Jordan Coussins

Fred Bennett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at 13 after his family initially attributed his fatigue, loss of appetite and swollen glands to ordinary teenage changes and possible glandular fever. His leukaemia did not respond to chemotherapy or CAR T-cell therapy, and he died aged 14 in May 2020. His mother, Louise Bennett, is urging parents to recognise persistent, worsening or clustered symptoms, while a paediatric emergency specialist stresses that childhood cancer can resemble common illnesses and advises seeking medical help when symptoms last beyond two weeks or feel unusual.

Georgie and Oliver Eustace from Wolverhampton have brought home naturally conceived triplet boys—identical twins George and Max and their fraternal brother Edward, a rare dichorionic-triamniotic combination. Born by planned caesarean at 33 weeks, the babies spent three weeks in special care, with two requiring oxygen. At home, the family uses about 270 bottles and 1,120 nappies monthly, runs two daily laundry loads and manages the logistical and financial pressures of fitting six people into a two-bedroom house.

Eleven-year-old gymnast Armaie Burrows-Pitt from Rugby was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma after several weeks of worsening fatigue, appetite loss and pain were initially attributed to a viral infection and tonsillitis. Her mother pushed for a blood test at Warwick Hospital, leading to further investigations and her transfer to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where the cancer was diagnosed on July 3 after spreading to her spleen, liver and bone marrow. Armaie is expected to undergo six months of intensive chemotherapy, while her family raises funds to cover expenses, support trips and donate to Birmingham Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

An 11-year-old boy from Cannock has been arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life as police investigate a series of fires across Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford. Two other boys, aged 12 and 13, were previously arrested and released on bail with conditions. Police say some fires were started deliberately and are appealing for information while urging residents to help protect local green spaces and community safety.

Chloe Burgin, 27, from Atherstone, Warwickshire, travelled to Istanbul for a £2,450 breast reduction and uplift after years of unwanted comments about her 36GG chest. Surgeons removed around 1kg of tissue, reducing her size by roughly three cup sizes. She says the operation and recovery have greatly improved her confidence and expanded her clothing choices, despite continuing online criticism. Including accommodation, transfers and flights, the trip cost £3,510, considerably less than an initial £12,500 quote from a West Midlands clinic.

A 32-year-old man suffered stab and slash wounds to his chest, back and legs after two men reportedly emerged from a car and attacked him near Sandy Banks Nature Reserve in north Nottingham. Police found him during a routine patrol and he was taken to hospital; his injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-altering. Nottinghamshire Police are conducting house-to-house inquiries and seeking information about the attackers.

Sheffield homeowner Sakhile Zimbwa says a builder dismantled parts of her roof and left after she refused to pay the remaining £6,000 before completion. She had already paid £4,000 upfront and ultimately spent £13,000 on repairs by roofer David Monaghan. The builder disputes her account, saying the work was nearly complete and that he dismantled the roof because he feared she would not pay. South Yorkshire Police are investigating a report of threatening behaviour, while Checkatrade said the trader had unlawfully used his partner's identity to bypass its vetting process and was removed from the platform. Zimbwa may be eligible for up to £1,000 under Checkatrade's guarantee.

A survey of 2,000 UK parents found that children eating three ice creams a week during the six-week summer holiday could cost families an average of £47.70 per child. Prices were highest in Leeds, followed by London, Bristol and Manchester, while many parents reported financial pressure, including skipping treats themselves or telling children that ice cream vans had sold out. The study also estimated that families spend about £200 more during the summer break than during term time, with additional costs for groceries, dining out, clubs and day trips. Aldi commissioned the research and highlighted its price reductions, free ice cream giveaways and £50 shopping-voucher scheme as support for families.

A French boy who was thrown from the 10th floor of London’s Tate Modern in 2019 has returned to school after undergoing further brain surgery. The child, who suffered a brain haemorrhage, multiple fractures and life-changing injuries, spent six months in hospital following the January 2026 operation. His family said he has resumed school, rehabilitation therapies and physiotherapy, though his left leg remains weak. More than £536,000 has been raised through GoFundMe, while his attacker, Jonty Bravery, remains imprisoned under a minimum 15-year sentence for attempted murder.

Estel Jennings, a 39-year-old teacher from Walsall, says doctors dismissed her perimenopause symptoms at age 35 and told her she was too young for the condition. After experiencing hair loss, brain fog, dry mouth and headaches, she developed her own hair oil and launched Idyllic Hair and Skin through TikTok Shop in 2024. The business sold out at a Christmas fair and later gained coverage in Vanity Fair. Jennings was eventually diagnosed with perimenopause by a private clinic and prescribed HRT, and she now plans to leave teaching to run the growing business while supporting others dealing with hair loss.

Sixteen-year-old Rhys Boardman, who has autism and ADHD, disappeared while walking during a family holiday at Talacre Beach Resort in North Wales. After becoming lost, he travelled alone by public transport toward his home in St Helens, slept rough and survived on little food and water for nearly three days. His mother, Siobhan Boardman, feared he might be dead as North Wales Police, specialist teams and hundreds of volunteers searched for him. Rhys eventually reached a police station in Birmingham, where officers provided food and water and contacted his family. He has returned home safely, while volunteer Rob Charles has launched a fundraiser to help the family recover and take the holiday they missed.

Four members of a Gambian family from Leeds died after their red Hyundai collided with trees on the A38 in Derby. The victims were Abubacarr Camara, Isa Jaiteh, their 11-month-old daughter Aisha, and an 18-year-old woman believed to be a cousin. A 33-year-old driver sustained serious injuries, was detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later bailed. Community members and the Gambia Welfare Society Leeds paid tribute to Abubacarr’s service to young people, while police continued to seek witnesses and dashcam footage.

The Met Office forecasts a short-lived heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 35C in south-eastern England and heat-health alerts in place across several English regions. The West Midlands remains under a yellow alert, while the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London have been upgraded to amber. Exceptionally dry conditions, including very low rainfall and prolonged periods without rain, have led to hosepipe bans, drought declarations and concerns over crops and livestock supplies. Farmers are calling for easier access to water and reservoir construction, while authorities warn that the hot, dry weather could produce severe wildfires in parts of England. Health officials advise particular caution for vulnerable people as climate change increases the risks associated with heat and drought.

Four people, including a baby girl, died after a red Hyundai carrying five occupants left the A38 and crashed into trees near Derby’s Toyota Island at about 11pm on Saturday. Two women aged 18 and 30 and a 36-year-old man died at the scene, while the baby later died in hospital. The 33-year-old driver, who remains in hospital with serious injuries, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. Derbyshire Constabulary is appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A Derbyshire acting sergeant was dismissed without notice after a misconduct panel found that he kissed a female colleague twice without consent and sent another colleague an unwanted WhatsApp message asking her to send nude photographs, followed by an insulting response. The panel classified the kissing as sexual assault, cited the seriousness of the breaches and lack of remorse, and ordered that he be added to the police barred list. Medical evidence led the panel to preserve his anonymity, while Derbyshire Police said the case did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation.

An inquest has opened into the death of 26-year-old carpenter Isaac Clare-Watts, whose body was found near the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Derbyshire's Peak District during a summer solstice gathering. Coroner Susan Evans has not yet established the cause of death because the full post-mortem report is pending. Szymon Babynko, 23, has been charged with Clare-Watts' murder and with attempted murder in a separate Chesterfield incident. The inquest will be paused while the criminal proceedings continue, with Babynko due to appear at Derby Crown Court in September.

A man in his 20s was allegedly knocked unconscious outside Alexandra Palace after an altercation with a group of men wearing lobster costumes during the World Darts Championship on December 13. He suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remains in recovery. The Metropolitan Police released CCTV images of a suspect and appealed for information, citing reference 6879/13DEC. The incident occurred amid the tournament’s tradition of fans wearing elaborate fancy dress.

Mango restaurant in Harborne has applied through SSA Mixy Ltd to vary its premises licence after moving the kitchen upstairs. The proposal would expand ground-floor seating, create a rear garden seating area and reduce first-floor seating. Birmingham City Council is accepting written representations until 31 July 2026. If objections are submitted, the application could be referred to a council subcommittee hearing; otherwise, the variation may be granted as requested.

A University of York study of more than 284,000 UK Biobank participants found that obesity significantly reduces employment likelihood, with approximately four percent of people with obesity out of work due solely to weight-related factors. More advanced analysis suggested a 4.2‑percentage‑point drop in employment probability, with stronger effects among men than women. Researchers urged targeted policy and workplace interventions to address biases, support inclusivity, and limit economic losses linked to rising obesity rates.

A Los Angeles–based online music and entertainment network, Rockefellas TV, is launching its first European studio, B-1 Studios, in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Brad Henshaw will host a new programme, Brad’s Basement, featuring major figures from the music world, with Black Sabbath’s first manager, Jim Simpson, as the inaugural guest. The expansion reflects founder Alex Garcia’s long-standing connection to Birmingham’s rock heritage and aims to broaden the network’s original programming for audiences in the UK, US, and beyond.

Two Birmingham brothers, Shane and Keith Johnson, carried out burglaries at Celestial Collectables in Warrington and The Graded Gallery in Rugby, stealing over £71,000 in Pokémon cards and causing significant damage. CCTV footage, cloned plates, and recovered stolen goods linked them to both crime scenes. Keith received a 29‑month prison sentence, while Shane awaits sentencing. Cheshire Police stated that extensive evidence left the pair no choice but to plead guilty.

Former Derbyshire Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cooper pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to causing the death of educational psychologist James Bane and seriously injuring another pedestrian through dangerous driving in 2021. The judge adjourned sentencing until July 17 and imposed an interim six‑month driving disqualification. The prosecution and defence acknowledged Cooper’s medical condition as relevant background. The incident, investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following a referral from Derbyshire Constabulary, involved a collision with two stationary vehicles on Egginton Road in Etwall. An inquest into Bane’s death remains suspended pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

Three men were jailed for stealing nearly £1 million worth of Mounjaro from a St Albans healthcare distribution centre after a planned burglary in which they disabled cameras and twice raided a refrigerated storage unit. They were identified through phone data, CCTV and ANPR, and later arrested during property raids that uncovered over £60,000 in cash. All three pleaded guilty and received five-year sentences, with two also given additional terms for possession of criminal property. Police and prosecutors highlighted the health risks posed by mishandling the medication and the strength of the evidence that secured convictions.

A 10-year-old boy suffered a concussion and other injuries after riding his bike into a moving car at a blind junction in Chesterfield. His father shared CCTV footage to highlight road safety concerns, urging motorists to respect speed limits and calling for authorities to convert the junction into a STOP junction. The driver was travelling within the speed limit and stopped to help. The family is using the incident as a warning about helmet use, child cyclist vulnerability and the need for improved road infrastructure.

A 20-year-old woman from Childwall was diagnosed with stage three classical Hodgkin lymphoma after noticing lumps on her neck and under her arm. Despite initially being told the swelling was related to white blood cells, the rapid growth led to further investigation and a blood cancer diagnosis. The condition is considered curable, but she has begun chemotherapy and must pause her career while managing a weakened immune system. Her family is adjusting to lifestyle changes as she undergoes treatment, and a GoFundMe page has been launched to support them.

Police in Wyong, New South Wales discovered the body of a four‑year‑old boy after his mother reported to a station, leading to her being charged with murder. Investigators are examining whether cannibalism played a role, though authorities declined to confirm specific injuries. The woman, known to authorities, missed a bail hearing, and the case is set to return to court on September 1.

AI-driven triage will be integrated into the NHS app to guide patients to appropriate care, supported by a wider £10 billion investment to upgrade NHS technology and data systems. Early pilots show reduced phone wait times and increased clinician capacity through AI note‑taking tools. National rollout will begin across several NHS trusts, with leaders highlighting efficiency gains and reduced waiting lists. Nursing representatives welcome the potential benefits but warn about infrastructure gaps, privacy, accuracy, and overreliance on optimistic assessments. Political responses support innovation but question funding and broader NHS reform plans.

A man was found dead in the water at Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire after emergency services responded to a call on July 4. His body was recovered and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are treating the case as an unexplained death while investigations continue, and no details regarding the man’s identity or age have been released.

Two missing men from Preston, William Hutchinson and Stuart Tallis, were found dead inside a Peugeot 106 discovered hidden in undergrowth off the A584 near Newton with Clifton. Police believe the car left the road around 5.30am on June 24. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. Loved ones of both men are being supported by specially trained officers.

A 22-year-old man, Harrun Hassan, died after a suspected stabbing aboard a double-decker bus in Hounslow, West London. Emergency services found him severely injured near Bath Road and Great Southwest Road early on June 25. Police have arrested a man and a woman, both 21, on suspicion of murder as the investigation continues.

A North London mother accumulated £18,375 in debt after years of shopping addiction driven by buy now pay later schemes, loans and compulsive fashion purchases. Struggling financially after the birth of her son, she prioritised clothing over essentials like nappies and formula. A conversation with a friend prompted her to confront her situation, begin a repayment plan and adopt a no‑buy year. She is clearing her debt by selling clothing on Vinted, limiting spending, and seeking additional work, while encouraging others with similar addictions to seek help and shed the associated stigma.

A mother of three from Warrington, formerly on Universal Credit, built a profitable home-based business selling clothing for clients on Vinted after creating a service called Vinted Done For You. By charging upfront fees for managing item listings, she now earns up to £2,000 in successful months and has expanded her storage needs as demand grows. She has served 180 clients and hopes to develop the business further while encouraging others to pursue similar opportunities for extra income.

Two teenagers were taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries after being stabbed during a mass brawl involving groups of youths at Heswall Bus Station in Merseyside. Several teenage boys were arrested, and the area was cordoned off as police conducted forensic work, CCTV review and witness interviews. Authorities urged the public to provide any information or footage to support the investigation and warned of the dangers associated with carrying bladed weapons.

Liam Gallagher predicted on social media that England would beat Mexico 5–0 in their World Cup 2026 round‑of‑16 match, prompting a sharp response from Maná frontman Fher Olvera, who told him to get real in an Instagram video. Gallagher later joked that his prediction was closer to 3–0. The exchange heightened pre‑match anticipation as Mexico, yet to concede a goal in the tournament, prepares to face England at the Azteca Stadium for the first time since 1986.

A pregnant woman who attributed fainting and dizziness to gestational diabetes was diagnosed with stage‑four secondary brain cancer after a seizure, leading doctors to schedule an emergency caesarean at 31 weeks so she can begin immediate treatment. The cancer, linked to breast cancer she overcame in 2021, has caused major concern for her health and ability to care for her newborn. Supported by her partner and friends, including one who launched a fundraising page, she prepares for treatment while trying to maintain normality for her three older children.

Plans to house up to 121 asylum seekers in newly built homes in Stoke Heath were suspended after strong local opposition. Residents said the rural location was unsuitable and criticised the Home Office, Serco and Shropshire Council for failing to attend a community meeting. MP Mark Pritchard announced the halt shortly before the meeting and said the entire scheme will be reviewed. Some relocated asylum seekers reported feeling unsafe and isolated, while residents expressed mixed expectations about whether the plan will ultimately be abandoned.

A prominent member of the Raise the Colours Oxfordshire branch, Ben Cullen, has been charged with multiple counts of making indecent images of children, including category A, B, and C material allegedly created in 2021. He is due to appear at Reading Crown Court. The broader Raise the Colours movement publicly distanced itself from him, stating he was not affiliated with the organisation. Oxfordshire County Council recently secured a High Court injunction against Cullen and others to stop flag displays on public structures following tensions linked to anti‑immigration demonstrations.

A restored historic estate near Lichfield will host what is described as the Midlands' first executive-style day centre for older adults. Executive Carers and Bushell Investment Group are launching The Village at Oscar's to provide social activities, wellbeing programmes and professional care in an upscale environment. The centre aims to support independent living, reduce isolation and offer respite for family carers, with access available for both private clients and those referred through Staffordshire County Council.

A woman walking on Shoal Hill Common in Cannock was approached by a man armed with a knife who attempted to grab her before she escaped unharmed. Staffordshire Police have released a description of the suspect and appealed for witnesses, directing the public to contact the force or provide anonymous information through Crimestoppers.