High Street Crackdown: Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges to scrap the “aim to permit” rule and tighten planning controls so councils can block new bookmakers and vape shops, with police able to issue longer closure orders for “dodgy” premises. Cost of Living & Consumer Rules: Burnham also moves to make subscription cancellations easier and ban misleading “rip-off” discount claims, bringing the “easy to exit” changes forward to January. Student Loans: The government confirms new student loan repayment interest rates and thresholds, with MPs and campaigners pressing for fairer terms. Drought & Food Security: Nearly three-quarters of England is in drought as heatwaves threaten harvests; analysts warn of the worst food security crisis in decades and rising consumer prices. Migration Pressure: France’s sea rescue service warns smugglers are loading “mega-dinghies” with hundreds; 230 migrants arrived on a single crossing. Northern Ireland Funding: A women’s charity in NI wins £100,000 to boost female voices in public debate. Crime & Courts: US prosecutors seek to keep Andrew and Tristan Tate jailed during their extradition fight to the UK. Business & Skills: Make UK warns cyber attacks are hitting manufacturing output and deliveries, urging board-level action.