Will a ban keep the UK’s kids off social media? – podcast

• Global news reports highlight ongoing uncertainty regarding a potential deal with Iran and the persistence of economic price shocks caused by war. • The European Union is actively pushing back against Russia while officially initiating Ukraine's path toward EU accession.

• UNICEF released a report revealing that 1.1 billion children—nearly half the global youth population—are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards. • These environmental threats are critically endangering the health, education, and overall survival of children worldwide.

• The author argues that journalist engagement is the most critical missing tool for combating surging antisemitism and shaping public understanding. • The piece highlights a visit to Hadassah, emphasizing that Israel's narrative should extend beyond geopolitics to include medicine, AI, and humanitarian innovation.

• EU and G7 leaders met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the second day of the summit in Évian, France, to discuss the ongoing war with Russia. • Leaders emphasized that "the tide is turning for Ukraine," signaling strong continued support for Kyiv's defense efforts.

• On June 16, 2026, the G7 unveiled a new global roadmap designed to transition developing nations away from aid dependency. • The strategy emphasizes a significant push for private investment to foster sustainable economic growth and self-sufficiency.

• Iran has threatened a "harsh response" following recent military attacks targeting Lebanon. • Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be "more responsible" regarding operations in Lebanon.

• Russia launched a large-scale wave of missile and drone attacks overnight targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and various cultural heritage sites across Ukraine. • UN Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale reported that several civilians were killed and dozens injured, with children among the casualties and residential buildings catching fire.

• A Russian frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich, reportedly fired a warning shot at a yacht in the English Channel between Normandy and the Isle of Wight. • This naval escalation follows a recent incident involving the seizure of a Russian tanker, heightening tensions in the region.

National Audit Office says agency proposes closing operations in 11 countries as part of turnaround planThe British Council faces cutting its workforce further and closing operations in 11 countries as it struggles to repay a crippling £197m Covid-era government loan that threatens its survival, the public spending watchdog has said.The UK’s soft-power agency remains loss-making six years on from the pandemic and is not expected to make a profit until 2029-30, a report from the National Audit Office says. Continue reading...

Candidates must ‘work their ass off’ to stop One Nation or expect withdrawal of union support, Trades Hall Council secretary saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe head of Victoria’s powerful Trades Hall Council has defended naming and shaming 23 state Labor MPs and candidates for having “zero conversations” with their constituents in the past two weeks, saying they all need to “work their ass off” to stop One Nation’s rise.Luke Hilakari wrote to MPs and candidates on Tuesday morning warning if they “don’t give a shit about winning”, they shouldn’t expect support from the union movement during the November election campaign. Continue reading...

Carnivorous animal taken to hospital in an unstable condition after escaping from quarantine facility in Paradise Country on 2 JuneFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAfter two weeks eluding thermal imaging drones and teams of zookeepers, a Tasmanian devil on the run in the Gold Coast has finally been found – and taken to hospital in an unstable condition.The devil, Mary, escaped a quarantine facility in the Paradise Country theme park – more than 15,000km north of her native range – in the early morning dark of 2 June, with zookeepers believing an “abnormally large leap” saw her clear a fence. Continue reading...