England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert 02. July 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Burnham-aligned thinktank calls for devolution of public services including social care, childcare and skillsMayors should be given power over a wide range of public services, including social care, childcare and skills, according to a paper written by one of the people helping shape Andy Burnham’s devolution plans.JP Spencer, the head of devolution policy at the thinktank ThinkLabour, calls for mayors to take control over large parts of service provision in a paper that gives an indication of how the probable next prime minister could seek to shift power out of Whitehall. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Exploratory and curious animals’: mysterious rise in orca sightings off Northumberland coast 02. July 2026 (07:00) Reasons for increase not clear but experts say it could be welcome sign marine ecosystem is becoming healthierThe Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast have long drawn fans of the natural world keen to catch sight of the resident guillemots and puffins.But as recently as last week, another much bigger black-and-white animal has been delighting wildlife spotters. Orcas have been appearing more regularly than ever before. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Stephen Hough to lead relaunched Leeds piano competition 02. July 2026 (07:00) Free choice of repertoire and an increased upper age limit part of the changes in a competition that will emphasise individuality and imaginationThe Leeds International Piano Competition is to be relaunched under the artistic direction of Sir Stephen Hough. The pianist is leading significant reforms to the triennial contest that first began in 1963. He will also chair an international jury that includes fellow pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Lucas Debargue, Yeol Eum Son, Kathryn Stott and Master of the King’s Music, composer Errollyn Wallen.The 2027 competition will have its upper age limit increased to 35, and competitors will have complete free choice over the music they perform, be it Couperin or Copland, Boulez or Busoni. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham urged to be radical on economy to help Labour win next election 02. July 2026 (06:00) Exclusive: Poll shows policies such as rent control and higher wealth taxes could fend off Reform UK in key seatsAndy Burnham is being urged to adopt an “economic populist” approach to combating the cost of living crisis if he becomes prime minister, as a detailed opinion poll shows radical policies could help Labour to retain its majority at the next election.Senior figures advising the Makerfield MP have been circulating a seat-by-seat poll showing Labour’s majority could be demolished at the next general election with the party on course to win fewer than 100 seats. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Obviously disturbing’ if Christian Brothers’ $1 property sales deprive abuse survivors of pay, government tells court 02. July 2026 (05:04) Concerns Catholic order’s historical transfers of millions in assets were potentially inappropriate, NSW supreme court hearsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLawyers for the federal government say they are concerned at the “disturbing” potential that the Christian Brothers Catholic order may have inappropriately transferred property to another entity years before claiming it was broke and couldn’t afford to pay abuse survivors’ civil claims.The New South Wales supreme court on Thursday ordered a moratorium on all abuse claims against the Christian Brothers, a Catholic order that played a significant role in the church’s child sexual abuse scandal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine capital kill at least eight and injure dozens 02. July 2026 (04:45) Multiple explosions heard in Kyiv with a hotel and several residential buildings on fireRussia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight into Thursday, killing at least eight people and injuring 34 others.The intense strikes hit residential buildings and triggered a fire in a hotel on a central boulevard. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
China’s ethnic unity law denounced as ‘forced assimilation’ by rights groups 02. July 2026 (03:17) Law comes into effect that critics fear will further erode rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, as well as allow Beijing to pursue dissidents abroadA new ethnic unity law has come into effect in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic groups, for example by strengthening the status of Mandarin as the official language. But overseas campaigners have argued it will further degrade the rights of ethnic minorities, such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, that Beijing is accused of persecuting. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nancy Guthrie: FBI clarifies it is investigating some extortion demands as legitimate 02. July 2026 (02:46) Statement comes a day after report that three messages received in case were determined to be fakeThe FBI is investigating extortion demands related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance that “may potentially be legitimate”, the agency said on Wednesday.The update comes a day after Reuters reported that kidnapping notes received in Guthrie’s case were fake. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump sees bond with ‘great he-man’ Theodore Roosevelt at lavish library opening 02. July 2026 (02:41) Bizarre 250th spectacle in North Dakota sees Trump take ride on red, white and blue train – and speak with hologram of 26th presidentThe sound of YMCA by the Village People booming through the badlands of North Dakota could only mean one thing: Donald Trump’s 250th anniversary travelling circus had reached a remote corner of America more familiar with bison, wild horses and bighorn sheep.The US president visited Medora on Wednesday to dedicate a $450m library and museum honouring Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, in the region where he roamed as a cowboy and big-game hunter in the 1880s. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Melbourne stabbing: teenagers arrested after boy left outside Craigieburn hospital dies 02. July 2026 (02:37) Fifteen-year-old unable to be saved after being left outside Craigieburn Community hospitalFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo teenagers have been arrested after a 15-year-old boy was left for dead with suspected stab wounds outside a hospital in Melbourne.The boy was found critically injured outside Craigieburn Community hospital on Lygon Drive, in Melbourne’s north, about 7.50pm on Wednesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
