Shannon Miller

A surrogacy dispute between McKenna West and biological parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed has expanded into a legal fight over the name of their baby, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. West continued the pregnancy despite the parents' alleged request for an abortion and later arranged delivery and treatment in Texas rather than California. The baby underwent the Norwood procedure and remains in critical but stable recovery under his parents' care. The parents are seeking more than $100,000 in damages, while West disputes that she breached the surrogacy agreement. A Texas court previously ordered that the newborn receive necessary treatment and restricted West's contact with him.

An unidentified man has remained in care in Amsterdam for more than three years after collapsing in May 2023 with aphasia, leaving him largely unable to communicate his name or history. Local residents knew him by various names, including “Chris the Canadian” and “Lucky,” and described possible connections to Canada, North America and Nepal. Amsterdam Police and retired officers Ruud and Nel have pursued DNA, facial-recognition and other leads, but privacy restrictions and a lack of records have prevented a match. Authorities are appealing for relatives or anyone who can identify him.

Weeks of hot, dry weather may make rivers, lakes, canals and other dog-walking spots more hazardous when heavy rain arrives. Dogs Trust warns that rainfall can rapidly raise water levels, strengthen currents, alter riverbeds and make banks and exit points slippery or unstable, while floodwater may conceal debris, sewage and other dangers. Owners are urged to stop, check and think before allowing dogs near open water, avoid entering the water to rescue them, and contact emergency services when necessary. Dogs Trust, the RNLI and the Canal & River Trust also cite recent data showing frequent dog-related water incidents, while owners are advised to dry dogs thoroughly after wet walks to prevent skin irritation.

The Real Count UK, described as the UK’s first nationwide anonymous domestic abuse survey, has launched across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for people aged 16 and over. Founded by survivor Angelique Brown, the initiative aims to capture abuse that is absent from official statistics, including experiences never reported to police or support services. The survey was piloted in Merseyside and Greater Manchester before partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University. Brown says fear, coercive control, threats involving children and distrust of authorities and support services are major barriers to reporting. The organisation hopes the data will reveal the true prevalence and regional patterns of abuse, inform researchers and policymakers, and help survivors feel that their experiences have been acknowledged.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the country's deadliest on record, with 2,325 deaths and nearly 5,000 confirmed infections since it was declared on May 15. The Bundibugyo strain has spread across six provinces at an exceptional rate, while health officials warn that transmission may have gone undetected for months. No vaccine is yet approved for this rare strain, but UK regulators have authorized human trials of a candidate developed by Oxford researchers using technology from the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. The WHO is also supporting trials of existing antiviral treatments, while limited cases have been reported in Uganda, Germany and France.

Amazon and eBay removed disposable barbecue listings after the Mirror found the products still available for purchase despite emergency government guidance prohibiting their sale during exceptionally hot and dry conditions. The restrictions followed a record number of serious wildfires across England and Wales, with officials warning that disposable barbecues could rapidly ignite fires. Other retailers had already withdrawn the products, while the government said regulators could take enforcement action against non-compliant sellers. The ban will be reviewed when weather conditions reduce the wildfire risk.

Millions of people in England and Wales received an emergency alert warning of exceptionally high wildfire risk during a period of intense heat and dry conditions. The public was urged to avoid disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators, fireworks and other potential ignition sources, and to call 999 from a safe place if they spot a fire. The alert followed multiple major incidents, including fires in the West Midlands that destroyed around 40 homes, while firefighters and additional military personnel tackled blazes across the country. Some people did not receive the warning because their devices were switched off, incompatible, connected only to Wi-Fi or older mobile networks, or lacked current software.

Millions of people in England and Wales received the UK’s first nationwide emergency alert for an active wildfire threat, warning them to avoid disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators and fireworks. The alert followed weeks of exceptionally hot, dry weather and ongoing fires, including severe damage near Stourbridge. The government also temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues, deployed 100 additional military personnel to major incident areas and urged people to follow official guidance and call 999 if they spot a fire. Some recipients were startled by the alarm, while one Welsh user criticized the lack of a Welsh-language translation.

Ten people, including five children, have drowned in the UK since schools began their summer break, while 42 people have died in open water since a hot spell began in mid-May. The latest deaths include an 11-year-old girl found in Glen Gore, Midlothian, and a 14-year-old boy who got into difficulty at London’s Millwall Outer Dock. The report also recalls recent drownings involving five-year-old Letti Cole, cousins Samiha Rahman and Musa Ahmed, and father and daughter John and Samantha Collins. The Mirror’s Save Lives For Sam campaign is calling for urgent improvements to water-safety measures and swimming education, with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham backing the initiative.

Leon Gillespie, 26, was fined after climbing onto the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph wearing a black crow costume resembling a Grim Reaper and carrying a long blade. He stared at staff and visitors, made noise and refused to leave, prompting a response from North Wales Police and fire crews. Gillespie pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on NHS premises and was ordered to pay fines, prosecution costs and compensation. He also faced separate charges involving the theft of cat supplies and groceries.

Iain Ashmore, 45, was stopped by Lincolnshire Police while driving a Ford Transit Connect despite being disqualified. He joked with officers about having 59, or previously 61, penalty points and complained that police were targeting him. He admitted three offences of driving while disqualified, three offences of driving without insurance and driving while using a mobile phone. Lincoln Magistrates’ Court handed him an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, extended his driving ban until July 2027, and ordered him to pay costs and a surcharge.

Ten-year-old Jude became critically ill after developing bloody diarrhoea during a family holiday in Sharm El Sheikh. Tests in the UK found a STEC E. coli infection that progressed to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, causing complete kidney failure and requiring dialysis and a blood transfusion at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. His kidney function began to recover after about two weeks, but he will be monitored for five years because of potential long-term complications. His mother, Caroline Lawton, is urging parents to seek medical help if children develop bloody stools, stop passing urine or become swollen. The source of the infection remains unknown, while easyJet holidays says it is investigating with its hotel partner and supporting the family.

An 18-month-old girl known as Sofia died in Portugal after reportedly being left inside a nursery transport vehicle for about seven hours in hot weather. Staff allegedly failed to notice she was missing, and her mother discovered the problem when she arrived to collect her. Emergency responders attempted to revive the child, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Portugal's Judicial Police are investigating the incident, while a victims' protection official said the circumstances appeared to indicate serious negligence rather than an intentional act.

Villars ski resort in Switzerland has opened the BalancAIR, a 12-metre-high swing positioned 2,110 metres above sea level that launches up to three riders over an Alpine valley. The attraction is part of the resort’s effort to increase summer tourism and reduce dependence on snow as climate change threatens traditional winter operations. Resort managers hope it will help narrow the gap between more than 700,000 winter visitors and roughly 100,000 summer visitors while supporting local jobs and the tourism economy.

Greater Manchester Police admitted it missed a crucial opportunity to identify Jihad Al-Shamie’s extremist mindset before his October 2025 attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, in which two worshippers were killed and four others injured. Police had seized his mobile devices during earlier arrests over allegations unrelated to terrorism, but the devices were not examined until after the attack. Chief Constable Stephen Watson apologised, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct and forthcoming inquests will assess the impact of the failure. Al-Shamie’s accomplice Mohammad Bashir has been jailed for life, and survivors continue to report serious physical and psychological injuries.

An 18-year-old cafe worker, Euan Lonnen, stopped a driverless car rolling across a Dingwall car park with two women inside by running after it, climbing in, and applying the handbrake moments before a collision. No one was injured, and the cafe owners praised his quick thinking after sharing the CCTV footage online.

A mother recounts the profound impact of the Southport stabbing that killed her seven-year-old daughter Elsie, describing her surviving child's emotional struggles and the family's efforts to maintain normalcy. She reflects on the moment she realized her daughter had died, the immediate aftermath of the attack, and the ongoing trauma experienced by both her and her younger daughter. Despite the devastation, she and her husband remain committed to giving their surviving child a stable life while honouring Elsie’s memory.

Residents in Wandsworth criticised a £600,000 council-funded repainting of two railway bridges near East Putney Station, arguing the bright blue and yellow scheme resembles IKEA branding and clashes with the area. The work, completed under the previous council administration and described as capital maintenance, was approved without resident consultation. Conservative councillor George Crivelli echoed concerns about the colours being too bright, although he welcomed the general refurbishment. Council officials said negative feedback was limited and confirmed no plans to alter the design.

A Hereford resident refuses to sell part of her garden to prevent a 500‑year‑old oak tree and surrounding wildlife from being affected by a proposed £45 million Southern Link Road project. She argues the new bypass would damage the environment, increase noise and vibration, and reduce her property's value. Herefordshire Council states most landowners have agreed to sell and confirms compulsory purchase proceedings have begun where necessary.

A coroner indicated that an inquest into the murder of toddler Preston Davey is likely to resume due to potential failings by public bodies. The case involves scrutiny of actions by medical staff, social workers and welfare officers who encountered the child before his death. The inquest had been paused during the criminal trial that resulted in whole-life imprisonment for adoptive father Jamie Varley and a long sentence for partner John McGowan-Fazakerley. A safeguarding review in Oldham is ongoing and not expected to conclude until early 2027, delaying the full inquest. The hearing also considered legal representation for family members and agencies involved, with a final decision expected later in the year.

A British tourist suffering from brittle asthma was arrested in Bodrum after police mistook his medical emergency for drunkenness, detained him in poor conditions, and placed a passport block preventing him from leaving Turkey. Following multiple severe asthma episodes, including two induced comas and alleged mistreatment by local hospital staff, he remains stranded as his fiancée has returned home and costs mount. His case is being raised in the House of Lords while he seeks financial support to cover legal and living expenses.

The UK Government issued a methanol poisoning warning for travellers to 29 destinations, urging the use of sealed drinks and reputable venues as part of a new safety campaign supported by survivors and bereaved families. Testimonies from individuals affected by contaminated alcohol highlight the danger of mistaking symptoms for a hangover and the need for rapid medical attention. The campaign stresses recognising warning signs, avoiding homemade or street-sold alcohol and checking updated travel advice to reduce risks while abroad.

British Transport Police are appealing for help identifying a man captured on CCTV after a woman was allegedly pulled to the floor and an attempted rape occurred on a Bakerloo Line train between Waterloo and Lambeth North. The victim escaped at Lambeth North and alerted staff, while the suspect travelled on to Elephant and Castle. Investigators believe he was also seen at Oxford Circus before the incident and at Piccadilly Circus afterwards. Police urge anyone who recognises the man to contact them or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.

A British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges has reportedly faced harsher conditions as Craig Foreman was given an additional two‑year sentence for speaking to the media from Evin Prison. Family members say he was denied legal representation and informed of the extension without due process. Both Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been on hunger strike following a failed appeal, with relatives and human rights monitors reporting significant health deterioration and loss of communication. The family plans to include the new sentence in a complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, while UK officials seek clarification from Iranian authorities.

A wild boar in Toyota, Japan, injured four people after repeatedly charging at workers outside a food company before attacking others nearby. Two men first confronted the animal with handcarts, sustaining hand injuries. The boar later attacked two more individuals, including a cyclist and an elderly man near an auto factory. Authorities received multiple sighting reports before capturing and killing the animal about 90 minutes after the initial attack.

A total solar eclipse on August 12 will bring near‑darkness to parts of Europe, including Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal, while the UK will experience a partial eclipse with up to 95% coverage in some regions. Visibility and timing will vary by location, and observers are advised to use certified eclipse glasses or solar filters due to the risk of eye damage. Totality along the eclipse path will last up to two and a half minutes, and the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not expected until 2090.

Home Office data shows residential burglaries in the UK fell to 154,000 in 2025, an 11% drop from the previous year, though charge rates remained low at 5%. Middlesbrough recorded the highest burglary rate when adjusted for households, reflecting its high deprivation levels, followed by Bradford and several other northern urban areas. More affluent rural communities such as North Norfolk and Breckland had the lowest rates. Police note that despite declining incidents, home security remains important.

Two 15‑tonne concrete slabs fell from a lorry onto the North‑South Motorway in southern Australia, striking parked cars and narrowly missing pedestrians. One man, Vicas Mataru, suffered a broken arm and described surviving as a miracle. Police said the load shifted as the lorry merged lanes, and the driver claimed another vehicle forced sudden braking. Transport of similar concrete segments for the Torrens to Darlington project was suspended while investigations continue, and damaged vehicles and debris were later removed.

A Category A prison nurse described Jamie Varley’s refusal to eat or leave his cell as a mix of fear for his safety and an attempt to attract greater monitoring and sympathy from staff. Varley, serving a whole‑life sentence for murdering 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, was transferred to HMP Wakefield, known for housing violent offenders and for previous inmate attacks. The nurse explained that prisoners on suicide watch receive frequent checks that may deter threats from others, while medical staff must treat all inmates with equal professionalism. She said refusing food alone would not justify sectioning and predicted Varley would eventually resume eating as monitoring continues.

A convicted rapist, Bernadin Dedic, remains at large after being mistakenly released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs due to a court file mix‑up. He fled to Bosnia and Herzegovina using his Bosnian passport and has repeatedly claimed various reasons for not returning to the UK, including visa issues, health problems and fear of flying. Judge Hannah Duncan has ordered him to return for sentencing on 24 July. Despite his absence, Dedic was found guilty of multiple rape and assault charges stemming from a violent attack in his Ealing home. An investigation has been launched into how the wrongful release occurred.

Brian Buckle, wrongly imprisoned for over five years for historic child sex offences, was unanimously acquitted at retrial after new forensic evidence and witnesses were presented, but has twice been denied compensation under laws requiring proof of actual innocence. His family incurred £500,000 in legal costs, and he continues to suffer PTSD. MP Ben Lake called the refusal a clear injustice and pledged to continue pressing ministers. The Ministry of Justice maintained that Buckle does not meet the statutory threshold but said it will consider forthcoming Law Commission recommendations on reforming compensation rules.

A woman died from mesothelioma one week after diagnosis, with her family believing she was exposed to asbestos decades earlier while washing her husband’s dust-covered work clothes from his years as a BT field engineer. Her children are appealing for former colleagues to provide information that could clarify the conditions he worked in. A lawyer representing the family highlighted the ongoing risks of asbestos and the rise in secondary exposure cases. A BT spokesperson offered condolences but declined further comment.

Keir Starmer described his decision to resign as a deeply personal choice made with his family at Chequers, acknowledging that his political career had come to an end after colleagues lost confidence in his leadership. He warned that his likely successor, widely viewed as Andy Burnham, would face the same global instability and domestic pressures, emphasising that foreign and domestic issues are inseparable for any prime minister. Starmer rejected claims that a new leader could focus less on international affairs and defended his record leading Labour out of what he called political, financial and moral decline. He pledged not to interfere with his successor’s leadership and said he bore no personal animosity toward Burnham.

Ruthie Henshall recounts her previously undisclosed five‑year relationship with Prince Edward, describing how they met while he worked in theatre, exchanged handwritten letters, and kept their romance discreet. She details intimate moments, including discovering his name sewn into his underwear, their first night together, and being introduced to Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Windsor Castle. The revelations come from her upcoming memoir, which also outlines her encounters with other senior royals. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

A man was convicted of murdering British woman Jean Hanlon 17 years after her death on Crete, following years of pressure from her family to reopen the case. Although originally ruled an accident, diary entries, forensic findings and testimony from her sons helped prosecutors secure a guilty verdict. The defendant received a 10-year sentence but remains free pending appeal, leaving the family relieved at the acknowledgement of the truth yet frustrated that he has not been imprisoned.

Severe thunderstorms forecast for Mexico City prompted FIFA to move England’s World Cup match against Mexico from early Monday UK time to Sunday evening. Safety rules requiring delays for nearby lightning influenced the decision, following similar weather‑related disruptions earlier in the tournament. Marcus Rashford acknowledged the change was not ideal but said the team remained prepared. The scheduling shift came days after Keir Starmer allowed pubs in England and Wales to extend opening hours for overnight World Cup fixtures.

A Manchester mother and her two-year-old daughter were stranded in Mallorca after a newly introduced UK passport rule prevented them from flying home. The change requires British dual citizens to show proof of their right to live in the UK using a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, which they did not have. After being refused boarding, the pair sought help from the British Consulate but reported receiving little assistance. They now face a wait of up to six weeks for new documents, have run out of money, and risk losing their home in the UK. The mother says the experience has left her feeling abandoned by the government.

A woman named Brittany Clark died after being attacked by an alligator while swimming during a hike in Florida. Her boyfriend, Chance Allison, attempted to fight the alligator and later posted an emotional tribute, vowing to care for her pets and expressing grief. A distressing 911 call detailed severe injuries as friends struggled to help her before authorities arrived. She was taken to a hospital but did not survive. Wildlife officials later captured two large alligators in the area.

Thai authorities charged Simon Peter Carman with murdering 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla after her body was found in a suitcase dumped near railway tracks in Pattaya. Police say Carman strangled her following a dispute over payment for sexual services, hid the body in his apartment, and later attempted to dispose of it. CCTV placed the pair entering his building and later showed Carman leaving with the suitcase. He was arrested at Bangkok’s international airport while allegedly trying to fly to Perth. Carman denies murder, claiming self-defence. The victim’s parents expressed shock and grief as police detailed evidence of a violent assault and concealment.

Idaho mother Andrea Shaw has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder more than a year after her 18‑month‑old twins were found dead in their shared bed in May 2025. Shaw had publicly suggested on an anti‑vaccine podcast that the children’s deaths were linked to recent vaccinations, a claim echoed by her attorney, though authorities have not confirmed any such cause. Police described the investigation as lengthy and thorough and said no further details would be released while the case proceeds through the courts. Shaw is being held in Ada County pending extradition to Payette County for arraignment.

A taxi driver who delayed reporting Southport killer Axel Rudakubana to police has had his licence revoked following a Sefton Council review. Inquiry evidence showed Gary Poland waited nearly an hour and made personal calls before notifying authorities after witnessing children fleeing the scene of the 2024 attack that killed three girls and injured others. The Southport Inquiry concluded the murders could have been prevented and recommended mandatory reporting of serious crimes by taxi drivers, a measure the Department for Transport plans to adopt by 2027. Government officials accepted all recommendations, with the Home Secretary acknowledging systemic failures across multiple agencies leading up to the tragedy.

A British TikTok influencer, Brooke George, faces a potential death penalty in Dubai after being charged with the premeditated murder of William Treeby, whom she claims attacked her during a violent incident. Her family alleges a history of domestic abuse and describes procedural mistreatment following her arrest. Several unresolved elements remain, including the whereabouts of key witnesses present on the night of the stabbing, the identity and role of a mystery driver seen with the couple beforehand, and details of the pair’s deteriorating relationship. Treeby, who had prior convictions and was due to stand trial in the UK, was reportedly married to a woman in Britain. Advocacy groups are urging UK authorities, including Kent Police, to investigate potential evidence held in Britain, though it is unclear whether such an inquiry will be launched.

Harry Kane led England to a dramatic comeback against DR Congo with two late goals, securing a place in the World Cup last‑16 against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. Fans expressed both relief and excitement after a poor first half that saw England trailing, while supporters and player families prepared for the upcoming match in Mexico City. DR Congo earned praise for their performance, and England followers looked ahead to a challenging atmosphere in Mexico as expectations rose once again.

Fans across the UK celebrated as England advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo, driven by two goals from Harry Kane. Pubs and venues were packed as flexible work hours and early departures boosted attendance, with millions watching nationwide. Supporters reacted emotionally to England’s shaky defence, the denied penalty and the late equaliser before the decisive winner. Businesses and industry groups reported surges in pub traffic, while workplace absences increased around the 5pm kickoff. Anticipation now shifts to England’s upcoming match against Mexico.

A Horsham couple who recently endured their newborn son's major surgery won £1 million through a EuroMillions Lucky Dip, allowing them to plan a family trip to Disneyland Paris and secure a new home and car. The parents praised NHS staff for supporting their son Rupert during his treatment, and the win has offered them emotional relief and future financial security.

Testimony at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court described increasing anxiety experienced by Maddy Cusack following coach Jonathan Morgan’s arrival at Sheffield United, including comments about her weight, inconsistent team selection and past negative interactions. Witnesses detailed changes in her behaviour, eating habits and professional outlook, as well as discomfort over references to her relationship. Colleagues noted heightened anxiety in her final months, though no indication she intended self-harm. The inquest is ongoing.

A patient presenting Ebola-like symptoms at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital tested negative after isolation and examination. Precautionary measures were implemented, though NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde reported no ward closures. The individual had recently returned from an Ebola-affected country, prompting testing for multiple infectious diseases. Officials emphasised that the public risk remains low, with established protocols for identifying and managing potential cases. Public Health Scotland confirmed ongoing coordination with UK health agencies as outbreaks continue abroad, driven by the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The Parole Board approved the release of Maria Pearson, Britain’s longest‑serving female prisoner, nearly 39 years after she murdered Janet Newton in 1986. Despite some experts warning she posed a high risk of serious harm, the panel concluded that her risk of violent reoffending is low and can be safely managed under strict licence conditions including curfew, electronic monitoring, and restrictions on contact with the victim’s family. Newton’s sister strongly opposed the decision, citing enduring trauma and Pearson’s lack of remorse. Pearson’s previous parole bids were repeatedly rejected due to concerns about her behaviour and risk, despite mixed progress in prison and support for release from several professionals.

A murder trial has begun in Crete nearly 17 years after the death of Scottish mother Jean Hanlon, whose body was found in the sea near Heraklion in 2009. Initially ruled an accident, the case was reopened multiple times after her family campaigned for further investigation, supported by a private investigator and new forensic reviews. Fresh diary evidence and re-examination findings led prosecutors to charge her former partner, who denies responsibility under anonymity laws. Testimony from Hanlon’s sons and a forensic pathologist suggested her injuries were inconsistent with a fall and likely caused by a violent blow. The trial is expected to last several days.

A Derby woman, Dawna Bird, admitted to fraudulently claiming more than £14,000 in Personal Independence Payment while spending nearly three years living in Greece without notifying the Department for Work and Pensions. Evidence from travel records and Facebook posts showed she had been abroad for over 1,000 days. She received a five‑month suspended sentence, while her husband had previously been sentenced for a larger related fraud. Bird has begun repaying the money.

Forecasts indicate Britain could face temperatures up to 41C, threatening the nation’s 2022 heat record as intense heat returns from the US to Europe. The Met Office issued severe warnings as global temperatures remain near record highs, influenced in part by a potentially strong El Niño. Meteorologist Jim Dale warned that global warming may reach 2C by 2030, far earlier than expected, with major worldwide consequences.

A man from Mexico City was fatally attacked by a large crocodile while swimming at Marina Vallarta Beach in Puerto Vallarta. A couple from California attempted to rescue him after mistaking the situation for a rip current emergency but discovered he was already being mauled. Despite their efforts, the victim was pulled underwater and did not resurface. His remains were recovered hours later, and authorities noted that warning signs about dangerous marine wildlife were posted in the area.

Three sisters who died after being swept out to sea in Brighton were remembered at an emotional funeral in north-west London, where their father expressed overwhelming grief and their surviving sister offered a brief tribute. An inquest opened in May is set to continue in October, with Sussex Police stating there was no third‑party involvement while continuing to investigate how the women entered the water. RNLI crews recovered all three bodies, and authorities aim for the inquest to address ongoing public speculation.