Tannur Anders

Russian drones struck a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, on August 21, killing at least 15 people and injuring 130, including 23 children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack a Russian double-tap strike and said Ukraine would respond. Separate Russian attacks killed civilians in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions, including three children, while recent strikes on Kyiv added to a sharp rise in civilian casualties.

Ryanair is offering £29.99 fares on its Leeds Bradford–Málaga route after easyJet announced it would end all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport from January 5, 2027. The fares are available for bookings through February 2027, while easyJet’s cancelled routes include Málaga, Paris and Barcelona. Ryanair currently operates 10 weekly Málaga flights from the airport.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a nine-month deployment, including a record 250 consecutive days at sea, with the journey expected to take several weeks. The USS George Washington is due to relieve it in the Middle East. Families and military news outlets have reported food and supply shortages, exhaustion, mental-health problems and alleged suicide attempts among the roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard. Personal accounts describe sparse meals and declining morale. U.S. Central Command said the ship has comparatively few mental-health cases among the Navy's active aircraft carriers but acknowledged that conditions are not perfect, while Donald Trump has downplayed the concerns.

Michael Cohen and Donald Trump have publicly reconciled after an eight-year rupture that followed Cohen’s guilty plea, prison sentence and testimony against Trump in hush-money and other legal cases. Trump appeared on Cohen’s radio show, where Cohen addressed him as “boss” and “sir,” while Trump said Cohen had been weaponized and praised him for recanting prior statements. Cohen said the pair had met privately three times and described forgiveness and reconciliation as distinct from erasing their past conflict. Reports also say Cohen is seeking a presidential pardon after an earlier application to Joe Biden was denied and a resubmitted application to Trump received no acknowledgment.

Donald Trump is reportedly pressing US aides to arrange a meeting with Kim Jong-un as early as November during a possible Asia trip, potentially coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Shenzhen, China. The effort would revive Trump's first-term goal of persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The potential meeting follows Trump's reported plans to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea and contrasts sharply with the hostile rhetoric exchanged by Trump and Kim in 2017. The leaders have previously met three times: in Singapore in 2018, in Vietnam in 2019, and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone later that year; the Vietnam summit ended without agreement on sanctions relief or nuclear disarmament.

A high school student allegedly entered a classroom at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City with firearms, shot a classmate and apparently injured two others before killing himself. The attack was reportedly captured on a body camera and livestreamed on Facebook. Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said the shooter first targeted a teacher before shooting the student. The incident occurred two months after another Philippine school shooting that killed three students and injured 20, highlighting the continued circulation of illegal firearms despite the country’s strict gun-ownership rules.

easyJet cabin crew based in France have announced strike action for August 15 and 16 amid disputes over rota arrangements, schedule instability, working conditions and alleged insufficient protective measures. The action could disrupt flights at Lyon, Nice, Paris Orly, Bordeaux and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Trade unions blame easyJet for failing to address repeated warnings, while the airline says the action is unnecessary and outside formal negotiations. easyJet has advised affected customers that cancelled flights will qualify for options including free transfers or refunds, and passengers travelling to or from France should check their flight status.

Hundreds of tourists were evacuated by small boats from beaches and resorts in Halkidiki, northern Greece, as a fast-moving wildfire destroyed homes and holiday apartments. More than 480 people were reportedly evacuated by sea, with around 200 taken to a ship offshore, while firefighters, water-bombing aircraft and helicopters fought the blaze. Authorities restricted access to pine forests, and forecast winds of up to 100 km/h raised concerns that the fires could spread further.

BrewDog is giving away up to 20,000 cans of Punk IPA over three weeks in London. Customers aged 18 or over who opt in and order a takeaway or groceries through Deliveroo can receive the beer, along with a separate voucher for a free pint at a BrewDog bar. The promotion supports BrewDog's Park IPA campaign, which links the brand to enjoying beer in London's parks.

A five-year-old boy was critically injured after falling from a fourth-floor apartment window on Buchanan Place in the University Heights area of the Bronx, New York City. Bystanders and police found him on the pavement, and he was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in critical but stable condition. Police said no arrests had been made and that criminality was not immediately suspected.

A burned body was found inside a home after a wildfire in Calaveras County, California, destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles. Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested after authorities said sparks from a chainsaw may have started the fire while flammable vegetation had not been cleared. Smith expressed remorse and said the incident would destroy his life. Prosecutors will decide whether to file charges, while investigators examine whether the fire caused the death.

Iran says negotiations with Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping are in their final stage, while Donald Trump suggests a deal could be announced soon. Any agreement may depend on the United States lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran continues to demand some control over the waterway. Separately, a Washington Post report claims Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged severe munitions shortages that could restrict US military options; White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the exchange occurred and defended Hegseth.

Lt-Gen Igor Yerusalimov was reportedly killed in a homemade bomb blast at Moscow’s Balzi Rossi restaurant during a birthday party for Col-Gen Alexander Chayko, head of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Five people died and nine were injured, including Chayko’s daughter, while his son-in-law was killed. Reports say a female courier carrying the device may have been unknowingly used as a suicide bomber. Chayko, who has been designated a war criminal by Ukraine over alleged involvement in the 2022 Bucha atrocities, was reportedly unharmed. Yerusalimov was later given a secret burial in Moscow.

The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing a 60-day interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume ceasefire and nuclear negotiations. Under the proposed arrangement, inbound ships would use a northern lane through Iranian waters, outbound vessels a southern lane through Omani waters, with no tolls and efforts to clear naval mines. The deal would give Iran greater control over maritime traffic than it had before the conflict, while the United States retains the option of launching major strikes if diplomacy fails. The strait’s closure has disrupted a route carrying about 20% of globally traded oil, contributing to market volatility and higher fuel prices.

England's longest zip wire has opened at Honister Slate Mine in Cumbria after more than 15 years of development. The 1,200-metre ride carries visitors from Honister Crag to the valley at speeds of up to 65 mph, with tickets starting at £110 and limited availability during its first year. The attraction forms part of the Wilkinson Weir family's effort to expand the historic slate mine as an adventure and tourism destination while continuing slate transportation and supporting the local economy.

Chef Anthony Demetre has permanently closed Vermuteria at London's Coal Drops Yard after eight years. The European-inspired restaurant, opened in 2018 with designer Michael Sodeau, offered all-day food and a wide selection of vermouths. Demetre called the closure devastating for staff, customers and supporters, while thanking patrons and saying that his passion for the industry remains. He continues to own the Michelin-starred Wild Honey St James.

Iranian officials have accused Trump administration figures Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner of exploiting confidential negotiation information in an alleged $9 billion, or approximately £6.7 billion, oil-futures insider-trading operation reportedly linked to the timing of Axios reports. The allegations follow heightened volatility after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian retaliation, and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump said US-Iran talks were underway and that the strait would reopen, but Iran’s foreign ministry denied that negotiations were taking place.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area west of Naples, followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one measuring 3.1. Landslides and falling rocks damaged buildings and crushed cars in Pozzuoli, while power outages and temporary rail disruptions affected surrounding areas. At least 21 people were injured, hundreds were evacuated, and several buildings and businesses were declared unsafe. Authorities opened shelters, inspected roads and buildings, and warned residents that further tremors were possible as seismic activity continued.

Almeria Airport in Spain is scheduled to close for six days in February 2028 so its runway can be renovated, cancelling all scheduled flights during the closure. The runway work forms part of a 19-month, €29 million airport upgrade that will also improve taxiways, replace more than 600 lights and install 34 new directional signs. Night-time construction will affect flights throughout the wider project, with airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia expected to reschedule or divert services.

FIFA has abandoned plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell about a 20% stake to outside investors, a deal reportedly intended to raise up to $4.2 billion by transferring television rights, sponsorships, licensing and ticketing assets into the new entity. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal had created divisions and was no longer in the organization’s interest. The plan faced opposition from European, North American and Asian football officials, while FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour accused Infantino of a lack of transparency and respect. Infantino adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, adding to pressure on the president ahead of FIFA’s election.

Wildfires across Greece, France, Spain and Turkey are driving mass evacuations during an exceptionally hot and dry summer. In southern Crete, fires in the Rethymno region have burned roughly 4,500 hectares, forced around 8,000 people—including tourists—to leave, and killed two firefighters; a third firefighter died in the Peloponnese. Hurricane-force winds reaching 125km/h grounded firefighting aircraft for three consecutive days and complicated containment, prompting a state of emergency in parts of Greece. Authorities warned that conditions could worsen, while fires also affected other Greek islands and mainland regions. France’s Gironde fires burned about 42,000 hectares, while major blazes in Spain and Turkey continued to threaten communities, infrastructure and holiday areas.

Wildfires have scorched around 4,500 hectares in southern Crete’s Rethymno region, prompting a state of emergency and the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists. Hurricane-force winds reaching 125 km/h grounded firefighting aircraft for a third consecutive day and intensified the spread of the flames. Three firefighters have died in separate Greek blazes, while fires have also affected other Greek islands and mainland regions. Greece, France, Spain and Turkey are battling widespread wildfires amid extreme heat, with further evacuations, high fire-risk warnings and travel-safety advice issued.

A 67-year-old Suffolk County man, Michael Larkin, has been confirmed as New York’s first known case of Bourbon virus after being bitten by lone star ticks in 2021. His illness was initially misdiagnosed as Lyme disease, and specialized testing confirmed the virus five years later. He recovered after hospitalization, but the infection has no vaccine, commercial test, or established treatment, and previous cases in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri have resulted in deaths. Rising deer populations, milder winters, and longer warm seasons may be expanding the range and activity of lone star ticks.

George and Amal Clooney reportedly evacuated their home in Brignoles, southeastern France, as wildfires driven by heatwaves spread across the country. The couple, whose Domaine de Canadel estate is their primary residence, expressed concern for local residents and pledged to help rebuild the community. Around 200,000 residents and tourists have been forced to flee, while an EU emergency response official warned that 2026 could become Europe’s worst wildfire season on record, with the risk moving east toward Italy and other parts of the continent.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium will close from 15 August to 31 October 2028 for an estimated €50 million (£42.8 million) upgrade. The project includes resurfacing its 3,200-metre sole runway and modernizing other infrastructure, affecting around two million passengers during the summer and October school holidays. Airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air will need to cancel or divert flights, although the exact arrangements have not yet been announced.

Hadi Matar was found guilty of all federal charges, including engaging in an act of transnational terrorism, for stabbing author Salman Rushdie 15 times during a 2022 event in New York. Matar is already serving a 25-year state sentence for attempted murder, while the federal conviction could result in life imprisonment. Rushdie suffered severe injuries, including loss of sight in his right eye, and later described the attack and his belief that he was dying.

New Zealand fishing content creator Henry Gibbs was bitten in the leg by a grey reef shark while spearfishing during his first dive in Fiji on July 24. He underwent four surgeries and a skin graft and expects to make a full recovery. Gibbs said the shark had become increasingly agitated before attacking, possibly due to boat activity, spearguns and movement in the water. He acknowledged that he should have ended the dive earlier and advised divers not to ignore aggressive shark behavior, not to assess risk by size alone, and to wear plain black wetsuits in tropical waters.

A man in France’s Provence region discovered the decomposing remains of five babies in cardboard boxes at the couple’s home after arguing with his wife about their contents. The wife had recently given birth after reportedly denying the pregnancy and was later hospitalized with abdominal pain. Police are investigating, forensic examinations and autopsies are being conducted, and no arrests have been made. The case is being compared with several previous French cases involving the deaths and concealment of newborns.

Released audio recordings of Joe Biden speaking with biographer Mark Lewis Zwonitzer provide details about notes Biden retained from his vice-presidential tenure, including references to material he described as classified. The recordings were made public after the conservative Oversight Project sued the Justice Department and Biden abandoned his legal challenge to keep them private. Biden also recalled heated disagreements with Barack Obama over how aggressively to respond to the 2008 financial crisis, arguing for tougher action against bankers and greater support for housing and the middle class. He further discussed Obama's view that a 2016 Democratic presidential bid against Hillary Clinton would be an uphill battle.

UK petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply in July, reaching average levels of 157.81p and 175.71p per litre respectively. RAC policy head Simon Williams warned that petrol could reach 160p and diesel 180p by the end of the week as renewed US-Iran hostilities, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, keep global oil prices elevated. Motorists are advised to compare prices, use tools such as the myRAC app and avoid the Friday rush when demand may be higher.

A search is underway in Grenada for 44-year-old American Elizabeth Waddell, who disappeared after leaving an Airbnb near Grand Anse to swim. Her friend found her towel on a pier but no phone or other trace of her. Waddell’s husband Cailen and their daughter traveled to Grenada to assist, while the Royal Grenada Police Force is coordinating with fishermen, boat operators and residents along the southern coastline.

Donald Trump said Israel would not survive without US support shortly before meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The talks are expected to focus on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, possible expansion of military action, Lebanon's Trilateral Framework and the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu is also expected to raise concerns about Türkiye seeking US F-35 fighter jets, which he believes could weaken Israel's regional military advantage. Trump said the US is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while describing ongoing negotiations as friendly.

A US Army helicopter carrying an instructor pilot and two student pilots crashed during routine flight training near Opp, Alabama. The aircraft, reportedly a UH-72 Lakota from Fort Rucker, came down in a privately owned field. No serious injuries, ground injuries, or property damage were reported; all three occupants were taken to a Dothan hospital for evaluation and were in stable condition.

Police arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a shooting at a crowded food festival near Seattle's Space Needle that killed a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, while at least four others were injured. Mayor Katie Wilson said investigators believe two people exchanged gunfire and that the teenager may have opened fire into the crowd; authorities continued searching for a possible second suspect. Witnesses and vendors described fleeing the scene and taking shelter in nearby buildings.

Wildfires in southwestern France and central Spain have forced roughly 200,000 people, including British tourists, to evacuate. France reported about 141,000 evacuees across Gironde and Landes as fires moved toward Bordeaux and devastated tourist areas including Cap Ferret, while Spain evacuated roughly 60,000 to 70,000 people near Madrid and Ávila and declared a national wildfire emergency. Authorities deployed additional firefighters, military personnel, police and international water-dumping helicopters; some areas remained out of control, though cooler, calmer conditions slightly reduced the intensity of the Spanish fires. A separate major wildfire in Scotland’s Cairngorms also prompted evacuations.

A major fire at Highlands Farm, an industrial site near East Hanningfield and Rettendon in Essex, triggered a fertiliser explosion that was heard and felt across the county. More than 100 firefighters responded, three fire engines and two officer cars were destroyed, and 20 firefighters attended hospital; four suffered minor injuries while the rest received precautionary checks, and all were discharged. The blaze was brought under control after nearby residents were evacuated, roads were closed and people were advised to keep windows and doors shut. Firefighters remained on site to deal with hotspots, while an investigation into the cause was planned.

Kim Kardashian’s Skims has opened its largest store to date, a 12,000-square-foot standalone location at 245–247 Regent Street in London. The store replaces a former Ted Baker site and joins Skims concessions at Selfridges, a New York flagship and locations across the United States. Founded in 2019 by Kardashian with British entrepreneurs Emma and Jens Grede, the brand is reportedly valued at more than £3 billion, with products ranging from £18 underwear to £146 bodysuits.

Donald Trump warned China and Russia that assisting Iran in the ongoing war would be harmful to their interests. Trump said Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin had promised not to supply weapons to Iran, while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that both countries were enabling some Iranian activities, though he withheld classified details. The conflict began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian retaliation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A US-Iran memorandum intended to end the war within 60 days has not produced lasting peace, with attacks resuming.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has apologised to Ljubisa Karović after a window shattered during flight FR1879 from Greece to Germany on July 10, but disputes reports that the passenger was sucked out of the aircraft. Karović, who was seated in row 11F, says he was partially pulled through the opening and suffered burns, bruises and ongoing pain. His wife and lawyer say passengers held him in place until the aircraft descended and landed, after which he was taken to hospital. O'Leary said the airline would deal with the passenger's and lawyers' claims in due course.

Emergency services responded to a reported bomb threat at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, prompting a large police presence and road closures. Authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax. The hospital’s background and mission were noted as updates continued during the investigation.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi was dismissed as Ukraine’s military chief following large protests triggered by the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled continued support for Fedorov and offered him another senior government role, though it is unclear whether he accepted. The backlash highlighted internal military tensions over strategy and drone warfare. Syrskyi apologized publicly and defended his record, while Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as his replacement. Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi and thanked Syrskyi for his service.

The Houthi movement in Yemen announced a maritime blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in retaliation for Saudi actions during the widening US–Iran conflict. The move threatens a vital global oil route, following Iran’s earlier closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia, the Saudi-led coalition, and Yemen’s internationally recognised government condemned the blockade, calling it illegal and a threat to international shipping. Analysts warn that the closure could cut global oil supply by 7 percent and risk opening a new front involving the US, though oil prices stabilised after an initial spike as markets awaited diplomatic progress.

UK travel advice for the UAE remains unchanged despite escalating conflict between the US and Iran, including Iranian strikes across the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Foreign Office continues to allow travel to the UAE but warns the situation is unpredictable and advises precautions such as staying informed, avoiding military areas and keeping documents ready. Travel insurance remains valid unless guidance changes to advise against all travel, and package holidays are expected to operate normally unless new restrictions are issued.

The British Heart Foundation will close 87 of its UK stores as part of a plan to shut 150 locations by March 2028 due to rising operating costs and shifting consumer habits. Chief executive Charmaine Griffiths said staff and volunteers affected by the closures will receive support, with redeployment options where possible. The charity operates more than 600 shops nationwide and has released a full list of sites scheduled to shut by March 2027.

A US service member was killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from an Iranian attack drone in northern Iraq, marking the third US military death in two days amid escalating conflict with Iran. Two other troops were recently killed in Jordan during Iranian strikes, and unidentified remains have been discovered at the site of a missing service member. The death toll among US forces has reached 17 since the war began in February. Hostilities have intensified after the collapse of a US-Iran memorandum intended to end the conflict and resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, with both nations continuing nightly strikes and missile attacks.

Donald Trump delivered a primetime address claiming major vulnerabilities in the US election system and alleging illicit Chinese access to voter data, while announcing the release of declassified intelligence. The White House promoted the speech as containing breaking news, though previous intelligence assessments under Trump found no foreign interference in the 2020 election. Reactions from political figures ranged from Republican emphasis on China to Democratic criticism that Trump was undermining trust ahead of upcoming elections.

Donald Trump claimed in a primetime address that China accessed U.S. voter information and played a role in rigging the 2020 election, announcing he would release declassified intelligence on alleged election system vulnerabilities. He asserted that critical information had been covered up, though voter data is public in most states. The White House said the address would contain breaking news. These claims contradict a report from the U.S. intelligence community, issued during Trump’s presidency, which found no evidence that foreign actors attempted to alter any technical aspect of the 2020 election. Joe Biden’s victory and the intelligence findings were reiterated, noting that large-scale manipulation would be difficult without detection.

Donald Trump praised Iran for releasing a detained American citizen, calling the move a goodwill gesture, even as the United States continued its military strikes on Iranian targets. The US Central Command reported attacks on command centres, missile and drone sites, and coastal surveillance facilities aimed at reducing Iran’s capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz. A recent Memorandum of Understanding intended to end the conflict collapsed after Iran withdrew, accusing the US of violations, while Iran’s officials asserted full sovereignty over the waterway. Trump declared the ceasefire over during a NATO summit, indicating escalating tensions between the two nations.

Ajay Kumar closed his Glasgow restaurant Grilled after a year, describing the experience as unforgettable and thanking customers for their support. Gift vouchers will be accepted at his other Glasgow restaurant Swadish, where refunds are also available. The chef, known for appearances on Great British Menu and MasterChef, continues to operate Swadish, opened in 2019.

Iran withdrew from its Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, accusing Washington of violating the agreement and dismantling the ceasefire amid escalating conflict around the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced Iran’s intent to assert full control over the waterway, including Oman’s share, citing national security. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire was over and his threat of extensive strikes on Iranian infrastructure unless Iran returns to negotiations. The developments jeopardize efforts to restore shipping routes and reach a long-term settlement to the conflict and nuclear dispute.

Seagulls in Suffolk coastal towns have been observed staggering after consuming large amounts of flying ants that release formic acid, which may cause temporary unsteadiness similar to drunkenness. Ornithologist Dr Viola Ross-Smith suggests the intoxication theory but notes the possibility that birds are merely overwhelmed or distracted by abundant food. Flying ants are seasonally active in mid-July, prompting gulls to gorge on them, and the public is advised not to worry unless the birds appear genuinely unwell.

Australia will replace physical passenger cards with digital versions following successful trials on Qantas flights, aiming to streamline arrivals for tourists and residents. The national rollout will extend to all international airports and seaports within 12 to 18 months, supported by a $56.1 million investment. Officials say the change will reduce manual processing, improve data quality for risk assessment, and enhance readiness for global events such as biosecurity threats. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernise border operations ahead of increased travel expected for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jollyes Pets plans to expand to more than 250 UK stores over the next five years, beginning with a new Derby location and six additional stores opening in August and September. The company is targeting over 160 potential sites, seeking medium-sized retail park locations, and aims to open 26 outlets this year. CEO Adam Dury highlights strong performance and continued investment in staff and product offerings.

Asda will close its 11,000 sq ft Hale Barns supermarket on July 31, just two years after opening, with Waitrose set to take over the site in the autumn. Waitrose executives highlighted the store as part of their northern expansion, while Asda thanked the community and confirmed staff will transfer to Waitrose as partners. The closure comes amid broader cost‑cutting at Asda, which has reduced 7,500 jobs over the past year while managing significant interest payments linked to its 2021 takeover.

A major fire broke out at the disused College of the Holy Child Jesus in St Leonards, prompting East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to deploy multiple engines, a water carrier and officers. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed as smoke rose from the building, though no injuries were reported. Police and an electricity operator also attended, and by 9pm the incident had been scaled down to three engines as crews continued to make steady progress.

A 23‑month‑old boy suffered a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss after a Bay Club Clubhouse employee allegedly tossed him into the air and failed to catch him, causing a fall from an estimated six feet. Lawsuit documents claim staff initially misrepresented the incident as a minor fall and that the facility operated without proper licensing. The child’s parents, Matt and Elena Kittle, are seeking a jury trial and allege negligence, battery, fraud, and emotional distress, while the Bay Club has not commented.

The United States and Iran exchanged escalating strikes following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten disproportionately stronger retaliation. US Central Command reported hitting 90 Iranian military targets, while Iran claimed counterattacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Trump dismissed the ceasefire as over, used inflammatory language toward Iranian leaders, and warned further action was imminent. Global markets reacted with rising oil prices and falling stocks, while international figures including leaders from the EU and France condemned Iran’s actions and urged restraint. Funeral services for former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei continued amid the escalating conflict, and Trump announced plans to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defence systems.

Wreckage of a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo aircraft that disappeared off Pakistan’s coast was recovered, while the search continues for five missing crew members. The plane reported navigation issues before rapidly losing altitude and vanishing from radar. Pakistani military and civilian agencies deployed extensive search-and-rescue operations across the Arabian Sea amid difficult conditions. Officials confirmed the aircraft was a 27-year-old converted freighter with a complex operational history. Pakistan’s prime minister ordered intensified rescue efforts as aviation experts noted the abrupt descent was unusual, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause.

Parents of a severely disabled teenager describe being required to search for jobs their son cannot perform while applying for Universal Credit, citing inaccessible assessments and burdensome demands from the Department for Work and Pensions. They report repeated struggles to prove their son is unfit for work, despite his profound disabilities, and say promised home assessments never occurred. The DWP states that requirements were tailored and that further consultations are scheduled, while the family maintains the process has caused unnecessary distress.

Donald Trump shared an outdated photo of an Israeli strike on an Iranian oil depot, incorrectly asserting it represented a recent US attack carried out in response to Iranian actions. The misattributed image accompanied his warning of further retaliation following attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident comes amid renewed hostilities that have disrupted a recent US-Iran agreement aimed at reopening the strait and ending the conflict. Trump declared the ceasefire over at a NATO summit, after which US Central Command launched additional strikes under his orders.

A new 132,000‑square‑foot Next superstore will open at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent on July 30, tripling the size of its existing location and becoming the centre’s first new anchor store since 1999. The expanded flagship will offer a wider product range and an in‑store Costa café, with entertainment and goody bags planned for opening day. Next is moving into a former House of Fraser unit, while the future of its current building remains undecided.

John Lewis has placed 200 jobs at risk as it considers closing gift wrapping and foreign exchange desks across dozens of its UK stores, with a final decision expected later in the year. Staff express concern about increased workloads, while the retailer highlights rising customer satisfaction scores and growing demand for online currency services. The company plans to explore redeployment options for affected employees as part of broader efforts to improve operational efficiency following significant job cuts in the previous year.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs as part of a major restructuring, with Xbox taking the largest hit. About 1,600 roles were eliminated on July 6, and another 3,200 will be reduced over the 2027 financial year. Xbox head Asha Sharma described the move as the company’s most significant restructure, which includes spinning off four game studios. The cuts follow previous layoffs linked to Microsoft’s increased focus on artificial intelligence.

The United States struck more than 80 targets in Iran, targeting air defenses, command networks and IRGC assets, in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. UK maritime authorities confirmed multiple projectile strikes, the highest in a day since April. Iran reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, while US officials said the actions aimed to deter further aggression. Following the incidents, the US revoked a temporary sanction waiver on Iranian oil, prompting condemnation from Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Two damaged vessels continued their journeys, and no injuries were reported.

Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption forced the repeated closure of Catania Airport, grounding or diverting more than a hundred flights and causing major travel disruption across Sicily. Authorities raised the aviation alert to red as ash plumes rose thousands of metres, prompting airlines including ITA Airways to cancel or reschedule services. Passengers faced long delays, limited transport options and overcrowding, with diverted flights routed mainly to Palermo. Regional officials arranged emergency transport while monitoring continued, and flight operations were eventually cleared to resume following a downgrade of the alert level.

A woman survived a 180-foot fall down Jiaozi Cliff in China after becoming wedged in a rock crevice for five hours. Rescue teams used drones and ropes to locate and reach her before bringing her to safety. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized, while authorities warn visitors to avoid dangerous cliff edges and heed safety guidance.

Donald Trump avoided commenting on the United States’ World Cup elimination after a 4–1 loss to Belgium, instead posting on Truth Social about military strength and urging Congress to pass major defense legislation. His comments followed his intervention with FIFA president Gianni Infantino that led to the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban, allowing the striker to play in the match. The decision, influenced by discussions involving Andrew Giuliani, was previously celebrated by Trump online.

A large fire on High Road in Wood Green required twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters to bring it under control, affecting two adjoining buildings near Turnpike Lane station. Fifteen residents were evacuated, and two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Fire crews from multiple stations responded after receiving numerous emergency calls, with operations continuing overnight. The cause remains unknown and road closures are in place, with authorities warning of significant traffic disruption.

Two commercial ships were reportedly struck by missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant damage but no casualties. The incident occurred despite a recent US-Iran memorandum aimed at reopening the strait, lifting blockades, and advancing a long-term peace deal after months of conflict. The agreement requires Iran to restore merchant shipping to pre-war levels and the US to lift its naval blockade, with both sides working toward resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant damage but no casualties, according to a US official. The incident comes despite a recently signed US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending months of conflict, reopening the strategic shipping corridor, and addressing Iran’s enriched uranium reserves. The agreement commits Iran to restoring merchant shipping flows and the US to lifting its naval blockade within 30 days, as both sides work toward a long‑term peace deal.

A new 28,000-square-foot standalone George store will open on July 9 at Cortonwood Retail Park in Barnsley, replacing an Asda Living branch that closed in June. It will be the sixth standalone site for Asda’s George brand and will offer the full clothing range along with an expanded home department, upgraded fitting rooms, more self-checkouts and faster parcel collection. Asda executives frame the opening as part of ongoing investment to grow the George brand and enhance customer experience.

Eight people were rescued after a privately owned Quest Kodiak 100 seaplane crashed into New York City’s East River while approaching the city’s seaplane terminal. The aircraft, which had taken off from the Hamptons, partially capsized before emergency responders, including the New York Fire Department, retrieved all passengers, two of whom sustained minor injuries. The incident marks the second seaplane rescue on the East River in a month, and police have opened an investigation into the crash.

A 21-year-old Australian student, Fletcher Beasley, died after falling from Victoria Embankment in London during a June heatwave. Emergency services responded but were unable to save him. His family paid tribute, describing him as warm, generous and adventurous. His father travelled to the UK to repatriate his body, and an inquest has been opened. A GoFundMe fund was created to support the investigation and assist his family and friends.

A viral video shows a group of roofers in Detroit falling off a roof during a fight before immediately resuming the brawl and then abruptly stopping. One man is thrown off the roof while two others tumble during a separate scuffle, all continuing unharmed. The incident occurred during extreme heat conditions, with Detroit reaching 36C amid official warnings to stay indoors.

The British Heart Foundation will close 150 of its 640 UK charity shops over the next two years due to rising operational costs and shifting consumer habits, starting with its Hawick branch in Scotland. Additional closures are planned in Rhyl, Bangor and Worksop, with 90 shops expected to shut by March next year and the remainder by March 2028. The charity’s chief executive, Charmaine Griffiths, described the trading environment as exceptionally challenging and emphasised support for affected employees and volunteers, including redeployment opportunities where possible.

Morrisons will restore its Market Street meat and fish counters at selected UK stores after closing 70 of them during cost-cutting efforts. Improved waste efficiency has made the counters more viable, prompting a phased reopening in response to customer demand. Several locations have already resumed service, though previously closed cafes, florists, pharmacies and Market Kitchen outlets will remain shut.

Iran’s military warned that oil tankers must follow its approved route through the Strait of Hormuz or face a forceful response, escalating tensions as negotiations continue to end the Iran war. The warning followed US statements underscoring the importance of free commercial passage through the waterway. Iran maintains it must control shipping routes under a temporary agreement that waives fees for 60 days, while the US and Gulf states reject future charges. Mediation efforts by Oman and a UN agency recently sparked regional attacks, though ship traffic has begun to recover despite ongoing instability.

A Ukrainian woman in her 30s is sought by Interpol as the prime suspect in a Monaco explosion that critically injured oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev and two others. CCTV shows her leaving a backpack that later detonated and fleeing across the border into France before travelling toward Italy. Authorities describe her as armed and dangerous and suspect she may have accomplices. French and Monégasque prosecutors have opened investigations into attempted murder, use of an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy.

Morrisons reports major cost savings driven by technology-focused strategies under CEO Rami Baitiéh and plans to reinvest these into improving store navigation and operations. Despite the savings, the chain will close 100 loss‑making convenience stores acquired via McColls, citing rising government‑driven costs such as higher National Living Wage and National Insurance. Hundreds of jobs are at risk as consultations continue.

A woman suffered severe injuries, including spinal fractures and a broken femur, after being struck by a 10‑year‑old riding a Lime e‑bike in a pedestrianized area of central London. CCTV captured the collision, and despite a police investigation no charges were filed. She required three surgeries, extensive hospitalisation and rehabilitation, while she and her partner expressed frustration over the absence of compensation or accountability amid a rise in e‑bike‑related injuries in the UK.

Denby Pottery halted online orders following its entry into administration and the closure of its Derbyshire factory, which resulted in over 120 redundancies. The company cited reduced demand, rising employment costs and sharply increased energy prices as key pressures on its operations. UK ceramics firms have faced substantial increases in energy costs, prompting the government to announce a £120 million support package aimed at easing electricity costs and helping manufacturers modernise and reduce reliance on gas-fired kilns.

Shoe Zone is closing its Carlisle store as part of a wider downsizing after a 12% drop in sales and losses exceeding £5.3 million. The company attributes its financial difficulties to higher national insurance contributions, increased shipping costs linked to Middle East conflict, and weakening consumer confidence following recent UK budgets. Fourteen stores have closed in six months, and the retailer anticipates a full‑year loss of £1–2 million while shifting focus from high‑street locations to retail park units.

A pregnant woman in Washington State suffered severe injuries after two unlicensed dogs escaped through a broken fence and attacked her while she was protecting her chihuahua. Neighbours intervened, and she was taken to the hospital where doctors induced labour; her baby was delivered unharmed. Both dogs were impounded and declared dangerous, and their owners face fines and potential euthanasia rulings if they fail to appeal. The victim plans to pursue a civil lawsuit while remaining hospitalized for infection treatment.

New witnesses and mobile phone data may provide key evidence in the fatal stabbing case involving British influencer Brooke George, who remains in custody in Dubai and faces the death penalty if convicted. Campaign group Detained in Dubai has submitted intelligence to UK and UAE authorities urging a thorough investigation, highlighting calls made from the apartment shortly after William Treeby's death. Campaigners stress that anyone contacted from the scene should be interviewed and that all available evidence must be preserved to ensure a complete and fair inquiry.

Donald Trump reaffirmed his expectation that NATO allies, including the UK, meet the alliance’s pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2035 as Britain faces internal disputes over its military funding plan. Keir Starmer is preparing to unveil a long-delayed defence investment strategy amid resignations and warnings from former defence secretary John Healey that the UK is not on track to meet spending targets. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has secured additional funding but still below what officials estimate is required. The debate unfolds ahead of a key NATO summit in Ankara, with US officials signalling growing impatience over allied contributions and broader tensions involving NATO commitments and US strategic priorities.

JD Sports is closing its two remaining Hip stores in Manchester and Leeds as part of a strategy to reduce underperforming high street locations while maintaining online sales. The retailer has already shut 24 UK stores this year and plans to close 175 Hibbett stores in the US over three years following its 2024 acquisition. Competitive pressure and reduced earnings, along with concerns about global uncertainty and rising operating costs, are driving efforts to consolidate into fewer, more profitable outlets.

Fun Spot America in Atlanta will close permanently on August 2 after 36 years in operation. Originally opened as Dixieland Fun Park, the site features major rides including roller coasters, a go‑kart track and Georgia’s only legal bungee tower. The owners have not disclosed a reason for the shutdown but aging attractions and financial pressures are cited in industry analysis. Prebooked groups will be contacted, and gift cards or passes must be used before closure. Other Fun Spot locations in Orlando and Kissimmee will remain open, while the future of the Atlanta site is unknown. CEO John Arie Jr. expressed gratitude to staff and the local community.