Steven Smith

Pharmacist Rachel Jones explains that persistent changes in the feet—including consistently cold feet, swelling, toenail discoloration, numbness, non-healing cracks, pain and peeling skin—can sometimes indicate conditions such as poor circulation, diabetes, thyroid disease, nerve damage or fungal infections. A dark toenail streak without an injury should be assessed because, in rare cases, it may indicate skin cancer beneath the nail. Readers are advised to seek medical advice for persistent, painful or worsening symptoms.

England's fixed penalties for littering and fly-tipping will increase from September 1, 2026. Littering fines will rise by 50% to a maximum of £750, while the maximum fine for fly-tipping will increase from £1,000 to £5,000. Local authorities will retain discretion to set penalties between the minimum and maximum thresholds. The government says the changes, introduced under its Waste Crime Action Plan, are intended to deter waste offences and protect communities and the environment.

Wizz Air reported a €183 million operating loss for April to June, compared with a €27.5 million profit a year earlier, as jet-fuel expenses rose 39% amid higher oil prices and conflict in the Middle East. The airline previously incurred a €50 million impact from cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and other regional routes and is shifting capacity toward shorter European sectors. Despite the loss, passenger numbers increased 25% to 21.2 million and revenue rose 5.5% to €1.5 billion. Chief executive Jozsef Varadi said changing booking patterns and elevated fuel costs would continue to create challenges, alongside strategic opportunities, through the rest of the year.

UK law prohibits under-18s from buying alcohol or asking others to buy it for them, and bans supplying alcohol to children under five. However, 16- and 17-year-olds may be served beer, wine or cider with a meal in licensed premises, while children aged five to 17 may consume alcohol in private settings such as the home. The NSPCC stresses parental responsibility and warns against regular drunkenness, excessive solitary drinking or alcohol dependence, with Drinkline available for support.

Nationwide is cutting rates across its fixed and selected tracker mortgage products by up to 0.19% and 0.12% respectively, effective July 7, as falling swap rates intensify competition among lenders. Brokers across the UK welcome the reductions and anticipate further cuts if market conditions and inflation remain stable, though some caution that geopolitical and political uncertainty could affect future pricing. The changes mark Nationwide’s second rate reduction in just over a week and reflect a more competitive mortgage landscape that is encouraging borrower confidence.

Investors await Jet2’s upcoming financial results as summer bookings rise, with demand influenced by improved stability following US-Iran peace developments. The airline expects strong profits and reports a trend toward last‑minute bookings due to recent Middle East tensions. Oil prices have stabilised and holiday companies note increased demand for destinations such as Cyprus and Turkey. Jet2 has maintained normal flight schedules despite earlier jet fuel constraints and continues expanding through its new London Gatwick base.

An accountant warns that many UK ecommerce side‑hustle sellers focus on sales rather than profit, overlooking costs such as platform fees, advertising, shipping and taxes. He urges sellers to prioritise product margins, drop low‑profit lines and concentrate on items that generate real income to build a sustainable business.

The UK medicines regulator issued a Class 4 defect notification after two batches of benzylpenicillin benzathine were distributed with outdated patient information leaflets. The outdated guidance affects only instructions for healthcare professionals regarding injection handling and disposal. Updated information has been provided to clinicians, and patients do not need to take action. Brancaster Pharma will supply correct leaflets to pharmacies on request, and patients are advised to seek medical help for any adverse reactions and report issues via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.