Stories from London · United Kingdom

A study published in The Lancet suggests semaglutide may reduce addictive urges in obese adults. The research involved 108 obese adults struggling with alcohol addiction over a 26-week period. Participants receiving a weekly dose of semaglutide saw heavy drinking days fall from 17 per month to five. The drug is thought to target reward circuits in the brain to dampen cravings, according to the report. One group was given a dummy pill for comparison. After 26 weeks of treatment, the number of heavy drinking days fell from 17 per month to 5. All participants also received cognitive behavioral therapy during the trial. Experts noted that the therapy could have influenced the drug's effects. The study lacked follow-up data to determine if participants reverted to previous drinking behaviors after treatment ended.

The Conservative Party apologized for including footage from the 1972 Bloody Sunday military operation in a social media video supporting army veterans.

Vitor Guiocchini, a 27-year-old striker for Arsenal, has been named a leader for the Brazilian national team heading into the World Cup.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead the drivers' championship. Antonelli took the lead following a victory in Japan last month. The championship lead comes as racing regulations aim to reduce closing speeds and present new challenges for drivers. The sport is also facing upcoming changes aimed at returning qualifying to a flat-out challenge and reducing closing speeds during racing. World champion Max Verstappen has reportedly expressed uncertainty regarding his future in the sport. During a type interview, the driver was compared to legends Schumacher and Senna. The performance follows a period where Alpine teams were noted in Q3.

A new statue appeared overnight near Piccadilly Circus in London. It is situated near the Crimean War Memorial and an equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington. The location is an area historically associated with patriotic displays. The report noted the presence of English flags being flown in recent months as a message of exclusion against migrants crossing the English Channel. The work is believed to be by the anonymous artist Banksy. The installation was reportedly erected under the cover of darkness. Street artist Banksy has installed a new statue on Waterloo Place in London. The artwork depicts a man in a suit walking off a precipice while blinded by a flag. The piece is thought to symbolize blind patriotism in response to rising nationalism in the UK and globally. Observers speculated that a new work by Banksy surfaced in central London this week.

Police in the United Kingdom are requesting additional resources to ensure the safety of British Jews. The demand follows reports of attacks on synagogues and ambulances. The source noted that some demonstrations and marches have allegedly broken the law. Authorities are being urged to take resolute action regarding these incidents.

The Prime Minister has not ruled out deploying the military to free up armed police for high-priority areas. This consideration follows an increased terrorism threat level in the United Kingdom. The decision would aim to reallocate police resources to areas where they are most needed. The UK Prime Minister explicitly mentioned Ukraine, stating that the country is awaiting funding. Tens of millions of dollars are at issue, and Ukraine will face difficulties if the funding is not provided, a fact that Russia is aware of. The source noted that the situation is complex and delicate, with implications for other related issues.

A 440-meter tiramisu was constructed in London. The dessert required 19,000 eggs, two tons of mascarpone, 400 kilograms of sugar, and 128,000 ladyfingers. The project was part of a culinary effort reported by local media.

Professionals competed at Excel London to determine the fastest builders of IKEA flat-pack furniture. The build included a cabinet that passed a sit test and contained no leftover screws. The event follows last year's inaugural championship. Participants were tasked with assembling the iconic flat-packed furniture to determine the best professionals in the field. This time shaved nearly one minute off her previous year's final time. Mark Ashton also participated in the event. Her time was nearly one minute faster than her performance in last year's final. Mark Ashton provided commentary on the win. Champion Mark Ashton advised participants to always read instructions carefully. Contestants participated in the Flat Pack World Championship in London. Participants were tasked with accurately building an IKEA bedside table within a 10-minute time limit.

A two-day appeal hearing resulted in the conviction of comedy writer Graham Linnahan being overturned. Mrs Justice Amanda Tipples ruled that Graham Ninhans' conviction should be overturned. Ninhans was arrested at Heathrow Airport last September following an incident in 2024. The conviction stemmed from a confrontation with transgender activist Sophia Brooks during which a phone was damaged. Graham Linahan stated the case should not have proceeded to trial. The source noted that Linahan reportedly possessed an underground laboratory in his home used for producing improvised bombs. Authorities have targeted both direct participants in protests and the broader movement associated with the case. Linnahan described the court's decision to throw out the case as welcome. Graham Linehan, co-creator of the British sitcom Father Ted, had his conviction for criminal damage overturned.