Disability activists and charities warn that a proposed ban on social media for under-16s could isolate disabled children, cutting off vital lifelines for friendship and support. They argue the ban disproportionately affects those who struggle to connect offline and prevents them from finding role models and communities.
A three-year rewilding project on a former dairy farm in east Somerset has led to a significant increase in wildlife, with recorded bird species rising from 67 to 94 and butterfly species from 11 to 24. The Heal Somerset site is also home to more small mammals and 15 bat species.
A local councillor argues that UK local governments, like Kensington and Chelsea, are not doing enough to support residents with the cost of living, particularly regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
A UK government-commissioned review warns of a potential 25% rise in young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) by the 2030s, exacerbating homelessness among youth, with almost 124,000 at risk in 2024-25, a 6% increase from the previous year.
English schools saw a 68% rise in suspensions for prejudicial abuse (55,000+ racist, 13,000+ homophobic/transphobic, 1,600+ disablist) between 2020-21 and 2024-25, attributed to reduced anti-bullying support and societal issues.
A poll reveals UK adults have overwhelmingly positive memories of childhood outdoor play, yet nearly half now spend less than three hours weekly in nature. Accessibility issues and council budget cuts to parks are cited as major barriers, despite government commitments to improve green space access.
Alcohol charities have criticized a new 99p shot from the company behind BuzzBallz, warning its cheap price and heavy marketing are designed to appeal to children. The product's sweet flavors, TikTok-style branding, and ice-cream van promotion are seen as targeting young people, despite the company's claims of adult-only activation.
Australia's charities regulator suspended Dr Sharmila Chandran, president-elect of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), until September 20. The suspension stems from alleged contravention of a SafeWork NSW directive not to contact RACP staff, posing risks to their psychological health.
US authorities arrested alleged Iraqi commander Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating 18 terror attacks in the UK, Europe, and Canada, including firebombings and shootings, linked to Iran's IRGC.
US authorities arrested alleged Iraqi commander Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, accused of orchestrating 18 terror attacks across the UK, Europe, and Canada, including firebombings and shootings, allegedly on behalf of Iran's IRGC.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department with involvement in nearly 20 alleged terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He is accused of operating for Kata'ib Hezbollah and Iran's IRGC.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department with involvement in nearly 20 alleged terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use.
An Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, has been arrested and charged by the US Justice Department for alleged involvement in nearly 20 terror attacks and attempted attacks across the US and Europe. He faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and attempted destruction of property.
Over 60 charities call for a new clean air act to ban wood burning, clear diesel vehicles, and cut pollution, as air pollution costs the UK £27bn a year and harms public health.
A recent study showed millions are put off by early experiences of physical education. But sport can bring camaraderie and joyThere is a disconnect between the proliferation of reports recommending we should be more active and actual levels of activity, that are scarcely budging. Sports councils, health bodies, charities and thinktanks are piling up the evidence that sport and physical activity help us live healthier, happier lives, improve academic attainment at school and productivity at work, connect our communities and help prevent crime and reoffending. Why can’t we turn this into reality?Reports often call for better coordination, including the recent House of Commons inquiry Game On: Community and School Sport. But sport and physical activity remains poorly linked among schools, sports clubs, community organisations, parks and playgrounds. In an era of superintelligence and rockets flying around the moon, surely we could do better? Continue reading...
Amid strong demand for its services, an Ipswich food charity is being forced to close in a devastating blow for those in need.
The 2026 London Marathon has set a new fundraising record of £87.5m, surpassing last year's £87.3m to become the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event. Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made history by becoming the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official competition, winning in 1:59:30. Ethiopian Tigst Assefa broke her own women's-only world record at 2:15:41. The event also set a Guinness World Record with 59,830 finishers. The final total will be announced in September, expected to exceed £90m.
Charities that provide food say they are running at full capacity, forcing some to close and others to rethink how they deliver meals.
Buying habits | Trump’s messiah complex | Team Pope Leo XIV | Leaning towers | Mandelson vettingI sympathise with people mourning the demise of once‑loved stores and the pitiful state of their high streets (Wildings in Newport, Wales: the grand department store that became an illicit cannabis farm, 16 April). This is not the fault of the government, but rather a result of changing consumer habits. Perhaps we are all guilty. These shops are not charities, there to adorn the public realm. They are businesses and if people don’t shop there they will close. All that any government – national or local – can do is to help a well-designed shrinking of the retail estate by encouraging changes of use.Gillian WilliamsonLondon• The weirdest aspect of Donald Trump’s messiah complex cartoon (Trump deletes post with AI image of himself as Jesus-like figure after outcry, 13 April) is that the increasingly deranged, thin-skinned president appears to be trying to cure his long-time, eminently sane and extremely funny critic Jon Stewart.Jonathan WheelerBirstall, Leicester Continue reading...
Tennis legend Monica Seles and self-made billionaire Tom Golisano share a life built on success and quiet strength, with a combined net worth nearing $7 billion. The couple met around 2009 and married privately, now living a low-key life in Florida, supporting charities and exploring Monica Seles' recent health diagnosis.
