Northern Ireland Politics: The Irish and UK governments urged calm as the Orange Order Drumcree standoff in Portadown dragged on, with police keeping a “significant public-safety operation” in place and the DUP warning any ban would have “serious consequences.” Energy Bills: Labour’s Andy Burnham said green levies could be shifted off household bills and funded via taxation, potentially saving customers but risking higher taxes. Cost of Living: Diesel hit a new record above 199p as UK pump prices surged, with Burnham hinting at hopes for a separate deal with Donald Trump if the US bans diesel exports. Water Nationalisation: Burnham is set to signal plans to bring Thames Water under public ownership, alongside wider moves to tighten regulation and give regions more say. Defence Spending: Wes Streeting warned the UK faces a “new age of insecurity” and urged the country to “step up and spend more” on defence. Chess: London’s Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, became the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster after winning her final norm at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Royal News: The Duchess of Kent was marked with a London tribute concert as the family gathered one year after her death. Media & AI: BBC boss Matt Brittin’s comments about AI presenting programmes sparked backlash from journalists. Wildlife: Bitterns are reported to have bred at Gosforth Nature Reserve, the first signs in 70 years.