Cathedral city and county town of Devon, on the River Exe
A government consultation aims to standardise parking, safety and insurance for shared e-bike schemes, addressing a patchwork of local rules. The plan proposes penalties for anti-social riding, clearer data sharing, and empowered local leaders to regulate fleets and parking to protect pedestrians.
Regulators have warned South West Water over leaking levels 18.5% above forecast amid a severe drought. The firm is deploying acoustic loggers, drones and leak-detection dogs while urging customers to conserve water to protect supplies.
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.
A convergence of UK maternity reforms is unfolding as ministers pledge a return to national standards, addressing underperformance and racial disparities. The oversight aims to end postcode lotteries, with patient experience and early-warning metrics guiding care. The government faces pressure from reports into Nottingham and Shrewsbury/Telford, and from unions calling for culture change.
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 Carabao Cup second round has been drawn, with Chelsea and Tottenham entering the competition alongside other Premier League clubs not in Europe. The draw is sectional (north and south) and ties will be played the week of 24 August. The nine top-flight teams in Europe this season join in the third round.
Maternity services at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple have been suspended due to staffing shortages, forcing expectant families to consider long journeys to Exeter or Taunton. Trust leaders say the move is temporary and focused on safety, with other maternity services continuing elsewhere at the Royal Devon site.
PMOS, previously grouped with PCOS, affects about 1 in 8 women and involves insulin resistance and testosterone imbalance. Case studies show GLP-1 medications may improve symptoms and menstrual regularity, with trials underway. Diagnosis remains challenging and access to new treatments will depend on healthcare systems.
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.
UCAS data show a record number of 18-year-olds gaining university or college places, with high A-level grades and growth in international applicants. The government’s leadership vow is framed against a backdrop of rising top grades and a maths-heavy intake.
A mix of mortgage rates remaining elevated and inventory growth is shaping US and UK housing markets. Cash sales have cooled, financed buyers are gaining ground, and prices show modest changes in several markets. Analysts warn of continued affordability challenges and potential further rate-related pressure.
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.
A beekeeper has rehabilitated a bumblebee that survived extreme conditions, highlighting resilience and the power of care. The story follows Phoebee’s journey from roadside injury to a viral moment that grounded readers in authentic small acts of kindness.
A viral TikTok recruiter has sparked a debate by saying candidates should not bring iced coffees to job interviews because it signals casualness. Hiring managers and Gen Z candidates have clashed online: some advise avoiding drinks or holding them properly for handshakes, while others call such rules arbitrary and say beverage choices do not reflect capability.
Northern Ireland’s Southern Trust is preparing to temporarily move inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital due to a shortage of consultant obstetricians. Clinics may continue at Daisy Hill, but safety remains the priority as the trust seeks to maintain service in the longer term. Barnstaple, Devon, is grappling with a separate maternity unit closure due to staffing shortages, forcing expectant parents to travel long distances for birth. The situation underscores broader staff shortages and the travel implications for rural families.
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.
Gorilla populations around Bwindi and Mgahinga have risen, and communities are benefiting from tourism and conservation efforts. World Gorilla Day celebrations highlight these gains alongside ongoing habitat pressures and the need for sustainable community involvement.
A man has pleaded guilty to attempting to allow sexual penetration by a living animal in Huddersfield; sentencing will be delayed for a pre-sentence report. Other UK cases include a police officer pleading guilty to voyeurism and corruption, and a Devon and Cornwall officer being acquitted of a sexual assault charge.
Exeter end their campaign victory drought with a 34-28 win over Newcastle at Sandy Park, led by Christian Wade’s first-half hat-trick and a late shout from Bachuki Tchumbadze. Jake Dalziel becomes Newcastle’s youngest Prem player, while Wade closes in on the all-time Prem try record as crowds struggle for value.
Canada has defeated England 24-21 in Toronto, snapping England’s four-year, 41-game unbeaten streak. The win sets up a rematch in Ottawa on 23 October, as Canada capitalizes on a record North American crowd of 18,621. England sought attacking momentum but was edged by Canada's composed showing and late Seumanutafa score.
Storm Austen has caused widespread disruption with winds up to 84 mph and power outages across the south and west. Boelo is set to bring further amber warnings, heavy rain, and risk to travel as the UK braces for another battering.
England’s women have suffered a historic setback against Canada, ending a long unbeaten run. Canada has proven a serious title threat ahead of the 2029 World Cup, while England must reset under coach John Mitchell and press on with new talent balanced against established leadership.
The NHS Alliance has warned that difficult decisions are ahead for maternity services, urging consolidation to improve safety. A government taskforce into neonatal and maternity care is under pressure to tackle staff shortages, rising emergency C-sections, and unsafe conditions in aging facilities. Smaller units, especially in rural areas, could face closures to ensure safer, more sustainable care.
Scotland has named a 37-man squad for the Nations Championship phase, led by Townsend. The selection prioritizes experience, with returns for Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn, and the introduction of Ollie Leatherbarrow. Scotland will host New Zealand, Australia and Japan at Murrayfield before Finals Weekend at Twickenham.
England faces a selection rethink as scrum-half Alex Mitchell is ruled out of the Nations Championship due to a hamstring injury. Northampton’s Archie McParland is also sidelined, prompting Ben Spencer or Harry Randall to join Jack van Poortvliet on the bench for the Australia clash. Fin Smith’s calf recovery is also in focus.