West Midlands market town, cradle of the Industrial Revolution
An 18-year-old has opened fire at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, killing two adults and injuring a child. Police moved quickly to detain the suspect within minutes; the library is closed for now as investigators examine the scene and motive remains under investigation.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
The NHS has launched Movement 26.2, a rewards-based walking challenge designed to convert daily movement into a sustainable habit. Participants log 20-30 minutes of walking daily to reach 26 miles per month; earnings depend on retailer partnerships and completion. The scheme aims to boost physical and mental wellbeing amid inactivity concerns.
Trevor Dunkley, 66, has been charged with the murder of Patricia Lashley, who vanished from Hall Street, Dudley, in September 1998. He is remanded into custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court as detectives appeal for information to help the Lashley family find closure after nearly 30 years.
The government has announced a major reform aimed at reducing the number of Neets (young people not in education, employment or training). The plan includes earlier access to technical education for 14-year-olds and a broader shift to align technical routes with academic pathways. Data show about 1.01 million Neets in early 2026, a 6% rise from the previous quarter. Milburn’s 2025 report warned of a £125 billion potential economic hit if action is delayed.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has opened The Mad King, a Game of Thrones prequel, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The 3h45m production brings younger versions of familiar figures to the stage with a 36-strong cast and innovative puppetry. Reviews are mixed on pace and poetry, but the project aims to broaden GoT’s reach beyond devoted fans.