Olivia Ireland

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to prison after doctors at Islamabad's government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences declared him medically fit. The examination followed a Supreme Court order prompted by complaints about deteriorating eyesight and other health problems, but authorities diverted him from the specified private Shifa International Hospital, citing security concerns linked to PTI supporters. Khan's party questioned whether the court order had been implemented properly. Imprisoned since 2023 and facing more than 100 cases, Khan remains a major political figure despite a government crackdown on his supporters.

A Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health review of about 81 studies links vaping among children and young people to respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, later cigarette smoking and other possible health problems. It also found evidence of harm to babies whose mothers vaped during pregnancy. Doctors are urging the UK government to make vapes less attractive and accessible to children, including by restricting flavours as well as packaging, branding and shop displays. The government is consulting on tighter rules and has already banned single-use vapes, while health charities stress that vaping is less harmful than smoking but is not risk-free and should not be taken up by non-smokers or children.

Male prisons in England and Wales have fewer than 1,800 vacant spaces, with more than 83,000 places occupied. Staff say recalls for licence breaches and reoffending have offset capacity freed by a presumption against short jail terms. The government plans to release around 5,000 inmates early from October, expand electronic tagging and build more prisons, while facing pressure to exclude serious offenders—including the killers of PC Andrew Harper—from the scheme.

Harvard has proposed a $53 million class-action settlement for families who alleged that donated bodies were mishandled after former morgue manager Cedric Lodge stole and sold human remains between 2018 and 2021. Lodge and his wife pleaded guilty and received prison sentences, while civil claims against Harvard were revived by Massachusetts’ highest court. The university also plans to create an annual medical-student scholarship honoring anatomical donors beginning in the 2027–28 academic year.

Prince Harry and Meghan plan to move from California to a private residence outside London later in August 2026, with their children Archie and Lilibet due to begin at a British school in September. King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed, but the couple are not expected to resume working royal duties and will remain private individuals. The move marks a significant change after the Sussexes left the UK and stepped back from royal duties in 2020, though unresolved questions remain about security arrangements, costs, relations with the Royal Family and the British press. Supporters, including the Invictus Games Foundation, welcomed the return, while commentators described it as a major surprise.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred from jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for medical examinations, including treatment by an eye specialist. The court also authorized weekly family meetings and telephone calls with his sons, citing its duty to protect his life, health, dignity and security. Khan’s lawyers say his eyesight and other health conditions have deteriorated because he lacked specialist care, while the government has disputed some allegations and has not publicly responded to the ruling. Khan has been jailed since 2023 on corruption and other charges that he says are politically motivated; his imprisonment has fueled protests and a wider crackdown on his supporters.

Liberal Democrats are urging Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to oppose Health Bill provisions that would abolish Healthwatch England and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body. They warn that transferring patient-feedback responsibilities to local bodies and safety investigations to the Care Quality Commission could weaken accountability, whistleblower anonymity and patient protections, potentially repeating failures associated with the Stafford Hospital scandal. The government says the reforms will reduce bureaucracy, bring patient engagement into the NHS and preserve safe-space protections. The bill also proposes abolishing NHS England and returning responsibility to the Department of Health and Social Care; Liberal Democrat amendments are expected to face a government fight in the House of Lords.

Spanish police, working with Algerian authorities and Europol, arrested 78 people linked to a major Western Mediterranean criminal network involved in drug, weapons and migrant smuggling. The group allegedly used high-speed “ghost boats” to move synthetic drugs from Spain and Portugal to Algeria and return with migrants and weapons, generating an estimated €24m from migrant smuggling. Authorities seized vessels, firearms, cash, MDMA pills and communications equipment, while investigators also identified allegations of violence, sexual abuse and inhumane treatment of migrants.

A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kyushu region, killing at least 13 people and leaving others unaccounted for or in cardiac arrest. More than 100 aftershocks followed, prompting warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency that severe tremors could continue, particularly over the next several days. Rescue crews searched collapsed structures at an Aeon Mall and a paper factory amid extreme heat, while thousands of people remained in evacuation centres without electricity. Authorities deployed more than 4,600 personnel, supplied air-conditioning units and began clearing debris as residents reported major damage to buildings, roads, bridges, rail services and utilities.

A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kyushu region, killing at least 13 people and triggering more than 100 aftershocks. Rescue crews are searching collapsed and damaged sites in Kumamoto Prefecture, including an Aeon Mall and a paper factory, while three mall workers remain unaccounted for and others have been reported in cardiac arrest. Thousands of people are in evacuation centres without electricity, and authorities warn that further intense earthquakes are possible. More than 4,600 personnel have been deployed for rescue operations, which are complicated by temperatures of about 35C and the risk of heatstroke.

Pyrocumulonimbus clouds form when intense wildfire heat rapidly lifts air, smoke, ash and water vapour, creating towering storm clouds that can generate turbulent winds, lightning and widely scattered embers. These conditions make fires more unpredictable and difficult to control. Fires near France’s Gironde region have prompted mass evacuations and may take weeks to contain and months to extinguish, with an incoming heatwave expected to complicate efforts. Similar fire-generated storms occurred during Australia’s 2019–2020 Black Summer fires and California’s 2021 wildfires. Scientists expect climate change to increase the likelihood of such events as heat, drought and extreme fire conditions become more common.

Wildfires near Bordeaux in France have generated pyrocumulonimbus clouds, in which extreme heat causes air to rise and form towering thunderstorm-like systems. These fire-generated storms produce turbulent winds, lightning and airborne embers that can spread blazes unpredictably and make them harder to fight. Similar events occurred during Australia's 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and California's 2021 fires. Scientists expect climate change, rising temperatures and drier conditions to increase the likelihood of such extreme fire behavior.

Terence Donovan, the British-Australian actor known for roles in Neighbours, Home and Away, Division 4 and Cop Shop, has died at 90 in Melbourne. His son Jason Donovan paid tribute, describing him as a larger‑than‑life figure who championed the Australian film and television industry in the 1970s. Donovan's six‑decade career spanned television, film and stage, including notable appearances in The Man from Snowy River and Breaker Morant.

Laos said it cannot determine responsibility for the deaths of six tourists linked to methanol-tainted alcohol because no autopsies were conducted. Authorities found excessive methanol in vodka from the implicated distillery, whose owner faces minor charges unrelated to the fatalities. The Australian government expressed frustration over the limited charges and summoned Laos' ambassador. Victims included citizens from the UK, Australia, Denmark and the US. Ten people linked to a hostel where the victims stayed previously received suspended sentences for destroying evidence. A UK campaign recently warned tourists about methanol risks.

Laos authorities said they cannot determine responsibility for the 2024 deaths of six foreign tourists because autopsies were not permitted, leaving insufficient forensic evidence. Although excessive methanol was found in vodka from a local distillery, charges against those involved are limited to health-related and business violations. Australia has expressed strong dissatisfaction and summoned the Laos ambassador, while British officials have issued new warnings about methanol risks. The victims, from the UK, Australia, Denmark and the US, are believed to have consumed free shots tainted with methanol during a night out in Vang Vieng.

A UK government campaign aims to raise awareness about methanol poisoning risks for travellers after cases involving severe injury and death. Survivors and families urge tourists to recognise symptoms early and seek help promptly, while officials promote travel warnings through social media influencers and educational channels to reach younger audiences visiting high‑risk destinations.

A UK government campaign is warning travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning after several cases involving holidaymakers in Southeast Asia. Survivors and families of victims, including Calum MacDonald and Margaret McKie, described how contaminated alcohol caused severe harm or death. The campaign highlights symptoms, urges travellers to monitor friends, and promotes checking official travel advice. The government aims to reach younger travellers through social media influencers, online platforms and education initiatives.

Wildfires across the UK are straining firefighting services as hot, dry weather fuels difficult-to-control blazes. Major incidents were reported in Wales and Derbyshire, with additional fires affecting several counties. Fire chiefs warn conditions will worsen due to the ongoing heatwave and lack of rain. Authorities highlight the elevated risk of wildfires, link conditions to climate change, and urge the public to exercise caution. Police charged a woman in connection with the Derbyshire fire as crews continue tackling widespread incidents.

Wildfires across the UK are straining fire services amid a prolonged heatwave and dry conditions, with around 19 active blazes reported. Major incidents in Wales and Derbyshire continue to demand significant resources, while additional fires affect regions across England. Fire chiefs warn that the lack of expected rainfall increases the risk of further outbreaks. Authorities highlight that human ignition sources combined with parched vegetation are driving the spread, and the conditions align with climate scientists’ warnings about the impacts of human‑induced climate change.

Counter-terrorism police took over the investigation into the killing of Ann Widdecombe after new evidence led to the re-arrest of a 28-year-old man on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. Authorities confirmed the suspect was not known to the Prevent programme and are working to establish a motive. Political leaders and colleagues paid tribute to Widdecombe as police continued forensic work across sites in Devon and Rotherham, while increased security guidance for MPs is expected following concerns raised by her death.

Counter‑terrorism police assumed control of the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after new evidence led to the re‑arrest of a 28‑year‑old man on suspicion of terrorism offences. Authorities confirmed he had not been known to the Prevent programme. Tributes to Widdecombe were delivered in Parliament and by political figures across parties, while officials reviewed security concerns for public figures. Police continue to investigate the suspect’s movements and maintain an increased presence in the local area as they work to determine the motive for the attack.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from his father Ali Khamenei’s funeral heightened speculation over his condition as Iranian leaders and millions of mourners attended ceremonies in Tehran. Officials emphasized security concerns amid fears of further Israeli attacks, while a temporary ceasefire between Iran and Israel held during ongoing talks. Donald Trump’s comments questioning the sincerity of public mourning drew condemnation from attendees, and chants against the US and Israel were reported. Khamenei’s coffin will travel through several Iranian and Iraqi cities before burial in Mashhad.

Senior Iranian officials attended Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran while Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence fueled speculation about his condition following US-Israel strikes. Massive crowds joined tightly managed ceremonies amid security concerns, with some mourners expressing hostility toward the US and Israel. Donald Trump’s comments about the funeral and peace talks drew strong reactions from attendees. The procession will continue across Iran and Iraq before burial in Mashhad.