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North Korea executes citizens who distribute foreign TV shows, UN finds

Human rights report highlights crackdown on personal freedoms in most restrictive country in the world North Korea has executed people for distributing foreign television shows, including popular South Korean dramas, as part of an intensifying crackdown on personal freedoms, according to a UN human rights report. Surveillance has grown more pervasive since 2014 with the help of new technologies, while punishments have become harsher – including the introduction of the death penalty for offences such as sharing foreign TV dramas, the report said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/iO2lFRK

Nine Met police suspended amid inquiry into claims of excessive force

Watchdog says there are also allegations of discriminatory and misogynistic comments, centring on Charing Cross police station Nine Scotland Yard officers have been suspended after an investigation was launched into claims of excessive use of force and the making of discriminatory and misogynistic comments. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the allegations centre on Charing Cross police station in central London, the source of a previous scandal for the Metropolitan police. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/IZrqTSo

Government shutdown draws near as Democrats push for healthcare funding

Top Senate Republican says Democrats see shutdown as ‘politically advantageous’ as 30 September deadline looms The US government is drawing nearer to a potential shutdown after Donald Trump told Republicans on Friday “don’t even bother dealing with” the Democrats , whose congressional leaders are refusing to support spending bills that do not include their healthcare priorities. Congress is up against an end-of-the-month deadline to approve legislation funding the federal government, otherwise many departments will stop work and employees will be told to stay home. While the Senate and House of Representatives have made some progress on passing the 12 appropriations bills that make up the budget, it seems certain that Congress will need to pass a short-term measure to keep the government open beyond 30 September. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/MB6FEwe

Paramount Skydance reportedly preparing takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery

Media conglomerate putting together majority cash offer for WBD backed by ultra-rich Ellison family, reports say Paramount Skydance is reportedly preparing a takeover offer for Warner Bros Discovery, in a bid to pull together two of the largest US legacy media conglomerates and Hollywood movie studios. Less than a month after Skydance, a production firm run by David Ellison, son of the billionaire tech mogul Larry Ellison, closed its merger with Paramount , the firm is considering other blockbuster deals. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/aoERq9W

Mourners pay tribute at Turning Point USA headquarters after Charlie Kirk’s death

Supporters left flowers and flags at the Phoenix offices of the far-right activist following his shooting Shortly after Turning Point USA shuttered its offices upon learning of Charlie Kirk’s death on Wednesday afternoon, the front doors of the political influence network’s headquarters became a memorial for its fallen founder. A steady stream of mourners brought flowers and handheld American flags to the office building in Phoenix, Arizona, and placed them in front of a large, black-and-white photo of Kirk. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/65d80Rx

South Africa to reopen Steve Biko inquest 48 years after death in police custody

Death of anti-apartheid activist in 1977 after police beat him into a coma sparked outrage across the world South African prosecutors will reopen an inquest into the death of the prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko , nearly 50 years after he died in police custody. Biko, the founder of South Africa’s Black Consciousness Movement, died in a prison cell in 1977 aged just 30 , after being beaten into a coma by police who had arrested him nearly a month earlier. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/e5PW4T3

Couture review – Angelina Jolie is the wrong fit for inert fashion drama

Toronto film festival: the Oscar winner is adrift in Alice Winocour’s uninvolving film about three thinly written women involved in a Paris fashion week show The otherworldly beauty and consuming, tattoo-strewn look of Angelina Jolie hasn’t always allowed for a great deal of versatility as an actor, a difficult face to seamlessly slot into most stories. The star hasn’t seemed to be all that interested in acting for a while anyway (since 2012, she has physically appeared on screen just seven times) and has preferred to spend time behind the camera and focusing on both her family and her philanthropic pursuits. Her films as a director have been of both genuinely noble intention and minimal cinematic value (her last effort, Without Blood , premiered at last year’s Toronto film festival but still doesn’t have US distribution) and as she enters her 50s, it seems like she’s rediscovered her passion for acting again. The catastrophic box office for her ill-advised entry into the Marvel u...

Palestinian gunmen kill six people at Jerusalem bus stop

At least 12 others injured in attack at Ramot intersection during morning rush hour Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a crowded bus stop in the northern outskirts of Jerusalem on Monday, killing six people and injuring 12 others before being shot dead by an off-duty soldier and a civilian at the scene. The victims included a 79-year-old former cardiologist, a 43-year-old rabbi and a 25-year-old who had recently emigrated from Spain. Twenty-six others suffered injuries, including six who were left in a serious condition with gunshot wounds. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/bYwHx0G

Sabalenka’s US Open triumph shows lessons have been learned

World No 1 has proved she can control her emotions to become one of the most consistent big tournament players Aryna Sabalenka thought she had everything figured out. She believed she had done all the work necessary, harnessing successfully her once uncontrollable power into consistent excellence. After overcoming so many hurdles en route to becoming the best player in the world, she felt ready for anything. Sabalenka was convinced she could handle any challenge that came her way. It was not until her excruciating French Open final defeat against Coco Gauff that Sabalenka understood this was not true. As she struggled with her nerves under such significant pressure and punishing windy conditions, the 27-year-old was outplayed by a tireless, gutsier opponent in Gauff who broke her down by forcing her to work hard for every single point. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/QxODW4R

World Cup qualifying: Depay sets scoring record as Dutch survive scare in Lithuania

Forward spares Ronald Koeman’s blushes with double Goals move him above Van Persie to top of all-time list Memphis Depay set a new scoring record for the Netherlands as his double ensured they survived a scare in beating Lithuania 3-2 away in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday. Two goals for the 31-year-old Depay took his national team tally to 52, going ahead of Robin van Persie’s previous record, and putting the Netherlands top of the Group G standings with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Poland, who are hosting Finland later on Sunday. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/D4IxcHM

World Cup qualifying roundup: Ronaldo scores twice as Portugal pay Jota tributes

Veteran striker on target twice in 5-0 win against Armenia Nigeria keep hopes of reaching 2026 finals alive Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 139th and 140th international goals as Portugal thrashed Armenia 5-0 in their first match since the death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in July. A minute’s silence was held before the World Cup qualifier in honour of Jota , who won 49 caps for Portugal, and banners were on display around the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/rGj327P

US Open tennis 2025: Aryna Sabalenka v Amanda Anisimova, women’s singles final – live

The latest from the final at Flushing Meadows Alcaraz and Sinner in world of their own | Email Katy Tennis, bloody hell. 56 days ago Amanda Anisimova was whitewashed in the Wimbledon final 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek as she froze in the headlights in the biggest match of her life. It was the most public and painful of humiliations from which most of us, if put in the same position, would not recover, let alone have the character to return to the tour less than three weeks later as she started her preparations for the US Open. And now here the 24-year-old is in the final of her home grand slam, having gained the sweetest of revenge against Swiatek in the quarter-finals, and she’ll be fortified by the knowledge she can beat Aryna Sabalenka when it matters, having defeated the Belarusian in three sets in their Wimbledon semi-final. Get the better of Sabalenka again and Anisimova’s redemption story would rank among the greatest in tennis, along with Jana Novotna winning Wimbledon in ...

Tuchel frees England from tactical uncertainty to create clearing for fire

Head coach steps back from tactical tinkering, as a smaller squad prioritises intensity against Andorra on Saturday For Thomas Tuchel, the fundamentals will never change, the ones that he outlined when he breezed into the England job on a one-man wave of positivity and excitement. The head coach regards it as essential that his team play with the passion of the Premier League; as a band of brothers, high-fiving, encouraging, selfless. It is about energy and intensity; after a ball loss, for example. Tracking back. They must enjoy the freedom to express themselves. Harry Kane can drop off a bit from the No 9 position but not too much. There needs to be speed around him, space and incisive patterns throughout. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/kAqyatv

Canada’s Mark Carney signals austerity measures as government shifts focus from Trump to economy

Prime minister cautioned Canadians as Ottawa moves to curb spending to balance near-record military expenditures Mark Carney has told Canadians to prepare for austerity measures and his finance minister warned of “tough choices” in the coming months, as the government attempts to balance near-record defence spending, cuts to government programs and a trade war with the United States. Carney, the former central banker and economist turned politician, has been meeting senior ministers ahead of the fall budget, and hinted cuts were coming to the federal bureaucracy. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/IXn7Gvq

Sweeteners can harm cognitive health equivalent to 1.6 years of ageing, study finds

Researchers say low- and no-calorie sweeteners appear to affect thinking and memory in middle age Sweeteners found in yoghurts and fizzy drinks can damage people’s ability to think and remember, and appear to cause “long-term harm” to health, research has found. People who consumed the largest amount of sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin saw a 62% faster decline in their cognitive powers – the equivalent to their having aged 1.6 years, researchers say. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CghQbUs

Roblox to extend age checks in attempt to curb adults talking with children

Company says changes to gaming platform will root out ‘bad actors’ after child safety concerns over unsupervised interaction The gaming website Roblox is to limit adult strangers from talking to children by the end of this year in an effort to root out “bad actors”. The fast-growing platform which has more than 110 million users a day playing games like Grow A Garden and Brookhaven RP has been hit by child safety concerns as experiments found children as young as five may be able to communicate with adults while playing games. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/dOA0SJa

Chelsea’s Naomi Girma: ‘We feel like we have another level we can get to’

Defender says Chelsea ‘could have played better’ despite winning the WSL, FA Cup and League Cup last season So, Naomi Girma, how do you top a treble-winning season? The US international, sitting relaxed on the 3G pitch at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, bits of the rubber crumb being squeezed between her fingers, does not hesitate before answering. “We feel like we have another level we can get to,” she says. “It’s not about how we maintain this level but how we continue evolving and keep getting better. Having that mentality is always better than focusing on making sure no one catches us. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nvuhwbs

England add Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah to squad for World Cup qualifiers

Milan midfielder and Leverkusen defender called up Loftus-Cheek returns for first time in six years The Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah have been called up to the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Loftus-Cheek and Quansah will join Thomas Tuchel’s group for the double-header after Adam Wharton withdrew due to a groin injury suffered in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/eShEURv

Sheriffs seek to identify man found dead ‘in pool of blood’ at Burning Man festival

A murder investigation was launched Sunday after apparent homicide as authorities ask public for help Nevada sheriffs are asking the public’s help in identifying a man killed on Saturday in an apparent homicide at the Burning Man festival. In a statement on Monday, Pershing county sheriff Jerry Allen asked for assistance to identify the man, who was found dead in the futurist encampment of Black Rock City as the festival reaching its climax when an effigy – the eponymous burning man – was set alight. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/hPqD0vn

The Smashing Machine review – Dwayne Johnson only possible casting for crisis-riddled UFC champ Mark Kerr

Former pro wrestler Johnson takes on the role of man-mountain Kerr who goes into meltdown when the unthinkable happens – he loses Benny Safdie has written and directed a solid bro drama for the UFC fanbase and maybe a little way beyond. It is about the central crisis in the life of man-mountain Mark Kerr , America’s pioneering MMA and ultimate fighting champ, who in 1997 found himself in the ring, or maybe the cage, with his demons after the unthinkable humiliation of losing for the first time. This feature is in fact developed from a 2002 documentary about Kerr with the same title. He confronted his substance abuse, relationship anxieties and the question of what the heck life is for if you can’t simply win all the time. Kerr is played by Dwayne Johnson, a colossus of muscle topped off with a head the size of Indiana Jones’s boulder, a body on which the only visible fat is rippling at the nape of his neck. Johnson’s appearance is modified by close-cut frizzy hair and facial prosthe...

My Tennis Maestro review – unforced errors keep Italian coming-of-age comedy from grand slam

Venice film festival Pierfrancesco Favino is a robust lead as a teenage tennis hopeful’s charming yet flawed new coach in a film that’s too long and too indecisive to stand up to recent big hitters We have had some sparky tennis movies recently, such as Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s King Richard , and it seemed at first as if this coming-of-age comedy from Italian actor turned director Andrea Di Stefano could be joining them. But despite a very robust lead performance from Pierfrancesco Favino, the enjoyably grizzled alpha male of Italian cinema, this completely runs aground in the third act, quite unable to decide if it should offer the traditional comeback story of an underdog sports movie, or if it should pursue its implied repudiation of the win-at-all-costs ethic. The other issue is whether its young hero should ignore what his dad has to say in favour of an attractive, if flawed, new mentor. The film does in fact appear finally to get off the fence ...

JB Pritzker calls for resistance to Trump’s Chicago crackdown

President is preparing for controversial federal takeover of US city in crusade against immigration ‘sanctuary cities’ Illinois ’s governor JB Pritzker has called on “all to stand up” to Donald Trump as the US president prepares to launch a federally led immigration crackdown across Chicago , a plan which has been met with widespread backlash from local leaders and the public. Pritzker’s comments come as White House officials vow to target Chicago next in its sweeping immigration crackdowns across the country. Recently, the White House requested that a US military base on the outskirts of Chicago assist with immigration operations as the Trump administration plans a broader takeover of Democratic-run “sanctuary cities”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/n3x4rUI

Ruben Amorim ‘loves’ his players again after their effort in Burnley win

‘When they put the effort in, I always love them’ Scott Parker unhappy with VAR decision for penalty Ruben Amorim has said he loves his Manchester United squad after their hard-fought victory over Burnley thanks to a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. The head coach had admitted on Friday he “sometimes hates” his players but their hard work on Saturday was rewarded with affection, having recovered from Wednesday’s Carabao Cup embarrassment at Grimsby . United should have won more easily, instead being reliant on a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee in second-half injury time when the referee, Sam Barrott, wandered over to the pitchside monitor and decided Jaidon Anthony pulling back Amad Diallo’s shirt, which started outside the area, was worthy of a penalty. United had led twice through a Josh Cullen own goal and Bryan Mbeumo’s first Old Trafford strike but Lyle Foster and Anthony equalised as Burnley looked set for a point until Fernandes intervened. Con...

The week around the world in 20 pictures

Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, mourning in Gaza, wildfires in California, and the Notting Hill Carnival: the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists Warning: this gallery contains images that some readers may find distressing Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/35NpGf9

Democrats seek ‘immediate answers’ after reported arrests of firefighters by US border agents

Senator Patty Murray calls Trump’s immigration policy ‘fundamentally sick’ after incident in Washington state Patty Murray, the Washington senator, has called for the Trump administration to provide “immediate answers” about reports that two firefighters were detained by border agents as they were responding to a wildfire in the state. Federal immigration authorities on Wednesday staged an operation on the scene of the the Bear Gulch fire, a nearly 9,000 acre blaze in the Olympic national forest, where they arrested two people who were part of a contract firefighting crew, the Seattle Times first reported. The fire is the largest currently burning in the state. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/woFeVUi

Beach returned to First Nation after 170 years following Canada legal battle

Stretch of Lake Huron shore was promised to Saugeens in 1854 treaty with Crown but wrongly omitted from map A stretch of beach will be returned to a First Nation in Canada 170 years after it was mistakenly omitted from its reserve. The sandy sliver of land measures less than two miles long, but has nonetheless sparked an outsized battle, with a nearby resort town claiming the case sets a foreboding precedent for property rights in the country. Canada’s supreme court said on Thursday that it would not hear a challenge from the town of South Bruce Peninsula, which is contesting a lower court’s ruling that the Saugeen First Nation’s reserve was erroneously smaller than promised. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nK2gTJM

Overdiagnosis of children overlooks that growing up is ‘messy and uneven’, says Jeremy Hunt

Former health secretary wants to see an overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities system in England Children and young people are being overdiagnosed with mental health conditions in a society that has lost sight of the reality that child development is “messy and uneven”, the former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said. He is the latest senior figure to add his voice to calls for a radical overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in England. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/jVJlwhm

Sting sued by former Police bandmates over alleged lost royalties

Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland claim they did not receive songwriting credits for hit Every Breath You Take Sting has reportedly been sued by his former Police bandmates over alleged lost royalties from their hit song Every Breath You Take. In the suit, filed in London’s high court, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland claim they never received songwriting credits on the 1983 single. The pair also allege they have never been paid for their writing contributions. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/RmgzyfF

Vingegaard retakes Vuelta lead while Israel Premier-Tech delayed by protesters

Vingegaard regains red jersey after team time trial Israeli team stopped by protesters with Palestinian flags Jonas Vingegaard regained the red jersey after stage five of the Vuelta a España in a dramatic team time trial in which Israel Premier-Tech were delayed by pro-Palestinian protesters on the route. UAE Team Emirates-XRG won the stage but Visma-Lease a Bike’s second-placed finish allowed Vingegaard to regain the lead from Groupama-FDJ’s David Gaudu. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ts4eDU5

UK vows to help 30 more students leave Gaza to take up university places

Evacuation problematic and dependent on Israel’s approval amid claims more scholarship students still in dark Ministers have approved plans to help a further 30 students leave Gaza to take up places at UK universities next month but their evacuation remains uncertain and dependent on Israel’s approval. It takes the total to 39, after a government commitment last week to work to secure the evacuation from Gaza of nine Chevening scholars with places at some of the UK’s leading universities. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Po5TdML

French prime minister to face potential ousting in high-stakes confidence vote

François Bayrou to seek parliamentary backing for his unpopular plans to shore up France’s public finances France’s embattled prime minister looks likely to be ousted and his government toppled next month in a high-stakes confidence vote that could plunge the EU’s second-biggest economy into even deeper political crisis. François Bayrou said on Monday that he would seek parliamentary backing for his unpopular plans to shore up France’s ailing public finances on 8 September, asking deputies to “confirm the scale” of spending cuts he says are needed to save €44bn (£38bn) a year. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/EnjIRSc

Infantino’s latest Oval Office show reminds us Trump will be inescapable at the 2026 World Cup

The US president has an aptitude for elbowing himself into the spotlight, and next year he’ll make sure he has the world’s attention When Donald Trump remained on stage, grinning in the sun as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy last month, it was all too easy to treat the incident as a one-off mistake. A moment that said plenty about Trump’s ego, sure. But ultimately, only a moment. Nope. It’s reality. Inescapable. Donald Trump will be everywhere Fifa is in the US, including at the 2026 World Cup – due to start in about 10 months, when Canada and Mexico will co-host. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/eCSJ4p9

Relief for Arsenal with Bukayo Saka’s injury not as bad as first feared

Forward hobbled off after scoring against Leeds Ødegaard also expected to be back before long Arsenal have received a boost after it emerged that Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury is not as significant as first feared. Saka was withdrawn in the second half of Arsenal’s 5-0 Premier League victory against Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Or4n98m

Bus carrying junior high football team crashes in Pennsylvania, sending 21 people to hospital

Bus overturned about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh while carrying players from Aliquippa junior high school A bus carrying a junior high football team to a game crashed on Saturday north of Pittsburgh, sending 21 of the 28 people onboard to the hospital, officials said. Twenty-five Aliquippa junior high students and three adults were headed to a game in nearby Gibsonia. The crash occurred in Economy Borough, about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/c2VqyPw

Arsenal put five past Leeds but lose Ødegaard and Saka to injury

It was an occasion that was transcended by someone who did not play but had so much more to chew over from an Arsenal point of view. The club showed off their new signing , Eberechi Eze, parading him beforehand and screening a welcome video for him at half-time. As the goals flew in to defeat Leeds, the cutaways to him in the stands were inevitable. Eze’s signing has the feel of a coup and not only because Arsenal, in the vernacular of the trade, properly did over Tottenham to land him. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/EGc5z9S

Julia Schell scores six tries as Canada thrash Fiji in Women’s Rugby World Cup

Pool B: Canada 65-7 Fiji Impressive Canada score 11 tries in ominous display Canada are quietly going about their business as the dark horses of this World Cup with eyes firmly on the hosts, England, and defending champions New Zealand. The team may benefit from flying under the radar but it does not make them any less a contender for the trophy. The clinical nature of their opener against Fiji announced their arrival in England in style, particularly through the full-back Julia Schell who was spectacular in the second half as she scored six tries in 21 minutes. The fact Canada are being overlooked by many does not correlate to recent results with wins against Australia and the USA and a draw against the Black Ferns at Pacific Four. They are also ranked as the No 2 side in the world so the 11-try result was not surprising in the hugely physical battle which also saw replacement Fiji prop Bulou Vasuturaga shown a red card for a high tackle after a bunker review. Continue readi...

Wildfire explodes in California wine country as heatwave scorches US west

Multiple fires have ignited this week with searing heat expected to last days and extend to Pacific north-west Multiple wildfires have ignited across California as the state continues to scorch in a multi-day heatwave that is expected to last through the weekend. The largest this week, named the Pickett fire, exploded in size on Thursday as it burned in a remote area of Napa county, and covered more than 2,100 acres (850 hectares) by Friday morning. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued Thursday for hundreds of residents around Calistoga, a small city in the region known for its wine, as firefighters faced challenging conditions, working through dangerously high temperatures and rugged terrain. The fire’s perimeter is 0% contained. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/LHbfJN3

US’s last surviving second world war flying ‘ace’ dies aged 103

Navy pilot Donald McPherson shot down five Japanese service members and earned Congressional Gold Medal The second world war pilot who was believed to be the US’s last surviving “ace” – a title he earned by shooting down five enemy combatants – has died. Donald McPherson was 103 when he died on 14 August, according to his online obituary . Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/LEcqAlH

Lost Paws review – furry fun as two felines expose their owners’ foibles

theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh This playful performance explores loneliness, liberty and life in early adulthood through two adventurous cats and their demanding humans Ellie Rose Amit and Charlotte Pine’s comedy about cats includes grooming, a spot of the zoomies and plenty of needy behaviour. But the joke is that these are the traits of two demanding pet owners: overanxious Shira, who has confined Iris to life as a house cat, and the vain Arlan, who makes Jeffabelle do tricks for TikTok. Produced by Leeds University’s Aireborne Theatre, and directed by Amit, it’s full of promise and proof that student performance – increasingly priced out of the fringe – is vital to the Edinburgh festival ecology. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CDPl0my

Ed Night: Your Old Mucker review – a laconic, sharply observed stroll around south London

Monkey Barrel, the Hive, Edinburgh The Edinburgh comedy award nominee ambles through tales of debt, chicken shops and his eccentric grandad in a show that’s loose but brimming with intelligent wit ‘If there’s one thing this show doesn’t do, it’s come to you,” says Ed Night. That’s part of the charm – and possibly a slight failing – in the south London standup’s new set. As he treads around in a circle on his small stage, Your Old Mucker unfolds at its own laconic pace, and leaves us to make meaning out of its disparate parts. The 29-year-old’s authority, his sly standoffishness and playfulness with the art form are qualities of a standup near the top of his game – albeit one who with this ambling, endearing show doesn’t get quite as much out of them as he might. The conceit here is that Night’s writing process is, in fact, a walking one. The show traces his perambulations around his local neighbourhood, from the dentist to the butcher, from Nisa Local to the betting shop, connecting ...

Dan Tiernan: All In review – crude comedy with a big payoff is standup’s best yet

Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh The Mancunian manchild shows wild commitment in a show about dyspraxia, drug use and internalised homophobia We say we want men to talk about their mental health, Dan Tiernan has noticed. Is this what we had in mind? The joke is on the queasy atmosphere the Mancunian establishes at his shows, barking in the audience’s faces, behaving unstably and – this time around – loudly bellowing “I tried to suck off my dad”, over and over again. Is there a therapist in the house? Well, there doesn’t need to be, because Tiernan has devised “the System”, a three-point plan to heal himself after a drug-induced psychotic episode between Glastonbury 2024 and last year’s Edinburgh fringe show . We are three new shows into the 29-year-old’s fringe career now, and All In again finds him addressing his dyspraxia, his drug use and his failure to fit in. I hanker for the show that directs his considerable comic talents elsewhere, but in the meantime, this is his strongest offering...

Channel 4 rather than Netflix is ‘proud parent’ of Adolescence, says news boss

Louisa Compton accuses Netflix of being ‘TV tourists’ and benefitting from talent ‘developed over many years’ A senior Channel 4 figure has accused Netflix of acting like “TV tourists” with the internationally acclaimed show Adolescence. Louisa Compton, the head of news and current affairs at the broadcaster, said Channel 4 was the “proud parent” of the runaway hit. She said rather than nurture British TV talent, Netflix had benefited from talent developed over many years by Channel 4 and other public service broadcasters. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/70pXHKR

Conservative leader wins Canada byelection, regaining parliament seat

Pierre Poilievre returns to House of Commons after shock April loss and narrower margin in Tory stronghold Canada’s Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, has won a closely watched byelection in the province of Alberta, giving him a chance to return to parliament after suffering a shock defeat in April’s federal election. Poilievre finished with 80.4% of the vote after Monday’s election in the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, in the deeply Conservative western province. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/NlzjC1q

Merseyside police helicopter crew to face no action after chasing suspect at low altitude

Internal review by the National Police Air Service finds the crew acted ‘appropriately’ during pursuit A police helicopter crew will face no action after flying at low altitude while pursuing a suspect on a motorbike in Merseyside. Video footage was published on social media last week showing a National Police Air Service (Npas) helicopter pursuing the man, which resulted in the detention of the suspect for numerous alleged offences including dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle which had been taken without the owner’s consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop and conspiring to intentionally/recklessly cause a public nuisance. A second suspect was arrested for alleged theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/uTMOKXB

House Party review – home truths about gentrification in east London

Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Chakira Alin’s buoyant show is shot through with bitterness as she gives a lucid account of Hackney’s transformation In her solo show about the aftermath of gentrification and austerity, Chakira Alin bemoans the rise of costly small plates in restaurants. It’s a neat parallel to the housing market, where properties are also getting smaller and more expensive. But Alin’s chief metaphor is the “lost art” of the house party – indicative of her generation’s financial crisis and a wider crack in social cohesion. There’s no space to throw a decent party or the would-be hosts can’t risk trashing their precarious, overpriced rentals or family homes. The argument is put across with brio and evident authenticity on a homely stage decorated with balloons, heart-shaped cushions and a cocktail shaker. Greatly at ease with the audience, Alin plays Skip (smart name for a show about constant upheaval), born and raised in ever-gentrifying east London where she lives wit...

Young prince Lamine Yamal embracing the pressure of joining Barcelona’s kings | Sid Lowe

Barça prodigy stood out on La Liga’s opening weekend, but Santi Cazorla and Nico Williams produced compelling storylines, too Heavy is the head that wears the crown but Lamine Yamal is willing to wear it. Willing? He wants to, so there he was on Saturday night conducting his own coronation. With the last touch of Barcelona’s first game of 2025-26, their new No 10 – the player handed a six-year contract and the shirt Ladislao Kubala , Luis Suárez, Diego Maradona, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi wore, the kid Spain coach Luis del la Fuente claimed was “touched by the wand of God”, the baby Messi bathed – scored against Real Mallorca. It was his first goal as an adult; it was also exactly as you imagine it, Lamine Yamal scoring the Lamine Yamal goal that was Messi’s once. He had come in from the right and then, when the ball settled in the corner, went back out again. Where, stopping before the Son Moix stands, he lowered an invisible crown to his head, a statement of intent for...

Arsenal’s win at Manchester United may not have impressed, but it was just what they need

Winning at Old Trafford may not prove to be as common as last season, making Arsenal’s result stand out among the title hopefuls Sign up for Soccer with Jonathan Wilson here There was a thought at times in the second part of last season, when the set-piece goals dried up, that Arsenal had become over-reliant on them. And perhaps that was true, but they’re a useful weapon to have. Some games are won by overwhelming opponents through superior technical ability and some games are won by organization and hard work, by finding a way to score and a way to keep their opponent out. Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday was definitely one of the latter. Manchester United do not defend inswinging corners well. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both excel at taking inswinging corners. In that sense, the fact that the game was decided by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s flap at a Rice inswinger was entirely to be expected. What was less predictable was the nature of the game that followe...

Fifa consider holding Club World Cup every two years from 2029 – and could expand it

Real Madrid understood to be driving force Tournament could grow from 32 to 48 teams Fifa will consider holding the Club World Cup every two years from 2029 in a move that would put more pressure on the international calendar and trigger another backlash from the Premier League and Uefa. The next Club World Cup is due to take place in four years’ time, following the first expanded 32-team tournament held in the US this summer, but the world governing body is under pressure from leading clubs to make it a biennial event. Real Madrid are understood to have raised the issue of moving to a two-year cycle during talks with Fifa in Miami in June, a proposal that has gained support from other clubs who failed to qualify for this year’s tournament, including Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Napoli. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/v3K8Wgn

New season, same strife between the sticks for Manchester United | Jonathan Wilson

Altay Bayindir’s susceptibility to an inswinging ball is equal to André Onana’s and Arsenal had just the man to exploit it New seasons are never new starts, not entirely. The sun may have been shining and the temperature in the mid‑20s. There may have been new kits on the pitch and new flags in the stands. There may have been an obsessive focus on the new signings. There may, among home fans, perhaps especially those refreshed in the new marquee behind the Stretford End, have been a giddy expectation that this season couldn’t be as bad as last for Manchester United. But the roots of a game run deep, stretching back into the mulch of the past. This was a game shaped by events last December. Arsenal are good at set pieces; United are vulnerable to inswinging deliveries. In December last year Arsenal beat United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, both goals the result of corners. United had André Onana in goal for that one, but Tottenham had taken notice of the susceptibility to balls arced i...

Mr Chonkers review – you never know what’s going to happen next

Summerhall, Edinburgh From existential angst to dotty monk routines, US clown John Norris marches to the beat of his own drum With his show and persona Mr Chonkers, American clown John Norris scored a cult hit on the fringe three summers ago – and now a booking off comedy’s beaten track, at anything-goes alt-theatre hub Summerhall. He’ll fit in, because his is a show (seemingly the same one he performed in 2022) that marches to the beat of its own drum. The upside of that? You never know what’s going to happen next. The downside: with little by way of theme, narrative or structure, there’s not much left to hang on to when the laughs abate. A portion of the audience will be giggling too giddily for that to be an issue: Norris is the kind of act who, if he gets under your skin, doesn’t get out again. After a dotty prologue as a faceless monk, he offers us a supposed showcase of his recently acquired performance talents – in poetry, comedy and theatre. With a Janus-faced manner that tw...

Grealish never conformed as Guardiola’s ‘obedient little schoolboy’ but glorious third act beckons | Jonathan Wilson

Midfielder’s time at Man City has been turbulent but there is hope Everton can help him rediscover sense of joy on the pitch A figure toils alone at Bodymoor Heath. The light fades, but against the setting sun his silhouette is distinctive: the floppy hair, the hunched gait, the vast calves. Jack Grealish is working, honing and polishing, inventing, striving at the limits of technical excellence. He has inspired Aston Villa to promotion . He has helped them avoid relegation, establish themselves as a Premier League side. He is enormously popular. Even opposing fans admire his ability, warm to the sense he is still in some way the impish kid in the playground, revelling in his ability, having fun. That summer at the Euros he had become a cause célèbre , the figure behind whom the clamour for Gareth Southgate to release the handbrake rallied, the poster boy for the sort of pundit who wished England would just believe in talent. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Ak...

Ederson considering Manchester City future but Guardiola insists he is ‘our player’

Guardiola: ‘If they want to leave, knock on my door’ Rodri set to travel to Wolves game despite injury blow Ederson is considering his Manchester City future, with Pep Guardiola reluctant to allow the goalkeeper’s exit unless the Brazilian informs him he wishes to leave and a suitable offer is received. If the 31-year-old decides he wishes to play elsewhere, City may move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 26-year-old is available after Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille to replace the Italy No 1. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/80Rr6Dz

Texas Democrats say they are prepared to return to state after two-week absence

Chair of state’s house Democratic caucus said they will return once California submits new congressional map to offset losses in Texas US politics live – latest updates Texas Democrats said on Thursday they are prepared to return to the state under certain conditions, ending a nearly two-week-long effort to block Republicans from passing a new congressional map that would add five GOP seats. The lawmakers said they would return as long as the legislature ends its first special session on Friday, which Republicans have said they plan to do. Texas ’s governor, Greg Abbott, has said he will immediately call another special session. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/lagpfEM

Trump’s space order risks environmental disaster while rewarding Musk and Bezos, experts say

US president is pushing an ‘end run around’ on safeguards, risking harm to wildlife, air and water, attorney says A draft executive order from Donald Trump that aims to largely exempt space launches from environmental review is viewed as a gift to commercial space industry players such as Elon Musk , Jeff Bezos and others who have long targeted the regulations. But its central components may be illegal and the US president “is trying to do an end run around” the law, said Jared Margolis, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, which has litigated environmental issues around launches. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ojCNBMw

Mamdani widens lead as New York City mayoral race heats up, poll finds

Democratic socialist edges further ahead of ex-mayor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent mayor Eric Adams New York City’s mayoral race is heating up, with Zohran Mamdani, the young progressive who leapt ahead of establishment figures in the primary to win the Democratic party nomination, appearing to widen his lead over his main rivals this week. Mamdani, 33, edged further ahead of the former New York state governor Andrew Cuomo, with the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, far behind, in advance of the election this November to pick a leader for the largest city in the US. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/VQuOr6K

Texas Senate passes Republican-drawn gerrymandered map as House Democrats continue to deny quorum – live updates

The map passed 19-2 along party lines, with nine state Senate Democrats left the floor in solidarity with their Texas House colleagues Later on, we’ll hear from the Trump administration for the second day in a row. The president won’t make an appearance, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a White House briefing at 1pm ET . Defense secretary Pete Hegseth says he’s proud to be part of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, an archconservative network of Christian congregations. Pastor Doug Wilson, a CREC co-founder, leads Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, the network’s flagship location. Jovial and media-friendly, Wilson is no stranger to stirring controversy with his church’s hard-line theology and its embrace of patriarchy and Christian nationalism. Wilson told The Associated Press on Monday he was grateful Hegseth shared the video. He noted Hegseth’s post was labeled with Christ Church’s motto: “All of Christ for All of Life.” Continue reading... from The G...

The Burns Project review – Scotland’s national poet in all his glory and contradictions

The Georgian House, Edinburgh Drawing on private letters and contemporary criticism, Cora Bissett’s imaginative production offers a rounded picture of a complicated man with a colourful love life We are sitting around a table in the sedate surroundings of the Georgian House , the Robert Adam-designed townhouse run by the National Trust for Scotland. James Clements, playing the part of Robert Burns, says something about the weather, and suddenly a streak of lightning cuts down the length of the table top. It has a gash down the middle for that very purpose. It is a sign of the attention to detail in Cora Bissett’s excellent production. What could have been a by-the-numbers tribute to Scotland’s national poet is altogether more subtle, imaginative and contentious. The long, undulating table, designed by Jenny Booth and cleverly lit by Elle Taylor, continues to play an unexpected part: Clements appears from beneath a domed plate cover in a scene of hungover contrition, while a cutlery ...

Palestine Action co-founder accuses ministers of making defamatory claims

Huda Ammori says No 10’s allegations go against its own intelligence assessments, as pressure grows over mass arrests The co-founder of Palestine Action has accused ministers of making false and defamatory allegations about the banned group, and of contradicting their own intelligence assessments in an attempt to justify recent mass arrests. The government has come under pressure to justify the detention of 532 people arrested over the weekend under the Terrorism Act – half of whom were 60 or older – on suspicion of showing support for Palestine Action. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/jxuBDHC

Frustrated Crystal Palace count cost after Cas upholds Europa League ban | Ed Aarons

Oliver Glasner will fancy his chances of winning the Conference League but the fans have been left disappointed The news Steve Parish was dreading arrived less than 24 hours after he basked in the glory of watching Crystal Palace win their second trophy in three months. Parish had been confident that the club’s appeal against their demotion from the Europa League would succeed as he discussed their prospects at Wembley Stadium after beating Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday. “I really am, even more after Friday,” the club chair said. “I don’t understand that we cannot be in the competition. I really can’t. But it’s up to the judges to decide. We trust them and that they listened to everything we said so let’s see.” Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/GKEpm31

Wildfires close Mount Vesuvius trails while fierce blazes continue in France

French officials says heatwave in southern Europe complicates efforts to contain biggest wildfire since 1949 Tourist trails have been closed on Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy as firefighters tackle a huge blaze on the volcano’s slopes, while officials warned of another “challenging day” for those working to contain France’s biggest wildfire since 1949. The wildfire on Mount Vesuvius, close to Naples, broke out a few days ago and by Saturday afternoon had stretched to about 3km (1.9 miles) wide, destroying hundreds of hectares of woodland and killing wild animals. Thick smoke could be seen from Pompeii and Naples. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/QoEnBCb

Trump reportedly considers reclassifying marijuana as less dangerous drug

President told people at a fundraiser last month he was considering changing marijuana’s Schedule I classification Donald Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. At a $1m-a-plate fundraiser at his New Jersey golf club earlier this month, Trump told attendees he was interested in making such a change, the people, who declined to be named, told the newspaper. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/lq62D9z

The week around the world in 20 pictures

Aid airdrops in Gaza, the frontline in Donetsk, wildfires all over Europe and the fifth test match between England and India: the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists Warning: this gallery contains images that some readers may find distressing Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/VyD0AKe

Hamlet: Wakefulness review – fraught and full-throated musical tragedy

Summerhall, Edinburgh Polish company’s musical take on Shakespeare’s death-fixated drama is full of feeling, but its story never really sings It begins with lines from Under the Earth I Go, a reflective piece about death and renewal, written as his own elegy by the Scottish poet Hamish Henderson . That serves as a suitably contemplative introduction to Shakespeare’s death-fixated play, one that begins after the poisoning of one Hamlet and ends with the slaughter of another. Wrocław’s Song of the Goat gravitates naturally to such material. This least frivolous of companies made its name on the fringe in 2004 with Chronicles: A Lamentation , an expressive dance-theatre piece shot through with haunting polyphonic song that felt placeless and timeless. At Summerhall, Edinburgh , until 15 August All our Edinburgh festival reviews Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/mzdrUKo

Trump to announce Apple’s plan to invest $100bn in US manufacturing

Tech giant’s plan to up domestic investment over next four years comes as it seeks to avoid Trump’s threatened tariffs Donald Trump on Wednesday is expected to celebrate a commitment by Apple to increase its investments in US manufacturing by an additional $100bn over the next four years. “Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” a White House spokesperson, Taylor Rogers, said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ozIMh3y

Tesla shareholders sue Elon Musk for allegedly hyping up faltering Robotaxi

Carmaker and CEO accused of securities fraud and hiding significant risk posed by company’s self-driving vehicles Tesla shareholders sued Elon Musk and the electric vehicle maker for allegedly concealing the significant risk posed by company’s self-driving vehicles. The proposed class-action suit, which accuses Musk and Tesla of securities fraud, was filed on Monday night. Tesla conducted its first public test of its self-driving taxis in late June near the company’s headquarters in Austin , Texas. That test showed the vehicles speeding, braking suddenly, driving over a curb, entering the wrong lane and dropping off passengers in the middle of multilane roads. The National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA), the main transportation regulator in the US, is investigating the Robotaxi’s pilot test. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/z4btRdi

Keir Starmer leads tributes as Lord Sawyer dies aged 82

Former general secretary was one of the main party figures during the New Labour era Keir Starmer has led tributes after the death of former Labour party general secretary Tom Sawyer. He said the former trade unionist’s “place in our party’s history is assured” as one of the leading figures in the build-up to the 1997 general election success. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CPibZK6

Parenthood review – one of the crabs in David Attenborough’s new naturefest is like a 1940s movie villain

This tale of animals nurturing offspring runs from orphaned lion cubs to cannibal child spiders. It’s the crustaceans that make for some of the most ingenious footage, though There must be a rule printed on parchment somewhere at the BBC that says all big wildlife documentaries must feature a sweeping shot of the African savannah at the top of episode one. Wildebeest or buffalo must roam majestically across the grasslands in search of water, only for one of the herd to be brought down by a cunning lion or cheetah. The awe is bittersweet: sorry, big guy, but a cat’s got to eat. This sappingly familiar narrative plays out in the opening instalment of Parenthood, a Sunday-evening naturefest narrated by David Attenborough, before we have blown the steam off our tea. It sets us up for a show that offers BBC One natural history in a cuter, less spectacular and groundbreaking mode than the channel’s classic shows – but the suspicion that it may not have anything fresh to impart is soon disp...

Bundee Aki reveals wife gave birth in car on same day as first Lions Test win

Aki’s wife had their fifth child in New Zealand Centre looking forward to seeing daughter for first time Bundee Aki has revealed his wife gave birth to their daughter in the back of a car in New Zealand on the same day as the first Lions Test victory against Australia in Brisbane. Aki is yet to meet his fifth child, Aine, and said reuniting with his family is his top priority after helping the Lions to wrap up the series. Aki was a second-half replacement in the first Test, coming off the bench after 57 minutes and all the while ­coping with the drama unfolding in Auckland. Aine is Aki’s fifth child – all five have names beginning with A – and Aki’s remarkable revelation details the sacrifices made by the touring side, who first got together for a training camp in Portugal in early June. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2JHoeL5

Dua Lipa ‘feeling grateful’ after Kosovan president grants her citizenship

Singer of hits such as Training Season, Houdini and One Kiss was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents Singer Dua Lipa has said she is “feeling grateful” after being awarded citizenship of Kosovo by the country’s president. The 29-year-old was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, Anesa and Dukagjin Lipa, and moved to the country’s capital of Pristina aged 11, when her family returned after Kosovo gained its independence in 2008, before moving back to London aged 15. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/t7xCKQg

England suffer late Zak Crawley blow in chase of 374 to win fifth Test and India series

Fifth Test, day three: India 224 & 396; England 247 & 50-1 Opener out in last over after India pile up imposing total At the end of a demoralising third day when England were put to the sword by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sixth Test century came one final gut punch. Mohammed Siraj, the only seamer to stay the course in this punishing series, castled Zak Crawley with a perfect yorker to put his side on course for a 2-2 draw. England will go into the fourth day on 50 for one needing 324 more runs to win. But while the target is just three more than the 371 they chased down at a canter in the first Test at Headingley , their beleaguered state of mind – and a more capricious pitch – points to a very different outcome this time. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/0D5wVen

Charley Hull surges into Women’s Open contention as leader Yamashita wobbles

Hull within three shots of Miyu Yamashita ‘I like hunting someone down. It’s more fun that way.’ There are few things more exciting in golf than a marauding Charley Hull. Not only did we witness precisely that here on Saturday, but Hull sent an errant shot whizzing past the head of Minjee Lee for added theatrical effect. Hull had been battling to make the AIG Women’s Open cut for much of Friday afternoon. She started her third round 11 shots adrift of Miyu Yamashita. Within nine holes, Hull was five under par and on the charge. Birdies at the 12th and 13th meant she was four behind Yamashita. Hull did bogey the 14th, meaning a 66, but Yamashita’s failure to build on her 36-hole position suddenly makes this a highly intriguing scene. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/eFMjLul

Trump administration reportedly suspends $200m in grants to UCLA

University chancellor said ‘life-saving research’ will be defunded as Trump’s academic crackdown continues The Trump administration is suspending some research grants to the University of California, Los Angeles, claiming “antisemitism and bias”, the school announced in a statement on Thursday. “UCLA received a notice that the federal government, through its control of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies, is suspending certain research funding to UCLA,” Julio Frenk, the university chancellor, said in a letter to the campus . The move means “life-saving research” will be defunded, he said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/WC4r0Nz

Gus Atkinson throws down gauntlet to India before England’s Woakes blow

Fifth Test, day one: India 204-6 Woakes leaves field after landing heavily on shoulder Welcome to England, India. Or at least, welcome to the England you might have expected when touching down here at the start of June. Cloud cover, stoppages for rain, and seamers probing away on a green-tinged surface – the opening day at the Oval was certainly a far cry from what came before. The problem for India, 2-1 down in the series and chasing only a share of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was that they were the ones tasked with negotiating these new conditions after Shubman Gill lost his fifth toss in a row. By stumps, 7.30pm, the tourists had scrapped their way to 204 for six from 64 overs and Gus Atkinson was the toast of his home ground. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/cpWD9ER

Lucas Paquetá and West Ham can move on from spot-fixing case ‘nightmare’

A challenge on Boubakary Soumaré in 2022 triggered a chain of events that left the forward fighting for his career Almost a thousand days have passed since Lucas Paquetá was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Leicester’s Boubakary Soumaré in a tame home defeat for West Ham in November 2022, an otherwise inconsequential booking that triggered an extraordinary chain of events that left the Brazilian fighting for his career. As Paquetá’s lawyer noted after he was cleared of spot-fixing on Thursday, Paquetá has shown more spirit and resilience during his two-year legal battle with the Football Association than his teammates managed that afternoon, although even after being exonerated in the most high-profile corruption case to hit English football since the Bruce Grobbelaar match-fixing trial three decades ago, the West Ham midfielder’s victory feels somewhat pyrrhic. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/tOd2kHb

Kamala Harris announces she will not run for governor of California

Decision leaves race wide open, with leading candidates including Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa and Katie Porter Kamala Harris , the former vice-president and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, announced on Wednesday that she will not run for governor of California – a highly anticipated decision that leaves the contest to lead the country’s largest blue state wide open. “After deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election,” Harris said in a statement, ending months of speculation about whether she might enter the race filled with lesser-known aspirants. Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general and US senator, offered few details about her future plans but promised to share more “in the months ahead”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/rcIvV7a

‘It wouldn’t feel the same’: Itoje plays down calls for future Lions tour to France

Captain cites ‘strong sense of history and tradition’ Lions are preparing for final Test against Australia If Maro Itoje did not already know that leading the British & Irish Lions was a big deal, he does now. Since his side took an unbeatable 2-0 series lead against the Wallabies he has even had a congratulatory message from the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, who was in Melbourne for the game last Saturday . Was he asking Itoje to consider dipping his toes into politics? “No, no … he has some world issues to try and sort out before that.” Ask Itoje about his future vision for the Lions, however, and his manifesto is crystal clear. This tour has been the England captain’s third in a red jersey and with every passing year his personal appreciation of the Lions continues to grow. “It’s been without a shadow of a doubt one of the highlights of my career. When I am old and grey these occasions and these tours are going to be one of the experiences I look back on with extre...

European Commission proposes suspending Israel from part of Horizon research programme

Horizon Europe is among the most prestigious science research programmes in the world The European Commission has proposed partly suspending Israel from its flagship £80bn Horizon science research programme over the “severe” humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where food security experts say famine is now under way. It comes amid worldwide condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including demands by Donald Trump that it must do more to stop the “real starvation” . On Tuesday, the leading international authority on food crises, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, said the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out” in Gaza. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Jbnd8mr

Shareholders of UK fintech Wise vote to move main stock market listing to US

Co-founder Kristo Käärmann gains enhanced voting rights in controversial move The UK online payments company Wise is to move its main stock market listing to the US after shareholders approved the move. Investors in Wise, one of the biggest financial technology businesses in the UK with a market value of about £11bn, voted on Monday in favour of a dual listing in the US in an attempt to attract more investors and boost its value. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/YArCnU0

Honest Hayes and Wright shine as ITV and BBC go head-to-head for Euro 2025 final | John Brewin

There was a look at how far the women’s game has come while England gave commentators their chance to land the words they wanted Sarina Wiegman’s team playing disjointedly, yet rescued by moments of inspiration and fortune. It is why “Proper England”, to use the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 mission statement, wins record audiences, an expected worldwide audience of 46 million dragged through Sunday night drama, putting Poldark and Mr Darcy to shame. Across the BBC and ITV, Euro 2025 coverage has not been nearly so happy-clappy as the BBC’s Team GB-Beebies, sub-Henman Hill Olympics cheerleading. Perhaps the cruelty of football as a game precludes that. Once the game is afoot, there are few hiding places. Still, there has been a cheeriness to both channels’ female lead presenters – Laura Woods for ITV, Gabby Logan for BBC – so rarely seen in the male equivalent. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ltSdHvN

Hundreds gather again at Essex asylum hotel in weekend of anti-immigrant protests

Protests at Bell hotel in Epping for fifth time on Sunday as others demonstrated in Norfolk and London Hundreds of people gathered outside a hotel in Epping on Sunday for the fifth time to demonstrate over the premises being used to house asylum seekers, as protests spread to other hotels over the weekend. A large police presence containing officers from multiple forces restricted contact between anti- and pro-immigrant protesters, with Essex police saying restrictions were necessary after what it described as repeated serious disruption, violence and harm to the community since the first demonstration took place on 13 July. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/B2lL6Yg

Top medical body concerned over RFK Jr’s reported plans to cut preventive health panel

American Medical Association writes to health secretary after reports he aims to overhaul taskforce for being ‘woke’ A top US medical body has expressed “deep concern” to Robert F Kennedy Jr over news reports that the health secretary plans to overhaul a panel that determines which preventive health measures including cancer screenings should be covered by insurance companies. The letter from the the American Medical Association comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy plans to overhaul the 40-year old US Preventive Services Task Force because he regards them as too “woke”, according to sources familiar with the matter. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/17VdeUF

Vos claims Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey in dramatic opening stage

Vos wins stage one after teammate Ferrand-Prévot tires Marlen Reusser out of race after crash in Brittany Marianne Vos claimed victory on the opening stage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes – and the overall leader’s yellow jersey – after a dramatic finale in Plumelec. Vos’s Visma Lease a bike teammate, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, had looked set to take the stage on home soil after making a late break for the finish. The French rider ran out of steam, however, and Vos overtook her teammate with Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) threatening to grab victory and the maillot jaune instead. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/YH2Z56c

Emma Raducanu beats Maria Sakkari and the heat to reach Washington last four

Briton ‘toughed it out’ to earn 6-4, 7-5 quarter-final win Physio checked on Raducanu as temperature hit 36C Emma Raducanu booked her place in the semi-finals of the Washington Open for the first time with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Greece’s Maria Sakkari on a day where both players had to battle high temperatures. After losing the opening game, Raducanu dropped serve but managed to break straight back. Raducanu broke again to make it 4-3 courtesy of a scuffed drop-volley by Sakkari, who fought back once more following another double fault by the Briton. After getting her nose in front again, Raducanu held serve to take the opening set. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3IgF0uy

‘I’m making hard decisions’: Wiegman leaps Lionesses hurdles to stand on verge of glory

England manager says she is learning to ‘enjoy it all a little bit more’ as she approaches her fifth consecutive major final Sarina Wiegman sits down in the chair left for her in a ring of journalists looking remarkably relaxed, the intensity and energy seen during and in the immediate aftermath of the thrilling last-gasp quarter-final and semi-final wins over Sweden and Italy gone. This is her usual state, calm, and as England prepare for a third major tournament final, against Spain on Sunday, and Wiegman’s fifth consecutive major final, it’s what they need. Asked to look back on her own development during four whirlwind years in charge, she is reflective. “As every person in this room develops, I develop too, with experiences,” she says. “First my English has improved, so I understand a lot more, but also you learn more about the people you work with. You learn more again about yourself and how you respond to things and, while I’m always working on developing the team and developi...

California can’t require background checks to buy ammunition, appeals court rules

‘Background check regime infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms,’ a judge wrote in the decision A federal appeals court ruled on Thursday that California’s first-of-its-kind law requiring firearm owners to undergo background checks to buy ammunition is unconstitutional. In a 2-1 vote, the ninth US circuit court of appeals in Pasadena, California, upheld a lower court judge’s permanent injunction against enforcing the law. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/exk8fSG

‘A novel to be swept away by’: Lucy Steeds wins Waterstones debut fiction prize for The Artist

Judges praised the novel, set in 1920s Provence, for its ‘atmospheric, sensory prose’ and described Steeds as ‘an exciting new voice’ Lucy Steeds has won the 2025 Waterstones debut fiction prize for her novel The Artist , which has been praised for its “atmospheric, sensory prose.” Set in an artist’s household in 1920s Provence, the novel follows aspiring English journalist Joseph Adelaide, reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe and his niece Ettie, who has her own hidden artistic ambitions. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/QUIPv4O

Trump administration opens inquiry into universities over Daca scholarships

Education department to look into scholarships for students from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program US politics live – latest updates The Trump administration ’s Department of Education announced on Wednesday that it has opened national-origin discrimination investigations into five US universities over what it described as “alleged exclusionary scholarships referencing foreign-born students”. According to the announcement , the department’s office for civil rights has opened investigations into the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ictJAxQ

Telegraph sale poised to go ahead after Lords foreign ownership vote

Consortium led by RedBird Capital in line to buy group for £500m, in deal that would result in UAE retaining 15% stake The sale of the Telegraph looks set to finally go through after government legislation to allow foreign states to own up to 15% in British newspapers survived a potentially fatal vote in the House of Lords. Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital is leading a consortium looking to buy the Telegraph for £500m , in a deal that would result in the United Arab Emirates retaining a stake of 15%. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CSvpLh4

Venezuela to investigate alleged torture of its citizens in El Salvador jail

Attorney general says detainees from Cecot prison returned under deal with US suffered a range of abuses Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek Saab, said on Monday that his office would investigate El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, and two other officials for the alleged abuse of Venezuelans detained in the country. More than 250 Venezuelans held in El Salvador’s notorious Cecot prison returned to Venezuela on Friday under the terms of a prisoner exchange agreed with the US. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/0aOzbMf

‘Coupledom is very oppressing’: Swedish author Gun-Britt Sundström on the revival of her cult anti-marriage novel

As her million-selling 70s novel, Engagement, is translated into English for the first time, the Swedish author talks about life at 80, finding the ideal love, and why her generation were freer than today’s young people At a glance, Engagement, Gun-Britt Sundström’s classic novel of the 1970s, looks like a conventional story of young student love floundering in the face of ambivalence. The 79-year-old author, who is speaking via video call while cat-sitting for her son at his house outside Stockholm, has been taken aback by the novel’s return to favour. For a long time, Sundström tried to distance herself from Engagement, as writers will of their most famous book. But readers wouldn’t let her forget, and now, with publication of the first English translation, the million-plus-selling novelist and translator is enjoying a resurgence. Recently, says Sundström, “a young woman – in her 50s, which is young to me nowadays! – told me she had been given the book as a present from her fath...

Scottie Scheffler claims Open Championship with majestic four-shot win

American world No 1 ends on 17 under at Royal Portrush Rory McIlroy finishes at 10 under after final round of 69 Never in doubt. Never remotely in doubt. What might Rory McIlroy have to shoot to win his second Open, they asked. The answer turned out to be: Scottie Scheffler. Anybody hoping for a keenly contested Open Sunday was to be sorely disappointed. Make that 10 times Scheffler has held a 54-hole lead and 10 times he has converted. Scheffler tugged his opening tee shot into the rough, triggering some sharp intakes of breath. The new champion’s next act was to fire an iron to within a foot of the cup. Scheffler enjoyed a sun-kissed procession on the Dunluce Links. Had the R&A been so minded, it could have broken with tradition and handed over the Claret Jug on the 5th tee. By that point, he was seven strokes clear. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/VuPhLS1

Dominant Lions must now deliver a display that can stand the test of time | Robert Kitson

Andy Farrell’s team faced a limp Australia in the first Test but must turn on the style to earn their place in history Had the British & Irish Lions been offered their current position a month ago, they would have jumped at it. One-nil up in the series with two to play and the chance to seal the deal in one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas? For anyone raised on the mythical deeds of past Lions tours this should be as good as it gets. So why was the mood so pancake-flat at the final whistle after the 27-19 first Test win in Brisbane ? Primarily because the best sport requires at least a hint of jeopardy. From an early stage at the Suncorp Stadium, sadly, there was absolutely no doubt which side was going to win. For the first time in living memory, a Lions Test victory had become a foregone conclusion. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/NAIUCGg

Frank and open: early observations as Dane’s Spurs tenure begins with friendly win

Tottenham beat Reading thanks to fine outings for Thomas Frank’s new signings Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic It is rarely wise to read deeply into pre-season fixtures. Especially the opening one. Yet when it is the first game for a manager at a club, the temptation is there. How can it not be? The initial glimpses offer the outline of the plan. Thomas Frank got his Tottenham tenure under way with a 2-0 win over Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon. He played different XIs in each half and the goals came early in the second period from Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic. For the latter, it represented the gloss on an eye-catching first appearance. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nvWY7z4