Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley warns of possible shop closures
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group says new business rates measures are “near worthless” for large retailers. BBC News – Business
Craig Taylor
Pope Francis on Iraq visit calls for end to violence and extremism
On his first foreign trip since Covid, Pope Francis urges a more prominent role for Iraq’s Christians. BBC News – Middle East
Covid: Bolsonaro tells Brazilians to ‘stop whining’ as deaths spike
Jair Bolsonaro criticises measures to curb Covid-19, a day after Brazil saw a record rise in deaths. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Covid-19: Australia asks European Commission to review Italy’s vaccine block
A row with drug firm AstraZeneca has caused Italy to block 250,000 doses to be sent to Australia. BBC News – Europe
Covid-19: Nurses prepare for strikes over 1% NHS pay rise in England
A union calls the proposed increase in England “pitiful”, but ministers say money is tight. BBC News – UK
Celebrating the world’s largest female afro
Simone Williams sees her hair, which measures nearly 1.5m in circumference, as a symbol of pride. BBC News – US & Canada