As the Taliban continue to gain ground with insurgents now controlling at least nine of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals, the country's army chief has been removed. General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai had been in post since June but now his successor will have to deal with the escalating violence. Heavy fighting is continuing in the cities of Kandahar and Ghazni, as the Taliban have, so far, taken more territory in the two months than at any time since they were removed from power by US-led forces in 2001. After all this time, what do the Taliban want from Afghanistan now? Their uprising comes as US troops plan to withdraw by 11 September. And in a bid fend off insurgents, President Ashraf Ghani has flown to the traditionally anti-Taliban northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif to try to rally pro-government forces.

New Zealand’s elimination strategy to tackle coronavirus means borders will remain closed until at least the end of the year, says the country’s prime minister. According to Jacinda Ardern, it’s the best way to keep Covid-19 out and the economy open. With a population of just under five million New Zealand - seen as one of the most has successful countries to control the virus - only recorded 26 deaths. It’s aiming to vaccinate everyone by the end of the year with hopes to reopen in 2022. "When we move we will be careful and deliberate, because we want to move with confidence and with as much certainty as possible," Ms Ardern says.

The arrest of a British embassy worker in Germany suspected of spying for Russia has "the echoes of Cold War espionage", says the Daily Mail. This story also appears on other front pages including the Daily Telegraph which headlines on “embassy security fears” following the arrest. According to the Daily Mirror, German prosecutors believe the security worker passed on documents "on at least one occasion". The Times also features this story but leads on Prince Charles seeing "no way back to public life" for his brother Prince Andrew. It comes after a US woman filed a civil case, alleging sexual abuse - claims the Duke of York has consistently denied. Meanwhile, the Metro reports on the situation in Afghanistan, saying it’s a "return to the dark ages". Read the newspaper review in full here.

Do you have trouble sleeping? It appears more people are struggling to get 40 winks, according to a study which found insomnia increased during the pandemic. Whether you get a decent kip most nights or not, find out how you can get more high-quality sleep.

Since coronavirus restrictions eased things have been getting back on track. We spoke to one couple who said “I do” while travelling 125mph on a train. Laura and Jane married on the same rail line where they had their first date. “Trains are wonderful,” says Laura. “I'm a little bit obsessed with them." Interested in their journey? Take a look.

And finally, what do Cornish pasties and Melton Mowbray pies have in common with lamb from the salt marshes of south Wales? They all have Protected Designation of Origin status. But unlike those pasties and pies, Gower salt marsh lamb has become the first product since Brexit to be protected under the new UK geographical indication system.

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