Ceremonial county in the East Midlands, with Nottingham city at its heart
Kevin Pietersen has joined England’s white-ball coaching staff as a specialist mentor for ODI and T20 teams ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The move brings the former captain back into England cricket for the first time since 2014, with Brendon McCullum leading the setup and allies like Joe Root stressing KP’s experience will help the group prepare for high-stakes matches.
The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has died after failing to sprout leaves this spring. RSPB confirms the ancient tree, believed to be about 1,200 years old, succumbed to climate pressures, soil compaction from footfall, and prior intervention. The death marks a significant moment for the UK’s forest heritage and prompts reflection on conservation and visitor impact.
A government-ordered review into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has exposed long-standing failings in maternity care, with 2,500 families and 800 staff contributing to the Ockenden inquiry. Police investigations and large fines are part of the ongoing accountability process, as the NHS faces calls for systemic reform.
A major NHS maternity investigation has identified widespread failures at Nottingham University Hospitals, with hundreds of harm cases, underlining staffing and leadership problems that span years. The review cites understaffing, culture issues, and delays in care, prompting renewed calls for accountability and reform across England’s maternity services.
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.
The Independent and The Guardian report on Ian McKellen and James Graham's film Love Letter to England, part of the National Conversation, encouraging public contributions on what unites the country ahead of England's World Cup knockout game.
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.
An ongoing operation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales has led to eight men being charged across Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh and Argyll and Bute. The charges involve rape of minors and facilitating sexual exploitation dating from 1985 to 1996. Prosecutions continue.
Garry Sobers has died aged 89. The West Indies all-rounder redefined cricket with sublime batting, varied bowling and exceptional fielding, leaving a lasting legacy across generations.
Sir Garfield Sobers has died at 89 in Barbados. A legendary West Indies all-rounder, Sobers transformed cricket with his batting, bowling and fielding. Tributes describe him as the greatest all-rounder and a symbol of Caribbean excellence.
Gen Z and millennials are embracing “soft hermitting” to cope with a busy social summer. A RiseGuide survey shows a third of young adults went days without human interaction; searches for “How to say no to plans” have doubled. Even stars like Harry Styles have taken quiet time after tours. Experts say the trend offers a way to protect mental space amid an overactive season.
BBC reporting shows a caterers’ no-show near Ormskirk forced Kate and Matt Dean to improvise with two local restaurants, ensuring guests were fed at their wedding reception after the original caterers failed to arrive.
Seven properties in Edgelaw View, Gilmerton, are to be evacuated for six to eight weeks of precautionary groundworks, with families moved to temporary accommodation. Residents warn disruption could extend beyond the initial period, affecting schooling, transport, and finances as they await a permanent solution.
A Jersey Shore pizzeria has defended its policy not to provide a knife for guests to cut outside cakes during a fifth-birthday party, after a viral video sparked debate online. The owners say kitchen safety and business rules guide their decision, and that the restaurant remains focused on pizza, not event hosting. The incident took place at Joey Tomato’s on Jenkinson’s boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.
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.
A wave of editorials and reporting from UK outlets highlights growing momentum for a universal, well-funded social care system as debate centers on independence, funding and visa-related worker protections. The coverage underscores the lived experiences of families and the political push to deliver reform.
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 UK faces a heat- and drought-driven summer, with wildfires flaring across England and Scotland. The Fire Brigades Union is calling for more equipment and funding, while authorities warn drought and heat will persist, demanding national resilience and clearer emergency planning.
The Hundred's rebranding under private owners has aimed to broaden appeal with bold branding and new identities, including Sunrisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants. While ventures like free merchandise activations have boosted engagement, questions remain about sustainability, fan loyalty, and the economics of franchise cricket as competition nears its finals.
Inquests have concluded that Claire Lomas's death from injuries sustained in a 2024 microlight crash in Jordan is accidental. The coroner notes no link to risk assessments and says investigations have yielded lessons. Lomas, a fundraising campaigner and Paralympian, was flying for an Apple-commissioned Adventure series when the aircraft crashed after aborting a landing.
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 wave of makers is pushing traditional crafts into contemporary art, turning everyday objects into installations. Katayama, Joo and Fitzpatrick explore memory, myth and identity through sculpture, embroidery and print, creating bold, playful works that reimagine the ordinary.
A victim has travelled to Reading Crown Court to witness the sentencing of Ethical Forestry directors after they admitted fraud. The case centers on the misappropriation of funds from thousands of investors for personal gain, while victims hope for accountability and closure.
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.
Giant pumpkin and vegetable growers across Britain have maintained momentum despite weather and health setbacks. BBC reports cheered by a Maldon grower’s 1,200lb pumpkin, while others push a Staffordshire record and a colossal cucumber, carrot and aubergine stories highlight the endurance and community around giant-vegetable farming.
Nottingham City Council and police have introduced restrictions on face coverings in the city centre. From September 15, officers may ask individuals to remove coverings if there is reason to believe they are concealing identity to commit crime or intimidate others. Offenders could face on‑the‑spot fines up to £70 or prosecution up to £1,000, under a Public Spaces Protection Order, with exemptions for legitimate religious, health, or work needs.
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.
Nigella Lawson has joined the Great British Bake Off as a judge, replacing Dame Prue Leith. The 17th series premieres on 22 September with Lawson in the tent alongside Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. Twelve amateur bakers from diverse backgrounds compete for the iconic cake stand as the new series launches.