Family of missing Rohingya footballer fear he is among 500 believed dead in Myanmar shipwrecks 25. July 2026 (11:00) ‘I can’t tolerate this life,’ said the 24-year-old in his last voice message to his relatives. Attacked by the military, a rebel army and criminal gangs, Siraz Ullah risked all for a better futureThe fear was audible as he spoke, recording a message to his family, asking for their prayers. After pressing send, 24-year-old Siraz Ullah boarded a boat he hoped could deliver him from the violence and persecution surrounding him at home in Myanmar.Instead, Siraz is among 500 Rohingya refugees who have vanished at sea after setting sail for Malaysia in late June. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Almost 75% of England’s riverbanks ‘off limits’ to public, figures show 25. July 2026 (09:00) Campaigners urge government to introduce right of access to water, particularly as heatwaves become more commonAlmost three-quarters of riverbanks in England have no public access, according to data released by the Right to Roam campaign.Across the country, the public cannot use riverbanks or gain access to the rivers themselves in most of the river catchments from the west of Cornwall up to the Tweed, which flows through northern England and Scotland. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
France and Spain race to control wildfires as suburbs of Bordeaux begin evacuation – live 25. July 2026 (08:54) Officials in Spain warn winds could worsen fires on SaturdayTell us: have you been affected by wildfires in Europe?Here are some of the latest images from France and Spain:French authorities evacuated thousands of people from suburbs near Bordeaux on Saturday as wildfires in areas around the city showed no signs of abating, the Reuters news agency reports. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
I grew up near Andy Burnham. This is what shaped our new PM 25. July 2026 (07:00) In the Warrington suburb of Culcheth, people are hopeful about what one of their own can achieve as the first northern PM in half a centuryThe Cherry Tree pub is an unassuming local. On a busy road in the Cheshire village of Culcheth, it is a chain-run pub where four shots cost £8, every burger comes with a soft drink, and sport is shown all day on the big screens. It is also a favourite of Andy Burnham, the new prime minister.Many of the drinkers have a story about – arguably – Culcheth’s most famous son. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reclaiming stolen childhoods: swimming classes resume in Gaza after three years of war 25. July 2026 (07:00) In sea pools built with sandbags and rubble, Amjed Tantesh gives traumatised children brief respite from their daily livesSwimming classes have started again in Gaza after three years of war, with hundreds of children learning to float, doggy paddle and take their first strokes in five makeshift sea pools built from sandbags and rubble.The lessons allow a few hundred girls and boys to reclaim their childhood for a few hours in a place where there are no playgrounds, no formal education and children live in fear of continuing Israeli attacks. A UN survey in March found that 96% of children felt death was imminent.Activity on the Gaza seafront Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK’s largest Muslim event goes ahead with added security as hate crime rises 25. July 2026 (07:00) Jalsa Salana in Hampshire has had enhanced support from police, emergency services and local authoritiesSecurity has been increased by several hundred additional staff at the UK’s largest Muslim convention, Jalsa Salana, alongside enhanced coordination with police, emergency services and local authorities, against a backdrop of growing anti-Muslim sentiment.Last month, another big Islamic gathering was forced to close early after 12 people were arrested, including three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, over a suspected far-right threat. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK savings deals: the heat is on as banks offer up to 8% 25. July 2026 (07:00) Don’t delay in taking advantage of the competition that is pushing up interest rates and increasing choice, experts sayIt is shaping up to be a decent summer for savers as fierce competition among providers pushes up interest rates and increases choice.You can currently get instant- and easy-access accounts that pay up to 5% interest, and fixed-rate savings bonds that pay almost that much. Meanwhile, those looking for a regular savings account can now get up to 8%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Herbicide banned in 70 countries to be pulled from sale in Australia by chemical maker 25. July 2026 (06:59) Syngenta says it will stop selling paraquat in Australia after new regulations on chemical linked to Parkinson’s diseaseGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSyngenta, the producer of a herbicide banned in more than 70 countries and which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, will stop selling paraquat in Australia, saying new regulations has made it “commercially unviable”.The decision to pull the product follows new restrictions on the highly poisonous chemical announced by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in June. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘No time to waste’: Greece bids for Mount Olympus to be included on Unesco list of world heritage sites 25. July 2026 (06:00) Officials have long lobbied for peak that rises 2,918 metres above sea level to be given coveted designationMore than four decades have elapsed since Evangelos Geroliolios made his first ascent to the home of the ancient gods. At the top of Mount Olympus, on the rocky peak of Greece’s highest mountain, he felt unalloyed awe.“I’ve never forgotten that unique moment, that unique feeling up there on the throne of Zeus,” recalled Geroliolios, who as mayor of Dion-Olympus now spends a great deal of his time administering the area around the site. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump escalates Smithsonian attack with order for signs outside history museum 25. July 2026 (02:01) President directs interior department to display signs outside museum that accuse institution of inaccuracyDonald Trump on Friday ordered the interior department to display signs in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History that accuse the institution of inaccuracy.The order escalates the Trump’s attacks against the Smithsonian, which he and his allies accuse of politicizing the institution by focusing too much on injustices in American history, instead of more triumphant moments such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
