Heather Cowell and Lauren Torley sign new deals at Harlequins

Paris-bound Olympians Heather Cowell and Lauren Torley have signed new contracts with Harlequins. Winger Cowell, 28, will enter her seventh season at Quins after representing Team GB’s rugby sevens in France. Cowell was part of Harlequins’ title-winning side in 2020-21. Full-back Torley, 24, will enter her third season at the club after joining from DMP…

John Mayall, pioneering figure of British blues, dies aged 90

John Mayall, the linchpin of the British blues scene who gave a platform to some of the 20th century’s greatest rock musicians including Eric Clapton and members of Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 90. A statement on Mayall’s Instagram page announced his death, saying the musician died on Monday at his home in California. “Health…

Labour suspends seven rebel MPs over two-child benefit cap

Getty Images Former shadow ministers Rebecca Long-Bailey and John McDonnell, who served on Jeremy Corbyn’s front bench, were among the seven voting against the government Seven Labour MPs have had the whip suspended for six months after voting against the government on an amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell was…

Alphabet meets earnings expectations but misses on YouTube ad revenue

Google parent company Alphabet reported second-quarter results after the bell Tuesday that were in-line with analyst estimates on revenue and earnings, but missed on YouTube advertising revenue. Alphabet shares were down about 2% in after-hours trading. Here’s how the company did, compared with estimates from analysts polled by LSEG: Earnings: $1.89 a share vs. $1.84…

Football latest: Man City 3-4 Celtic; Pre-season updates & transfer news

James has one goalpublished at 09:37 09:37 Chelsea v Wrexham (Thurs, 03:30 GMT) Nizaar KinsellaBBC Sport football news reporter Image source, Getty Images Reece James is aiming to “stay on the pitch” after an injury-hit season and admits he must improve on disciplinary issues. The Blues captain, 24, spoke about recovering from surgery following his…

UK’s Starmer Suspends Party Whip for 7 Labour MPs on Welfare Rebellion

The UK’s new prime minister Keir Starmer has suspended the party whip from seven of his own MPs after they backed a rebel amendment to scrap Britain’s two-child cap on welfare payments, the first rebellion he’s faced in the House of Commons since winning power. The MPs who have had the whip suspended are Apsana…