expand its global locker network significantly by 2030.

Authorities in Hamden, Ohio found 16 children living in extreme neglect, confined to a single room and unseen by neighbors for years. Four family members, including parents and grandparents, were arrested and charged with child endangerment, all pleading not guilty. Several children were hospitalized, and officials reported that some were unable to speak or write. The investigation began during a separate police inquiry that also led to unrelated indecent exposure charges against Gary Siders Jr. The home has since been boarded up as officials continue examining the family’s history and potential prior interactions with child services.

Sixteen children kept in squalid conditions in a small, waste-filled structure in Hamden, Ohio, were rescued by the Vinton County Sheriff's Office, leading to the arrest of four adults from the Siders family on multiple felony child endangerment charges. Authorities reported severe physical and developmental harm among the victims, with several requiring hospitalization and one in critical condition. Officials stated the suspects had moved frequently to avoid government records, and prosecutors vowed to pursue maximum penalties while ensuring the children receive necessary care.

Weather models indicate the UK is likely to face another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 39C in London and other parts of southern England. The Met Office reports building high pressure that will bring very warm conditions, while the UK Health Security Agency has issued a heat warning due to expected strain on health and social care services. Several regions across England and the Midlands are forecast to experience extreme temperatures between July 4 and 8, with further records possible following recent historic highs.

A newborn baby was found dead in a portable toilet at the Electric Forest festival in Michigan, prompting police to open a homicide investigation. Authorities believe the infant was born alive at the site, with an autopsy pending and no suspects identified. Michigan State Police appealed for public assistance and cautioned against online speculation. Festival attendees reported encountering a heavy police presence, and some shared troubling accounts of discovering or overlooking the baby. Electric Forest issued a statement expressing heartbreak, though the festival later drew criticism for celebratory messaging at the event’s close. The incident occurred amid other tragedies linked to the festival, including a car crash, a missing person case and a confirmed suicide.

Drivers are advised to inspect tyres ahead of an expected heatwave, as rising temperatures increase the risk of blowouts. Guidance includes checking for damage, maintaining correct pressure and tread depth, avoiding vehicle overloading and taking breaks every two hours to prevent overheating. Davanti Tyres CEO Peter Cross warns that heat expansion raises tyre pressure, potentially compromising grip and braking performance.

Millions of UK households without smart meters are urged to submit meter readings before new energy prices take effect on July 1, with Ofgem’s updated price cap raising annual bills by £221. Rising wholesale costs linked to Middle East tensions are driving the increase, and experts warn that despite stabilisation, prices will remain high through winter. Government officials highlight existing support measures, including bill reductions and an expanded Warm Home Discount, while uncertainty remains about additional winter assistance. Forecasts suggest only minimal price relief in October, leaving many households facing financial strain as energy use rises.

A three-year-old boy was rescued alive six days after a powerful earthquake struck Venezuela, prompting celebrations from the Jordanian team that found him. Identified as Klieber Morán, he was treated and taken to a Caracas hospital with stable vital signs. Officials highlighted the rescue as a rare moment of hope amid a rising death toll of 1,943 and more than 10,000 injuries. Tens of thousands remain unaccounted for as domestic and international crews continue search operations. UN agencies report widespread shortages, collapsed services and growing tensions in hard‑hit regions like La Guaira, while the WHO warns of heightened disease risks. International aid, including a major UN shipment, has begun arriving as aftershocks continue to affect the country.

Tesco, Lidl and Brady Family ham products were recalled in the UK and Ireland due to possible listeria contamination, with affected batches carrying a July 16 use‑by date. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland issued warnings advising consumers not to eat the products and to dispose of them. Health guidance highlights common symptoms of listeria infection and notes increased risks for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

A makeshift bomb explosion in Monaco injured three people and triggered a cross‑border manhunt after CCTV captured a suspect fleeing on foot. Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev and his wife were among the victims, with two people in critical condition. Authorities described the event as a deliberate explosion and deployed significant police resources, tracking the suspect into France via surveillance footage. Local officials and residents reported shock as investigations continued into what Monaco’s government called a malicious act.

Forecast temperatures of up to 41C are expected to strain the UK’s energy grid, raising the risk of widespread power cuts. Recent heat-related outages in London and Somerset prompted warnings that rising demand and heat‑related equipment failures could create further disruptions. Experts caution that high temperatures may cause transformers to fail, power lines to sag and potentially spark fires, with repairs slowed by extreme heat. Authorities advise residents to prepare for potential blackouts and assist vulnerable individuals.

Dubbo Airport in New South Wales was evacuated after a bomb threat was made against an incoming Qantas flight. All 74 passengers and crew disembarked safely while emergency services and New South Wales Police investigated. The terminal was temporarily closed with police maintaining barricades. Qantas stated that flights later resumed and thanked passengers for cooperating. Authorities confirmed there was no immediate risk to public safety as monitoring continued.

Archaeologists recovered 22 large stone blocks from the submerged remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, part of a multinational effort to digitally reconstruct the ancient structure. The Pharos Project, involving CNRS, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Dassault Systèmes Foundation, will use photogrammetry to create a detailed 3D model incorporating architectural fragments and historical sources. The work aims to produce the most accurate digital representation of the lighthouse, once one of the tallest structures in the world and a major navigational landmark before its destruction in 1303.