British swallowtail split from European cousins much earlier than thought, study finds 05. July 2026 (13:00) Finding that Norfolk butterfly has been distinct subspecies for 200,000 years could transform conservation approachThe endangered swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon britannicus, which is only regularly found breeding in Britain on the Norfolk Broads, has been a distinct subspecies for at least 200,000 years, according to a study.Smaller, darker in colour and much rarer than the continental swallowtail, britannicus was previously considered to have developed its distinctive form during its confinement in the wetlands of eastern England over the last 8,000 years, after the flooding of Doggerland. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
At least eight shot, including four children, in New York’s Coney Island 05. July 2026 (11:54) Incident took place late in the evening on Independence Day with one victim said to be in a critical conditionAt least eight people, including four children, were shot and injured during the US Independence Day holiday in New York City’s Coney Island neighbourhood, ABC News said on Sunday, citing the New York City police department (NYPD).Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at about 10:37pm on the Brooklyn neighbourhood’s West 31st Street, the NYPD said in a statement to ABC News. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nigel Farage did not declare gifts from crypto entrepreneur convicted of fraud 05. July 2026 (11:40) Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick says Farage accepted staff, security and accommodation from George Cottrell before becoming an MPNigel Farage did not declare gifts and benefits provided by a crypto entrepreneur who has previously been convicted of fraud, Reform’s economic spokesperson has admitted.Robert Jenrick said on Sunday that the Reform leader had accepted staff, security and accommodation from George Cottrell, but claimed they were personal gifts provided before he became an MP and so did not need to be declared. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Iran’s supreme leader absent from funeral of father Ali Khamenei 05. July 2026 (10:46) Three sons of killed ayatollah were seen beside coffin during ceremonies drawing huge crowds in TehranThree sons of the former Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed beside his coffin and those of four other family members on Sunday, but Mojtaba, the son who has succeeded him as Iran’s supreme leader, did not make an appearance.State TV showed Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei praying behind the coffins laid out in the vast courtyard of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla, a sprawling religious complex. In a show of public devotion to the theocratic state and revolutionary zeal, the country is staging a week of mass funeral processions for Khamenei, including taking his remains to Shia religious sites in neighbouring Iraq. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
