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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that she is stepping down from the Trump administration by the end of the month. She cited wanting more time with her family as the reason behind the decision. In a social media post, the 28-year-old explained that returning to the White House after having her daughter left her struggling to balance the demands of the role with being present for her two young children. She called it a bittersweet decision to move into a new chapter of her life. President Trump responded publicly, saying he understood and respected her choice. He added that Leavitt would remain part of his inner circle, describing her as one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party going forward. The sudden announcement caught many off guard, sparking a wave of speculation online about what actually prompted her exit. No official replacement has been named yet, but multiple reports have pointed to Natalie Harp as a likely contender for the role. The 34-year-old serves as Trump’s executive assistant and is frequently seen by his side at public events. She reportedly manages much of his digital presence, including posting pre-approved content to his social media accounts after hours, according to a Wall Street Journal report from May 2026. Given her closeness to the president, Harp has emerged as one of the more plausible names being floated to take over the press secretary role. Alongside the succession talk, unverified theories have also surfaced online suggesting Harp may have played a role in Leavitt’s exit. Some reports, including one from the Irish Star, claim Harp accompanied Trump during a security-related jet switch amid threat concerns, while Leavitt was left behind, though this remains unconfirmed. A source told the Daily Mail that Harp holds an unusually close position within Trump’s team, describing her as closer to the president than anyone else on his staff. Separately, a widely circulated video appeared to show Leavitt seemingly sidelined during a tense exchange involving Trump and another woster believed to be Harp, shortly before her resignation announcement. None of these claims have been independently verified so far.

An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been issued across affected parts of England as hot weather continues, with the alert remaining in place until 9am on Friday, August 14. Health authorities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures. People are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day where possible and take steps to keep cool. Authorities have also urged the public to check on family members, friends and neighbours who may struggle to cope with the heat. Those considered particularly vulnerable include older people, young children and babies, as well as people living with existing health conditions. The alert is intended to raise awareness of the potential health impacts of sustained high temperatures and encourage people to take preventative measures. People are advised to keep indoor spaces as cool as possible, stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest periods and seek medical advice if they become seriously unwell because of the heat. The Amber Heat-Health Alert will remain in force until 9am on Friday, August 14, unless conditions change earlier. Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather situation and are urging the public to take the heat seriously, particularly as temperatures remain elevated across parts of the country.

LONDON:  Constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, a vibrant economy and a strong defence are the four pillars that will safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensure its long-term stability, former Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum HI(M) said in London. Addressing a Pakistan Independence Day reception organised by the International Lawyers Club UK (ILCUK) in London to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the President of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) said Pakistan’s independence was won through “immense sacrifices, visionary leadership and the constitutional struggle led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” “Among the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty is living as free citizens of an independent and sovereign Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country’s freedom “is not merely inherited but has to be continuously protected through unity, discipline and national resolve.” Paying tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Senator Abdul Qayyum said the military had repeatedly defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggression, terrorism and hybrid threats. “Our Armed Forces have successfully confronted external aggression, terrorism and various hybrid threats because of the determination of our people and the sacrifices, professionalism and courage of our soldiers,” he said. “The nation takes pride in its internationally respected Armed Forces, which have repeatedly defended Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He warned that Pakistan continued to face a range of internal and external challenges, including terrorism, foreign-sponsored insurgency, disinformation campaigns, sectarianism and political polarisation. He stressed that operations against terrorists and armed militants should be viewed as a constitutional responsibility of the state rather than political repression. “Action against armed militants, terrorists and those working against the state should not be misconstrued as repression, but rather as the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” he said. While acknowledging the importance of democratic freedoms, Senator Abdul Qayyum said freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly. “Freedom of expression and difference of opinion should never come at the expense of national security,” he said, adding that unity between the people, constitutional institutions and the Armed Forces remained “the strongest guarantee of Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability and democratic future.” Highlighting the historic contribution of lawyers to the Pakistan Movement, he said the legal fraternity had played a decisive role in achieving independence through constitutional means. He urged lawyers and barristers to continue defending the Constitution, upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. Turning to Pakistan’s future priorities, the senator called for strict adherence to constitutional governance, separation of powers, an independent judiciary and impartial accountability. He also advocated comprehensive industrial and agricultural reforms, greater investment in education, science, research and artificial intelligence, modernisation of Pakistan’s defence capabilities and stronger border security. Referring to criticism of the military, Senator Abdul Qayyum said retired servicemen, pensioners of second-line forces and civilians associated with the defence sector stood firmly behind the Armed Forces. “Those who demonise this sacred institution in the national and international media do no service to the country,” he said, urging the media to report responsibly and avoid undermining institutions responsible for safeguarding Pakistan’s security. Concluding his address, Senator Abdul Qayyum called on Pakistanis at home and abroad to renew their commitment to strengthening national institutions, rebuilding the economy, educating future generations and honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs. “I am confident that through unity, collective effort and by placing national interests above political differences, Pakistan will emerge stronger, more resilient and more prosperous in the years ahead,” he said.