EU and UK announce summit to discuss ‘reset’ in post-Brexit relations 16. June 2026 (19:02) Meeting was delayed over details of youth mobility scheme allowing under-30s freedom to work and study in each other’s territoryThe EU and the UK have announced they will hold their next summit to discuss the “reset” in relations between London and Brussels on 22 July.The summit, which will be held in Brussels, has been delayed several times, with talks over a youth mobility scheme allowing under-30s to work, travel or study in each other’s territory deadlocked in recent weeks, fuelling speculation the summit would be postponed until the autumn. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cate Blanchett promises ‘creative rumpus’ in new role: Oxford professor 16. June 2026 (19:01) Oscar-winning actor hails ‘electrifying opportunity’ to present lectures and seminars in contemporary theatreThe Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett has promised to cause a “creative rumpus” in her latest role, as visiting professor at the University of Oxford.The Australian star is the latest in a long line of celebrated thespians to be appointed as the Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theatre at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US screwworm cases rise as outbreak spreads beyond initial contamination zones 16. June 2026 (18:55) Twelve animal cases have been confirmed so far among cattle, goats, sheep and a dog in Texas and New MexicoScrewworm cases are rising in the US as the outbreak spreads beyond the initial contamination zones.Twelve animal cases have been confirmed so far, a significant increase from the first case detected in a calf in south Texas on 3 June. The growing number of infections has alarmed agricultural experts, who warn that a wider outbreak could have serious consequences for the Texas beef industry. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
European parliament finally approves Trump tariff deal 16. June 2026 (18:00) MEPs agree to implement deal almost 12 months after it was proposed and just days before deadline of US threat to raise tariffsThe European parliament has given its final approval to implement last July’s tariff agreement with Donald Trump.Facing a threat of increased tariffs if the deal was not sanctioned by 4 July, MEPs agreed to approve the deal, with two main provisos. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russian frigate fires warning shots at British yacht in Channel – reports 16. June 2026 (17:34) Ministry of Defence investigates after shots apparently fired within 500 metres of vessel near Isle of WightThe Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that a Russian frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich, fired warning shots within 500 metres of a British yacht sailing a little over 20 miles south of the Isle of Wight.No injuries or damage have been reported by the yacht, which is continuing its journey. A boat from HMS Tyne has visited the yacht to gather details and check the crew are safe. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Farage’s plan for equal pay legislation may cost female workers money, say unions 16. June 2026 (17:23) General secretary of TUC calls Reform proposal ‘a smokescreen for slashing women’s rights’UK politics live – latest updatesA law proposed by Nigel Farage to “strengthen women’s rights” could cost female workers money by removing equal pay for work of equal value, unions have said.A proposal, made by Reform UK days before the Makerfield byelection, to introduce a Women and Motherhood Protection Act that it says will restore equality before the law has been described as “shameless and deceptive”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
SpaceX to buy AI coding firm Anysphere for $60bn and passes Amazon valuation 16. June 2026 (17:12) Elon Musk firm adds startup behind Cursor app to its portfolio with xAI and reaches $2.8tn market capitalisationElon Musk’s SpaceX is buying the startup behind the AI-powered coding app Cursor for $60bn (£44bn) and has moved ahead of Amazon in valuation days after its stock market debut.The company has agreed to buy Anysphere, which has capitalised on AI’s success as a coding technology. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Finally, an interest rate reprieve – but a ceasefire in the Middle East doesn’t have the RBA popping champagne yet 16. June 2026 (17:00) Governor Michele Bullock delivers a strong message after the Reserve Bank holds the cash rate at 4.35%, ending a run of three risesRBA interest rates: Reserve Bank holds official cash rate at 4.35%Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt will take more than a ceasefire in the Middle East to prevent the Reserve Bank from hiking interest rates again.That was the strong message from the RBA governor, Michele Bullock, after the central bank held its cash rate at 4.35%, putting an end to a run of three increases. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Kenyan student Sheila Chebii fell 15 floors to her death while working at a Sydney hotel. Her family want answers 16. June 2026 (17:00) A month after the tragedy, mystery surrounds the death of the ‘cheerful’ 25-year-old who came to Australia to pursue her dreamsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt was meant to be Sheila Chebii’s last shift as a housekeeper.For weeks, the 25-year-old international student had stripped linen, made beds and refilled towels in the rooms of a luxury high-rise hotel above central Sydney. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
ATO outsource call centre workers paid 40% less than public service peers, Fair Work submission claims 16. June 2026 (17:00) Ahead of ‘same job, same pay’ hearings, former call centre worker Nathan Brunne says pay gap is structural and widens at senior levelsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWorkers at the Australian Taxation Office’s outsource call centres are paid up to 40% less than their public service counterparts on the same phone lines, according to submissions lodged ahead of landmark “same job, same pay” hearings.The pay gap, detailed by Nathan Brunne, a former worker on the ATO phone lines employed by the private equity-backed Probe Operations, widens at more senior call centre roles, with team leaders at outsource operators paid about $31 an hour compared with more than $52 at the tax office. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
