Burnham launches ‘national drive’ to get rough sleepers off streets by Christmas

• Tensions remain high across the Middle East as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and their respective regional allies remains unresolved. • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not yet made a decision regarding the resumption of formal negotiations with Washington.

• UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported an alarming intensification of violence in southern Lebanon over the weekend of August 16-17, 2026. • The surge in hostilities has resulted in significant civilian casualties on the Lebanese side, according to humanitarian and peacekeeping officials.

• Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Iran threatens a new offensive following the expiration of its Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S., while the U.N. warns of an "alarming" surge in violence due to increased Israeli attacks on Lebanon. • Diplomatic efforts continue as Jared Kushner and Benjamin Netanyahu discuss a U.S.-backed 15-point plan for Gaza, though internal Israeli friction persists with Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanding a "kill quota."

• Global oil markets are shifting their expectations to account for a potentially prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than a brief geopolitical shock. • Analysts are evaluating whether persistent disruptions in this critical shipping lane could sustain elevated oil prices through 2027.

• Following a January 2026 attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump has announced plans for military intervention in Mexico. • The report, authored by Prof Michel Chossudovsky on August 18, 2026, alleges a connection between Trump's policies and drug cartel activities.

• The author argues that the policy of isolating the Taliban has failed, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and increased security risks. • A proposed "pragmatic engagement" framework suggests opening diplomatic channels to address urgent stability and human rights issues without granting formal recognition.

More than 40 charities write to Pat McFadden and review head Alan Milburn over fears of stricter eligibility rulesMore than 40 of the UK’s leading charities have warned ministers against imposing tougher benefit sanctions or cuts on disabled young people, as the government considers how to encourage more young people into work.The charities raised concerns that an imminent review of young people and work by Alan Milburn could bring in stricter eligibility rules for keeping disability benefits – or remove them altogether – as part of a wider plan to boost flagging youth job rates. Continue reading...

Mykhailo Fedorov’s appeal is most direct challenge to Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russian invasion in 2022Ukraine’s recently dismissed former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for a wartime presidential election in the most direct political challenge to Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.The politician, whose abrupt sacking last month triggered a wave of protests, said that Ukraine had to “restore a full democratic process even amid a prolonged war” in a video address released online late on Tuesday evening. Continue reading...

Findings highlight importance of sleep health during middle age, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic statusSleep that is extremely disrupted or that goes on too long could mean a loss of nine months from working life after the age of 50, a study has found.It also found that women with no sleep disturbances had a longer working life from 50 to 68 than their male equivalents. Continue reading...

Researchers find capacity stunted by pollution was restored after introduction of ultra-low emission zoneChildren’s lungs grew bigger and stronger after the most polluting vehicles were restricted from entering London, a study has found.Examinations of London schoolchildren before and after the introduction of the city’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) found a restoration of lung capacity that had been stunted by exposure to pollution. Continue reading...

Advice and guidance services for doctors in England found to be creating risk of missed or late detection of illnessCancer diagnoses have been missed or delayed because of a system designed for GPs to seek specialist advice before referring patients to hospital, according to an investigation.The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) identified patient risks linked to how advice and guidance (A+G) services have been implemented across England. Continue reading...

National Trust for Historic Preservation filing comes after president made emergency bid for construction to continueA historic preservation group that sued to block construction of Donald Trump’s White House ballroom urged the US supreme court on Tuesday to suspend the project while it considers whether the work can continue.The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed its request less than a week after the Trump administration asked the nation’s highest court to allow the White House to continue construction on its $400m ballroom project during the appeals process. Continue reading...