Thousands of dogs imported annually into the UK, many from Eastern European countries like Romania, Ukraine, and North Macedonia, are sold via websites and social media with minimal assessment, raising concerns about behavioral issues and disease risks. The RSPCA’s David Bowles likened the process to a "Deliveroo for dogs," highlighting the lack of regulation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Scotland requires licensing). A BBC investigation revealed rescues readily providing dogs after brief checks, while analysis of online adverts showed many offered dogs with home delivery.

Experts express worry over the lack of vetting, temperament assessment, and potential spread of diseases like Brucella canis, which has seen a surge in cases since 2020. Owners have reported significant issues, including high veterinary bills and aggressive behavior from their dogs. One owner, Trudy Cain, described the emotional distress caused by her Brucella-positive dog, Nola. Another, Sian Keen, had dogs seized due to potentially forged documents and faced an aggressive dog attack leading to euthanasia. While the risk of Brucella canis transmission to humans is considered low, experts stress the need for better regulation.

Several rescue organizations, facing increased pressure due to the influx of dogs and irresponsible practices of some online sellers, are advocating for change. The government, while stating animal rescue organizations must meet existing welfare requirements, did not comment specifically on plans for introducing licensing.

Impact Statement: The lack of regulation in the UK's dog rescue sector poses significant risks to both animal welfare and public health, necessitating stronger oversight and licensing to protect owners and dogs.

England won the Women's Euros final against Spain, sparking ecstatic celebrations from English fans and others at St Jakob-Park in Basel. Fans described the victory as one of the best moments of their lives, with many comparing the feeling to England's 1966 World Cup triumph. The match went to extra time and then penalties after Spain took an early lead and Alessia Russo scored an equalizing goal for England in the 57th minute. The win also marked a notable moment for some new fans, like Lina, a Swiss woman who became an England supporter through social media.

While jubilant English fans described feelings ranging from elation to disbelief, Spanish fans expressed disappointment despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance and looking ahead to future championships.

Impact Statement: The victory is likely to further boost the profile of women's football in England and potentially inspire a new generation of fans.

Lucy Bronze, 33, played the entire Euro 2025 tournament for England with a fractured tibia, only revealing the injury after her team's victory over Spain. She played 598 minutes across the tournament, contributing significantly, including scoring the winning penalty against Sweden after her team overcame a 2-0 deficit. Despite further injuring her knee in the final, she played 105 minutes before leaving the pitch in tears.

Bronze's performance has been lauded by teammates, coaches, and former players, who described her as having an "unbelievable" and "crazy mentality," highlighting her dedication and commitment to the English national team. Her former teammates, Ellen White and Steph Houghton, praised her exceptional contribution and winning mentality throughout the tournament. England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed Bronze's injury and acknowledged her exceptional mental fortitude.

Bronze stated she would celebrate despite the pain, emphasizing her commitment to playing for England, even while significantly injured.

Impact Statement: Lucy Bronze's performance highlights exceptional athletic dedication and mental resilience in elite sports.

Lucy Bronze, 33, played the entire Euro 2025 tournament for England with a fractured tibia, a fact she revealed only after her team's penalty shootout victory over Spain. Despite the injury, Bronze played 598 minutes, scoring the winning penalty against Sweden after her team came back from a 2-0 deficit. In the final, she played 105 minutes before being substituted due to a new knee injury in her other leg.

Bronze's performances throughout the tournament, particularly her gutsy play despite significant pain, have been praised by teammates, coaches, and former players alike. Her former England teammate Ellen White called Bronze "not human," highlighting her dedication and commitment to the team. England manager Sarina Wiegman described Bronze's mentality as "crazy," acknowledging the challenges of managing her injury throughout the competition.

Former captain Steph Houghton lauded Bronze as an "absolute legend of women's football," emphasizing her consistent tournament performances and winning mentality. Bronze herself stated that playing through pain is what it takes to play for England, inspired by her teammates and their collective spirit.

Impact Statement: Lucy Bronze's exceptional performance and revelation of her injury highlight the dedication and resilience of elite athletes, sparking widespread discussion about the physical and mental demands of professional sports.

The England women's football team, the Lionesses, secured a European Championship victory, prompting widespread celebrations and praise from prominent figures. King Charles III lauded the team's "awesome teamwork," noting their achievement made the famous chant "football's coming home" a reality. Prince William and Princess Charlotte, watching from Switzerland, expressed immense pride. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also celebrated the Lionesses as "history makers." The win marks the Lionesses' first European Championship retention and the first time an England team won a major tournament abroad.

An open-top bus parade through central London on Tuesday will celebrate the victory, culminating in a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. The event will be free for fans and broadcast by the BBC. Downing Street has not announced a bank holiday.

Impact Statement: The Lionesses' victory has generated significant national pride and enthusiasm, leading to planned public celebrations.

The author recounts her father's experiences with online scams, beginning with a fake profile, "Bomba," on Facebook. Bomba portrayed herself as a wealthy widow seeking companionship and, despite initial skepticism from the author, convinced the father of her legitimacy, even showing fabricated bank statements. Following this, the father fell victim to a lottery scam, wherein he paid approximately US$20,000 in fees to receive a purported US$580 million lottery win. Despite the FBI's intervention and confirmation of the scam, the father continued communicating with the perpetrators and ultimately lost his remaining savings.

The author highlights the impact of the scams on her father's deteriorating health and mental state, leading to multiple hospitalizations, suicide threats, and ultimately, his death shortly after losing his remaining funds. The author notes the ease with which the scammers exploited her father's vulnerabilities, worsened by alcohol-induced brain atrophy and his prior substance abuse. The story is intertwined with a discussion about the prevalence of such scams, the author's new novel, and the larger societal issues that contributed to her father's susceptibility.

Impact Statement: The story illustrates the devastating consequences of online scams, targeting vulnerable individuals, and highlights the emotional toll on family members. It also touches upon broader societal issues such as the spread of misinformation and the impact of addiction.

Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth Tour de France title on the final stage. Despite a lead of more than four minutes entering the final day, only the stage win was contested in Paris. Rain fell during the race as Pogacar established himself in a six-man breakaway. However, Wout van Aert attacked on the third and final climb to the Basilica of Sacre Coeur de Montmartre, ultimately winning the final stage on the Champs-Elysees.

Impact Statement: The victory cements Pogacar's status as a top cyclist while highlighting van Aert's strong performance in the final stage.

Destiny's Child reunited on stage for the first time in seven years during the finale of Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour in Las Vegas. The trio, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, performed a medley of hits including "Lose My Breath" and "Bootylicious," and joined Beyoncé for a rendition of her 2022 song "Energy." This marks one of several reunions for the group, who previously performed together at the 2013 Super Bowl and Coachella in 2018. Beyoncé later shared a photo of the three in gold jumpsuits on Instagram.

The Las Vegas show, the 32nd and final date of the tour, also featured guest appearances from Jay-Z, country singer Shaboozey, and Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy. The "Cowboy Carter" tour, named after Beyoncé's 2024 Grammy-winning album, broke ticket sales records in London and Paris and was praised for its high-energy performances. The tour included a performance in Beyoncé's hometown of Houston, Texas.

Impact Statement: The reunion is a significant event for fans of Destiny's Child and adds to the legacy of Beyoncé's successful "Cowboy Carter" tour.

This article provides a list of recommended tech gadgets and everyday carry items for students returning to school. Products highlighted include Apple AirPods 4, Roku smart TVs, M4 MacBook Air, Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker, Eastpak Padded Double backpack, Anker Laptop Power Bank, Mosiso laptop sleeve, Amazon Echo Spot, Aura Carver digital photo frame, Owala insulated water bottle, Asus VG249QL3A monitor, Midea mini fridge, Brother wireless inkjet printer, Apple iPad (latest model), Ugreen Nexode 200W USB-C charger, LitBear Sleep Mask, Kindle Paperwhite, Cosori electric kettle, Cotton Napper weighted blanket, Razer Kishi V3 mobile gaming controller, Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch, Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop, board games Codenames and Root, Nintendo Switch 2, Funsound earplugs, and Crucial X10 portable SSD. The recommendations cover a range of needs, from electronics and accessories to comfort and organizational items.

The suggestions aim to improve the student experience, encompassing academic performance, social life, comfort, and organization. The selection includes both practical everyday items and entertainment options.

Rapper Drake cancelled his July 28th Manchester concert at the Co-op Live arena due to "unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics," according to a statement released by the venue. The performance has been rescheduled for August 5th, with all tickets remaining valid for the new date. Drake had already completed two shows in Manchester on July 27th and 28th as part of his European tour, and another concert is scheduled for August 4th.

The short notice cancellation drew criticism from some fans who expressed disappointment on social media, citing inconveniences caused by the last-minute change. One fan described the situation as a "joke" while another called the explanation of "travel logistics" a "lame excuse." The announcement follows the release of Drake's new single, "Which One," featuring UK rapper Central Cee, which was released last Thursday.

Drake's current UK tour is his first in Europe in six years.

Impact Statement: The cancellation caused inconvenience and disappointment for fans, highlighting the challenges of large-scale event planning and the impact of unforeseen logistical issues.

Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will join the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer line-up for the autumn series. Warr, an American, won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and has performed on Dancing With The Stars. Caillon, an Australian, has appeared on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars. Both dancers expressed their excitement about joining the show. They will be interviewed on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show on Monday.

Returning judges include Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts. The celebrity lineup will be announced later. The BBC implemented new welfare measures last July following controversies concerning the behaviour of some professional dancers and celebrity guests in the past year, including the departures of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, and incidents involving Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick.

Impact Statement: The addition of new professional dancers and the previously announced welfare measures aim to revitalize the show following recent controversies.

Cortisol, a key hormone, is often misconstrued as solely a stress hormone. Experts like nutritionist Hannah Alderson highlight its crucial roles in blood sugar regulation, inflammation control, fat metabolism, and mood. Professor Angela Clow, emeritus professor of psychophysiology at the University of Westminster, emphasizes cortisol's role in the "cortisol awakening response," which helps prepare the body for the day. Research confirms cortisol levels rise hours before waking, naturally preparing the body for activity. Professor Stafford Lightman of Bristol Medical School notes cortisol's influence on a large portion of the body's genes, regulating various bodily functions.

While short-term stress may not significantly impact cortisol levels, chronic stress can disrupt the body's natural cortisol rhythm, potentially negatively affecting cognitive function and health. Professor Niamh Martin of Imperial College London clarifies that extreme cortisol elevation, as seen in Cushing's syndrome, can cause weight gain and facial changes, but this is uncommon. Even strenuous exercise, like marathons, requires a cortisol response, and suppressing it could be harmful. The authors caution against the over-reliance on at-home cortisol testing, stating it's less useful than frequent lab testing and could cause unnecessary worry.

The article concludes that focusing on overall well-being, including regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and healthy eating, is more effective than attempting to micromanage cortisol levels. Addressing chronic stress is key, but extreme measures to control cortisol are generally unnecessary for most individuals.

The perceived "blank stare" adopted by Gen Z (aged 13-28) in customer service interactions is sparking discussion. Forbes described the look as "flat, zombie-like," prompting interpretations ranging from boredom and indifference to judgment. However, the article argues this behavior is a multi-generational phenomenon, pointing out that Gen X (aged 45-60) also exhibits similar vacant stares for various reasons including hearing difficulties, distraction by memories or observations, and anxieties related to aging and financial security. The author suggests the stare is not always intended as rudeness or disrespect.

The article explores various possible explanations for the Gen X stare, ranging from physical limitations like hearing loss to mental preoccupations such as financial worries and anxieties about mortality. The author also highlights the generational disconnect, mentioning a young politician's controversial stance on depression and contrasting it with the older generation's unspoken anxieties.

The piece concludes by suggesting that the shared experience of existential anxieties transcends generational differences, hinting that the "blank stare" might reflect universal feelings of overwhelm rather than specific generational traits.

Impact Statement: The article fosters understanding of generational differences in communication styles and highlights the shared anxieties that unite different age groups.

The Verge's weekly newsletter, InstallerNo. 91, covers a range of topics, including the leaked Pixel 10 lineup, BYD's Yangwang U9 supercar, and the popularity of Reddit. It also features reader feedback on phone cases, with responses varying from caseless use to using magnetic backs and protective cases depending on context. The newsletter includes an interview with Keith Broni, Emojipedia's editor-in-chief, discussing emoji trends and his personal phone setup (a Google Pixel 6 with a Tokyo-themed wallpaper).

The newsletter further showcases reader recommendations for apps like Outplay (Apple Watch soccer tracking), games such as Cyberpunk 2077 (macOS version), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Twos, and YouTube channels like CityNerd. A reader also shares their experience playing Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) at home using Stepmania, an open-source DDR clone, and a foam dance pad.

Impact Statement: The newsletter offers insights into current tech trends, gaming preferences, and evolving digital culture, highlighting the diversity of user experiences and interests.

Max Wallis, a poet and former model, launched The Aftershock Review, a poetry magazine focusing on trauma and recovery, following his own period of addiction and mental health struggles. After a breakdown in February of last year, Wallis, with the support of friends and family, sought treatment and rediscovered his passion for poetry, channeling his experiences into a memoir and new poems. The magazine features work from established and emerging poets, exploring themes of disability, disadvantage, illness, and various forms of exclusion.

The magazine has received significant attention, with over £3,000 in sales and 360,000 views on Instagram. Contributors include Inua Ellams, Rhian Elizabeth, Golnoosh Nour, and Hugo Williams, highlighting the diverse range of voices and perspectives represented. Wallis describes the magazine as "literature forged from survival," emphasizing its importance as a space for sharing experiences and finding healing through poetry.

The Aftershock Review has demonstrated the power of poetry as a tool for healing and connection, creating a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream publishing. The success of the magazine highlights a growing demand for more inclusive and honest representations of trauma and recovery in literature.

The influx of remote workers to Lisbon, attracted by Portugal's non-habitual residency visa and its tax benefits, has dramatically altered the city's demographics and cost of living. Many expats, including the author, initially enjoyed the lifestyle, but rising housing costs, a political shift towards the far-right, and growing social inequalities have soured the experience. The author recounts their own experience and that of other expats and locals, highlighting the widening wealth gap and the creation of a siloed expat economy. This has led to friction between long-term residents and newcomers, who often spend their money within their own expat communities, contributing little to the local economy. The situation is further complicated by the precarious nature of remote work and the anxieties of those who relocated to escape political instability elsewhere, who now fear the increasingly visible far-right.

The rising cost of living in Lisbon, particularly housing, has made the city unaffordable for many locals, while the non-habitual residency visa has exacerbated the issue. This visa offers tax benefits to foreign workers, attracting a significant influx of high earners but creating a two-tiered society where locals struggle while expats thrive. The far-right's rise to become the main opposition party has further heightened tensions.

The article concludes with a reflection on the author's own feelings of displacement and the need for more inclusive and sustainable development in Lisbon, emphasizing the need for greater social integration and responsible economic policies.

Impact Statement: The article highlights the complex social and economic consequences of a rapid influx of wealthy expats, driven by favorable tax policies, illustrating the potential for gentrification and social division in a city experiencing rapid change.

Only one eastern European team, Poland, participated in Euro 2025, a stark contrast to the men's game where 11 teams from the region competed in Euro 2024. While UEFA reported record ticket sales and social media engagement for Euro 2025, the growth hasn't reached eastern Europe uniformly. This disparity is attributed to several factors, including late development of women's programs in the 1990s, scarce investment, and societal norms that discourage girls from playing football, as noted by Goran Ljubojevic, sporting director of ZNK Osijek. Ljubojevic highlighted the cultural challenges, stating that "people think girls should not play football, that mostly they should stay home and be housewives." Dariusz Wojtaszyn, a history professor, added that the region's political history, including the fall of communism and the rise of right-wing parties, has also negatively impacted women's football development. Despite these challenges, there's optimism for growth, fueled by increased UEFA investment and the exposure provided by major tournaments.

Despite the current challenges, increased investment in coaching, infrastructure, and player salaries is seen as crucial for the development of women's football in the region. The success of Poland's national team coach, Nina Patalon, who predicts a significant increase in female players following the Euros, offers a potential model for other eastern European countries.

Impact Statement: The significant disparity in women's football participation between Western and Eastern Europe highlights the complex interplay of societal norms, historical political factors, and the need for substantial investment to foster growth in the sport across the continent.