History is being made these days at the most staggering pace.
After a string of political shocks and terror atrocities in Europe, the Weekly’s attention this edition shifts to the United States, where Hillary Clinton officially became the first woman to seek the White House. What an amazing scene, as Clinton took to the convention stage in Philadelphia and savoured the moment – a familiar face in a trademark white suit, standing in a very unfamiliar place.
We focus, then, on Clinton’s nomination as the Democratic candidate, which was followed swiftly by a tour of America’s rust belt, as she sought to win support in what some would consider Donald Trump territory.
As Clinton got on the campaign trail, Republican Trump faced a barrage of criticism following controversial comments about the Gold Star parents of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq. Oh, and he called Clinton “the devil” and suggested the presidential election could be “rigged”. There will be lots more election coverage between now and November. Stick with the Weekly to keep apace.
We bring you the latest from Syria (none of it good, I’m afraid), look at how Europe is adjusting to a siege lifestyle, and catch up on political and economic moves in Spain, Greece and the UK.
It’s not all downbeat. We report on research developments in motor neurone disease two years on from the ice bucket challenge, unlock the potential for a new antibiotic and meet a Pacific whale that is so rare it’s still unnamed. Our World Diary finds the Japanese taking on the challenge of cricket. I wish them luck!
We also continue with coverage of Africa’s digital revolution, which is seeing drones move from killing machines to agents for hope and change.
In Britain, the Yorkshire Dales expand into Lancashire. And a five-pence charge on plastic bags has been a 6bn bag success story. Some lighter reporting after weeks of heavy going.
Comment offers a variety pack. Columnist Natalie Nougayrède writes on the heartache of Aleppo, the most-amazing Stephen Hawking considers the value of money and Guardian stalwart Polly Toynbee mulls over the Labour party’s leadership challenges.
On the letters page, you shared views on otters, butterflies, technology and creative problem-solving. It’s a nice batch, so thanks for writing in! We welcome letters for publication, which you can share with us by clicking here or emailing weekly.letters@theguardian.com.
Does Hello Kitty strike you as adorable? I will admit to a certain softness. Our deeper-read Review section delves into the science of cute, including the queen of cat creations. I found this a fascinating read, and hope you do too.
Discovery reports on archaeology, as finds in Orkney and Cambridgeshire in the UK are changing our view of the past.
Both the books pages and the sport section consider the Olympic movement, its pros and cons, as athletes gather in Rio for the summer Games.
And with art, operettas, Harry Potter and Jason Bourne in our Culture section, there is something for everyone!
So another rounded, considered and well-written newspaper goes to press. It is always deeply satisfying to sign off on the final pages at midday Tuesday. All of us here on the Weekly work hard to give you the best possible read. How did we do? Send in your feedback by clicking here. I hope you enjoy the edition.
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