Holly Evans

James Judge, 55, died after being bitten by a German Shepherd on a footpath in Wakefield following an alleged argument over right of way. The dog’s owner, Lee Ellis, 55, has been charged with manslaughter and being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury resulting in death. Ellis was bailed to appear at Leeds Crown Court, while the dog remains in police kennels.

Children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza warns that young people are increasingly exposed to violent and extremist material online and may become fixated on extreme violence without adhering to a clear ideology. Her analysis found that 71 per cent of child referrals to the UK’s Prevent programme lacked a clear ideological motive, while 79 per cent of referrals in 2024–25 were closed without progressing. The report argues that children are often passed between services without effective support, highlighting the case of Axel Rudakubana, who had been referred to Prevent three times before killing three children in Southport. De Souza calls for stronger safeguarding measures, including online-platform risk assessments and restrictions on technology companies that cannot demonstrate adequate child protections. The government says Prevent referrals are assessed thoroughly and that it is considering additional ways to address people fascinated by extreme violence.

Record heatwaves and drought are placing British farmers under severe financial and operational pressure, damaging crops, stressing livestock, reducing milk and grain yields, and raising the risk of food shortages and higher prices. Farmers and agricultural organizations are calling for emergency financial support, reliable long-term funding, easier access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and faster approval for on-farm reservoirs and protected growing facilities. The government says it is working with farmers and water authorities to improve resilience, while opposition Conservatives accuse Labour of failing to provide adequate assistance. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying agricultural risks and that repeated losses could threaten the viability of family farms and the resilience of the UK food supply.

Simon Levy has been sentenced to a whole-life order after being convicted of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raping a third woman. The case exposed police and court failings, with the Metropolitan Police acknowledging that Wilkins might have been saved had the earlier rape allegation been handled properly. Levy joins more than 60 prisoners serving whole-life orders in the UK, including Lucy Letby, Wayne Couzens and Levi Bellfield. The article outlines other recent and historic cases and explains that judges now impose the sentences, including under expanded powers introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reportedly told senior US officials that Washington needs an exit strategy from its months-long war with Iran. At the same time, the UAE accused Iran of launching a missile attack on an ADNOC vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said the waterway would remain closed until the US ends regional military operations, pays compensation, lifts sanctions and meets other demands. Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on a new shipping route, but Tehran says broader conditions must be met before normal traffic resumes. The disruption has increased oil, fuel and food prices, worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and strained US weapons stockpiles. Donald Trump is also facing political pressure ahead of the US midterm elections as voters blame Republicans and the administration for higher costs and the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says North Korea may send 30,000 to 50,000 troops to Russia to gain experience from the war, deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. US intelligence reportedly warns that Vladimir Putin could test NATO within weeks through a limited incursion or cyberattacks in eastern Europe. Germany says it is already facing daily hybrid warfare, while Russia and Ukraine report strikes against ports, vessels, oil infrastructure and other targets. The coverage also reports civilian deaths in Russian and Ukrainian attacks, Donald Trump's dismissal of the geographic impact of the conflict, and the deteriorating health of an American detained in Russia.

Lithuania says Russia may use captured Ukrainian-made drones to stage a false-flag attack in the Baltic region, although officials report no immediate direct threat. Germany is investigating an explosive-laden drone found near Leipzig/Halle airport amid concerns about Russian hybrid attacks. The live coverage also reports Russia’s strikes on Kyiv and Ukrainian infrastructure, Ukraine’s requests for additional air-defense support from the US and European allies, and assistance for farmers affected by attacks on ports and shipping. Sweden’s Supreme Court has cleared the transfer of a seized vessel to Ukraine for a suspected war-crimes investigation, while the UK has announced new sanctions on Russian banks, ships and industrial companies. Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia and damage to Russian and Ukrainian commercial facilities are described as evidence of a more escalatory phase of the war.

Jason Arday has resigned as a sociology professor at the University of Cambridge while the university investigates new information about his academic qualifications and honorary appointments. Media reports have alleged plagiarism in his PhD thesis and other research, and have questioned claims about his personal achievements and charitable fundraising. Arday denies the allegations and says sustained public criticism has caused severe personal distress. Cambridge says separate academic misconduct complaints remain ongoing, while Jesus College is conducting its own process concerning his fellowship.

Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas killed at least 17 people and wounded 42, while fires were reported in several districts. Russia claimed it had hit logistics centres, including a Nova Poshta facility, and three Ukrainian military cargo vessels in the Black Sea; those claims were not independently verified. Ukraine has continued retaliatory drone attacks on Wildberries warehouses and other Russian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine's air-defence missile supplies had fallen to one-third of their 2025 level. Russia also reported that a soldier killed fellow servicemen and civilians in Crimea, while Vladimir Putin appointed Denis Lyamin to lead a new Unmanned Systems Forces branch. The EU separately approved €1.4 billion in proceeds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

More than 60 people reportedly died after around 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, producing a sharp dispute among EU countries. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he called a selfish and unlawful response from some European leaders, while Italy, Denmark and other states called for tougher border controls and considered suspending Schengen cooperation. France tightened checks on its border with Spain, and the EU scheduled an emergency ministerial meeting. Spain said most arrivals had been returned to Morocco, blamed traffickers and misinformation for the influx, and began installing a floating barrier after deaths caused by drowning and a stampede. Migrants said they were driven by limited economic opportunities in Morocco.

More than 60 people reportedly died after roughly 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain accused EU leaders of a selfish and unlawful response after Italy, Denmark, Finland and others backed tougher border measures, including possible restrictions on Schengen cooperation. The EU scheduled an emergency meeting, while France tightened checks and US officials criticized Spain’s left-wing government. Spain said most arrivals had been returned to Morocco, blamed human-trafficking networks and misinformation for the influx, and began installing a floating barrier after further deaths at the border.

Donald Trump has described the mass arrival of migrants in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta as an “invasion” and warned that similar events could occur in the United States under Democratic rule. Vice-president JD Vance, the US Department of State and other senior officials blamed Spain’s left-wing government and European migration policies, prompting criticism and diplomatic tension. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez called the influx an attack on Spain’s territorial integrity, while foreign minister José Manuel Albares said most entrants had already returned to Morocco. The episode further strains US-Spain relations, already affected by disputes over defence spending and Iran.

Robert Bush was sentenced to 20 years in prison after abusing bereaved families through prolonged retention of bodies, misidentification or mishandling of ashes, fraudulent funeral plans and theft of charitable donations. Police found 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, where forensic evidence indicated that bodies had been abandoned in poor conditions. Families described profound trauma, including discovering that relatives or babies had not been properly cremated or that the ashes returned to them belonged to someone else. The case has intensified calls for mandatory regulation and inspections of funeral directors, and the government said it would bring forward comprehensive proposals to address rogue operators.

Southern England is experiencing a fourth heatwave, with temperatures reaching 35.2C in Essex and highs of around 28C expected in the south, while northern areas remain cooler and wetter. Authorities have issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts, warning of increased risks to health and social care services. Exceptionally low rainfall has contributed to drought declarations, hosepipe bans affecting 23 million customers, low water levels and heightened wildfire risk, particularly in eastern and southern England. Temperatures are expected to return closer to average by the weekend, although dry conditions may persist in southern England and warmer weather could return the following week.

Seven regions across central, eastern and southern England have been officially declared in drought after an exceptionally dry July and repeated heatwaves. England has received only 7% of expected July rainfall, with southern areas receiving about 1%, while high temperatures, hosepipe bans and wildfire risks continue. Farmers report reduced yields and early harvesting of crops including potatoes, onions, carrots and oilseed rape, raising the prospect of higher food prices and shortages. Officials and climate experts warn that depleted water supplies and increasingly frequent droughts are creating lasting risks for agriculture, wildlife, the economy and public water resources.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has ordered a reinvestigation into complaints surrounding Scott Gough’s death after finding that Hertfordshire Constabulary made several errors and failed to fully investigate whether he had been blackmailed through Grindr. Gough was found dead after men allegedly demanded his car keys and left a threatening note; police reportedly failed to secure important evidence or connect the phone number on the note to similar cases. His partner, Cameron Tewson, also alleged that homophobic assumptions influenced the investigation. Bedfordshire Police is conducting an independent review and may lead a new investigation.

Donald Trump threatened substantial tariffs on the European Union after the European Commission fined Google €890 million under the Digital Markets Act for favouring its own travel-related services and restricting cheaper alternatives in the Play Store. Trump argued that the penalties unfairly target American technology companies and said they should be reversed. The threat comes as the US imposes renewed 10–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including the UK, citing inadequate enforcement against goods made with forced labour. The measures could raise consumer prices and create political risks for the administration ahead of US midterm elections.

Social media influencer Tom Christopher apologised after carrying a bathtub to the summit of Pen y Fan in Wales and leaving it there following a video shoot. He said he had intended to create a wholesome video and believed fellow climbers wanted the tub left behind for photographs, but acknowledged that he should have carried it back down. The bathtub was found by Cardiff Rugby Academy players and removed with help from National Trust Cymru rangers, who warned that littering and fly-tipping can harm landscapes, wildlife and a protected site of scientific interest. Christopher said he was unsure whether he would be fined and hoped voluntary work might be offered as an alternative.

A 70-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of British expatriate Karen Carter, who was fatally stabbed outside her home in Trémolat, France, in 2025. French authorities had previously questioned the suspect, later releasing her without charge, but new findings led to formal charges. Carter, a long-time resident who ran local guest houses, was well known in the community. Her husband, Alan Carter, welcomed progress in the case and expressed hope that it dispelled suspicions previously directed toward him. The article also notes the Dordogne region’s popularity with British expatriates and references another British couple found dead in the area in 2025.

A teacher at Shirebrook Academy was banned indefinitely after failing to disclose a relationship with a registered sex offender and paying a vulnerable pupil to clear dog waste from her garden. A Teaching Regulation Agency panel ruled that her prolonged concealment and disregard for safeguarding standards amounted to serious professional misconduct, determining that public interest outweighed her personal circumstances. She may apply to have the ban lifted after three years.

Iran and the United States escalated hostilities as Iran launched drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and claimed strikes on installations in Jordan and Bahrain. Donald Trump vowed severe retaliation for the deaths of US soldiers, while Washington continued its tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The Pentagon reported nearly 100 US troop injuries since early July. Regional tensions widened as Yemen’s Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, Israeli strikes killed civilians in Gaza, and oil prices remained elevated amid fears of supply disruption and stalled ceasefire negotiations.

A decision by Highland Council to allow convicted rapist David Brown to retain his taxi operator’s licence has prompted public outcry, thousands of petition signatures, and multiple resignations and suspensions among councillors. Supporters of the decision, including councillor Chris Birt, argued it allowed Brown’s wife to continue operating the business without risk to public safety, while critics and advocacy groups warned it undermined trust and endangered women. The full council will now reconsider the licence amid mounting pressure.

A travel and conservation project company, GVI, abruptly closed and entered liquidation after continuing to advertise trips, leaving students and young travellers with financial losses up to £10,000 and no refunds. Participants were informed that all current and future programs were cancelled, with many unable to claim credit card protections due to being encouraged to pay by bank transfer. Conservation partners such as the Kawsay Biological Station in Peru report significant unpaid debts. The company issued a statement expressing regret and outlining the liquidation process and next steps for affected individuals.

A High Court judge ruled that Prince Harry and six other claimants failed to prove allegations that Associated Newspapers Limited engaged in unlawful information-gathering, including phone hacking and landline tapping. The court accepted ANL journalists’ explanations for how disputed information was sourced and found no evidence that senior editors lied to the Leveson Inquiry. Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, Baroness Lawrence and others had alleged extensive privacy breaches, but ANL argued the claims were unsubstantiated and brought too late, calling the ruling a major vindication. Testimony covered intrusion into personal relationships, medical information, and private discussions, but the judge concluded the claimants did not meet the burden of proof.

Southern England is experiencing a fourth heatwave, with temperatures reaching 35.2C in Essex and highs around 28C expected on Thursday, while northern parts of the UK remain considerably cooler. The prolonged heat and exceptionally low rainfall have produced drought conditions, hosepipe bans affecting 23 million customers, severe water shortages and heightened wildfire risk. North Wales and the Upper Severn have entered drought status, while southern England has received only 1 per cent of its average July rainfall. Heat-health alerts warn of potentially significant effects on vulnerable people and health and social-care services. Temperatures are expected to fall closer to average from Friday, with some rain in northern and western areas, although southern England is likely to remain largely dry and could see renewed warmth the following week.