Fire and ‘sheer volume’: how Britain’s 6m-vape problem is putting recycling under strain

• Reuters reported on May 16 that U.S. President Donald Trump’s coercive diplomacy toward Iran has “hit a wall,” with the two sides deadlocked after weeks of public threats and ultimatums. • The standoff is linked to an 11-week-old crisis that has shaken the global economy, with analysts warning that energy supplies and markets could face prolonged disruption if talks do not move forward.

Naegohyang FC due to play Suwon FC in semi-final of Asian Women’s Champions League on WednesdayA North Korean women’s football club has arrived in South Korea for an AFC Women’s Champions League semi-final, marking the first visit by athletes from the isolated state to the South in eight years.The delegation of 27 players and 12 staff entered the country on Sunday before Wednesday’s match between Naegohyang FC and South Korea’s Suwon FC Women in Suwon. Continue reading...

Lisa Nandy says no candidate has launched a challenge to Keir Starmer, despite ‘feverish speculation’ around Andy Burnham and Wes StreetingAsked about former health secretary Wes Streeting’s call for the UK to re-join the European Union, the culture secretary called the stance “a bit odd”Lisa Nandy said the government was “trying to take a far more pragmatic approach” of forming a closer relationship with the EU, “rather than re-opening the Brexit wars”.The sort of fights we have been prepared to have in recent years, the fight for renters, the fight for workers, the fight for football fans – people need to see more of that from us. I think Andy can come and bring that perspective and that fight and that energy to this team.” Continue reading...

‘He’s having a great time with his new 47% equity,’ one entrepreneur jokes, warning that some startups may leave Australia behindGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTech entrepreneurs have mocked the government’s capital gains tax changes by posting AI-generated photos of Anthony Albanese as their “new founder” and warning that increased taxes could push people away from working for new businesses or send startups overseas.Startups and entrepreneurs may yet receive a carve-out in the federal government’s planned changes to the CGT discount, with the prime minister saying he wanted to support innovation and the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, revealing that consultation was continuing with the sector. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Then-home secretary justified proscription of group in newspaper column despite advice it might unfairly impact trial of six activistsYvette Cooper wrote a newspaper column about Palestine Action despite prosecutors warning it could prejudice criminal proceedings against six activists from the group, it can be revealed.The then-home secretary wrote the column justifying Palestine Action’s proscription even though the Crown Prosecution Service advised it might unfairly impact a trial concerning a 2024 break-in at an Israeli arms manufacturer’s factory. Continue reading...

Steven Mattaboni, 38, was a ‘one-of-a-kind gentleman’ and devoted father of two young daughters, his wife Shirene said A father of two young daughters, husband and avid fisher has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack at Rottnest Island in Western Australia.Steven Mattaboni, 38, a surveyor from Perth, was in the water at Horseshoe Reef on Rottnest Island about 9.55am on Saturday when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark, police said. Continue reading...

Film-maker and longtime Corbyn ally says ‘poor behaviour’ squandered chance to unite the left in fight against far rightKen Loach has accused Your Party of squandering an opportunity to unite the left in the fight against the far right after the upstart socialist movement founded by the former Labour figures Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana became mired in infighting.“There was great hope when Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana joined forces; 800,000 people expressed interest – that’s three times the size of a political party,” he said. “But I’m afraid some of the behaviours were very poor and they lost a historic opportunity.” Continue reading...

Fan buys missing Chile sticker for £150 after finding almost completed album in his loftThis week, Stephen Butler completed a collection that he started almost 60 years ago. With the final piece in place, it’s now worth thousands of pounds, but he has no interest in selling it.Butler was moving house five years ago when he stumbled across a box in the loft that he had not thought about in years. Inside was his old school cap, some exercise books, photos and, in the middle of it all, a 1970 Panini World Cup sticker book. Continue reading...

Carmakers aim to expand into UK defence sector, exploiting spending boom by Nato countriesJaguar Land Rover and General Motors are considering an expansion into UK defence via a £900m military contract, as carmakers seek to exploit a spending boom by Nato countries racing to rearm.The manufacturers are among a group of automotive firms vying to make thousands of 4x4s for the armed forces to replace an ageing fleet of Land Rovers that have been out of production since 2016. Continue reading...

Eden Project founder wants to inspire councils to build community gardens so young people can grow vegetablesLocal councils should “rip up asphalt” to build community gardens so young people can grow vegetables, a co-founder of the Eden Project has said.Tim Smit, who opened the giant biomes in Cornwall in 2000, has designed an “edimental” garden for the Chelsea flower show with the landscape designers Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis. The concept behind it is that plants such as cabbages and strawberries are beautiful but edible and should be placed alongside traditional bedding plants. Continue reading...

Outcry follows release of previously secret documents naming Wollongong suburb as preferred east coast Aukus baseAs Aukus spending and delays blow out, will Australia’s nuclear submarines ever materialise?Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA labour union has expressed alarm about newly released documents that reveal Port Kembla to be a preferred Australian base for nuclear-powered submarines, saying it would “place a massive target on our backs”.The South Coast Labour Council has warned federal and state politicians of “political fallout” should they proceed with “surrendering Port Kembla to Trump’s Navy” as an Aukus base. Continue reading...