Ceremonial county governing 33 districts within England's capital region
Transport Focus has named England’s A12 as the worst major road. The BBC, Independent and other outlets report drivers describe it as dreadful and accident-prone, with 64% satisfaction on the route and ongoing congestion near Copdock. The response from National Highways cites safety and disruption minimisation.
A string of mid-year results from UK firms shows mixed performance, with Reach posting a revenue decline and job cuts, while Wise and The Gym Group report growth and expansion plans. Prediction markets surge around the World Cup, reflecting elevated investor interest.
Gazundering and gazumping threaten house sales. BBC reports reforms could cut delays and costs, while other outlets highlight buyer brokerage contracts and the broader market impact. One in three sales still fall through; reforms aim to speed exchanges and protect buyers and sellers.
Extreme heat has been driven higher by El Niño, with several countries reporting heat-related deaths and strain on infrastructure. Cities expand cooling programs as media imagery shapes urgency and readers are urged to recognize the health risks of record heat.
Two regional political profiles appear in the updated landscape as a young Green candidate accelerates within local races, while Labour faces questions over candidate diversity and selection processes amid broader political discontent.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Norfolk Island’s coral reefs are facing widespread disease linked to sediment, cattle manure, wastewater and fertilizer runoff. Scientists warn a longer El Niño could raise water temperatures, triggering bleaching and reef loss. Kingston Pier dredging plans add to the threat as regulators issue environment approvals.
Two 21-year-olds remain in custody after a knife attack in Hounslow; the victim, Haruun Hassan, has died. Police say the investigation is progressing and are appealing for information as officers oversee a large crime scene.
UK households face water-use restrictions as heatwaves push demand. South East Water and Southern Water have introduced temporary hosepipe bans in Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with further restrictions possible as a third heatwave of the year looms. The Met Office warns continued extreme temperatures, while water firms stress reduced outdoor use to protect supplies.
A tech-backed analysis has found that bars and breweries saw an 8% revenue uptick during the World Cup group stage, driven by late-night demand. Host cities outperformed the national average, with notable spikes in Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the New York metro. Non-alcoholic drinks and food orders also rose as chains rolled out promotions.
A European heatwave has intensified, with records shattered across multiple countries. New analyses attribute a substantial share of heat-related deaths to human-caused climate change, while authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure pressures as temperatures stay high.
Paved front gardens are expanding in UK towns, contributing to hotter cities and drier soils. The trend reduces green cover, increases heat retention, and raises flood risks, while garden designers and RHS data point to mitigation through trees, shade, and water harvesting.
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.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader and will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer formally resigns. He has pledged a "distinctively Labour" government that will devolve power to regions, prioritise cost-of-living measures and tackle social care while naming a new cabinet, with the chancellor slot the biggest early question.