US intensifies attacks on Iran as Tehran hits back at Gulf states 16. July 2026 (13:47) Sixth day of fighting threatens to turn into all-out war and casts serious doubt on peace deal struck last monthChaos and confusion bring US no closer to resolution on strait of HormuzMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesThe US has intensified its attacks on Iran, hitting targets near Tehran and striking a ship it accused of trying to break its blockade, while Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US allies in the regionSix consecutive days of back-and-forth attacks threaten to pull the region back into a total war and cast serious doubt about an interim deal reached last month meant to achieve a permanent peace. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Uganda calls for travel restrictions to be lifted after last Ebola patient discharged 16. July 2026 (13:33) Country begins 42-day countdown to outbreak being declared officially over, as numbers continue to rise in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the CongoUganda has started lobbying countries to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions after discharging its last confirmed Ebola patient from hospital.The discharge of a Congolese national from the Mulago national referral hospital’s isolation centre in Kampala on Thursday triggered the start of a 42-day countdown required by the World Health Organization before Uganda can officially be declared Ebola-free, provided no new infections are detected. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Democrats allege Trump administration stalled US-Canada bridge opening as a favor to billionaire donor 16. July 2026 (13:00) Delay seen as move to protect interests of Matthew Moroun, the owner of nearby Ambassador Bridge and a Trump donorThe Trump administration for months blocked a $4.7bn publicly owned bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, a move critics allege is a quid pro quo for a billionaire Donald Trump donor.A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gordie Howe international bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor was initially scheduled for early June but was abruptly cancelled amid dispute between US and Canadian officials. On 10 July, Canada announced it reached a deal with the US, and the bridge will open on 27 July. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Uber to buy Germany’s Delivery Hero in $14.8bn global deal 16. July 2026 (12:01) Agreement combines Uber Eats with food delivery brands in 99 countries and expands taxi service reachBusiness live – latest updatesUber has reached an agreement to take over the German takeaway company Delivery Hero in a $14.8bn (£11bn, or €12.9bn) deal that would create a global food delivery giant.The US tech firm said it had offered to pay €41.50 a share to Delivery Hero’s shareholders, valuing the business at $14.8bn. Uber will pay $13.7bn after accounting for its previous purchases of a quarter of Delivery Hero’s shares, most recently in May. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Demise of Timmy the whale inspires satirical play exploring German identity 16. July 2026 (11:40) Timmy: Hope Dies Last elevates stranded humpback into Jesus-like figure, igniting hope and grief When people in Germany organised a daring rescue mission for a humpback whale stranded on the Baltic coast in April, it briefly looked like a country stricken with political division and economic anxiety was rallying around a common cause.A new satirical play inspired by the episode, however, suggests the spectators, social-media influencers, politicians and millionaires who flocked to the seaside in support never just wanted to rescue the cetacean that came to be nicknamed Timmy, but for Timmy to rescue them. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US strikes expand to northern Iran as Tehran fires on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan – Middle East crisis live 16. July 2026 (11:23) Iran reports explosions in several cities including capital while US military says it also hit and disabled tanker in strait of Hormuz US attacks oil tanker in strait of Hormuz as strikes reported in TehranReuters has reported that Benjamin Netanyahu will not travel to the US next week because the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has been postponed until the end of the month, the Israeli prime minister’s office said.Earlier Israeli reports suggested Netanyahu had been set to fly to Washington on Saturday to attend memorial events for Graham, who died on Saturday, and potentially meet Donald Trump. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘People think you’ve got 10,000 cats’: the support group for hoarders 16. July 2026 (11:00) Many hoarders are scared to seek help but one UK housing association is taking a more empathetic approachAt one end of the table sits Tony*, who showers at his local leisure centre in Birkenhead every day. His landlord won’t fix his bathroom because of his hoarding. Then there’s Sarah*, who ended up homeless with her three teenagers after their landlord evicted them because of hoarding. In her new home the problem has started again, but she says she’s petrified to ask for help in case she loses her property.Sian Cowley, 35, who has struggled with hoarding for decades, says: “I’ve lived without central heating for two years. A lot of us live without the basics like hot water, heating and cooking because we are too scared to get people in to do repairs because of the threat of eviction.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ocado chief says he won’t be a ‘puppet master’ amid apparent succession row 16. July 2026 (10:54) Tim Steiner speaks as shares in the online grocer slide nearly 15% on plunge in pre-tax profits to £17mBusiness live – latest updatesThe co-founder and boss of Ocado has insisted he has “no intention of being a puppet master” exerting control over its staff amid an apparent boardroom row over succession at the grocery technology company.Tim Steiner, who is to stand down as chief executive in 2028, suggested that any successor would be happy to work with him. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK investigation to determine if TikTok fails to protect children from harmful content 16. July 2026 (10:29) Ofcom concerned platform’s age verification is ineffective, leaving some at risk of seeing posts about self-harm and suicideTikTok is under formal investigation over concerns it has failed to protect children from harmful content, the UK’s online regulator, Ofcom, has announced.The social media platform’s approach to checking the ages of users has sparked “particular concerns” at the watchdog, almost a year after measures to protect children from the worst of online content came into effect under the Online Safety Act. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
