38 h. ago Is this river alive? Robert Macfarlane on the lives, deaths and rights of our rivers

As pollution levels hit record highs and fresh water becomes ‘the new oil’, is it time to radically reimagine our relationship to the natural world?If you find it difficult to think of a river as alive, try picturing a dying or dead river. This is easier. We know what this looks like. We know how it feels. A dying river is one who does not reach the sea. A dying river’s fish float belly-up in stagnant pools. Swans on the upper Thames near Windsor now wear brown tidemarks on their snowy chest feathers, showing where they have sailed through sewage. I recently saw a Southern Water riverbank sign badged with a bright blue logo that read “Water for Life”. The sign instructed passersby to “avoid contact with the water. If you’ve had contact with the water, please wash your hands before eating.” In parts of this septic isle, fresh water has become first undrinkable, then unswimmable, then untouchable.How did it come to this – and where do we go from here? The crisis is one of imagination ...

Events

3 d. ago Grim figures show rise in shoplifting and knife crime as Tories blamed for crisis

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals shoplifting cases hit a record high in 2024, while there were almost 55,000 knife crime incidents recorded in England and Wales

Events

3 d. ago City office leasing deals hit new record last year as race for space intensifies

A total of 339 occupiers agreed terms for space over 5,000 sq ft in the City last year

Economics

4 d. ago More than 80% of the world’s reefs hit by bleaching after worst global event on record

An ashen pallor and an eerie stillness all that remains where there should fluttering fish and vibrant colours in the reefscape, one conservationist saysThe world’s coral reefs have been pushed into “uncharted territory” by the worst global bleaching event on record that has now hit more than 80% of the planet’s reefs, scientists have warned.Reefs in at least 82 countries and territories have been exposed to enough heat to turn corals white since the global event started in January 2023, the latest data from the US government’s Coral Reef Watch shows. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Asking prices hit new record high despite stamp duty hike, Rightmove says

Scotland, Wales, the Midlands and many northern regions saw average property asking prices rise this month, Rightmove said.

Events

2 w. ago The price of gold has hit a record high. Here’s why and the ways to invest

The precious metal has long been considered a ‘safe haven’ during times of uncertainty - and the current trade war is no different

Economics

2 w. ago Tariffs live: Gold prices hit record high after Trump admits concerns over transition ‘costs’

Falling stocks across Asia follow Wall Street sell-off as US president threatens to go ahead with ‘reciprocal’ levies

Economics

2 w. ago China hits out at 'threats and coercion' over Donald Trump's 104% tariffs

China's government has shared a white paper on the country's popular Weibo platform, spelling out the context of the trade war after President Donald Trump hit the country with record-high tariffs

Events

2 w. ago Overseas property buyers in UK hit record low, says Hamptons

The proportion of overseas buyers registering with Countrywide group estate agents fell to its lowest level on record at the start of this year.

Events

3 w. ago DVSA rule will introduce major driving test change within days

The new directive will come into effect early next week

Politics

3 w. ago London's Canary Wharf office vacancies hit new record, data shows

London's Canary Wharf office vacancies hit new record, data shows  Reuters

Events

3 w. ago Adolescence was just the start: BBC's Reunion is the makers' most groundbreaking, thrilling new drama yet

The team behind Netflix's record-breaking hit deliver a deaf-led revenge story so intense, it's set to eclipse their last work.

Events

3 w. ago Cory Booker is hit with wild diaper claims after breaking record for longest Senate speech in 68 years

Democratic Senator Cory Booker has officially broken the Senate record in a 25-hour, 5-minute rant against the policies of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

Events

3 w. ago DVSA to introduce new rule as driving test wait times hit record high

The number of test centres with a 24-week waiting time has nearly doubled

Events

3 w. ago Changes to driving test rules as learners hit by record waiting time

The Department for Transport has previously announced a series of measures aimed at tackling the backlog

Events

4 w. ago Late birdies ensure Rory McIlroy makes cut as Scottie Scheffler leads in Houston

World number one Scheffler hit eight birdies as he tied the course record with a 62 to lead by one.

Events