Ceremonial county in South East England, bordered by six counties.
UKRI has pulled the Lovell telescope funding, triggering a funding crisis at Jodrell Bank. Observations are due to end in March 2028 unless new funds are found. A broad coalition is calling for immediate alternative funding.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading, Berkshire, linked to a wider social network associated with two deaths in Kent. The pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School is recovering; three cases in Reading and Henley College have prompted precautionary antibiotics for close contacts. Public risk to the wider community remains low.
Anthropic is locked in high-stakes discussions with U.S. officials over export restrictions on its latest model, Fable, after reports that Amazon raised security concerns. Officials say a quick resolution is possible if Anthropic can demonstrate safeguards, but the path forward remains uncertain as negotiations continue this week.
Clarkson has disclosed an aggressive but early-stage cancer diagnosis. He has undergone prostate surgery and remains optimistic about continuing farming and the show. New episodes reveal the confrontation with his illness, with a potential sixth season on the horizon.
Oxfordshire County Council has applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop unauthorised England and Union flags from being mounted on lampposts, citing fear and division. The Raise the Colours campaign has faced opposition amid safety concerns, harassment claims, and legal action.
As buyers increasingly seek wellness features—saunas, cold plunges and spa-like rooms—home tech and design trend toward health and longevity upgrades. The trend spans affordable upgrades to ultra-luxury builds, with Zillow data showing rising mentions of wellness.
The government has introduced an Immigration and Asylum Bill that will recover costs from asylum seekers with sufficient funds and create new safe routes funded by community groups, universities, and employers. The policy is controversial, drawing criticism from charities and opposition who warn it could deter refugees and overburden families.
Provisional temperatures have surpassed long-standing June records across England, with 35.8C in Wigonholt and 35.7C in Charlwood, amid a Met Office red heat warning. Forecasters say figures could climb further as a heat-dome over western Europe drives extreme heat, health warnings are in place, and schools and transport are disrupted.
The government is expanding use of former military sites to house asylum seekers, planning to accommodate about 3,750 people across Bicester, Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse, with extensions at Crowborough and Wethersfield. Local opposition persists in several communities as the plan unfolds.
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.
NatureScot plans an online register for Scotland’s ancient woodlands, recording location and conditioning. The system, due to live in 2027, will include conifer forests, recently planted woodlands and even ‘ghost’ woods, with a PIN procurement launching 2026–27.
Two riders have died after cross-country accidents at Swalcliffe Park (Oxfordshire) and Penrith (Cumbria). British Eventing says medical teams responded immediately and both horses were unharmed. A review will be conducted into the incidents as the sport mourns its losses.
Mohammad Bashir has been jailed for 17 years for preparing an act of terrorism with Jihad Al-Shamie, who carried out the Heaton Park attack. Investigations show the pair planned a defense academy assault while Al-Shamie was under investigation for a separate crime. Police acknowledge missed opportunities to intervene.
Waters near wastewater plants release DNA that carries resistance genes, enabling bacteria to acquire resistance even after treatment. New South Africa study shows extracellular DNA persists and can transfer resistance, suggesting advanced treatments are needed.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.