A large Buckinghamshire town known for rapid postwar growth and a modern grid-plan
An explosion on Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes has killed a man in his 60s after the Sunday morning blast caused a home collapse and widespread damage. Police are treating it as a coronial matter and the Health and Safety Executive are assisting with the investigation.
The prime minister has chaired an emergency Cobra meeting as the UK faces a fifth heatwave, widespread drought and rising wildfires. He has asked retailers to follow voluntary guidance and suspend sales of disposable barbecues; some supermarkets have already stopped sales. Ministers are considering a temporary summer ban and steps to support firefighters, farmers and water supplies.
Young people in Cornwall are turning to old campervans as affordable housing options amid tourist-driven rents and a booming Airbnb market, while heatwaves drive practical adaptions and new coping methods across the UK and Europe.
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.
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.
The government has extended the 16-17 Saver Railcard validity to a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18, aligning with other railcards and easing costs for students and young travellers. The change comes into effect on 17 August and is expected to reduce annual travel expenses for thousands.