Kris Boratyn

A woman walking in Nagoya died after a man fell from a 12th‑floor building and landed on her. The man, identified as Shinsei Taguchi, survived but remains in critical condition. The incident occurred near Yabamachi Station, and police have not determined whether the fall was accidental or intentional. Authorities cordoned off the area while collecting evidence.

Wizz Air is adding new routes from London Luton Airport to Málaga, Granada and Asturias, with fares starting at £17.99. The services begin in late October and expand the airline’s Spanish network to 11 UK-linked destinations. Airport and airline officials highlight increased travel options and the appeal of the three regions, each offering distinct cultural, historic or natural attractions.

Two major London rail stations, Charing Cross and Waterloo East, will close for 22 days from July 26 to August 16 for a £20 million Network Rail infrastructure upgrade. The works include replacing 1,800 metres of track, multiple switches and crossings, rebuilding parts of Charing Cross platforms, improving drainage at Waterloo East, and repairing Hungerford Bridge. Southeastern services will be diverted to alternative stations, and various Underground, Thameslink, Southern and bus routes will accept tickets. Additional disruption will occur on several surrounding dates, and passengers are advised to check travel plans throughout the works.

Poland is developing Port Polska, a £25–27 billion transport hub west of Warsaw that integrates an international airport, high‑speed rail and upgraded road links. Designed by Foster+Partners and Buro Happold, the site will open its first phase in 2032 with two runways and capacity for 34–40 million passengers, expandable to four runways and up to 100 million passengers long‑term. The project includes up to 2,000 kilometres of new rail lines, enabling rapid links to major Polish cities, and aims to relieve capacity pressure on other European hubs while supporting cargo operations and creating substantial employment.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida spans around 27,000 acres and has grown from its 1971 origins into a vast tourism complex valued at tens of billions of pounds. Conceived by Walt Disney as a larger, more immersive destination than Disneyland, the resort now includes four theme parks, two water parks, numerous hotels and major attractions. It employs more than 80,000 people, making it the largest single-site employer in the United States, and supports hundreds of thousands of additional jobs across the region.

Shoppers in the UK are advised to check for the British Lion stamp on eggs, a safety mark indicating compliance with strict production standards designed to reduce salmonella risk. The British Lion scheme, introduced in 1998, includes vaccination of hens, traceability measures and rigorous safety controls, and is endorsed by UK and European food safety authorities. Eggs under the scheme are considered safe to eat runny or raw, including for vulnerable groups, and are available across all major UK supermarkets.

Fuente Obejuna in Córdoba has the lowest average asking price for property in Spain, with listings at about €369 per square metre, far below coastal hotspots like Marbella. Prices remain low due to its rural location, population decline, and the condition of older homes, though the village retains strong cultural and historical appeal. Idealista data also highlights other inexpensive municipalities across several Spanish regions.

Green Party councillors in Hackney attended a transgender rights rally where activists were filmed throwing darts at an effigy of Andy Burnham, who has supported the Supreme Court ruling and EHRC guidance defining sex as biological. The event featured calls for non‑compliance with the guidance and demands for the council to reject policing of single‑sex facilities. Critics, including the Women’s Rights Network and Green Women’s Declaration, condemned the councillors' presence and accused the council of prioritising activism over lawful obligations. A Hackney Green Group spokesperson defended the attendance as an act of solidarity with the trans community while distancing councillors from the actions of other protesters.

Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals created a unifying national celebration, with fan zones, family-friendly gatherings and city-wide support that remained orderly and respectful. The atmosphere contrasted with typical English football culture, emphasizing community, pride and responsible celebration. Even after Norway’s loss to England, large crowds showed gratitude to the team, highlighting how football brought the country together.

Swindon is described by some travellers as lacking attractions beyond its unusual 1972 Magic Roundabout, a complex junction designed to ease congestion and now considered both a curiosity and a source of confusion. While several reviewers criticise the town and the roundabout, others praise the engineering and novelty. Local tourism boards counter negative perceptions by highlighting Swindon’s cultural, historical and leisure attractions, including museums, parks, theatres and shopping destinations.

Norway is constructing the Rogfast Tunnel, set to become the world's longest and deepest underwater road tunnel at 27 kilometres long and 392 metres below sea level. The project aims to eliminate ferry crossings along the E39 coastal highway, reducing travel times between Bergen and Stavanger. Construction began in 2018, paused due to cost overruns, and resumed in 2021. The tunnel will feature separate northbound and southbound tubes, emergency passages, advanced laser-guided excavation, and a deep undersea junction to Kvitsøy. Scheduled to open in 2033, the £1.8 billion project is funded by the Norwegian government and future toll revenues.

A highly rated ITV World War II drama, Home Fires, continues to attract praise for its portrayal of women sustaining British communities during wartime. Inspired by Julie Summers’ book Jambusters, the series holds a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and features an ensemble cast depicting life in the fictional village of Great Paxford. Despite strong viewership and fan support, ITV cancelled the show after two seasons, prompting a petition from more than 50,000 viewers. The story later continued through novels written by creator Simon Block, and the series is available for streaming on Channel 4.

Plans for a £10 million Tesco superstore in Devizes have advanced to public consultation, with the project expected to create up to 80 jobs and form part of a new retail park including a Starbucks drive-through and a DIY store. Developers and consultants argue the site will integrate well with its surroundings, ease traffic for residents on the town’s eastern side, and help retain local spending currently going to nearby Trowbridge. A planning application is due in September, with construction possible in 2027 if approved.

PAUL is launching a Bastille Day promotion across its 31 UK stores, offering 1,550 free barista-made drinks to early customers wearing stripes and distributing 1,000 free baguettes at five London locations later in the day. Social media users who post a photo of their baguette with the required tags by July 31 can enter a draw to win a year’s supply of bread.

A £50 million adventure park known as Skyline Swansea is under construction on Kilvey Hill, featuring a fully accessible gondola, luge tracks, biking trails, a sky swing and various leisure facilities. Opening in 2028, the project is expected to attract 450,000 annual visitors and create over 100 jobs. Funded primarily by Skyline Enterprises with support from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, the development aims to boost tourism across South Wales and improve public access to the hill.

Steady Rolling Man from Cheltenham’s Deya Brewery was named the UK’s best beer of 2026 by We Are Beer, with judges praising its fruity hop character and balanced bitterness. Five Points Best from Five Points Brewery placed second for its rich malt profile, followed by Thornbridge Brewery’s Jaipur, recognised for its role in shaping modern British craft beer. A special award went to Beyond Belief Brewing Company’s Payload, produced using surplus pasta from Ugo Foods to reduce food waste.

A century-old Birmingham pub, The Billesley, has permanently closed after Greene King determined refurbishment costs were too high. The decision, initially presented as a short maintenance shutdown, left local groups including the Crafting Voices Choir and Billesley Rock Club without a venue, prompting emotional reactions and community concern. Birmingham City Council offered temporary space to the choir while the brewery works to find alternative roles for staff, and local patrons expressed sadness over the loss of an important community hub.

Tesco is doubling its delivery and Click+Collect booking window from four to eight weeks during July and August to give customers more flexibility during the busy summer period. Priority customers can book from July 14, with all others from July 21. The company is also expanding same‑day delivery and increasing Click+Collect availability in holiday areas. Additionally, Tesco has introduced a new digital Clubcard for 16- and 17‑year‑olds, allowing them to access Clubcard Prices and collect points with parental approval.

Virgin Atlantic was named Best Overall Airline in Europe for 2026 by APEX, based on verified passenger reviews submitted via TripIt. High scores in cabin service, comfort, food, entertainment, and Wi-Fi, along with investments in new aircraft and upgraded cabins, contributed to the win. The airline continues to expand routes, including new direct flights to Seoul and Phuket. Founded in 1984 by Richard Branson, it now operates a 43-aircraft fleet across global destinations. Other APEX category winners included KLM, Finnair, Turkish Airlines, and airBaltic.

Iceland has cut prices on more than 750 products, including over 70 essentials, to £1 or less as part of a new value campaign. The move marks 30 years of the chain’s £1 ready meal range and responds to customer concerns over rising food costs, with research showing strong demand for supermarket support during the cost‑of‑living crisis. The retailer also reintroduced Vanilla Coca-Cola, now sold exclusively through its stores in multipack formats.

Wharram Percy in the Yorkshire Wolds, abandoned for over 500 years, remains one of Britain’s best‑preserved deserted medieval villages. Archaeological studies reveal a settlement dating back to the 9th or 10th century that declined in the early 1500s as landowners converted farmland to sheep pasture. Visitors can still see the ruins of St Martin’s Church, former house sites, manor remains and a millpond. The site is publicly accessible on foot with limited parking nearby, and reviewers describe it as both fascinating and eerie.

Experts warn that rising temperatures could strain fridges and advise households to avoid overloading them so cold air can circulate properly. Beko recommends ensuring good ventilation, checking door seals, inspecting temperature settings and keeping coils clear of debris. Appliances are designed to work in typical UK room temperatures, but efficiency drops above 30C, making proper usage more important during hot weather.

A retrospective look highlights The Guns of Navarone as one of the most acclaimed World War II films, celebrated for its suspenseful plot, strong cast and enduring popularity. The 1961 film earned major award nominations, significant box office success and continues to draw high praise from viewers, who regard it as a classic war epic. The article recounts its production background, critical reception, award achievements and ongoing availability for streaming.

Vets warn that several dog breeds are at high risk of overheating as temperatures in the UK rise into the high 20s and potentially above 30C. Breeds with thick coats or flat faces, such as Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Bulldogs and Pugs, are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Experts advise limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, ensuring access to shade and water, and using cooling aids. Dogs showing signs of overheating should be taken to a vet immediately.

Asda cut about 7,500 jobs over the past year, largely due to completing its IT separation from Walmart and selling the Leon restaurant chain. The company continues to carry heavy debt from its 2021 takeover, with annual finance costs rising to over £730 million in 2025. Additional job losses are expected as the George clothing division consolidates operations at a new DHL-run site. Falling online grocery sales and increased competition from discount retailers have added further pressure. Asda maintains that the job reductions are unrelated to its financing costs and highlights strong liquidity and long-term debt security.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man from Lancashire after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Treherbert, South Wales. The girl has been safely reunited with her family. Authorities also investigated but dismissed rumours of a second abduction. The suspect remains in custody on suspicion of sexual assault and possessing a knife.

An inquest found that Welsh teenager Cai Rhys Davies died by suicide after being blackmailed in an online sextortion scheme traced to criminals in Ivory Coast. Believing he was communicating with a woman named Melissa Calvert, he sent intimate images and was later threatened with their release when he could not pay. Police traced the scam to a large-scale operation abroad but were unable to identify the perpetrators. The coroner concluded that personal stress and the sextortion incident contributed to his death and announced plans to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report highlighting the need for greater awareness of such scams.

Councillors are considering a £1.5 billion plan to build undersea tunnels connecting several Shetland islands, replacing ferry services that face rising costs and capacity issues. A feasibility study commissioned by Shetland Islands Council found no technical barriers and highlighted long-term financial and economic benefits, including improved worker access, business growth, tourism and enhanced competitiveness for SaxaVord Spaceport. The first phase would link Mainland, Yell and Unst, with additional tunnels to Whalsay and Bressay possible later. Funding options under consideration include public investment, private financing, borrowing and tolls. If approved, planning would take about three years and construction five, potentially opening the first tunnels within eight years.

A band of heavy rain is forecast to move eastward across northern parts of the UK on Wednesday, beginning in Northern Ireland and western Scotland during the afternoon and later extending into northern England. Some areas may experience 8–16mm of rainfall per hour. The unsettled conditions are expected to persist in the north through Thursday, while the rest of the country becomes increasingly dry and warm. The Met Office lists 32 affected areas across Scotland, northern England and parts of Northern Ireland.

Gardeners are advised to move vulnerable potted plants such as hydrangeas, ferns, petunias and other bedding plants into shaded areas before temperatures rise above 30C in the UK. Experts from the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Trust warn that pots heat up faster than soil, causing roots to struggle to absorb water and increasing the risk of scorching and wilting. Keeping plants well watered during mornings or evenings and providing shade helps prevent heat damage during the expected heatwave.

Reports based on claims from the Daily Mail describe Prince Andrew urging his daughters to attend Peter Phillips’ wedding despite recent scrutiny of the York family, telling them to hold their heads high. He is said to be frustrated with his treatment, believes he has been made a scapegoat, and reportedly insists staff continue using his former royal title, including making a remark about needing a vampire to remove his royal blood before he stops. Claims also include his desire for his daughters to retain their titles, ongoing disputes over Royal Lodge, requests for compensation, and unsuccessful efforts to secure a meeting with King Charles. Officials have reportedly pressed Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to reconsider their grace‑and‑favour residences.