A ceremonial county in Northern England; largest by area, diverse North Sea coast to rural Yorkshire
Foundayo, the oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill by Eli Lilly, has been authorised by the MHRA for weight management and type 2 diabetes. It will be available privately; NHS adoption depends on NICE evaluation. Several UK outlets report on uptake, pricing, side effects and competing pills, including Wegovy and Wegovy HD.
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.
Two Cleveland police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, have been killed after a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way on the A66 near South Bank collided with their marked armed response vehicle at about 03:39 BST. Five occupants of the Passat also died. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation and police have arrested people in related enquiries.
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 roundup of UK travel features highlights scenic routes, coastlines and towns from multiple outlets, focusing on accessible nature, iconic landscapes and local culture. The pieces span Gleneagles in Scotland, Lake District gems, Edinburgh’s outdoor scene, and Shetland’s northern beauty.
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.
A trio of pieces from Business Insider UK and the New York Post highlight how AI tutors and diverse classroom perspectives are shaping education. A California family pivots to a YouTube-led venture, while a father credits AI for assisting children's study; a California parent pushes for broader representation in AP materials amid concerns over state assessments.
Campaigners are pressing NHS England to update a 2017 rule that bars a second allogeneic stem cell transplant if relapse occurs within 12 months. Affected patients indicate the policy is outdated and unaffordable without fundraising. An independent review into the case for a second transplant is under way.
Col Samantha Shepherd has been cleared by a military court board of a charge of conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline in connection with the handling of sexual assault allegations raised by Gunner Jaysley Beck. Maj James Hook's trial continues as the case against both officers unfolds in North Yorkshire.
The government has given English mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
Residents of Piddington have voted 285–26 to secede from the UK in a symbolic referendum against Home Office plans to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers at MoD Bicester. The vote highlights local backlash over national distribution of asylum accommodation as authorities push to move away from hotels and HMOs.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 names St Cuthbert’s Way, a 62-mile route from Melrose to Lindisfarne, as a top experience. Described as passing through wild uplands and historic sites, the walk is praised for its scenery and accessibility, ending at Holy Island. The recognition follows earlier histories of St Cuthbert and the route’s modern opening in 1996. Scotland’s tourism body welcomes the listing and highlights slow tourism opportunities.
Catherine Zeta-Jones has embraced a Welsh accent for a new Prime drama, filmed in Wales and based on The Price You Pay. The series flips the male lead from the original US novel, introducing a Welsh Jackie Price as she confronts hitmen and a high-tech security setup inspired by Tom Jones. Zeta-Jones also serves as an executive producer and has spoken about her roots and fan reception.
Mark Broadhurst, 28, has been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing firearms and explosives linked to extremist beliefs. Police uncovered online messages advocating violence and plans to arm a right-wing network. A judge found the offences connected to terrorism amid an investigation into extremist activity and a prior case involving other suspects.
Airbnb has updated guidelines to limit chores guests can perform at check-out, standardising house rules into seven categories. The change, effective Nov. 20, aims to curb onerous duties while allowing “reasonable” requests, with bear-country and drought exceptions. Welsh hosts warn it will raise costs and affect turnover.
Brian Devine has been banned from all ECB cricket until 2028 after a video showed him tapping a fake edge with his fingers to fool umpires. Saltburn CC’s second XI is relegated to Division Three with a 60-point deduction and a £300 fine. The decision follows a league inquiry and a formal disciplinary panel.
The police reform drive has moved to the forefront as Sir Mark Rowley and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood push to shrink England and Wales’ 43 forces into a smaller number of regional bodies. Mayors and critics warn that local accountability could suffer, while Hogan-Howe’s review outlines a possible path to nine regional forces and a nationwide service.