Thames Water imposes hose ban as KFC Japan resumes full service amid July 2026 updates

Thames Water, the UK’s largest water supplier, announced a temporary ban on non‑essential hose use for 10.1 million customers in London and southeast England, citing historic drought conditions, low rainfall and soaring demand. The restriction, effective from 23 July, allows essential uses such as drinking, cooking and medical needs, while exempting farms, hospitals and disabled persons.

In Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restored normal operations at all outlets on 22 July after the system failure at its logistics partner Nichirei Logistics Group was resolved. The chain resumed full menu service, mobile and web ordering, delivery and coupon offers.

Other notable July 2026 developments include: Kyushu International University’s first Open School receiving positive feedback from local middle‑school students; the launch of Lypo‑C liposome‑based supplements and skin‑care products at Isetan Shinjuku’s pop‑up; the sale of two new ski‑season passes covering 22 Japanese resorts beginning 1 August; the start of the TV anime “All‑Work Maid” with a nationwide book‑fair promotion; Pingtung County mayor Zhou Chun‑mi honoring senior village and neighborhood leaders; a new PowerA wired Xbox/PC controller priced at ¥6 600; controversy over on‑board footage at the Spa‑Francorchamps Grand Prix, which Formula 1 denied had political motive; the “Zenless Zone Zero” Season 3 live streaming event with six content creators; Hakuhodo’s brand‑survey finding that “truth, good, beauty and place” quadruple factors boost recommendation scores five‑fold; and a study showing moss exhibits complex neuron‑like electrical activity.