England’s eastern Midlands region
In Exeter, jurors hear how Alexander Lewis-Ranwell was released from custody twice in 24 hours before killing three elderly men in February 2019. Inquests discuss police handling, mental health care, and custody decisions.
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.
Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, has died at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District after a summer solstice gathering. A 41-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of murder. Police are seeking witnesses and footage from June 19–23 to understand the circumstances.
The NPR project has a £45bn funding cap and aims to connect northern cities with new or upgraded rail lines. MPs warn it risks repeating HS2’s failures, with unclear costs, routes and governance. The government maintains a disciplined, phased approach while engaging mayors and Network Rail.
Keir Starmer's defence investment plan has increased funding but critics warn it remains short of targets and is not fully funded, amid concerns about the strategy and regional impacts.
Kian Bateman has been given a life sentence after fatally striking Shelley Davies and seriously injuring her partner outside a Cardiff club. He was high on nitrous oxide and did not see Davies in the road before accelerating towards Bratcher. The judge has ordered at least 17 years in prison and imposed driving bans.
A 22-year-old skydiver has died near Langar Airfield. Emergency services were called on Sunday; the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Nottinghamshire Police and Skydive Langar are cooperating as investigators work toward a coroner's file. No other injuries have been reported.
The annual UK climate report shows that 2025 was the warmest year on record, with a shift of warmer conditions moving north and uphill. Days over 30C and nights over 18C have quadrupled in London, while rainfall fell sharply and droughts became more common. Authorities warn that extreme heat, sea levels, and water shortages will shape policy and daily life ahead.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
The UK has faced a fourth heatwave with amber and yellow alerts across large swaths of England and parts of Wales. Temperatures peak midweek, with rainfall scarce and drought status declared in parts of Wales; authorities warn of health impacts and increasing wildfire risk. A cooler, wetter change is forecast to arrive later in the week.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this week.
A large wildfire near Dunwich Heath in Suffolk has stabilised after several hours of rapid spread. About 90 firefighters are on scene with major incident status, while evacuations continue and nearby sites remain monitored. Authorities say no immediate threat to Sizewell B, and weather conditions drive ongoing containment efforts.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard has been extended to remain valid for a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18, with the change taking effect on 17 August. The policy aligns the youth railcard with others, aiming to reduce travel costs for young people and support education, employment, and training. Several outlets report on varying proposals to widen discounts beyond the Southeast.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended offering a former neo‑Nazi, Joshua Bonehill‑Paine, a role advising on culture and integration, amid protests from Jewish groups and victims. Bonehill‑Paine has withdrawn from standing in Crewkerne South for Somerset Council next year and may take an advisory position instead; critics question vetting and the impact on victims.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
Denmark introduces monitored written assignments and oral defences for upper secondary students to curb AI-assisted cheating, with firewalls and monitoring tools during exams. Sweden reports a 688% rise in unauthorised AI use and launches a review. In the UK, a teacher was banned for altering coursework and submitting fraudulent grades after investigations spanning 2023–2026. Scotland considers a shift to continuous assessment.
Accell Group has exhausted all options and initiated insolvency proceedings for Raleigh and UK operations. Raleigh, founded in 1887 in Nottingham, was once the world’s largest bicycle maker. The move follows years of restructuring, factory relocations, and losses, with Accell now seeking an orderly process for viable activities and employment.
The NHS is facing ongoing pressure as extreme summer heat drives high patient volumes, staff fatigue, and equipment failures. Hospitals report heat-related complications, ambulance services struggle, and care settings adapt with cooling measures and extra staff. The situation follows a series of heatwaves with warnings to protect vulnerable populations.
The UK is facing a heatwave with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s by midweek and warnings of drought across large parts of England and Wales. Authorities say millions are under water-use restrictions as dry conditions intensify, with new heat alerts and potential hosepipe bans.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
A fifth heatwave has prompted amber heat health alerts for most of England, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s. The UK Health Security Agency warns of health and service impacts, drought conditions worsen in several regions, and officials urge precautions as authorities brace for potential disruptions to travel and power.
UK A-level entries have reached a record high with top grades rising again. Maths remains the most popular subject, while the share of A/A* grades has increased. Boys lead in top grades, with economics and other quantitative subjects gaining traction as students weigh future job prospects.
England endures a fourth heatwave this summer, with drought conditions expanding across the country. Hosepipe bans are in place or expanding, reservoirs remain low, and experts warn that only sustained rainfall will ease the strain on water resources and wildlife.
The government has announced that English mayors will gain the power to 'call in' planning decisions and grant upfront permission for developments meeting thresholds of 150+ homes, 15,000 sq m of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres. Ten of 14 devolved mayors back the move, aligning non-London areas with powers already held by the Mayor of London. The change aims to speed up housing and regeneration, with funding levers and levies to support infrastructure.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.
UK ministers are pushing new schemes to tackle Neet levels as government-backed opportunities expand. Reports show over a million young people are economically inactive, with work schemes at Boots and new guarantees shaping the debate.
The 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry has opened at the British Museum and has drawn huge public demand and sell-out timed tickets. The loan from France followed a private preview attended by King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron; the museum expects about 1 million visitors before the exhibition ends in July 2027.
UK researchers have developed nitinol-based super-elastic cranial springs for severe craniosynostosis, enabling less invasive skull reshaping in children. Rory Potter becomes the first patient to receive the customized springs, with follow-up showing rapid recovery and a reduced need for future surgery. The approach combines CT-guided modelling with bespoke devices at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL.
Liverpool city region has begun bringing bus services back under public control, starting in St Helens. Fares stay capped at £2, and the network aims to increase frequency, improve evening and weekend services, and better connect hospitals and rail links.
Lloyds Bank has reported that UK house prices have fallen 0.4% year on year in August, marking the first annual decline since November 2023. The typical UK price is 298,468 pounds, with monthly changes showing a 0.2% decrease in August after July. Experts say prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, but affordability pressures persist across regions. Analysts forecast ongoing subdued activity in the coming months as borrowing costs and geopolitical tensions weigh on sentiment.
A one-year-old girl has died after a medical emergency in a Warwickshire home. A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect; a scene remains on Long Street, Atherstone, as police investigate further.
A man has been charged with murder after a fire in Ollerton killed two women. Investigations and court appearances continue as relatives remember the victims.
The Nottingham Inquiry has heard that rapid blood product administration could have improved Barnaby Webber’s survival, but experts say survival would have required multiple timely actions. The inquiry also reveals broader failings in care, police responses, and disclosure gaps ahead of and during the 2023 attacks by Valdo Calocane, who is under a hospital order following diminished-responsibility manslaughter and attempted murder charges. Families press for accountability as evidence emerges of earlier concerns and undisclosed material.