Cost of Living & Inflation: UK inflation is expected to jump to 2.9% in July as Ofgem’s 13% energy price cap rise adds about £221 to typical bills, with analysts warning the shock could keep prices elevated into winter. Water Bills Under Pressure: Ofwat is considering seasonal and usage-based “surge pricing” for droughts, potentially letting households pay more in summer and less in winter—an idea critics say risks penalising customers for long-running failures. Heatwave Housing Reality: Citizens Advice research and tenant accounts highlight “heat trap” social housing, with many lacking basic controls to stop flats overheating during extreme temperatures. High Street Fallout: River Island is set to close more stores after earlier closures, while a 112-year-old Cheshire department store Hancock & Wood has shut for good. Energy Supplier Costs: Octopus Energy faces backlash after reporting “wasted wind” costs—wind farms being turned off while gas plants run—adding pressure on household bills. Retail & Consumer Deals: Home Bargains is selling a £180 “limited edition” 10-piece beauty kit for £29.99, and shoppers are rushing for a new huge Terry’s Chocolate Orange bar. Tech & Payments: OpenAI expands ChatGPT advertising into the UK, while Ecommpay says failed subscription payments can drain about 9% of revenue for e-commerce subscription firms. Transport & Safety: Uber has rolled out in-app audio recording across the whole of the UK to help with safety reports. Food & Consumer Standards: A Welsh spa stay gets a rave review, and a Northumberland coffee supplier wins a top Great Taste award for a Rwanda single-origin bean.