Hopes of finding over 180 missing people alive in India's Kerala state are dwindling as rescue workers search through mud and debris after landslides, triggered by torrential rains, killed at least 194 people. This disaster is the worst since 2018. More than 5,500 people have been rescued from hillside villages, but rescue operations are hampered by ongoing rains. Nearly forty bodies were found 30 km downstream from the landslide site in Wayanad district. Most victims were tea estate workers. About 1,100 rescue personnel, helicopters, and heavy equipment are involved in the efforts. Current reports indicate up to 276 deaths from the heavy rains and flooding. Over 8,300 people are in 82 relief camps. Kerala, prone to heavy rains and landslides, received 572 mm of rain over 48 hours, far exceeding forecasts. India has witnessed extreme weather in recent years, from torrential rain and floods to droughts and cyclones, blamed by some experts on climate change.

During a convention for black journalists, Donald Trump questioned Kamala Harris' racial identity, falsely claiming that she has only recently emphasised her black heritage. Trump remarked, ‘I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black’, and questioned whether she was Indian or black. Harris, the first black and Asian-American vice-president, dismissed Trump's remarks as divisive and disrespectful, emphasising that America's diversity is a strength. Her parents are Indian and Jamaican, and she attended Howard University and joined the Congressional Black Caucus in 2017. One critic asked, ‘Who appointed Donald Trump the arbiter of Blackness?’ He has a history of racially charged attacks, including false claims about Barack Obama's birthplace and questioning Nikki Haley's eligibility for presidency. Harris has faced a series of attacks since becoming the Democratic nominee: some Republicans have labelled her a ‘DEI vice-president’ - a reference to diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes.

Following their success in the Euros, coming in  second, it is encouraging to know that several members of the England football team openly share their Christian faith, crediting it for their personal and professional success. Ivan Toney prays before each match and has Christian tattoos, viewing his faith as a source of strength and redemption. Eberechi Eze places God at the centre of his life, finding perspective and resilience through his beliefs, especially during injuries. Bukayo Saka reads his Bible every night, trusting in God's plan, which bolsters his confidence on the pitch. Marc Guéhi prays before games, aiming to showcase God's glory through his actions both on and off the field. Their faith plays a significant role in their lives, enhancing their performance and providing a strong foundation for overcoming life's challenges.

Chris, known at Speaker’s Corner as ‘The Iceman’, once struggled as a 13-year-old indulging in heavy drinking. Raised agnostic, he followed friends into dangerous behaviour, leading to alcohol abuse and deep depression. By 14, his drinking got so bad that once he passed out and was carried home. His relationships deteriorated, and he became isolated and suicidal. At 17, recalling his childhood happiness tied to his belief in God, he prayed for help, experiencing a profound sense of divine love. Embracing Christianity, Chris transformed his life, cutting ties with negative influences and diving into apologetics. He improved his relationships with his family and joined the Christian Union in college, where he found a supportive community. He now debates Muslims at Speaker's Corner, sharing his journey from despair to faith and purpose. His story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact of a supportive community in overcoming personal struggles.

King Charles has outlined the new Labour government's law-making agenda in his speech to Parliament, presenting 39 bills for the upcoming session. These include: Planning and Infrastructure Bill, to streamline approval for critical infrastructure. Renters' Rights Bill, to ban no-fault evictions. Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, to curb ground rent and ban forfeiture over small debts. Energy and Infrastructure Bill, to regulate water companies. Transport Bill, to renationalise rail services. Crime and Borders Bill, to enhance police powers and enact Martyn's Law for terrorism protection. Migration Bill, to use counter-terror powers against smuggling gangs. Employment and Equality Bill, to ban exploitative contracts and expand equal pay claims. Health and Education Bill, to introduce gradual smoking bans, tighten mental health care, and promote children's well-being. Technology Bill, to regulate digital IDs and cybersecurity. Constitutional Measures, to phase out hereditary peers and extend female bishops' presence. Tax and Spending Bill, to update pension schemes. Other bills include football governance and armed forces commissioner legislation.

Jay Slater's body was discovered near Masca, Tenerife, after nearly a month of searching. His mother, Debbie Duncan, is appealing for more donations on GoFundMe to repatriate his body and cover funeral expenses, aiming for £60,000. She expressed gratitude for the support received and thanked the Dutch search team, Signi Zoekhondon, and LBT Global for their assistance. Spanish authorities believe Jay's death resulted from a fall in the rocky area. Debbie wants to give Jay the funeral he deserves, so continues to seek contributions and support during this difficult time.

Wales' first minister Vaughan Gething has announced his resignation just four months after taking office. This decision follows the resignation of three government ministers and his top legal adviser, who called for his departure due to ongoing controversies. Gething has faced scrutiny over a £200,000 campaign donation from a convicted businessman. In his resignation statement, he denied any wrongdoing and lamented the loss of the burden of proof in politics. Sir Keir Starmer thanked Gething for his service, acknowledging the difficulty of his decision. Plaid Cymru called for a snap election; Labour holds 30 of the 60 Senedd seats, so requires support from opposition to govern. Gething was the first black leader of a national government in Europe. His brief tenure was marked by internal conflict and external controversies, ultimately leading to his resignation.

Labour has admitted that Britain is facing a small-boat crisis in the Channel, just days after scrapping the Tories' Rwanda deportation scheme. 427 people made the crossing on Monday, bringing the total since Labour took power to 1,185. Home secretary Yvette Cooper noted that small-boat crossings were at a record high and indicated a challenging summer ahead. The Conservatives argue that Labour's approach relies too heavily on European cooperation and lacks effective deterrents. Instead, Starmer plans to establish a 1,000-strong immigration task force as part of a new Border Security Command, to address people-smuggling. Migration will be a key topic at the upcoming European Political Community summit, where Starmer aims to build support for his new strategy. Critics warn that Labour's policies could lead to increased illegal arrivals and costs for taxpayers.

GAFCON has expressed solidarity with the Anglican Alliance, condemning the Church of England's decision to bless same-sex unions, which they argue contradicts biblical teachings. The Archbishop of Rwanda, Laurent Mbanda, criticised the General Synod's approval of such blessings, stating it goes against scripture. GAFCON supports the creation of a third province for Anglicans adhering to traditional doctrines. While recognising the legal complexities within the CofE, it endorses the formation of a new province to provide pastoral care for those in impaired communion. GAFCON pledges ongoing support for faithful Anglicans worldwide. The archbishop said: ‘GAFCON supports all faithful Anglicans, whether they choose to stay and provide a witness to the truth in their home church, or whether they wish to leave for the sake of conscience. Wherever faithful Anglicans find themselves, we are ready to support, encourage and defend them. They are not alone.’

Scientists have discovered that pancreatic cancer deactivates molecules within the HNF4A gene, leading to rapid growth and spread. This breakthrough offers hope for better treatments against this deadly disease, which kills nearly 9,000 Britons a year. Dr Maria Hatziapostolou of Nottingham Trent University emphasised the urgency of new treatments, noting that pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among common cancers. The research, involving multiple universities, showed that pancreatic cancer uses DNA methylation to switch off HNF4A molecules, promoting tumour growth. This discovery could pave the way for more effective treatment options, which are badly needed because most pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at a late stage when they are no longer operable. This research could significantly impact future treatment for a disease with notoriously poor survival rates.