Mosque effigy on loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland condemned as ‘vile’ 09. July 2026 (14:12) Amnesty says pyre to be burned on Friday in Moygashel is ‘blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred’A loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland featuring an effigy of a mosque has been condemned as an incitement to hatred.The effigy sits atop a tower of pallets that is to be burned on Friday night in the County Tyrone village of Moygashel as part of wider loyalist commemorations. Placards beneath the display read “secure our borders” and “end the threat of radical Islam”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US and Iran trade most intense strikes since ceasefire extended 09. July 2026 (13:39) At least 14 people killed in Iran in overnight attacks as Trump declares the agreement ‘over’Middle East crisis live – latest updatesThe US launched airstrikes against Iran overnight, killing at least 14 people, while Tehran responded by hitting Gulf countries in the most intense exchange of fire since a shaky ceasefire was extended last month.The tit-for-tat strikes on Thursday were the largest since Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June aimed at extending the ceasefire and giving space for negotiations for a permanent truce. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brian Potter, British songwriter behind hits for Glen Campbell, Take That and more, dies aged 87 09. July 2026 (13:20) Versatile Essex-born hitmaker known for Rhinestone Cowboy, It Only Takes a Minute and many more had been living with Alzheimer’s diseaseBrian Potter, one of the most versatile and successful British producers and songwriters of his generation, has died aged 87. He had been living with Alzheimer’s disease in recent years, his daughter told Billboard.Working with American songwriting partner Dennis Lambert, the Essex-born Potter was behind an astounding array of 1970s hits spanning pop, soul, soft rock, country and beyond. The best-known include Glen Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy, a US No 1 in 1975; It Only Takes a Minute, a barnstorming disco hit for Tavares and later Take That; Player’s super-smooth Baby Come Back, another US No 1; and Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got), one of the biggest hits for soul-poppers the Four Tops. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EU’s ‘unpleasant and dangerous’ border checks need overhaul, says Greek airports boss 09. July 2026 (13:02) Airports have had to use gazebos to shield passengers from sun as they wait to be processed, says Alexander ZinellThe boss of 14 Greek airports has called for a serious overhaul of the EU’s new border checks after having to erect gazebos for passengers queuing outside.Alexander Zinell, the chief executive of Fraport Greece, joined a growing chorus of critics calling out “fundamental flaws” in the entry-exit system (EES), which requires non-EU passengers to have their fingerprints and photo taken at the start of their trip and verified every time they leave or re-enter the Schengen zone. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US chemical accidents rising as Trump rolls back protections, report finds 09. July 2026 (13:00) Deaths and injuries up as critics condemn administration’s ‘appalling’ plan to gut federal disaster management systemThe number of US chemical accidents is rising just as the Trump administration guts protections against the disasters, a new analysis of federal data by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer) non-profit found.The report found the number of chemical accidents, explosions, fires and other emergencies that release chemicals into the atmosphere was up by at least 51% since 2021. Deaths and injuries were up at least 20%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
What is cyclosporiasis, the parasitic illness causing ‘explosive’ diarrhea? 09. July 2026 (12:00) Illness surging in Michigan and other US states is rarely life-threatening, CDC says – but it can have severe effectsCases of cyclosporiasis – a parasitic illness that can cause “explosive”, watery diarrhea – have surged across the United States in recent days, health officials have said, with an abnormally large outbreak of almost 1,000 cases reported in Michigan.Michigan typically reports about 50 cases a year, making the current outbreak the largest in the state’s history and one of the nation’s biggest in recent years. Ohio has also reported a sharp increase, with 177 cases as of 2 July, since the CDC’s last count. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Barcelona registers highest temperature in 112 years as UK health service urges children and elderly to ‘take weather seriously’ – Europe live 09. July 2026 (11:48) Some stations in Spain recorded temperatures of up to 44C after western Europe experienced the warmest June on recordFor what it’s worth, Heathrow Airport is reporting temperatures above 30C already – and it’s not even 11am.The number of patients being cared for in hospital corridors or makeshift treatment areas in England increased in June, figures show, as heatwaves place an additional strain on the health service, PA reported. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump says Iran truce is ‘over’ as US hits 170 targets over two nights – Middle East crisis live 09. July 2026 (11:37) Interim truce looks increasingly precarious as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and QatarIran’s semi-official Mehr news agency has reported “several explosions” in the southern Bushehr province, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex on the Gulf coast.We will bring you more as we get it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Increase in racism during World Cup reflects ‘growing pattern of abuse’ 09. July 2026 (11:36) Experts say rise in social media attacks on players such as Kylian Mbappé need to be viewed in wider political contextWorld Cup live – latest updatesAs players in the World Cup shore up their tactics and hone their teamwork skills ahead of the quarter-finals, a chorus of voices have warned that the rise of divisive political rhetoric is translating into an intensifying challenge for players on the pitch: a surge in racism.“There’s a huge issue,” said Samuel Okafor, the chief executive of Kick It Out, a UK-based organisation that seeks to tackle discrimination in football. “The political climate that we’re facing is clearly finding its way into football. And it’s making a huge difference in the levels of abuse we’re seeing – people are certainly being emboldened now more than ever.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Neil the one-tonne elephant seal causing traffic jams in rural Tasmania has returned to sea – for now 09. July 2026 (11:19) Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the ‘traffic cones and street signs of Tasmania can breathe a small sigh of relief’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA one-tonne southern elephant seal named Neil, whose beachside antics have attracted millions of views on social media, appears to have returned to sea.The five-year-old has spent several weeks at his usual twice-yearly haul-out spot in southern Tasmania. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
