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

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

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.

Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election
Posted on Wednesday August 19, 2026

Martial law has been in place in Ukraine since February 2022, under which elections are suspended.

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.