UK weather: Final day of heatwave for many before weekend cooldown

On Thursday, Kew Gardens in London recorded a temperature of 38.1°C, marking the hottest day in the UK for 2026 so far and ranking as the fifth highest temperature ever documented in the country. This event follows an earlier occurrence in the year when Lingwood in Norfolk reached 38.0°C on June 26. Such a phenomenon,… Continue reading UK weather: Final day of heatwave for many before weekend cooldown

Solar eclipse glasses recycling: What to do with them now

Millions of people across mainland Europe were treated to a remarkable sight on Wednesday: the first total solar eclipse visible there in over 25 years. In the UK, this event sparked a last-minute rush to obtain eclipse glasses to safely observe the phenomenon. If you managed to secure a pair, you might now be wondering… Continue reading Solar eclipse glasses recycling: What to do with them now

Subscription traps: I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted charges

Many people have experienced the unsettling moment when an unexpected withdrawal appears on their bank statement, often linked to a subscription they either forgot to cancel or never intended to keep. These subscriptions range widely, covering everything from streaming services to meal kits and beauty product boxes. While many offer enticing free trials or steep… Continue reading Subscription traps: I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted charges

Politics: Northern Ireland councillors say 'salary not attractive' to young candidates

Councillors in Northern Ireland have raised concerns over their current remuneration, suggesting that the pay is insufficient to attract younger individuals into local politics. The National Association of Councillors in Northern Ireland (NACNI) highlighted that existing pay structures do not meet acceptable standards and pointed out the noticeable gap created by a recent substantial salary… Continue reading Politics: Northern Ireland councillors say 'salary not attractive' to young candidates

Two seriously hurt as passenger train derails in Lewes

A train derailment in East Sussex has resulted in twenty people being injured, with two individuals sustaining serious injuries. The incident prompted the declaration of a major emergency. According to Network Rail, the Southern service departing London Victoria at 14:24 BST en route to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes railway station just before 16:00 BST. Images… Continue reading Two seriously hurt as passenger train derails in Lewes

Big Issue says vendors struggling as sales hit by heatwaves

Big Issue vendors across the UK are facing significant challenges in selling magazines amid the country’s recent extreme heat, according to the magazine’s managing director. Catherine Parsons noted that sales have dropped by an average of 20% during weeks when heatwaves have been declared, directly affecting vendors’ earnings. Regions such as the West Midlands and… Continue reading Big Issue says vendors struggling as sales hit by heatwaves

Five key takeaways from results day 2026

The release of this year’s results for A-levels, T-levels, BTecs, and other vocational qualifications arrives amid increasing attention on the decisions teenagers make about their futures. Universities are eager to attract these young people, recognizing that each student admitted represents essential tuition fee income needed to manage financial pressures. At the same time, the new… Continue reading Five key takeaways from results day 2026

Bishop of Northampton appears in court over child rape charges

A 70-year-old bishop has made his initial court appearance after being charged with two counts of rape involving a female under the age of 16. David Oakley, who serves as the Bishop of Northampton, was formally charged in June following an investigation conducted by Staffordshire Police. During the hearing, Oakley appeared via videolink from his… Continue reading Bishop of Northampton appears in court over child rape charges

Mother of murdered boy, 15, told one of his killers may be freed

The mother of a 15-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed has expressed deep distress after learning that one of her son’s killers might be released from prison earlier than expected. Daejaun Campbell was killed on 22 September 2024 in Woolwich, south-east London. While Marko Balaz, who was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, is currently… Continue reading Mother of murdered boy, 15, told one of his killers may be freed

UK records hottest day of the year as fifth heatwave reaches 38.1C peak

The UK is currently experiencing one of its hottest days on record, with only three previous days exceeding today’s temperatures since records began. The highest temperature ever documented in the country was 40.3C, recorded at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022. This remains the only occasion when temperatures have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius in the… Continue reading UK records hottest day of the year as fifth heatwave reaches 38.1C peak