Ruth Comerford

Como Mayor Alessandro Rapinese has ordered cyclists to dismount across about 30 streets in the historic centre from September after he was struck by an e-bike. The ban covers both electric and conventional bicycles under Italy’s highway code and forms part of broader traffic regulations controlling cars, vans, deliveries and tourist access. Local groups Civitas Como and Nova Como oppose the measure, challenging its legitimacy and organizing a protest, while the city says the restrictions are intended to improve safety and manage tourism.

Israel has opened tenders for 1,234 of approximately 3,401 approved housing units in the strategically important E1 area of the occupied West Bank, near East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the plan unacceptable, while Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates separately rejected it. Critics, including the UN secretary-general, warn that the project could divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and undermine the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. The article also reports the return of Israeli settlers to the Kadim settlement near Jenin after a two-decade ban was lifted, amid concerns over rising settler violence and the expansion of settlements.

Israel has issued a tender for 1,234 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the plans unacceptable and urged Israel to withdraw them, while the UN secretary general warned they could threaten the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state. Opponents say construction would divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and undermine a two-state solution. The tender, covering part of 3,401 approved housing units, faces legal challenges from Bedouin Palestinians and Israeli peace groups, but its October deadline shortly before Israel's general election could make reversal more difficult.

Como mayor Alessandro Rapinese has introduced a ban on riding both electric and conventional bicycles through about 30 streets in the historic centre after being hit by an e-bike. The restriction, starting in September, forms part of wider traffic regulations for the city’s limited-traffic zone, including vehicle permits, delivery-hour limits and tighter access for tourists. Local group Civitas Como has challenged the ban, while Nova Como plans a protest ride, amid broader European efforts to regulate e-bikes and other single-person vehicles.

A burst water main on Bramley Road in Enfield left about 750 households without water and forced Chase Farm Hospital to postpone routine operations because its operating theatres lost their water supply. The hospital’s urgent treatment centre remained open, with backup tanks and water trucks supporting services. Thames Water said it was working around the clock, operating two bottled-water stations and aiming to restore normal supplies by Friday, while local businesses reported operational and financial difficulties.

Public figures, academics and friends of Jason Arday are calling for an immediate public inquiry into the media coverage surrounding the former Cambridge sociology professor, whom they say faced two weeks of relentless harassment before his death at 41. Arday resigned after plagiarism allegations, but Liverpool John Moores University concluded that he had not plagiarised. Supporters, including Diane Abbott and Lord Woolley, described the coverage as a vicious “witch hunt” and raised concerns about racism and unequal treatment in academia. Cambridge has announced an independent investigation into Arday’s appointment, while the university says it continued providing wellbeing support during the scrutiny.

Former Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday was found dead at an address in Battersea after resigning amid plagiarism allegations and intense public scrutiny. Political leaders, academics, unions and campaigners expressed shock and condemned what they described as racist harassment and media abuse, while calling for reflection and investigations into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and treatment. Arday denied plagiarism, acknowledged errors in earlier work, and said the scrutiny had caused profound personal harm. Liverpool John Moores University previously found that he had not plagiarised, and Cambridge has announced an independent investigation.

Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday was found dead at his home in Battersea after resigning amid plagiarism allegations and scrutiny of aspects of his career. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the death a tragedy and urged reflection rather than rushed judgment. Arday’s family, friends, colleagues, politicians and education unions said he had endured an intense campaign of media scrutiny, harassment and racism. Cambridge has announced an independent investigation into his appointment, while Liverpool John Moores University previously concluded that he had not plagiarised. A vigil and fundraising campaign have been organized in support of his family.

Extreme heat is significantly reducing Big Issue sales and vendor incomes across the UK. Sales fell by an average of 20% during weeks with declared heatwaves and by 22% during the week the June temperature record was broken, with declines reaching 34% in the West Midlands and 33% in Wales. Big Issue managing director Catherine Parsons says the losses force vendors facing homelessness or financial instability to make difficult choices about essentials, while the organisation is distributing sunscreen, caps and water. Vendors report lower footfall, unsafe working conditions and shortened working days as the UK experiences its fifth heatwave of the year.

Big Issue magazine sales fall by an average of about 20% during UK heatwaves, with sales down 22% in the week the June temperature record was broken. Vendors, many of whom are experiencing homelessness or financial instability, are losing vital income as extreme temperatures reduce footfall and force shorter working days. Big Issue managing director Catherine Parsons says the organization is distributing sunscreen, caps and water, but conditions can become unsafe. Vendor George Anderson describes lower sales, discomfort and difficulty sleeping during hot weather.

The UK recorded its hottest day of 2026 and the fifth-highest temperature on record, with 38.1C measured at Kew Gardens in west London. The fifth heatwave of the year has brought amber health warnings across much of England, drought conditions across Wales and water restrictions affecting more than 27 million people. Extreme heat has contributed to record emergency-department attendances and more than 2,800 estimated heat-related deaths in May and June. Drought has also intensified wildfire risks, with England and Wales recording more than 1,000 fires and several large blazes damaging homes and injuring people. Cooler temperatures are expected, but the conditions highlight the growing impact of climate change.

The UK recorded its hottest day of 2026 and fifth hottest day on record, with temperatures peaking at 38.1C at Kew Gardens during the country’s fifth heatwave of the year. England remains under amber extreme-heat health alerts, while Wales faces drought and other parts of the UK have thunderstorm or rain warnings. More than 27 million people are subject to water-use restrictions, with thousands of homes in east London and Essex still affected by outages. Extreme heat has contributed to record emergency-department demand and more than 2,800 preliminary heat-related deaths in May and June. Drought conditions have also contributed to widespread wildfires across England and Wales, including major incidents in the New Forest and West Midlands, underscoring the growing impacts of climate change.

Arthur Fery invited Prince George and Princess Charlotte to play tennis after meeting the royal family at the Wimbledon men's singles final. The Prince and Princess of Wales congratulated him on reaching the semi-finals and celebrated his birthday. Fery, who will become the new British number one and rise to 36th in world rankings, reflected on the encounter as well as his breakthrough performance at the Championships, where Jannik Sinner claimed the title for the second consecutive year.

Arthur Fery invited Prince George and Princess Charlotte to play tennis after meeting the royal family at Wimbledon, where the Princess of Wales congratulated him on his semi-final run and birthday. Fery reflected on the encounter and remained unsure whether the invitation would be accepted. The men’s final drew several royal and celebrity attendees, with Jannik Sinner securing his second consecutive title. Fery’s breakthrough performance will elevate him to British number one and 36th in the world rankings.

A heatwave in London led to the London Fire Brigade receiving 1,251 emergency calls in 24 hours and responding to multiple fires, including a major blaze in Wood Green. Officials warned of heightened wildfire risks and urged the public to avoid disposable barbecues, properly discard smoking materials, and observe water safety as incidents increase. Amber heat health alerts were issued for several regions, with temperatures expected to reach 34C and conditions forecast to persist through the week.

The London Fire Brigade reported its highest number of emergency calls this year as a third heatwave hit the capital, responding to 1,251 incidents and 13 fires, including a major blaze in Wood Green. Officials warned of increased wildfire risks and urged the public to avoid disposable barbecues, properly discard smoking materials, and observe water safety as incidents rise. Amber heat health alerts were issued for large parts of England, with temperatures expected to reach 34C in London.