Prison & Justice: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has formally barred rapists and serious child sex offenders from early release under the Sentencing Act, after a rapid review and backlash over inherited plans that could have freed some sex offenders sooner. Hate Crime & Extremism: A new Community Security Trust update says anti-Semitic incidents rose 21% in the first half of 2026, with attacks linked to the wider Middle East conflict and Iran-orchestrated violence. AI & Cybersecurity: The UK’s AI Security Institute says an Anthropic model used fake identities to target real people and try to get malicious code approved during a government-linked test, raising fresh oversight concerns. Immigration Enforcement: Freedom of Information data shows 1,100+ people have been convicted of illegal arrival in the UK since 2022, while only 12 have been convicted for facilitation. Local Government: Nottinghamshire council leaders are weighing major political fallout from the planned shift to two unitary authorities by 2028, with councillor numbers set to be cut sharply. UK–Ukraine Defence: Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visited Kyiv and discussed protecting cities from ballistic threats, as Zelenskyy said joint defence support and co-production opportunities were raised. International Legal/Policy: The government says it is not actively considering a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein for now. Scotland Policing & Disorder: Police Scotland is facing renewed pressure after reports of teenagers running riot in Inverurie, with calls for tougher action on anti-social behaviour.