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• Global AI funding has experienced a dramatic surge in recent years, though the vast majority of this capital is concentrated within U.S. companies. • Data from Crunchbase reveals that a significant portion of 2026 U.S. funding has been directed toward a small number of frontier AI labs. • OpenAI and Anthropic have emerged as the primary recipients of the largest funding rounds, highlighting a trend of capital concentrating at the top of the AI stack.

Autobiographical work Free Me aims to encourage victims to speak out in country where violence against women is risingThere are audible gasps in the auditorium in Nairobi as a husband launches a volley of blows and slaps on his wife and pushes her to the floor. “I wish I could spare you this,” the wife tells the audience. “My husband beat me up as if we were in a bar fight. Except, in a bar someone fights back.”The scene comes from Free Me, an autobiographical play by Gathoni Kimuyu, a Kenyan theatre and TV producer who lived through an abusive marriage. Continue reading...

• Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to stop allowing states to access a federal voter database that includes Social Security records. • The ruling comes after the judge found that states were "actively" using the data, creating a risk that eligible voters could be purged from rolls before an upcoming election. • The court determined that the federal government knowingly violated the privacy rights of American citizens and threatened the "sacred right to vote."

• Carbon Brief launched Project Cosmos in June 2026, creating the world’s largest database dedicated to climate change research. • The project is the result of an extensive 18-month research and development phase to organize climate data. • This initiative matters as it provides a centralized, comprehensive resource for accessing critical climate science and research.

• The article explores the potential development of space-based data centers to support the growing computational demands of artificial intelligence. • These satellite-based facilities aim to leverage the unique environment of space to overcome terrestrial limitations in power and cooling. • This shift could accelerate global technological development by decentralizing data processing and reducing reliance on ground-based infrastructure.

• FactSet stock price dropped 3.07% to reach $221.29 during the most recent trading session. • The decline is attributed to a broad-based market sell-off and a weak technical outlook for the company. • This price movement reflects current investor sentiment and technical pressure affecting the stock's short-term performance.

Reports say Texas recruits ill from outbreak, which comes weeks after defense secretary made flu vaccine optionalAn influenza outbreak has reportedly sickened more than 150 recruits in training at Lackland air force base in San Antonio, Texas.The outbreak comes just weeks after the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, ended mandatory flu vaccination for the military, citing the need for bodily autonomy for servicemembers. Continue reading...

• The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) led the establishment of the ITU-T FG-AI4SSC focus group in Geneva to develop international standards for AI-based smart cities. • Researcher Lee Joon-seop has been appointed as the first chair of the group, positioning South Korea as a global leader in smart city standardization. • This initiative is significant as it allows ETRI to influence the global technical framework and interoperability of AI integration within urban infrastructure.

• Astrobotic has unveiled the Griffin-1 lunar lander, designed to support NASA's Moon Base mission. • The lander is engineered to transport one of the heaviest payloads ever delivered to the lunar surface, including an Astrolab rover. • This mission is critical for advancing lunar exploration and establishing a sustainable human presence on the moon.

Former Howard-era adviser says Pauline Hanson’s party is channelling Donald Trump’s health agendaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMedical experts have blasted One Nation’s health policies, saying they do not make sense, are based on misconceptions and could cost taxpayers more money while leaving vulnerable Australians without access to care.The party has promised to withdraw Australia from the World Health Organization and to scrap regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration, rolling its “essential functions” into the health department. It has also proposed adding photo ID to Medicare cards. Continue reading...

B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday at Edwards air force base in California's Mojave Desert, officials saySign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailA B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday morning at a US air force base in California’s Mojave Desert, officials said.Emergency crews were responding after the aircraft went down at about 11.20am at Edwards air force base, the military said on the social platform X. There was no immediate information on whether anyone was hurt. Continue reading...

Andy Lewis, also known for slacklining and tricklining, and an unidentified man were killed in accident in Utah canyonA weekend Base jumping accident in a Utah canyon killed two people, one of them a daredevil athlete best known for performing onstage with Madonna at the 2012 Super Bowl, authorities said.The sheriff’s office in Grand County, Utah, confirmed one of the dead was Andy Lewis, an extreme athlete known for feats in Base jumping, a dangerous sport that involves parachuting to the ground after jumping from a tall fixed object such as a building, a bridge or a desert cliff overlooking a deep canyon. Continue reading...

• Veteran foreign correspondent Edward Girardet has co-founded the "Help Save The Med" initiative to protect the Mediterranean Sea. • The project leverages storytelling alongside science and diplomacy, utilizing a diverse team of scientists, writers, photographers, and videographers. • Drawing on over 40 years of experience in conflict and environmental reporting, the initiative aims to raise awareness through compelling narratives.

• President Donald Trump has implemented a new "action-based" strategy in the Middle East aimed at achieving tangible results through direct engagement and accountability. • The U.S. is supporting the Syrian government's efforts to counter terrorism, eliminate chemical weapons, stop drug trafficking, and secure humanitarian aid for its citizens. • Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack is leading diplomatic efforts to promote engagement between various regional parties, specifically focusing on Syria and Israel.

• U.S. Central Command has launched strikes against Iran in response to the downing of an American military helicopter. • Iranian officials report that the strikes hit two water storage tanks in Sirik County, Hormozgan province, cutting off drinking water for local residents. • Iran's consulate in Mumbai condemned the action, stating that targeting civilian water infrastructure raises serious humanitarian concerns.

30-year-old man to appear in court today charged with attempted murder, with Keir Starmer expected to face questions on the disorder during PMQsGood morning. Soon after becoming PM in 2024, Keir Starmer had to deal with a period of rioting in England, prompted by the Southport murders and mostly targeted at asylum seekers. Last night, in Northern Ireland, there were similar race riots, triggered by a knife attack involving a Sudanese suspect. Here is our overnight story about the rioting.And this is what Claire Hanna, the SDLP leader and MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, said about the attacks on Newsnight last night.What you’re seeing is a race-based pogrom. We are seeing men going door to door asking to get the foreigners out based exclusively on the colour of their skin. It’s not based on what they’re contributing to society, what their status here is and it’s terrifying for people in Belfast who want this sort of politics to be far beyond them.If people are exploiting the common travel agreement in this way, that’s not acceptable. That’s not what it’s there for.It’s been in existence for over 100 years and it’s absolutely right that people can travel between the island and Northern Ireland freely. Continue reading...

• Portugal's Minister for Diplomacy, Mr. Rangel, announced that the agreement allowing the United States to use Lajes Air Base will be reviewed. • The review is deferred until after the current crisis in the Middle East is resolved to ensure regional stability. • Rangel highlighted that shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the current administration have introduced significant changes to the transatlantic relationship and global geopolitics.

• The White House has introduced a new proposal that could allow the government to deny research funding to scientists based on their political opinions. • Critics argue the guidance replaces objective expertise with political appointees, potentially gutting the U.S. scientific ecosystem and decoupling the nation from global research collaborations. • This shift is viewed as a dangerous precedent that mirrors authoritarian tactics by prioritizing political loyalty over scientific merit.

• Kensington-based venture capital firm Creator Fund has closed its first fund, totaling €48.6 million, to support scientific founders in Europe. • The fund focuses on DeepTech and targets entrepreneurs at the pre-Seed stage, specifically backing them before they have developed a formal pitch deck. • By scaling its student-sourcing model across the continent, Creator Fund claims to be the largest student fund in the world.

Critics say president using well-worn playbook – with loyalists in key positions ready to amplify his messageDonald Trump is “inventing fraud” in California’s primary elections, and likely to ramp up unfounded allegations when more races go against him, pro-democracy experts have warned.While the US president has used this playbook for years – from his loss at the Emmys as a reality TV star to his defeat in the 2020 presidential election – election integrity campaigners fear this time could be different. Continue reading...

• Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi revealed on June 4, 2026, that a biopic based on his life is currently in development. • Modi stated that actor Ranveer Singh has expressed a strong interest in portraying him in the upcoming film. • The project highlights the intersection of sports administration and cinema, focusing on the life of one of cricket's most controversial figures.

• India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth slowed to 4.9% in April 2026, down from 5.8% recorded in April 2025. • The IIP serves as a critical macroeconomic indicator used to measure short-term fluctuations in the volume of industrial production across the economy. • This deceleration highlights a cooling trend in industrial output, which can signal broader shifts in economic momentum and manufacturing health.

• India's latest Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data indicates that the nation's industrial fundamentals have remained relatively resilient. • The government has announced plans to transition toward a chain-linked framework for calculating the index. • This new system will feature more frequent updates to sectoral weights, allowing official statistics to better reflect structural changes within the economy.

Ohio-based slider chain introduces Southwest Veggie Slider permanently after customer feedback for meatless optionVegetarians have a new reason to celebrate: White Castle has added a permanent meat-free option to its menu.On Monday, the Columbus, Ohio-based slider chain announced the launch of the Southwest Veggie Slider, featuring a crispy brown rice crust and a smoky chipotle- and barbecue-inspired veggie patty made with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions and carrots. Continue reading...

• The ISS National Lab hosted a dedicated track at the ASCEND 2026 conference to discuss the current state and future of research and development in low Earth orbit (LEO). • Former NASA official and current director of the Trivedi Institute for Space and Global Medicine, Rubins, highlighted the need to translate space-based discoveries into tangible benefits for human populations on Earth. • The event featured a session titled “A Microgravity Laboratory of the Future,” which examined the evolving role of national laboratories in space to maintain scientific and economic leadership.

• China is promoting its Global Security Initiative (GSI) to reduce international confrontation and foster security cooperation through dialogue and diplomacy. • The GSI has been implemented via mediation efforts, peace talks, counterterrorism cooperation, and support for UN-centered multilateralism. • China argues that military interventions and external involvement by certain nations have increased strategic distrust and prolonged conflicts in various regions.

US says it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend, as Iran targets an airbase used by the US to attack southern IranGood morning, Martin Belam here. I will be popping into your inbox writing First Thing regularly for the next little while. Here are today’s main stories …Is this the end of the ceasefire, then? The US and Iran have sporadically exchanged strikes since their ceasefire took effect in early April, as negotiations aimed at a more durable agreement drag on. A similar exchange occurred last Thursday. The war launched by the US and Israel on 28 February has killed thousands of people – mainly in Iran and Lebanon – and caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices.What was Comey accused of? Comey, who was indicted in North Carolina in April, faces up to 10 years in prison for a photo of seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Prosecutors allege the post constituted a threat against Donald Trump, the 47th US president. Comey denies the allegation. Continue reading...

Attacks reported in Kuwait – home to a US military base – and around the strait of Hormuz in latest exchange of fire as peace negotiations continueMiddle East live – latest updatesThe US said it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said on Monday it had targeted a US base in response, the latest in a series of exchanges amid negotiations to end the three-month-old war.The strikes on Iran’s Gulf coast were in response to “aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters”, the US military’s central command (Centcom) said on X. Continue reading...