Neil Shaw

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on August 12, 2026, with coverage reaching up to 95% in parts of south-west England—the most significant eclipse seen from Britain and Ireland since 1999. The eclipse will begin in the early evening, peak between approximately 7:05 and 7:16 p.m. depending on location, and end around 8 p.m. Although parts of Iceland and northern Spain will experience totality, the UK will see a darkened sky and a temporary temperature drop without complete darkness. Observers are advised to find a high location with a clear western horizon and use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses, as ordinary sunglasses and makeshift filters are unsafe.

BBC TV licence numbers fell by 540,000 in the last financial year, dropping to 23.3 million active licences, driven largely by households no longer watching live television or BBC iPlayer. BBC leadership warns the trend is accelerating and calls for funding reform. The article outlines when a licence is legally required, clarifies common misconceptions, and explains how to submit a No Licence Needed declaration, noting that TV Licensing may verify claims and issue fines for illegal viewing.

A Manchester mother, Amy Carding, lost nearly six stone over 18 months after beginning the prescription weight‑loss drug Mounjaro and documenting her progress on TikTok, which helped fund the treatment. She reported improved confidence, mobility, and wellbeing as her eating habits and activity levels changed. Despite experiencing nausea managed with Sea-Band acupressure bands, she continued to lose weight steadily and now plans to lose an additional stone while remaining on the medication under medical guidance.

High temperatures can affect how certain medications work and how the body copes with heat, prompting warnings from St John Ambulance to avoid storing medicines in warm, humid places such as bathrooms, kitchens and cars. Anti‑seizure drugs including carbamazepine, sodium valproate, phenytoin and lorazepam may degrade in heat, increasing risks for people prone to seizures. Cardiovascular medications also require extra caution due to dehydration risks. Guidance emphasises proper storage, staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight and ensuring first aiders check medication use during heat‑related incidents.

A 45-year-old man, Damian Lazewski, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer after noticing nighttime urination changes, with scans revealing aggressive disease spread. His family faces emotional and financial strain, as essential treatment such as Lutetium-177 therapy is unavailable on the NHS and would cost around £90,000 privately. While Damian begins NHS treatment and prepares for chemotherapy, the couple continues working while caring for two daughters with additional needs. They have launched a fundraiser to support private treatment, medical costs and living expenses as they navigate an uncertain future.

England begins offering the meningitis B vaccine to hundreds of thousands of teenagers preparing for university, with eligibility extending to 17‑ and 18‑year‑olds and students under 25 entering residential education. The programme follows recent MenB outbreaks, including fatal cases in Kent, and aims to reduce the sharply higher infection risk among first‑year university students. Health officials and advocacy groups urge young people to complete both doses over the summer to ensure strong protection. The initiative coincides with a new school‑aged vaccination taskforce and ongoing consideration of expanding the programme further.

More than 2,700 heat‑related deaths occurred in England and Wales during severe May and June heatwaves intensified by human‑driven climate change, according to analysis from major UK research institutions. Researchers estimate that over two‑fifths of these deaths were directly attributable to additional warming caused by human activity. Experts warn that rising temperatures, high humidity and unusually early‑season heat are increasing health risks and straining infrastructure. Public health authorities highlight the growing threat posed by extreme heat, while the Climate Change Committee cautions that the UK remains unprepared for escalating conditions. Political and emergency service leaders call for improved adaptation measures and urgent progress toward net‑zero emissions to reduce future risks.

Park Mak-rye, a popular Korean cultural figure, visited London to experience local traditions ahead of hosting Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ Heart + Seoul supper club in Shoreditch. The event showcases Korean food, stories and traditions while promoting the airline’s direct flights to Seoul. The pop-up dining experience runs July 10–11 with proceeds going to Save the Children, and includes a chance for guests to win return flights to Seoul.

A Columbia University study found that reducing sleep by about 80 minutes per night over six weeks led to an average weight gain of one pound and increased sedentary behavior. The research indicates that even modest, chronic sleep loss contributes to obesity-related risks, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, with stronger effects observed in men and postmenopausal women. Researchers emphasize that insufficient sleep can drive meaningful long‑term weight gain and associated health risks, highlighting the need for further study on the benefits of improving sleep duration.