Tannur Anders

Russian drone strikes on a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, killed at least 15 people and injured 130, including 23 children. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a double-tap strike targeting rescue efforts and warned that Ukraine would respond. Separate Russian attacks in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions and on Kyiv also caused further civilian deaths, underscoring the escalation and frequency of Russian strikes across Ukraine.

Ryanair is offering £29.99 fares on its Leeds Bradford–Malaga route after easyJet announced it will end all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport after January 5, 2027. The fares are available from August 21 through the end of February 2027, particularly for passengers affected by the cancelled easyJet service. Ryanair operates 10 weekly flights to Malaga, while easyJet said it reviewed its routes and will focus on services with stronger customer demand.

An 18-year-old man allegedly attacked a school in central Sweden with a sword while classes were in session, killing one person and seriously injuring two boys aged 12 to 17. Police apprehended the suspect after firing shots and found no evidence of additional perpetrators, while his motive remained unknown. The school and nearby schools were secured as police, emergency responders and healthcare workers treated those affected and began investigating, including property searches and witness interviews.

Donald Trump and former lawyer Michael Cohen are publicly reconciling after an eight-year feud that followed Cohen’s guilty plea, testimony before Congress and prosecutors, and his role as a key witness in Trump’s hush-money case. Trump appeared on Cohen’s radio programme and said Cohen had been weaponized, while Cohen addressed him as “boss” and “sir.” Cohen said their roughly 15-year relationship had fractured but that they had forgiven each other. The reconciliation has also renewed attention to Cohen’s pardon requests, which were rejected by Joe Biden and have reportedly received no acknowledgment from Trump.

The article outlines four possible Russian retaliation options against the UK if Moscow seeks to force a change in Britain's support for Ukraine: escalating sabotage, disinformation, drone incursions and cyberattacks; assassinating British citizens; striking British military-support facilities in Ukraine; and attacking targets in Britain with missiles or armed drones. The Russian Embassy accuses Britain of becoming an accomplice in attacks on Russia, while the UK Ministry of Defence rejects the threat and reaffirms support for Ukraine. A direct attack on Britain is presented as less likely because it could trigger NATO's collective-defence obligations, whereas attacks on facilities in Ukraine are described as the most plausible escalation.

Brighton and Hove City Council will decide whether to grant a 25-year lease for the 164-foot Brighton Wheel to return to Madeira Drive, where it operated from 2011 until closing in 2016. The proposal, submitted by the firm behind Brighton Zip & Daltons Venue, would retain the existing zip line and aim to reopen the wheel by next summer. Councillor David McGregor supports the plan, citing the attraction’s popularity and its potential to bring renewed energy to the seafront.

US officials reportedly say Donald Trump is pressing aides to arrange another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, potentially during a November Asia-Pacific trip. The effort would revive Trump's first-term goal of persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Trump and Kim have met three times—in Singapore in 2018, Vietnam in 2019 and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone later that year—but their negotiations produced no lasting agreement, with the Vietnam summit ending over disagreements about sanctions relief and denuclearization.

A seven-year-old girl in Brisbane reportedly found a large shard of glass in a toasted sandwich made with Tip Top The One soft white bread purchased from Woolworths. Woolworths and Tip Top Bakeries launched an investigation, while Tip Top said its facilities prohibit glass and use food-safety controls; Woolworths said it was unaware of similar reports.

The UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to supplying Ukraine with military equipment and warned Russia that Britain would continue to oppose Russian aggression. The response followed Russian accusations that Britain was an accomplice in attacks deep inside Russia involving British-made drones, with Moscow threatening that the UK would pay a higher price as its involvement increased. The report also highlights heightened tensions surrounding a heavily armed Russian warship near Germany, Putin’s threats against British and EU vessels targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, and the broader risk of escalation between Russia, Ukraine, Britain and its allies.

US intelligence reportedly assesses that Russia could launch a direct attack on NATO within weeks to test the alliance’s resolve. Concern has increased after the Russian frigate Admiral Kasatonov, equipped with long-range and nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles, was reported near a German island in the Baltic Sea. Russia is also reportedly developing drone facilities near Ukraine. The report links these developments to Vladimir Putin’s threats to retaliate against British and EU vessels involved in intercepting Russia-linked shadow-fleet ships, intensifying fears of escalation between Russia and NATO.

Kroger plans to close 60 stores across 15 US states by the end of 2026, with 39 locations already shut and 21 more still to be identified and closed. The company says the move will simplify its business and provide a modest financial benefit for reinvestment in customer experience. Employees at affected stores will be offered jobs at other locations.

More than 480 tourists were evacuated by small boats, coast guard vessels and fire brigade craft from beaches and resorts in Greece’s Halkidiki region as a wildfire destroyed homes, holiday apartments and parts of the area’s pine forests. Authorities issued phone evacuation warnings and restricted access to forests, while firefighters, helicopters and water-bombing aircraft battled the blaze. Strong winds forecast for the following day threatened to accelerate the fire’s spread.

A car drove into pedestrians attending the Great Apple Fair in Zacatlán, Mexico, before crashing into a concrete pillar near the Apple Pavilion. Fifteen people were injured but remained stable and out of danger, with no deaths reported. The driver was detained, the vehicle was taken into custody, and authorities said possible health issues may have contributed, pending expert examinations.

The Shaven Crown, a 640-year-old Grade II-listed inn in Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, is being offered for £950,000 by Colliers. Originally established as a hospice for the poor by monks from Bruern Abbey, the property is believed to have been licensed since 1384 and reportedly hosted Queen Elizabeth I. It retains medieval and Tudor features, including a fourteenth-century gateway, Tudor doors, cobbled floors, ceiling beams and a Great Hall, alongside eight guest rooms, gardens and a commercial kitchen.

Donald Trump warned that FIFA would make a “terrible mistake” by replacing president Gianni Infantino, praising his stewardship of what Trump called the organization’s most successful World Cup. Infantino is under mounting pressure after FIFA abandoned a proposal to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a stake in a new $20 billion arm, a plan criticized as a “bribe with a deadline.” UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have accused him of deception and are discussing independently staged competitions ahead of FIFA’s presidential election.

The Lord Nelson pub in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, is due to close on September 6 after nearly 400 years of operation. Originally called the Plough, the Grade II-listed pub is associated with Admiral Horatio Nelson, who reportedly drank there before the Battle of Trafalgar. Woodforde's Brewery, which reopened the pub in 2021, is seeking a new operator after deciding to leave the pub business and focus on brewing. Without a replacement, Norfolk risks losing an important historic community venue.

NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercepted two general aviation aircraft that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, New Jersey, near Donald Trump’s golf course. The restrictions were imposed because Trump was expected to be in the area and the LIV Golf New York tournament was taking place at the club. Officials said the aircraft were escorted out of the restricted airspace and reminded pilots to check FAA flight notices before flying.

Donald Trump reportedly confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at Camp David over alleged misinformation about severe US munitions shortages that could constrain military options against Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the confrontation occurred and accused sources of trying to disparage Hegseth. The report also discusses Iran and Oman nearing an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz, whose reopening to commercial shipping may depend on US concessions over Iran's ports and control of the waterway. The dispute follows US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, Iranian retaliation across the Middle East and Iran's closure of the strait.

England's longest zip wire has opened at Honister Slate Mine in Cumbria after more than 15 years of development. The 1,200-metre, 60-second ride begins more than 2,000 feet above the valley, reaches speeds of up to 65 mph and costs from £110 per ticket. Limited places are available in its first year. The attraction is part of the wider Honister site, which continues to transport slate and also offers an Infinity Bridge and Via Ferrata. The business is now run by Mark Weir's sons, Prentice and Piers Wilkinson Weir, who say the investment will support tourism, the local economy and the site's future.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is taking an overseas family holiday after two weeks in office while remaining in contact with officials and continuing meetings. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson criticized the break, citing Burnham's early policy commitments and the arrival of illegal migrants. Burnham is also facing backlash over sentencing reforms that would allow the killers of police officer Andrew Harper to remain eligible for early release, despite opposition from Thames Valley Police chief constable Jason Hogg and Harper's widow, Lissie Harper.

Almeria Airport in Spain is scheduled to close for six days in February 2028 while its runway undergoes renovation, cancelling all scheduled flights, including Ryanair services. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia will need to reschedule or divert flights. The closure is part of a 19-month, €29 million airport upgrade that also includes taxiway improvements, new lighting and replacement directional signs.

NATO fighter jets were scrambled over Poland after an unidentified object entered Polish airspace and apparently crashed near Tarnawa-Kolonia in the Lublin region. Polish authorities said the object had not been conclusively identified, while reports suggested it could have been a Russian Kh-101 missile. The incident followed a major overnight Russian bombardment of Ukraine that killed at least eight people and injured 30, including children in Kryvyi Rih, while strikes also hit Lviv and Kyiv. Polish officials said multiple missiles had flown over western Ukraine and warned that a confirmed deliberate incursion into NATO territory would represent a serious escalation.

EU emergency response chief Maria Zuber warned that continued fires in Portugal and Spain could combine with spreading wildfire risk in Greece, Central Europe and Italy to create a record-breaking European fire season. A new heatwave, dry air, strong winds and limited rainfall are expected to worsen conditions. The report also notes a major forest fire at the National Trust’s Dunwich Heath site in Suffolk, where about 70 firefighters were deployed, while the UK has already recorded seven days of temperatures at or above 35°C in 2026.

A pilot ferry service will connect Shoreham in West Sussex with Fécamp in Normandy from September 8 to 13. SailLink will operate wind-powered crossings for up to 12 foot passengers per sailing, with the roughly eight-hour journey retracing Charles II’s 1651 voyage. Tickets start at £220 one way and £440 return, while sailor Michel Desjoyeaux will skipper the trips in an effort to demonstrate that regular wind-powered Channel crossings could provide a practical, lower-emission alternative to conventional ferries.

Topps Tiles is closing its Cheam branch on August 7 and has launched an 'everything must go' sale. The store is one of 23 branches scheduled for closure, with eight already shut and 15 more expected to close within six months. The company cited subdued consumer sentiment, geopolitical uncertainty and cost inflation, while extreme summer heat disrupted work by housebuilders and tradespeople. Sales fell 1.8% in the three months to June 27, prompting the company to warn that annual profits would be lower than expected.

UK petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply as oil prices approach $100 a barrel amid renewed conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel increased by 7.62 pence to 172.14 pence per litre over two weeks, while petrol rose to 155.57 pence. RAC policy chief Simon Williams warned that prices could approach 160 pence for petrol and 180 pence for diesel if the conflict continues. FuelRadar advised motorists to avoid filling up on Friday, when demand typically rises, and to consider buying fuel earlier in the week, particularly on Tuesday or Thursday.

Nestle is adding Milk Chocolate and Brownie flavours to its KitKat sharing bar range, joining existing varieties and launching across UK supermarkets on August 3 at an expected price of £2 for a 99g bar. The new products aim to expand consumer choice, with marketing highlighting their suitability for everyday moments or sharing.

Asda plans to redevelop its Park Royal site in northwest London into a mixed‑use complex featuring a 60,000‑square‑foot flagship store, up to 1,500 homes including around 500 affordable units, retail and restaurant space, a 35‑storey apartment tower, fitness facilities and a community hub. The existing superstore will remain open during development. The project marks the company’s first redevelopment of an established site as it expands its national footprint, now totalling 1,000 UK locations.

Donald Trump asserted that China accessed U.S. voter information and influenced the 2020 election while announcing plans to declassify intelligence on election vulnerabilities. U.S. intelligence assessments released in 2021 under both administrations found no evidence of foreign interference or manipulation of voting systems. The article recounts Trump’s continued claims of fraud and contrasts them with official findings affirming the integrity of the election that Joe Biden won.

Comments on Donald Trump’s primetime address focused on his hoarse and strained voice, with social media users speculating about possible health issues as he appeared to struggle at moments while reading the teleprompter. No official indication of any medical problem has been given by Trump or his team.

Donald Trump praised Iran for releasing a US citizen detained since 2024, calling it a goodwill gesture despite escalating hostilities between the two countries. The release came as the US launched new strikes on Iranian military sites, with CENTCOM reporting attacks on command centers, missile capabilities and coastal defenses near Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island. Both nations have withdrawn from a recent short-term peace agreement intended to restore stability and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has asserted full sovereignty over. Trump later declared the ceasefire over during a NATO summit, signalling further deterioration in relations.

McVitie's has released a limited‑edition Mint Club Digestive, combining elements of its classic chocolate digestive with its Club biscuit range and now sold at Tesco. The mint‑flavoured, milk‑chocolate‑coated biscuit has generated enthusiastic reactions from social media users, with many praising its nostalgic taste and subtle mint flavour, though some note it lacks the classic Club mint cream filling. Consumer comments range from excitement to mild skepticism about its similarity to a standard mint chocolate digestive.

Argentina’s players displayed a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after defeating England 2-1 at the World Cup, reviving longstanding political tensions between the countries. The gesture echoed President Javier Milei’s earlier remarks claiming the islands, connecting the incident to the historical dispute and the 1982 Falklands War. The article recounts the conflict’s timeline, casualties and its lasting impact on relations, noting how the political rivalry has shaped football encounters between the nations, including memorable World Cup clashes in 1986, 1998 and 2002.

Bottles of Mt Ossa Australian Spring Water sold at Woolworths were recalled in Australia due to potential mould contamination that could cause illness. Food Standards Australia New Zealand advised consumers not to consume the product and to return it for a refund. Additional recalls were issued for several Summer Snow apple juice products after unsuccessful pasteurisation led to microbial contamination.

H&M is reducing its global store portfolio, confirming more than 130 additional closures across multiple regions after reporting a drop from 4,166 to 4,036 locations in a year. The company closed 97 stores in Asia, Oceania and Africa, 20 in Western Europe, 17 in the Nordics and four in Eastern Europe. While about 90 new stores will launch this year, including the first in Malta, Paraguay and Azerbaijan, the plan to close 170 sites will result in a net reduction of 80 locations as part of a broader optimisation strategy.

Iran withdrew from its Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, accusing Washington of violations and asserting its intent to assume full control of the Strait of Hormuz for national security reasons. The move follows escalating conflict since February and the collapse of a ceasefire agreement after Donald Trump declared it over and threatened extensive military strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Iran insists it will not seek negotiations with the United States, while tensions over regional security, oil shipping routes and Iran’s nuclear dispute remain unresolved.

US forces conducted new strikes against Iranian targets to limit Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, following renewed escalation in the region. CENTCOM said the strikes were ordered to hold Iranian forces accountable after missile attacks on cargo and energy ships. The action followed earlier U.S. strikes on more than 100 Iranian sites and Iran's retaliatory attacks across Gulf states. A ceasefire agreement collapsed after Iran targeted multiple vessels, prompting President Donald Trump to declare the deal cancelled.

Asda will close its Hale Barns store on July 31, with the site set to reopen as a Waitrose in the autumn. Employees will transfer to Waitrose as part of the transition. The closure follows broader job cuts at Asda tied to high interest costs from its 2021 takeover. Waitrose leaders said the new store supports the brand’s northern expansion, while Asda thanked the local community and directed customers to nearby branches.

Israeli intelligence reportedly warned the United States of an Iranian plan to assassinate Donald Trump, linked to Tehran’s threats of retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani. Rising tensions followed joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian sites, the death of Ali Khamenei, and public calls in Iran for Trump’s death. Despite a recent US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the conflict, Trump declared the ceasefire over and condemned Iranian leadership. Security concerns prompted the US Secret Service to shift Trump to a more fortified aircraft after new threats emerged.

A large fire broke out at the former College of the Holy Child Jesus in St Leonards, prompting East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to deploy multiple engines and advise nearby residents to close windows due to thick smoke. The blaze, believed to have started on the building’s third floor, drew support from police and UK Power Networks, and the response was later scaled down as crews made steady progress.

Fifty‑two Post Office branches will close by early October following the shutdown of 100 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, mainly in southern England but also in Wales, Scotland and northern England. Rising employment costs were cited as the reason for Morrisons’ decision, and the company is consulting with affected staff while seeking alternative roles. MPs are engaging with both organisations to safeguard local postal access, as additional closures linked to TG Jones could reduce the nationwide network below the government’s required minimum of 11,500 branches.

John Lewis is consulting on closing in‑store gift‑wrapping desks in 25 shops and foreign‑exchange bureaux in 30 locations, putting around 200 jobs at risk as part of efforts to modernise operations. Staff express concern about increased workloads, while the company highlights improved customer satisfaction scores and rising online demand for currency services. If implemented in autumn, affected employees will be supported through redeployment, and customer‑service areas will be repurposed. The move follows wider efficiency measures, including significant job cuts last year.

Donald Trump avoided addressing the U.S. team’s 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium, instead posting about military strength and urging Congress to pass defense-related legislation. His earlier intervention with FIFA led to the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red‑card ban, allowing the striker to play in the match. Gianni Infantino granted the request after discussions involving Trump and Andrew Giuliani.

Reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched two missiles at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant damage but no casualties. The incident follows recent US‑Iran tensions despite a peace agreement aimed at reopening the waterway and reducing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. A Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17 commits Iran to restoring merchant traffic and the US to lifting its naval blockade within 30 days. Efforts continue to secure a long‑term settlement and stabilize international shipping through the critical oil transit route.

Donald Trump said a granite helipad is being built on the White House South Lawn to allow the new, more powerful Marine One helicopters to land without damaging the grass. Sikorsky Aircraft, part of Lockheed Martin, is funding the project, which Trump estimated could cost up to six million dollars. The newer helicopters have seen limited use due to exhaust heat that scorches the lawn, prompting efforts to find a long-term solution. Trump said the helipad will enable officials to retire older aircraft and may serve additional purposes such as outdoor press events.

Two Russian Bear F patrol aircraft approached the UK carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea, prompting interception by NATO F‑35 jets. The UK Ministry of Defence called the Russian manoeuvres unsafe and reported that the aircraft had deployed numerous sonobuoys near HMS Prince of Wales, which has been operating in Nordic waters. The carrier recently experienced technical issues requiring repairs in Norway, delaying planned operations.

Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Bristol will close next month following the decision by Superdrug, its last major retailer, to shut down on July 11. The mall, first opened in 1974, will be demolished along with its car park and leisure venues to make way for a residential redevelopment led by Redcatch Quarter. Security will be increased ahead of demolition due to concerns about crime, and patient records from the pharmacy will transfer to nearby Knowle Pharmacy. Initial plans for large tower blocks were scaled down after resident opposition, with revised designs featuring smaller blocks and townhouses.

Iran warned that oil tankers must follow its designated route through the Strait of Hormuz or face a forceful military response, escalating tensions amid ongoing negotiations following US‑Israeli strikes on Iranian sites. The warning followed US statements promoting free commercial flow through the strait, language that may have provoked Tehran. An interim agreement allows ships temporary fee-free passage, but Iran insists on controlling navigation and later imposing charges, which the US and Gulf states oppose. Despite regional attacks linked to an alternative routing initiative, vessel traffic in the strait has begun to recover though remains below pre‑war levels.

The US FDA classified a recall of Zapp's and Dirty potato crisps as a Class I event due to potential Salmonella contamination traced to dry milk powder from California Dairies. Utz Quality Foods voluntarily recalled several varieties, and related recalls have affected other products including Ghirardelli beverage mixes. The contaminated seasoning poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, prompting warnings and detailed listings of affected crisp products.

Fun Spot America in Atlanta will permanently close on August 2 after operating for nearly four decades. The park, originally Dixieland Fun Park and acquired by Fun Spot America in 2017, features major rides including roller coasters, go‑karts and Georgia’s only legal bungee tower. Reasons for the shutdown were not disclosed, though aging parks often require costly investment. Existing Orlando and Kissimmee locations will remain open, and the company will contact affected customers and honor existing passes before the closure. CEO John Arie Jr. thanked staff and the local community for their support.

Marks & Spencer will close its long‑standing St Mary Street branch in Weymouth on July 14, relocating to a larger store at the Weymouth Gateway Retail Park that opens the next day. The move, part of the retailer’s wider relocation strategy, has upset some locals concerned about accessibility and another vacancy on the high street. M&S continues to expand and refurbish other sites, including recent openings in Bath, Bristol, Hatfield, Luton, Farnham and Oxfordshire, and an upcoming makeover of its Clapham Junction branch.