Labour should ditch triple-lock pensions promise, says OECD 15. July 2026 (11:00) Organisation’s experts say pledge puts pressure on UK public finances and ‘adds significant fiscal risks’Labour should ditch the triple-lock pensions promise to help tackle the UK’s straitened public finances, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has urged.In its latest survey of the UK economy, the Paris-based club of industrialised nations added its voice to those calling for an end to the pledge, which uprates the state pension each year by whichever is the highest of wage growth, inflation or 2.5%. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shipwrecks of Shackleton and Scott recreated in 3D digital form after deep sea expedition 15. July 2026 (10:00) Canadian scientists visit remains of polar exploration vessels in ‘golden era for shipwreck investigating’Moments after devouring the final glimmers of light, the seafloor offered nothing but darkness and silt. Then the bow appeared.More than 1,000ft (305 metres) below the surface of the Labrador Sea, off the coast of Canada, the skeleton of the final ship used by the famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton appeared in its silty grave. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Maryland police arrest alleged bank robber wielding stolen cat: ‘Tried to use her as an accessory’ 15. July 2026 (10:00) Police say suspect stole three-and-a-half-month-old tuxedo kitten Magnolia before attempting to rob a PNC bankLaw enforcement agencies are accustomed to dealing with cat burglars – but now a Maryland police department is saying it grappled with a cat-wielding bank robber.The Prince George’s county police department said its officers arrested a man suspected of stealing a cat and then taking the animal with him to a PNC bank branch in the local community of Beltsville to rob the establishment on Monday morning. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham urged to overhaul ‘timid and limited’ elections bill 15. July 2026 (09:00) Ex-minister who helped write draft calls for bolder action on voting reform, crypto donations and social mediaThe government was “timid” and “incremental” when deciding what to include in its elections bill, a former minister who helped write it has said, as she urged the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to go further.Rushanara Ali, who resigned as democracy minister last August, said the draft legislation still contained big gaps when it came to voting reform, cryptocurrency donations and social media regulation. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brisbane child accused of school stabbing allegedly faced ‘racist’ abuse, court hears 15. July 2026 (08:07) Alleged attack may have been motivated by a social media post, police prosecutor tells courtFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Brisbane child accused of stabbing a fellow student was allegedly subjected to months of “racist” abuse and threats, a court has heard.The 16-year-old child was arrested after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old schoolmate on Tuesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
England risks building new ‘death traps’ as experts warn of overheating crisis 15. July 2026 (08:00) Vulnerable people more at risk as research finds only half of local authority plans require cooling strategiesEngland risks constructing a new generation of “death trap” buildings that can fatally overheat unless the government tightens standards and prioritises climate safeguards, planning experts have said.Fears are growing about the plight of vulnerable people in heatwaves, with research this week suggesting that 2,700 people had died in the May and June heatwaves in England and Wales. Yet only about half of local plans being drawn up by councils and local authorities require new buildings to have a cooling or ventilation strategy to prevent overheating, according to findings from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Alleged illegal donations by Catholic Schools NSW to Liberals raise questions over use of taxpayer funds 15. July 2026 (07:28) Catholic Schools NSW’s alleged donations to Liberal party show the need to ensure public money is spent for approved purposes, expert saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn education funding expert says alleged illegal donations by Catholic Schools NSW to Liberal party operatives, under investigation by the state corruption watchdog, show governments need to check taxpayer funding was “being spent according to its purposes” and not funnelled into political donations.The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating allegations that political donations were made by Catholic Schools NSW “in amounts that were not declared and exceeded applicable donation caps”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
University of Melbourne ‘sharply’ changed protest policies after pro-Palestine sit-ins, commission hears 15. July 2026 (07:14) Royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion hears of response of universities to incidents on campus Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe interim vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne (UoM) says pro-Palestine sit-ins on campus led to the institution “quite sharply” changing its protest policies and that further restrictions could arise.Prof Glyn Davis appeared before the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion on Wednesday, which is examining the lived experiences of Jewish students and academics, including the response of universities. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour must stop just writing a cheque for benefit claimants, says McFadden 15. July 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Work and pensions secretary signals possible reform to welfare as ministers await key reviewsLabour must stop “simply writing a cheque” for health and disability benefit claimants and will provide more job support instead, the work and pensions secretary has said.Pat McFadden said the government was preparing to launch a renewed effort at welfare reform with a focus on encouraging more people with health conditions to get into work and off benefits. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Green-led council plans to ban cooperation with Home Office on immigration raids 15. July 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Lewisham council’s move marks first step in Greens’ plan to create a corridor of sanctuary boroughs across LondonA Green-led London council is planning to ban its officials from working with the Home Office on immigration raids, after uncovering evidence suggesting government officials wanted to use environmental health data to target restaurant workers.Councillors on the Lewisham borough council are due to vote next week on a motion that would review its systems with a view to ending any cooperation with the government’s attempts to deport people without the right to remain in the UK. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
