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Plans to extend a scheme that provides free activities and meals to children during school holidays have been recommended for approval.

North Northamptonshire Council will discuss re-commissioning the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme at a meeting on 11 August.

Paid for by the Department for Education (DfE), it is aimed at children and young people aged five to 16 who receive benefit-related free school meals.

Elizabeth Wright, executive member for children, education and families, said recommissioning would “build on the success achieved so far” and “continue supporting vulnerable families” as well as “work alongside our excellent local voluntary, community and sports organisations”.

Last year, the government announced a three-year extension for the scheme as part of a £600m investment nationally.

In 2023 the council awarded the contract to Northamptonshire Sport to run the service initially for two years with two optional extensions of 12 months each.

The authority said both of these extensions had been used and the current contract would lapse in March 2027.

In summer 2025, more than 2,100 children participated, a slight drop on the attendance in the two previous summers – with 2,630 recorded in 2024 and 2,250 in 2023.

In a report to executive, external, the fall in numbers had been attributed to a change in booking system which officers said would “require further monitoring”.

In previous years, North Northamptonshire Council has been awarded about £1.1m for administering the scheme.

The sessions ranged from drama to computer programming – but they all included some physical exercise.

If approved, North Northamptonshire Council will tender the contract and anticipate awarding it in November.

West Northamptonshire Council’s arrangements for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme beyond March 2027 are due to be considered by cabinet in September.

The unitary authority said: “As this process is ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

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Samsung’s newest generation of foldable smartphones has smashed the company’s previous pre-order records across multiple continents ahead of their official launch Friday, suggesting foldable devices may finally be moving toward mainstream adoption after years as a relatively niche corner of the smartphone market.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 opened pre-orders on July 22 and closed the window on Aug. 6, ahead of a full public launch scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7. Samsung shared performance data with multiple outlets throughout the pre-order period showing the new lineup significantly outpacing every previous foldable generation the company has released.

Records Falling Across Multiple Markets

In South Korea, Samsung recorded 1.44 million units in pre-sales across the three new models over a seven-day stretch from July 28 to Aug. 3, according to a company statement. That figure surpassed the previous Korean pre-order record of 1.38 million units, held by the Galaxy Note 10 since 2019, and comfortably exceeded the 1.35 million units recorded for the Galaxy S26 series earlier this year. It also more than doubled the 1.04 million combined pre-orders recorded for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 during the same window last year. According to a report cited by Dataconomy, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 alone accounted for more than 70% of that Korean pre-order total.

In the United States, Samsung confirmed to Mashable that pre-orders were outpacing the company’s previous Z series record by 30%, with the Z Fold 8 accounting for nearly half of all U.S. pre-orders. In Europe, Samsung reported that pre-order performance had surpassed all previous foldable smartphone records by more than 17%, even with a full day remaining in the pre-order window at the time the figures were shared. European demand for the non-flip Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra models specifically surged 70% compared with the equivalent Z Fold 7 models, with the redesigned Z Fold 8 alone capturing 40% of all European pre-orders.

A New Design Driving Demand

Much of the excitement surrounding this year’s lineup has centered on the Z Fold 8, which introduces a notably wider form factor than previous Fold generations, a shape that reportedly matches rumors surrounding Apple’s still-unconfirmed foldable iPhone. In a statement shared alongside its U.S. pre-order figures, Samsung said the redefined form factor of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has introduced the foldable experience to an even broader group of users with diverse lifestyles, adding that the company expects the global foldable market to grow more than 20% annually and more than double in size by 2028.

Flip Owners Trading Up

One of the more notable trends Samsung highlighted involves existing Galaxy Z Flip owners upgrading to the larger Fold form factor at unprecedented rates. The company said roughly three times as many Flip users are switching to Fold devices this generation compared with the prior cycle, a shift some analysts have attributed to the improved usability and broader appeal of the redesigned Z Fold 8 specifically. Samsung also disclosed that nearly one in four buyers who pre-ordered a Fold or Flip device this year also pre-ordered one of the company’s new Galaxy Watch models, pointing to strong cross-category demand across its broader device ecosystem.

Popular Colors Selling Out

Demand has been strong enough that certain color options have reportedly sold out in some markets. Globally, Graphite emerged as the most popular color choice across both Fold models, while Pink led sales for the Flip 8. Among younger buyers on Samsung’s own retail platform, specifically those between 15 and 34 years old, a trio of exclusive green-toned colorways, Green Shadow on the Fold 8 Ultra, Pistachio on the Fold 8, and Mint on the Flip 8, proved especially popular.

Higher Prices Haven’t Slowed Demand

The record-breaking pre-order volume comes despite all three new models launching at higher prices than their predecessors, a shift the company has attributed in part to an ongoing memory chip shortage affecting the broader smartphone industry. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 carries a starting price of $1,899.99, the Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99, and the Z Flip 8 starts at $1,199.99. Samsung also reportedly scaled back some pre-order incentives, including free storage upgrades, in several markets compared with prior launches, making the scale of the demand surge notable given the less generous promotional environment.

Part of a Broader Premium Smartphone Trend

The strength of Samsung’s foldable pre-orders arrives amid a broader shift toward premium smartphone segments across the industry. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the premium smartphone segment accounted for 29% of overall global smartphone volume during the first half of 2026, up from 25% during the same period the year before. That said, Samsung’s mobile experience division, the unit responsible for its Galaxy phones, tablets and wearables, reported an operating loss for the second quarter of 2026 despite revenue growth, according to Korean media reports, prompting the company to reportedly reassess its broader pricing strategy across sticker prices, trade-in promotions and regional pricing structures.

A Potential Turning Point for Foldables

The foldable phone category emerged less than a decade ago, and early devices in the space were often criticized as expensive, occasionally gimmicky, and prone to visible creasing along their fold lines. In the years since, foldable hardware has improved considerably, and early adopters have identified a growing range of practical use cases for folding displays beyond novelty appeal. Despite those improvements, foldables have largely remained a niche segment of the broader smartphone market. This year’s unprecedented pre-order performance, however, has led some industry observers to suggest the category may finally be approaching a more mainstream inflection point, particularly with Apple reportedly preparing to enter the foldable market with its own device in the near future.

With pre-orders now closed and full retail availability beginning Friday through carriers, retailers, Samsung’s own website and its physical Experience Stores, attention will shift toward whether the strong pre-order momentum translates into similarly strong sales once the devices reach a broader base of walk-in customers. Samsung has already confirmed reviews of the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra are live ahead of launch day, giving prospective buyers additional information as they weigh the new lineup against its record-breaking early demand.

At present, provisions relating to stock exchanges and clearing corporations are contained across the Master Circular for Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations (MSECC) issued in December 2024, and the Master Circular for Commodity Derivatives (MCCD) issued in August 2023.

In its consultation paper, Sebi has proposed merging provisions pertaining to clearing corporations contained in the two master circulars into a separate Master Circular for Clearing Corporations.

Similarly, certain requirements primarily concerning exchanges have been proposed to be shifted to the relevant chapters of the Master Circular for Exchanges.

Among other changes, Sebi has proposed extending certain website disclosure requirements for clearing corporations to all segments. These include disclosures relating to the policy on composition and contributions to the Core Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF), quarterly break-up of contributions, investment policy for the Core SGF and the default waterfall for each segment.

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The regulator has also proposed exempting clearing corporations registered as depository participants (DPs) from submitting periodic DP-related reports and filings to depositories.
Sebi noted that clearing corporations retain DP registrations mainly for establishing connectivity with depositories for clearing and settlement activities and do not undertake retail client transactions like regular DPs.Further, several provisions concerning stock brokers, including mode of payment and delivery, block mechanism for early pay-in, pay-in validation, client collateral and pledge/re-pledge of securities, are proposed to be removed from the MSECC since these are already covered under the Master Circular for Stock Brokers dated June 17, 2025.

The regulator has also proposed deleting or relocating provisions relating to client code modification, order-level checks, dynamic price bands and base minimum capital as these are already covered elsewhere in the regulatory framework.

Requirements relating to calculation of mean impact cost and risk reduction mode, among others, are proposed to be moved to the relevant trading and exchange-traded derivatives chapters of the Master Circular for Exchanges.

Further, provisions concerning clearing corporations that are currently contained in the commodity derivatives and stock exchange master circulars, including those dealing with risk management, delivery and settlement of derivative contracts, have been proposed to be consolidated into the new Master Circular for Clearing Corporations.

Sebi said the move would help standardise norms, rationalise periodic filings, remove obsolete requirements and simplify the regulatory framework.

The regulator has sought public comments on whether provisions under the two existing master circulars should be merged and whether those relating to stock exchanges and clearing corporations should be separated.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought public comments on the proposals till August 27.

Some businesses grow because they find the right market. Others grow because people remember how they were treated.

For Corey Hunt, Owner and Master Electrician of Rocky Coast Electric, the goal has never been simply to complete electrical projects. It has been to build a company that customers trust, employees are proud to join, and the community can rely on for years to come.

That philosophy shapes every decision he makes.

“Success to me is the continuing of education. Constantly improving day after day and being better than the day before,” Corey says.

It is a simple idea, but one that has guided both his career and the steady growth of Rocky Coast Electric.

What Makes Corey Hunt’s Approach to Leadership Different?

Corey believes great businesses are built long before they become successful. They are built through habits.

Showing up prepared.

Doing quality work.

Keeping promises.

Treating people with respect.

Those principles have stayed with him throughout his career, from his early days working on solar installations to leading his own company today.

“Showing up to work every day and working harder than everybody else. Creating solutions for people with problems,” he says.

For Corey, electrical work is about much more than wiring a building. Every project is an opportunity to solve a problem and give someone confidence that the work was done right.

That mindset has helped Rocky Coast Electric establish a reputation for dependable service across Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn area.

Why Continuous Learning Never Stops

Although Corey holds a Master Electrician licence in Maine, he never considers his education finished.

The electrical industry continues to evolve. Solar energy, electric vehicles, smart homes, battery storage, and energy-efficient technologies are changing how people power their homes and businesses.

Rather than seeing those changes as challenges, Corey sees opportunities to keep learning.

“I don’t stop reading,” he says.

His reading ranges from leadership and business books to personal development and the Bible. Books such as How to Win Friends and Influence People, Buy Back Your Time, and The Richest Man in Babylon have influenced the way he communicates, leads, and plans for the future.

That commitment to learning also benefits his customers. As technology changes, Corey believes professionals have a responsibility to stay ahead of the curve instead of relying only on what worked yesterday.

How Rocky Coast Electric Builds Customer Trust

Technical skill matters, but Corey believes trust is what turns a first-time customer into a long-term relationship.

That starts with communication.

It continues with honesty.

And it ends with delivering quality work.

One lesson has shaped his leadership style throughout his career.

“I learned early on that you can be nice to people and still get stuff done. You don’t have to be rude to get your point across.”

That approach influences how he works with homeowners, business owners, suppliers, and employees alike.

Respect is not separate from professionalism. To Corey, it is part of it.

His goal is to build a company known as much for its character as its craftsmanship.

Building Leaders, Not Just Completing Projects

Launching Rocky Coast Electric in 2023 gave Corey the opportunity to build the kind of company he always envisioned.

Growth is important.

But sustainable growth comes from investing in people.

Corey believes mentoring employees, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities are some of the most rewarding parts of leadership.

He wants people who work alongside him to improve their own skills and confidence with every project.

That philosophy reflects the same approach he takes toward his own development.

“I set goals at a ridiculous time limit and hope to achieve them in double that, or sooner.”

For Corey, ambitious goals create momentum. Even when plans change, moving forward is what matters most.

“Moving forward is success even if it doesn’t look like it on the surface.”

Family, Faith, and a Long-Term Vision

Outside of work, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also stays active through basketball, swimming, exercise, and continuing to learn about solar technology and electric vehicles.

His Christian faith remains a steady influence in both his personal life and his business.

Rather than separating faith from work, Corey believes values like honesty, humility, service, and integrity should be visible in everyday actions.

His family also shapes the way he thinks about success.

Building a respected company is important, but so is building a life that creates opportunities for others.

Whether that means mentoring employees, serving customers well, supporting his church, or giving back to the local community, Corey wants Rocky Coast Electric to stand for more than electrical work alone.

Looking Ahead

Corey Hunt does not measure success by a single project or milestone.

He measures it by whether the company continues to improve.

Whether customers continue to recommend Rocky Coast Electric.

Whether employees grow into future leaders.

And whether every year brings new knowledge, stronger relationships, and better service.

“We need something to work for always. Be passionate about your life. Don’t take no for an answer.”

That philosophy continues to shape Rocky Coast Electric as it grows. It is also shaping Corey Hunt’s reputation as a business owner who believes that lasting success is earned through craftsmanship, leadership, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Operator

Welcome to the Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this call is being recorded today, August 6, 2026.

I will now turn the call over to Lisa DeFrancesco, SVP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for Lexicon. Please go ahead, Lisa.

Lisa DeFrancesco
Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Thank you, Therese. Good morning, and welcome to our Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call. Joining me today are Dr. Mike Exton, Lexicon’s Chief Executive Officer and Director; Dr. Craig Granowitz, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; and Scott Coiante, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

This morning, Lexicon issued a press release announcing our financial results for the second quarter of 2026, which is available on our website at www.lexpharma.com and through our SEC filings. A webcast of this call, along with the slide presentation is also available on our website.

During this call, we will review the information provided in our release, provide a corporate update and then use the remainder of our time to answer your questions.

Before we begin, let me remind you that we will be making forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the safety, efficacy, clinical development, regulatory status and therapeutic and commercial potential of sotagliflozin, pilavapadin, LX9851 and our other drug programs as well as our business

A food bank that offers free school uniforms has said that full time and self-employed professionals are among those relying on its support.

The Community Cupboard in Kent has begun offering pre-loved school uniforms to local families during the school holidays.

The volunteer-run service provides food supplies and support to families struggling to make ends meet from its West Kingsdown and Swanley sites.

“We’re still seeing lots of working families, it’s not just those that aren’t working,” founder Tracey Wood said.

Wood said that the charity, that has been running for seven years, helped “a lot of teachers, teaching assistants, a lot of hospital staff, self-employed”.

“The money they have each month coming in is what’s going out so once something goes wrong – be it the car, the washing machine – it just tips them over,” she said.

The teaching assistant added: “Although I’m paid throughout the summer, it’s still it’s not enough to pay for something every single day.”

Laura, a full-time carer for her husband and children, said: “You don’t get any help, and this is the only place we come to for help.”

Her children would have to wear uniforms too small for them without the uniform bank, she said.

“Or I’d have to try and ask the school for more help,” she added.

Planning consent for demolition at landmark site to south of the city centre

Plans are advancing for what promises to be a landmark development on one of the most prominent plots along Liverpool’s southern waterfront, spearheaded by the team behind the Home Bargains retail empire.

Earlier this summer, proposals were unveiled for a big redevelopment of the former Norton Scrap Metal site in the city’s Baltic Triangle district, on land bordered by Upper Parliament Street, Chaloner Street and Flint Street.

According to an environmental impact assessment lodged for the two-acre site, the scheme could involve three new residential towers of up to 27 storeys, alongside a hotel, office space and mixed-use facilities.

The project is being driven by Davos Property Developments, the real estate and property investment division of T. J Morris – the parent company of Home Bargains – in partnership with property developer Brickland.

In the latest stage of the process, the development team is now seeking planning permission for demolition works on the remaining structures currently occupying the site, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Darren Leary, chief operating officer at Brickland, said: “There are some small buildings related to the site’s former use as a scrap yard that need clearing, together with hard standing. In addition, there will be some work to retaining walls in readiness for future development.”

Should permission be granted, the demolition contract would require roughly 26 weeks to complete, with works anticipated to commence on site during the second quarter of 2027.

Brownfield Solutions have offered environmental and remediation guidance, while Cundall have been advising on structural and civil engineering matters. Planning consultancy has been delivered by Savills.

A further application, covering the proposed development of the site itself, is expected to follow in the autumn, Mr Leary confirmed.

This marks the second major waterfront development scheme from the team behind Home Bargains. The Liverpool-headquartered firm is also driving ambitious £1.2 billion proposals to regenerate land at the King Edward Triangle near the city’s northern docks.

Those plans, which are already advancing with certain permissions secured, will ultimately deliver 2,750 new homes across 10 towers, including a 70-storey structure incorporating a five-star hotel.

Liverpool Council has already approved planning permission for the scheme’s first building, a 28-storey tower called No. 1 Kings, with additional applications anticipated in the coming months.