Jump in energy bills drives UK inflation to highest rate for four months
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

A 2.9% rise in inflation had been widely expected by economists, with Chancellor John Healey saying the Iran war “continues to impact prices here at home”.

Thunderstorm warnings issued for parts of UK with flash flooding expected
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

Warnings for northern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland will come into force later on Wednesday.

Burnham unveils plan to get rough sleepers off streets for Christmas
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

Rough sleepers in England will be offered housing, in a move likened to the “Everyone In” initiative during the pandemic.

Tennis player Nick Kyrgios suspended after testing positive for cocaine
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

Nick Kyrgios is provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine.

French civil servant drugged us to make us urinate on ourselves, say accusers
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

More than 200 women accuse Christian Nègre of drugging them to make them urinate - two share their stories.