Trump officials accused of stacking top chemical safety board with industry ‘mouthpieces’ 13. July 2026 (14:00) Public health advocates warn of conflicts of interests and say panel likely to provide justification for key rollbacksThe Trump administration has stacked a top chemical safety board with industry-aligned scientists who have a range of financial conflicts of interest and stand to profit from deregulation, public health advocates say.The Environmental Protection Agency’s science advisory committee on chemicals (SACC) is slated to review research for dozens of toxic chemicals during the new members’ terms. At least 13 proposed Trump appointees are probably conflicted on the chemicals that will be reviewed, comments filed with the EPA by a coalition of public health advocacy groups alleges. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Young men report more ‘sextortion’ than any other age group, Australia’s online safety watchdog says 13. July 2026 (14:00) In six months last year, more than 2,000 such complaints were made to eSafetyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA new report by Australia’s online safety regulator has found “significant gaps” in how major tech platforms tackle online sexual extortion and child sexual exploitation, as “reports of this abuse continue to rise”.The findings come from eSafety’s latest transparency report, examining how tech companies – including Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Snap, Discord and WhatsApp – are addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ann Widdecombe death: counter-terrorism police take over investigation 13. July 2026 (13:46) Officers say decision made after ‘new information and evidence has come to light’Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe in light of “new information and evidence”.Widdecombe’s body was found with serious injuries by the ambulance service at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11.40am on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall police said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organisation 13. July 2026 (13:42) Home Office announces ban on support for Iranian military group in escalation of diplomatic tensions with TehranThe UK will list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, ministers have announced, in a major escalation of the diplomatic tensions with Tehran.The Home Office said on Monday it would ban support for the IRGC, a central branch of the Iranian military, after years of political division over the issue. The move is equivalent to proscription, though not legally identical. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Plan to restore nature in England by 2030 criticised as ‘completely insufficient’ 13. July 2026 (13:27) Critics accuse ministers of failing to take control of nature crisis and leaving it to private landowners to act voluntarilyThe government’s plan to protect and restore nature in England by 2030 has been condemned as “pathetic” and “completely insufficient” in the face of the spiralling environmental crisis.The long-awaited plan published on Monday calls for landowners to voluntarily opt to protect and enhance nature, rather than creating legal protections for nature across more of the country’s land, critics say. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Chatsworth House pilots ‘community membership’ free entry scheme 13. July 2026 (13:00) Initiative with Derbyshire Libraries aims to boost access to cultural experiences and ‘champion reading for pleasure’When Kate, a 47-year-old contract worker came face to face with Charlotte Brontë’s handwriting while visiting Chatsworth House, the avid reader, who counts Jane Eyre as her favourite book, struggled to contain her excitement.“I had a little bit of a moment,” she said. “I just thought: ‘Wow, that was actually Charlotte Brontë’s writing there on that page.’ That was pretty special.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Weather tracker: Unusually warm rivers affect French nuclear power plants 13. July 2026 (12:53) High temperatures and below average rainfall put pressure on waterways used to cool reactorsAbove average temperatures combined with below average rainfall across much of western and central Europe during June and the first half of July have placed increasing pressure on rivers, ecosystems and energy infrastructure. Persistent high pressure brought prolonged sunshine, suppressed rainfall and enhanced evaporation, causing river levels to fall and water temperatures to increase.These unusually warm rivers are affecting electricity generation in France, as several nuclear power stations rely on river water for cooling. Under French environmental regulations, operators must limit the amount of heat discharged back into rivers, meaning electricity output may need to be reduced when water temperatures become too high. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sam Neill tributes: actors, directors and leaders remember ‘a true gentleman’ 13. July 2026 (12:52) The star of more than 100 films is remembered as a champion of New Zealand’s arts, culture and environment, and a generous collaborator and friend• Sam Neill’s final interview• His 20 best performances• A life in pictures• ‘A true gentleman’: actors, directors and leaders pay tribute to Neill• Neill interviewed in 2023, 2024 and 2026Sam Neill’s friends, peers and admirers have rushed to pay tribute to the actor, after his sudden death on Monday at the age of 78.Neill’s co-star in A Long Way Down and Aussie crime caper Dirty Deeds, Toni Collette, called him a “hero,” “legend” and a “sweetheart”. She wrote: “Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wildfires burn in Wales and England as environment officials warn of ‘exceptional risk’ 13. July 2026 (12:05) Major incidents declared in north Wales and Derbyshire, with firefighters also called out to two large fires in LondonPeople have been evacuated from their homes after a wildfire swept across a mountainside in north Wales, prompting firefighters to declare a major incident.Residents described hearing the crackling fire advancing down Conwy Mountain towards homes as ash fell from a sky turned dark by thick smoke. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Beloved or not, Lindsey Graham was a critical dealmaker in Congress 13. July 2026 (12:00) Senator played major role in critical negotiations with Democrats and members of his own party on key issuesWhen Democrats and Republicans were earlier this year locked in a standoff that had plunged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) into the longest partial government shutdown in US history, news of a path forward emerged in the form of a statement from Republican senator Lindsey Graham.By announcing that the budget committee he chairs would set to work on a measure to fund the agencies leading Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign for the remainder of his presidency, Graham played a major role in rallying the GOP behind a plan that reopened DHS. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
