Union calls for robust review of OBR over fears it holds back economic growth 08. August 2026 (08:00) TUC will urge John Healey to order ‘root and branch’ assessment of watchdog amid claims its forecasts downplay investment benefitsThe TUC is urging the new chancellor, John Healey, to order a “root and branch” review of the Office for Budget Responsibility, claiming the forecaster’s approach holds back investment.With Andy Burnham promising “good growth in every postcode”, the union umbrella body is calling on Healey to use his first budget on 28 October to re-examine the assessments of the watchdog. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘I couldn’t breathe’: the deadly health burden of wildfire smoke 08. August 2026 (07:00) Scientists race to untangle complex links between exposure and mortality as fire weather grows more prevalentA thousand kilometres from the infernos gorging on northern Ontario’s boreal forests, Erin O’Connor watched the sky above Canada’s biggest city turn an “almost post-apocalyptic” orange as it filled with light-scattering particles of soot and ash. Stepping outside the halls of Toronto General hospital, where air filters were keeping patients safe from the worst of the fumes, she was struck by a smell so strong it felt like standing by a campfire.“It really hit you in the face as soon as you walked outside,” said O’Connor, who runs University Health Network’s emergency department and saw a rise in patients presenting with allergies and shortness of breath. “As the days progressed, it was like that everywhere. It seemed even inside you could smell that burning.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US promises $1bn in security aid to Colombia as new rightwing president pledges drugs crackdown 08. August 2026 (06:08) Trump ally Abelardo De La Espriella vows to start ‘profound transformation’ of country’s destiny as he is sworn inThe Trump administration plans to provide $1bn in security assistance to the government of Colombia’s new rightwing president, the US state department announced, soon after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in and used his inaugural speech to pledge a vigorous fight against drug trafficking, as well as austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy.De La Espriella, 48, won June’s runoff election with promises to crack down on armed groups, shrink the state by as much as 40% and revive the oil and gas sector. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Germans hogging the sunloungers? Poll finds Italians and French are worse 08. August 2026 (06:00) British and Germans themselves share stereotype but other nationalities are likelier to put out towels – or umbrellasGermans are sunlounger hoggers, or so the longstanding stereotype goes. But not only is that cultural trope mostly confined to British – and, even more so, German – perceptions, surprising new data reveals that in fact Italian and French holidaymakers are the ones most likely to use their towel to stake their claim to a sunlounger.A poll by YouGov of Europeans holidaymakers found that while many Germans (51%) and Britons (46%) associate Germans with the ritual of waking up at the crack of dawn to mark their spot, the perception barely exists elsewhere in Europe, with just 5-17% of those surveyed in other countries sharing the stereotype. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Remains of 56 people found decomposing at Chicago funeral home 08. August 2026 (02:31) Officials describe ‘deplorable conditions’ at home run by pair linked to crematory closed due to mishandled remainsThe remains of 56 people were found improperly stored and decomposing on Thursday at a Chicago funeral home run by a couple who previously operated a crematory that was similarly shut down because of mishandled remains, authorities said.Illinois state officials, meanwhile, suspended the license of one of the funeral home’s directors, alleging bodies were being kept in an unrefrigerated area in “deplorable conditions”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Helicopter fighting Utah wildfire crashes with two people onboard, officials say 08. August 2026 (02:12) Rescuers not yet able to reach scene of crash near Richfield in central Utah, prompting fears for two missing peopleA firefighting Sikorsky S64 helicopter with two individuals onboard crashed on Friday morning in central Utah, according to federal aviation authorities.The US Forest Service initially declined to comment on the condition of the helicopter’s passengers, asking the public for “patience while we focus on response efforts” in a statement. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Senior managers at St Basil’s aged care, where 50 died from Covid, can’t remember it all. Grieving loved ones can’t forget 08. August 2026 (02:00) Konstantin Kontis and Vicky Kos were compelled to testify at a coronial inquest resuming on the sixth anniversary of the tragedyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQuiet sobs could be heard in Melbourne’s coroner’s court, as several families attended to finally hear from the pair who were the most senior managers when, throughout July and August 2020, almost a quarter of the 188 residents at St Basil’s aged care home died from Covid-19 or neglect.Following multiple failed legal bids to avoid giving evidence after 50 residents died in the Victorian aged care home they managed, Konstantin Kontis and Vicky Kos were compelled to testify at a coronial inquest resuming on the sixth anniversary of the tragedy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
David Brat bound for Australia as diplomat confirmed as next US ambassador 08. August 2026 (01:50) Former Republican state congressman, who once argued Christianity and capitalism should merge, confirmed by US Senate to fill long-vacant roleGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFormer Virginia congressman David Brat has been confirmed by the US Senate to be the next US ambassador to Australia, after the role had been left vacant for 18 months.Brat’s confirmation was among more than 70 votes pushed through the Senate by Republicans on Friday, Washington time, before the summer recess. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wasted medicine in England could fill 75 swimming pools a year, pharmacy group says 08. August 2026 (01:01) Industry body calls for more regular reviews of repeat prescriptions to tackle ‘growing problem’The amount of wasted medicines thrown away in England in one year could fill 75 swimming pools, according to a pharmacy group.The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) estimated that 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines were disposed of in England in 2024-25. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police investigating Ann Widdecombe murder reopen attempted burglary case from 2025 08. August 2026 (00:58) Watchdog examines alleged failure to pursue a line of inquiry ‘which may have been relevant’Counter-terrorism police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe say they have reopened an old investigation into an attempted burglary last year.The incident at an address in Greater London was reported in April 2025. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
