Wales will ban the sale of disposable vapes starting June 2025, in coordination with England’s decision, with Scotland and Northern Ireland likely to implement similar measures. Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasized the environmental and social harm caused by single-use vapes as a priority in the decision. Chris Mcginley, a 35-year-old in Cardiff who had quit cigarettes for years before vaping said "Disposable vapes are such an easy way in for people, I can't get off them". The move underscores a UK-wide effort to address the health risks and environmental waste associated with disposable vapes.

Bruce Springsteen endorsed Kamala Harris at a rally in Clarkston, Georgia, calling Donald Trump a "would-be tyrant." He urged voters to support Harris, emphasizing the need for a president who respects the Constitution and protects democracy. Springsteen highlighted the importance of the rule of law, the peaceful transfer of power, and women's rights, advocating for a middle-class economy that benefits all citizens. The rally drew around 20,000 attendees, making it Harris's largest campaign event to date, surpassing her previous rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, which attracted 17,000 people. The event underscores the Democratic push ahead of the presidential election.

A North Korean balloon carrying trash landed on the South Korean presidential compound in central Seoul on Thursday, marking the second incident of this kind. The balloon burst, releasing bags of rubbish but no hazardous materials were found, according to South Korea's presidential security service. This event occurred amid heightened tensions between North and South Korea, following North Korea's accusations that South Korea sent drones over Pyongyang to distribute propaganda. Since late May, North Korea has been sending balloons filled with waste, part of a psychological campaign reminiscent of Cold War tactics. Security concerns regarding key sites in South Korea are rising.

Georgians recall Russia's past aggression as they prepare for a pivotal election on Saturday, framed by opposition groups as a choice between aligning with Russia or pursuing European integration. The opposition, including four coalitions, aims to end the 12-year rule of the Georgian Dream party, which they accuse of moving closer to Russia. In Gori, a city affected by the 2008 conflict, campaign leader Mindia Goderdzishvili emphasized the memories of Russian occupation, suggesting the government manipulates these memories to maintain power. The opposition seeks to revive Georgia's stalled bid for European Union membership, highlighting the country's complex geopolitical landscape.

Big Brother has edited out an image on a contestant’s T-shirt that was linked to anti-Israel sentiment. Ali Bromley, a contestant on the ITV2 show, wore a T-shirt featuring a watermelon slice in the colors of the Palestinian flag. The Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted that the watermelon symbol is often associated with anti-Israel messaging. In response, the show issued an apology and edited the episodes to remove the image. Big Brother stated that they aim to ensure no content causes offense and have taken the necessary steps to address the concerns raised.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at potential tax increases for individuals with shares and assets, stating they do not fall under his definition of "working people." This comes after Labour's manifesto promised not to raise taxes on working people, though the term's exact meaning remains unclear. The discussion grew after ministers did not rule out a national insurance hike on employers, which tax experts say could ultimately affect employees through lower wages. Starmer described a working person as someone who earns a living through regular wages, rather than relying on financial assets or wealth.

Turkey has launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant sites in Iraq and Syria, blaming the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for an attack near Ankara that killed five people. The strikes, which began Wednesday, have reportedly killed 59 people, including 12 civilians. The attack occurred at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), located 40km from Ankara, during a shift change. The perpetrators, identified as PKK members, were neutralized by security forces. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack as "heinous." The PKK, banned in Turkey, the US, and the UK, has been fighting for Kurdish rights since the 1980s.

Aesculapian snakes, one of Europe's largest snake species, are breeding inside UK homes, particularly in attics and wall cavities, according to scientists. These non-native snakes, which can grow up to 7 feet long, were introduced to Colwyn Bay, North Wales, in the 1970s after escaping from a zoo. Researchers tracked 21 snakes and found that male snakes prefer to use human structures for warmth, while females favor woodland areas. These behaviors are unusual for UK-native snakes, which tend to avoid urban areas. Scientists are studying the snakes' adaptation to the UK’s cooler climate to understand their spread.

Turkey’s Air Force launched strikes on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria following an attack on the TUSAS aerospace and defence company near Ankara that killed 5 and wounded over 20. Turkey blames the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the assault. Defence Minister Yasar Guler confirmed 47 targets were hit, and 59 militants were "neutralised." The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reported civilian casualties from Turkish airstrikes in Syria. Turkey regularly targets PKK-affiliated groups in both countries, aiming to eliminate Kurdish militants.

Russian influencer Valeria Fedyakina, dubbed the "Queen of Crypto," scammed over $22 million from investors, reportedly sending the money to Ukrainian troops amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Fedyakina, 24, portrayed herself as a cryptocurrency expert across social media platforms, convincing at least four victims to trust her with large investments. Russian authorities revealed that she operated under the alias "Bitmama" and had offices in Moscow, Dubai, and Monaco. After duping her victims, Fedyakina transferred the stolen funds to Dubai crypto, bypassing banking restrictions. Police confirmed the scam unfolded over two months.