Leicester News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
Hosted by Corey with the Story, Leicester News Today delivers fast, focused daily updates on the stories shaping Leicester—from local news and business to culture, sports, and community developments. Designed for quick, on-the-go listening, each episode brings you up to speed in minutes. Produced by AI for speed, consistency, and global scale, the show is part of The Daily News Now network—bringing local news to every city in the world and keeping communities connected. Leicester News Today is your daily snapshot of what’s happening across the city. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai
Coalville's Sewer Crisis Deepens
Coalville’s sewers are in crisis, with raw sewage flooding fields and footpaths as the aging system buckles under pressure from new housing since 2014. Severn Trent admits the infrastructure can’t handle the load — and they didn’t raise alarms during planning, citing a loophole that lets developers proceed unchecked. The River Sence is now one of the UK’s most polluted waterways, with hundreds of spills in 2024. Rainwater systems may be failing, and local councils lack resources to fix them. Experts warn the situation is “untenable,” urging new development restrictions while Severn Trent promises long-delayed upgrades — and Ofwat’s looming investig...
EMR Heatwave Travel Warning
East Midlands Railway is urging travelers to avoid non-essential trips this Wednesday and Thursday as extreme heat triggers a red weather warning in parts of the country and an amber alert across the entire East Midlands. Trains may run slower, schedules disrupted, and journeys longer — so if you must go, plan to leave before noon and check your route details ahead of time. With temperatures soaring and nights staying warm, pack water and allow extra travel time. While showers may briefly break the heat on Friday, sunshine remains the norm — so stay cool, stay hydrated, and reconsider whether your jour...
Polystyrene Lies in Your Recycling Bin
Don’t recycle polystyrene—yes, even that foam takeout container or hard plastic—it’s not recyclable and tossing it in the bin just sabotages the whole system. A binman with 13+ years on the job warns that it belongs in your general waste bin, not the recycling one. Rules vary by council, so always double-check locally to avoid fines or missed pickups. Small step, big impact.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on...
Major Drug Ring Cracked in Leicestershire
A ruthless drug syndicate operating for over two years across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire was dismantled in a major police raid, exposing a network that used terror and violence to control vulnerable communities. Led by ringleaders Obi Oko and Zughame Nyaba, the crew ran seven separate drug lines, with key members like Morgan Pilsbury, Keiran Hopper, and Jesin Adutwum acting as runners and drivers. The December 12th bust at a Leicester home netted the bosses, phones, nearly $10,000 in cash, and drugs worth $20,000. Operation Terrain, which also uncovered linked criminal networks, led to seven guilty pleas. Sentences ranged from suspended community...
Generational Health Habits Revealed
Gen Z men are crushing health habits—gym time, sleep, home cooking, and zero alcohol—but they’re also three times more stressed than Boomers, who surprisingly report the least stress while still prioritizing physical health. Millennials lead in water intake, Gen X in overall health awareness, and Boomers in diet quality. Despite generational differences, 98% of men say health matters—and older generations are increasingly taking charge of it. The takeaway? No single approach fits all, but basics like food, water, and movement remain the universal foundation.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/disc...
Bradgate Park Closes Due to Extreme Heat
Bradgate Park is shutting down key attractions like the Bradgate House Ruins and Old John Tower due to scorching temperatures hitting 34°C—with potential climbs to 36°C—triggering an amber extreme heat warning. Officials are prioritizing safety, canceling mobility services and urging visitors to hydrate and avoid the sun. Don’t head out without checking updates—your health comes first when the heat’s this intense.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on pub...
Gunfire Incidents Lead to Arrests
Gunfire rattled three Leicester neighborhoods in early June—no injuries, but homes and a car took damage. Two men, Daniel Bateman and Tom Law, now face serious charges including firearm possession with intent to cause fear and life-prohibitive offenses tied to June 9th. A 20-year-old man was also arrested Monday on suspicion of plotting firearm endangerment. The case is still unfolding, with more arrests possible, including earlier busts of three others. Bateman and Law remain in custody, next appearing in court August 10th.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
...
School Closes With No Teachers Left
A beloved village school is shutting down at the end of the year, leaving parents heartbroken and children devastated — with just 35 kids expected next term, far below capacity, and all staff having left for new jobs. Parents describe the school as a family, especially vital for kids with special needs, and demand answers after feeling ignored. Local councillors are now pressing for transparency, questioning whether restructuring caused the staff exodus. Governors admit financial strain since 2020 and say closure was unavoidable without staff, promising support for relocating students.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.co...
Hot Weather School Lunch Safety
UK schools brace for extreme heatwaves as temperatures soar to record-breaking 40°C, forcing closures and PE kit swaps. Parents, keep lunchboxes safe with ice packs—food spoils fast in heat, risking food poisoning from deli meats, dairy, and mayo. A simple chill can prevent illness.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai...
Council Pushes SEND Staff Into Rehire
Leicestershire County Council is locked in a heated standoff over planned strike action targeting its Early Years SEND staff—specialists who support children up to age four with additional needs. The council wants to make these workers redundant, then rehire them under worse terms, claiming it’s part of a modernization drive for year-round care. But the NEU union calls it blatant “fire and rehire,” accusing the council of forcing pay cuts and longer hours—and even branding them a “rogue employer.” Parents are terrified kids will lose vital support, while the council insists it’s following legal steps and not engaging...
Fraudulent Medical Exams for Drivers
A ruthless fraudster named Andrew Eburne has been sentenced to four years in prison for running a dangerous scam that falsified medical exams for commercial drivers. His company, Doctors on Wheels, handed out fake doctor-signed forms to applicants—many of whom had serious medical conditions like prosthetic eyes or profound deafness—without ever conducting proper assessments. The exams were often rushed, held in vans, and performed by unqualified staff. The scheme, which generated over $680,000, was exposed after the DVLA launched an undercover probe. The judge called Eburne the “founder and orchestrator” of a system that compromised public safety, and he’ll se...
B&Q Closing Wigston Store After 26 Years
B&Q is closing its 26-year-old Wigston store due to a non-renewed lease, but the company is prioritizing employee support and actively scouting new locations in the area to keep serving the community.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/ef86661b707d5ab1
World Cup Nights and Kid Sleep
The World Cup’s late-night excitement is testing bedtime routines — but sleep expert Kerry Davies says a few sleepless nights won’t hurt long-term. She urges parents to embrace the emotional rollercoaster, helping kids unwind with calm rituals instead of forcing sleep. Whether England wins or loses, kids need time to decompress — especially those who are neurodivergent. The key? Create a “soft landing” with dim lights, cuddles, and quiet chats. And if kids are still buzzing the next day? Keep mornings gentle and reset bedtime routines to ease back into normalcy.
Support the show:
Get a discount at...
M1 Fire Near Junction 19
A major fire erupted on the M1 northbound near junction 19 on Monday, June 22, after a blown tyre on a car transporter ignited three diesel cars and four hybrids. Fire crews battled the blaze until after 9 PM, thankfully with no injuries, but causing severe traffic delays. The fire service praised supporting agencies and thanked drivers for their patience as crews worked to restore normal traffic flow.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based...
Three Shootings Lead to Multiple Arrests
Leicestershire Police are cracking down on a string of recent shootings, with three incidents in early June leaving homes and a car damaged — but no injuries. Two men, Daniel Bateman and Tom Law, were charged with firearm offenses tied to June 9th shootings and are set for court in August. Just days later, police arrested a 20-year-old on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm. Three others are already in custody or under investigation, including a woman charged for assisting an offender. The probe is wide open, with detectives piecing together a complex web of suspects and motives.
...
Flaming Truck Halts M1 Northbound
A car transporter caught fire on the M1 northbound, sending seven vehicles up in flames after a blown tire ignited the load—three diesel cars and four hybrids. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Firefighters battled the blaze until after 9 PM, closing lanes for hours and causing major delays. It’s a stark reminder of how fast highway chaos can erupt—and how quickly crews must restore safety and flow.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-l...
UK Sun Safety Crisis Revealed
UK sun safety is dangerously off track: new research reveals one in five think sunburn is just part of tanning, while four in ten deliberately skip sunscreen. Almost half were blindsided by how intense the sun can be—even on mild days—and nearly 20% suffered burns requiring medical care, often on faces, shoulders, and arms. Alarmingly, half can’t spot skin cancer signs, and a quarter ignore new moles or rough patches. Only a third check their skin monthly, with a quarter never doing it at all. Melanoma, the fifth most common cancer in the UK, is preventable with early...
Three-Year-Old Injured in Croc Enclosure
A three-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire, but he’s now out of critical condition. Zoo staff and the owner, Tracey Johnson, acted swiftly to rescue him before paramedics arrived. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder — though police stress he had no prior connection to the child and is white British, countering online misinformation. The crocodiles remain unharmed as the investigation continues, and the Tropical House is closed in respect for the family, while the rest of the zoo reop...
Microchip Your Dog Before It’s Too Late
Your dog’s safety—and your wallet—depends on this: since 2016, all dogs over eight weeks old in the UK must be microchipped, with breeders required to chip before puppies turn eight weeks and register as first owners. No chip? You’ve got 21 days to fix it—or face a £500 fine. Exceptions exist for tiny pups or dogs with health issues, with vets issuing temporary passes. Keep your chip info current on a UK-approved database, and always ensure your dog wears a collar with your name and address. Chipping costs just £10–£30, is quick, and dramatically boosts reunion chances if your pup goes m...
Burnham’s Welfare Vision Under Scrutiny
Andy Burnham could be next Prime Minister as Keir Starmer steps down, sparking fears among benefit recipients over welfare cuts — especially with 4 million on PIPs. A major review is underway, set to deliver findings by July 17th, examining the entire benefits system with a focus on PIPs. Burnham supports smart, long-term reforms to help people into work, not just slashing budgets. He’s criticized the current system for being reactive, not preventative, and highlighted an imbalance favoring youth benefits over employment support. He’s even proposed tying government contracts to social value like apprenticeships. Meanwhile, the DWP outlines plans for PI...
Keep Your Dog Cool This Heatwave
When temperatures soar to dangerous levels, your dog’s safety is in your hands. The RSPCA warns that with heatwaves hitting 38°C or even 40°C — and a red alert issued — it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s life-threatening for pets. Stay ahead by preparing: pack water, seek shade, and check pavement before walking. Watch closely for signs of distress — heavy panting, drooling, clumsiness, collapse — and act fast: cool them down, hydrate, and seek emergency help if symptoms worsen. Your furry friend depends on you to be vigilant and ready.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipill...
Schools Shutting Down Amid Heatwave
England and Wales brace for a scorching heatwave with temperatures hitting 40°C, triggering a rare red weather warning. Schools are being urged to close or shorten days to protect students and staff from heat-related illness, as unions and the Department for Education emphasize safety over attendance. Some schools are already shutting early or fully, switching to online learning to keep education going without risking health.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based o...
UK Schools Close Amid Record Heat
UK schools across the South East, South West, London, and East Midlands are shutting down or switching to online classes as a record-breaking heatwave hits, with the Met Office issuing its highest red alert for temperatures nearing 40°C — posing serious health risks and straining healthcare and travel systems.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & latest updates:
htt...
UK Schools Brace for Heatwave
UK schools brace for scorching heat as temperatures soar past 38°C — officials urge leaders to keep classrooms open but prioritize student safety with lighter clothes, shaded areas, and water access, while scaling back strenuous activities. With an amber warning in place and heat expected through Thursday, the Met Office warns of dangerous conditions, especially for kids and the elderly, and cautions against peak sun exposure and overnight heat that’s making sleep impossible.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This...
East Midlands Ambulance Gets Major Staff Boost
East Midlands Ambulance Service is set to dramatically expand its workforce with a major new funding boost, aiming to hire 400 new patient-facing staff by 2029—200 by 2026, another 200 by 2027—to slash response times and meet rising demand. Backed by local integrated care boards across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire, this strategic push targets critical care improvements after recent setbacks like January’s 19,500-hour handover delays. The goal? Faster, more reliable service and new career opportunities to ensure the region’s ambulance service is fully equipped to handle whatever comes next.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/disc...
Emma's 10-Year Battle with Endometriosis
Emma Crabbe, a 28-year-old woman, finally speaks out after a decade of agony from undiagnosed endometriosis and adenomyosis—conditions that were repeatedly dismissed as “normal period pain.” What began with teenage cramps spiraled into life-altering suffering, forcing her to move back home and face major surgery that could involve removing part of her bowel. Now diagnosed at stage four, she’s fighting not just for her health but for systemic change, urging others to speak up sooner so they don’t endure the same silent, devastating journey.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discou...
Leicester’s Inner Ring Road Gets Red Routes
Leicester City Council is cracking down on traffic chaos by turning key inner ring road sections into red routes—starting early July 2026—with no stopping allowed on Burleys Way, St Matthews Way, and St George’s Way. The move aims to slash congestion, boost journey times, and tackle dangerous parking. First fines are $70, halved if paid within 21 days. Enforcement will rely on a new CCTV-equipped patrol car, not fixed cameras. Roadwork begins June 22, with overnight hydroblasting of old lines and new signage—expect noise and lane closures. This connects existing red routes, creating a seamless traffic-free corridor to make city tra...
Greyhound Pub Expansion Blocked
A local pub in Great Glen wanted to expand with a new timber-framed building complete with heating, lights, and sound gear—but the Harborough District Council denied the plans, calling the design chaotic and out of place. Concerns over noise pollution, especially at night, and complaints from nearby residents pushed the council to reject the project, citing insufficient proof it wouldn’t disrupt daily life. The pub’s expansion dreams were put on hold as neighbors and officials agreed: preserving peace and neighborhood charm comes first.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discou...
Council Blocks Student Housing in Leicester Church
Leicester’s city council killed a student housing plan for an old Pentecostal church on Evington Street, calling the proposed rooms “unsatisfactory” due to poor natural light, lack of windows, and street-facing ground floor bedrooms — despite some neighbors supporting the idea over the building sitting empty. Meanwhile, the church itself is moving to a much larger venue approved for next year, doubling its capacity to accommodate 350 worshippers.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary...
M1 Fire Forces Major Closure
A major fire on the M1 northbound has shut down all lanes around junction 19 near Catthorpe Interchange, causing massive delays stretching toward junction 20 at Lutterworth. Six fire engines and two water carriers, aided by neighboring services, are battling the blaze involving a car transporter. Drivers attempting to enter the M1 from the A14 are blocked, and those already on the road are urged to find alternative routes. The closure, first reported after 5 PM, remains in effect as National Highways warns of extensive disruptions—expect delays for hours.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.co...
Stop Stinky Bins with Baking Soda
UK summers are turning trash cans into stink bombs — but one TikTok cleaning hack has a simple fix: sprinkle baking soda (which neutralizes odors chemically), layer with absorbent paper, and add a few drops of essential oil for freshness. This combo keeps bins odor-free, dry, and bacteria-resistant — no fancy products needed.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & late...
Dragon Soars Over Tower of London
A colossal 8-meter-long dragon replica of Syrax from House of the Dragon soared over the Tower of London, crafted with 23 moving parts and built over three months by a 14-person team using foam, carbon fiber, and aluminum — all to celebrate the premiere of Season 3. Inspired by the show’s gritty Targaryen drama set 200 years before Game of Thrones, the dragon’s lifelike flight — perfected through seven test runs — thrilled fans and even drew cast members like Kieran Bew and Tom Bennett for a post-flight reception. The Tower of London, echoing the show’s themes of power and ambition, embraced the fantasy...
Diseworth School Closes Its Doors
Diseworth Church of England Primary School is shutting down at the end of this academic year, leaving students and families heartbroken after years of dedicated service. With all staff having resigned and no time to hire replacements, the school faces a future with just 35 pupils—far below its capacity of 84. Governors made the painful decision amid mounting financial strain and declining enrollment. The Leicester Diocesan Board and county council are now focused on securing new school placements for every child, honoring the school’s legacy while ensuring every student continues their education without disruption.
Support the show:
G...
Leicestershire End 23-Year Drought
Leicestershire shatters a 23-year drought with a commanding County Championship win over Yorkshire, sealing their first top-flight victory in over two decades. Bowling Yorkshire out for 229 and winning by an innings and 39 runs, the team delivered a statement performance that silenced doubters and proved their worth in Division One. Stand-in captain Ben Green and 19-year-old sensation Alex Green starred with the ball, while Rishi Patel and Rehan Ahmed’s explosive 128 and Nick Kelly’s maiden century laid the foundation for a 268-run lead. With the Championship pausing for white-ball action, Leicestershire now turn focus to the T20 Blast against Lanc...
Field Fire Forces Road Closure in Long Whatton
A major field fire erupted in Long Whatton Monday afternoon, forcing road closures, evacuations, and emergency crews from multiple stations—including Nottinghamshire—to battle thick smoke and dangerous conditions. Residents were urged to stay indoors with windows and doors shut, while authorities reminded everyone to call 999 if spotting any fires and to use What3Words for faster location reporting. Thankfully, crews managed to contain the blaze quickly amid the heat and haze.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is a...
Diseworth School to Close Forever
Diseworth CofE Primary School is shutting down for good at the end of this academic year, a heartbreaking blow to its 35 students and families after years of declining enrollment and a devastating loss of all teaching staff. Financially unsustainable and facing an oversupply of school places due to falling birth rates, the school’s governors made the tough call — with county council and Diocese of Leicester stepping in to ensure every child finds a new school spot before the next term. It’s a sobering reminder that even well-intentioned institutions must adapt to changing realities.
Support the show:<...
Field Fire in Leicestershire Sparks Urgent Alert
Big field fire erupts in Leicestershire—multiple crews racing to contain blaze as smoke threatens nearby homes. Heatwave fuels rapid spread, so if you spot fire, call 999 NOW. Download what3words app to help crews pinpoint your exact location. Stay safe, stay alert.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/a3583585943a8...
Coalville Market Hall Could Become Cinema
Coalville’s vacant market hall could soon become a cinema and new retail spaces, sparking mixed reactions from locals. North West Leicestershire District Council is pushing forward with redevelopment plans that also include changes to the adjacent car park — a project that’s been floated before, including using old council offices or the historic Rex cinema, though both fell through. While some residents see the hall as an eyesore needing revitalization, others worry about past failures of local cinemas. Business owners, however, are optimistic, viewing this as a major boost for the town’s future, especially after stalled efforts in the N...
Marks Electrical Hit with £720k Fine
Marks Electrical faces a £720,000 fine and must refund £600,000 to nearly 40,000 customers after automatically charging for unwanted extras like appliance recycling or packaging removal—violating consumer law that demands opt-in consent. The CMA found the practice, which occurred between April and November 2025, was deceptive and forced the company to halt the practice and cooperate. Thanks to early admission of fault, the fine was slashed 40%, and Marks must report progress annually as refunds are issued via original payment methods. This case sends a clear message: businesses can’t assume you want add-ons—you have the right to choose what you pay for, and...
Thurmaston Shopping Centre Fire Under Investigation
A major fire tore through the Thurmaston Shopping Centre in Leicestershire, sending 40 firefighters and multiple engines into action—though thankfully no one was injured. Initially labeled as undetermined, authorities now suspect arson after handing the case over to police. The centre was undergoing demolition when the blaze erupted, adding intrigue to the investigation. Police are actively seeking witnesses and any information that could shed light on the deliberate act—and are urging the public to come forward.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thed...