Urban Air & Transport: Oxford Street is set to go vehicle-free on a 1km stretch from next month, with cars, buses, taxis and cycles removed and bus routes rerouted, as London pushes ahead with its flagship pedestrianisation plan. Climate & Energy Reliability: A new report highlights how nuclear’s “always reliable” pitch is undermined by drought and heat, with European plants forced to shut when water supplies and grid demand collide. Extreme Weather Preparedness: Households are being urged to stockpile three days of food and drinking water ahead of severe conditions linked to an “exceptional” El Niño, while parts of the UK brace for a brief, summer-like warm spell near 28–29°C. Net Zero for Communities: The Church in Wales has teamed up with Benefact Trust to fund low-carbon upgrades for churches, including grants for feasibility work and larger projects like heat pumps and solar. Waste & Local Services: Bradford Council’s plan to divert £400,000 in arts funding to reopen a household waste recycling centre has sparked backlash from artists and residents. Marine & Pollution: Qatar has deposited its accession to MARPOL Annex VI, aimed at cutting ship air pollution, as the UK and wider maritime sector face growing scrutiny. Storm Resilience for Rail: Network Rail is using a helicopter with thermal imaging to spot storm damage to tracks and overhead lines faster, aiming to reduce disruption.