Brief

• The EU has sparked outrage among Afghan women by initiating talks with the Taliban, signaling a shift in how the bloc balances security concerns against human rights. • This diplomatic engagement occurs amidst a broader climate of rising anti-immigration rhetoric across Europe. • Separately, France's health ministry confirmed the country's first case of Ebola in a doctor who recently returned from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Music industry mogul Clive Davis has passed away at the age of 94. • In a separate tragedy, the artist known as Tree died along with five others in a two-helicopter collision. • Tree, a California native recognized for his viral internet presence and unique style, was in the midst of a world tour at the time of the accident.

• Asia secured one Silver Lion and three Bronze Lions across the Cannes Entertainment tracks, including categories for Gaming, Music, and Sport. • Notable Bronze winners include LePub Singapore for Tiger Beer’s ‘Curfew Hostels,’ Luck Tokyo for Mazda’s ‘Goodbye RX-7,’ and Whatever Tokyo for Kao Corporation’s ‘Silent Cleaning.’ • The awards highlight creativity that transforms branded content into culture, with only 20 Lions (3 Gold, 6 Silver, 10 Bronze) awarded from 656 total entries.

• A drone strike in the Sudanese city of El Obeid hit an empty fuel tanker parked near a school on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to students. • The United Nations reported on Wednesday that ongoing fighting in the city continues to endanger civilians and cause significant damage to local infrastructure. • This incident highlights the escalating risks to non-combatants and educational facilities amidst the broader Sudanese conflict.

In today’s newsletter: Amid rising anti‑immigration rhetoric across Europe, the decision to engage with the Taliban signals a profound shift in how the EU balances security and human rightsGood morning. It’s a slap in the face. That’s the phrase I kept hearing – in furious overnight messages, in blazing opinion columns – as Afghan women responded to the meeting between EU officials and the Taliban that took place in Brussels on Tuesday.The talks, to discuss how to scale up the deportation of Afghan migrants, were met with widespread outrage, and disbelief that Europe would countenance offering legitimacy to a regime that affords a bird better protections than a woman.World news | Venezuela’s interim leader has declared a state of emergency after the country was struck by two powerful earthquakes that collapsed dozens of buildings and killed at least 32 people, with experts warning the death toll could rise significantly.Heatwave | The UK has broken its all-time temperature record for June and France has recorded its hottest day ever for the second day running, as a heatwave affecting more than 90 million people sweeps across swathes of Europe.UK politics | Donald Trump has labelled Andy Burnham “extremely liberal”, in his first public comments about the former Greater Manchester mayor since he emerged as the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer.Europe news | The first case of Ebola has been confirmed in France, the country’s health ministry has said, in a doctor who had returned from a humanitarian mission to an area affected by the outbreak in the DRC.UK news | A little-known system in which US military personnel are tried through a court martial for alleged crimes committed in the UK is under growing scrutiny. Continue reading...

• Comedian Carlos Mencia has pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges related to the failure to pay taxes. • An influential music industry figure, known as the "man with the golden ears," passed away Monday at the age of 94. • The deceased executive played a pivotal role in launching or reviving the careers of legendary artists, including Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys, and Carlos Santana.

• Cannes Lions 2026 has announced the shortlist for the Entertainment Lions category, featuring 62 finalists. • The selection highlights brands that successfully transformed branded content into entertainment through film, talent, and cultural experiences. • This category is a critical benchmark for measuring how brands compete with traditional entertainment to drive cultural conversations and build brand value.

• Hungary has approved a new legislative package designed to eliminate corrupt structures and reduce the influence of oligarchs. • A key component of the reforms involves returning universities to state control to ensure greater transparency and governance. • These legal changes are intended to satisfy European Union requirements, potentially unlocking billions in withheld EU funds.

• The Congress party has demanded an explanation from Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav following an investigation by The Indian Express. • The report revealed massive land purchases linked to Yadav’s family and associated real estate firms, sparking allegations of a conflict of interest. • This development marks a political escalation as the opposition accuses the Chief Minister of leveraging public office for private land acquisitions.

• AJ Dybantsa has been identified as the No. 1 pick in a high-profile NBA draft night featuring freshman stars and Michigan champions. • In a separate development, the league informed Sorsby of its decision regarding his application for the supplemental draft via a letter obtained by the AP. • Sorsby's application follows a legal dispute with the NCAA, which ruled him ineligible after he placed sports bets totaling at least $90,000 during college.

In today’s newsletter: As heatwaves intensify, Britain’s ecosystems are being pushed beyond their evolutionary limitsOur green and pleasant land is sizzling. This week, millions of us across the UK are baking in unprecedented heat. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning from 9am today in parts of southern Wales, and central and southern England. The temperature record for June of 35.6C is almost certain to be broken; Bristol is forecast to hit an alarming 39C tomorrow.In the heat, the country’s infrastructure is straining: millions of homes are overheating, rail operators have warned against all but essential travel, and hospital admissions are set to surge. The Climate Change Committee concluded last month the UK is built for a climate that no longer exists – and warned today on the country’s policies towards achieving net zero.UK news | Searing heat has swept the UK with schools, hospitals, transport networks and water companies struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures caused by climate breakdown.UK politics | Keir Starmer has met Andy Burnham for the first time since the Makerfield byelection in what sources said was a “frosty” meeting to thrash out a transition of power.US news | Marco Rubio is to meet Gulf allies in an attempt to reassure them that the US remains committed to their security and the 60-day ceasefire deal struck with Iran last week will not embolden Tehran.Europe news | Forty people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas across France in recent days, as people across the country sought respite from a record-breaking heatwave.UK politics | Nigel Farage has said his £5m gift from a crypto billionaire is “not any of your business” as it was given unconditionally to be spent on anything from Ferraris to gambling on horses. Continue reading...

‘I love you,’ Leah Stewart told her mother and partner after being extubated on TuesdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA woman attacked by a shark at Sydney’s Coogee beach has uttered her first words after waking from a coma 10 days after sustaining her injuries.“I love you,” Leah Stewart told her mother and partner after being extubated on Tuesday. She was bitten by a great white shark on 13 June. Continue reading...

• AI chatbots are increasingly being integrated into the dating scene, acting as digital intermediaries to help users navigate romance and communication. • In a separate local development, city commissioners have determined that the Texas Gas building must be demolished if it is not actively being developed. • These updates highlight the intersection of emerging technology in personal relationships and urban planning challenges regarding vacant infrastructure.

• The FDA has launched a new initiative aimed at resetting the drug review process to accelerate the development of new medications. • A primary goal of the program is to boost the number of domestic clinical trials, reducing reliance on overseas data and speeding up patient access to therapies. • This shift matters as the agency seeks to streamline regulatory hurdles and improve the efficiency of bringing innovative treatments to the U.S. market.

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as PM and leader of the Labour Party on Monday, two years after his party secured 412 seats. • Starmer's departure follows struggles to deliver on his "Change" campaign promises and ongoing post-Brexit economic and political instability. • In India, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde inducted rebel MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) into the ruling side.

In today’s newsletter: Correspondents across the UK reveal the challenges that Labour’s newest MP will face from day one in the jobGood morning. It seems inevitable that Andy Burnham will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade, after Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday morning and, hours later, Burnham’s most likely challenger, Wes Streeting, rowed in behind the former mayor of Greater Manchester.Starmer leaves office barely two years after his landslide victory that swept Labour into power on a mandate of change. Six weeks after the party’s humiliation at the hands of Reform across English councils, and historic defeats to progressive nationalists in the Welsh Senedd and Scottish parliament, Burnham offered the country another “change moment”: winning an emphatic victory over Reform in last week’s Makerfield byelection, cementing the view that he can defeat the hard right at the next general election.UK politics | A generation of young Britons who were locked out of the 2016 EU referendum because of their age now believe that Brexit has failed, with a majority demanding a fresh vote to rejoin the EU, exclusive polling shows.Northern Ireland | Former DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, has been found guilty of 18 sexual offences against two victims who were children at the time of the abuse more than 30 years ago.Heatwave | Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday in the face of extreme heat and humidity, while a red heat health alert has been issued in England indicating “a risk to life for even the healthy population”.Middle East | Iran has agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country as part of an agreement under which Washington will lift sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports and the strait of Hormuz will reopen, the US vice-president, JD Vance, has said.UK news | The Metropolitan police is to expand its use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology, first into London’s West End by Christmas and then into a further six areas next year. Continue reading...

• Carbon Brief has launched the Cosmos 500, a new ranking system designed to identify the most highly cited climate publications. • The ranking is derived from Project Cosmos, a comprehensive database analyzing a "universe" of 1.8 million scientific documents spanning nearly a century. • By tracking how studies reference one another, the project highlights the most influential research that shapes the global understanding of climate science.

• Milan Fashion Week featured a high-profile showcase on Friday evening, drawing a diverse crowd of international stars including Henry Golding, Tom Hiddleston, Meen Nichakoon, and Woobin Kim. • The event highlighted a wide array of fashion styles, ranging from traditional pinstripes to eclectic festival wear. • Despite a severe heatwave, large numbers of fans gathered to catch glimpses of the celebrities in attendance.

• Carbon Brief has launched Project Cosmos, a collaborative initiative aimed at creating the world's most comprehensive database of climate change research. • The project aggregates a vast volume of academic peer-reviewed studies, books, and reports from diverse global researchers and institutions. • This effort addresses the rapid increase in scientific data regarding human-caused climate change, making complex academic findings more accessible.

• The Japanese government is deploying specialists to Greenland to investigate the potential for mining rare earth metals and other critical minerals. • This initiative aims to reduce Japan's heavy reliance on China, which currently controls approximately 70% of the global supply of these essential materials. • Diversifying supply chains is a strategic priority for Japan to ensure economic security and stability in the production of high-tech electronics and defense systems.

• The Federal Reserve is shifting away from its decades-long trend of transparency, potentially returning to a more remote and opaque operational style. • This strategic "gamble" by the Fed could lead to increased market volatility as investors struggle to predict future monetary policy shifts. • The move matters because a quieter central bank may result in higher interest rates, impacting borrowing costs and global economic stability.

In today’s newsletter: Our senior political correspondent talks about how the coming days and weeks may unfold for the Labour government, and how Keir Starmer ended up the most unpopular prime minister in memory• Don’t get First Edition delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning. Today’s the day, probably. Keir Starmer is expected to announce that he will step down as prime minister, after overwhelming pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become party leader.This follows the Manchester mayor’s emphatic victory in last Thursday’s Makerfield byelection, where he leveraged his popularity and the prevailing anti-Starmer mood to secure more votes than Reform and Restore combined, cementing his credentials as the man who can take on the hard right in the next general election.Middle East | High-stakes talks between the US and Iran are expected to continue for the rest of the week in Switzerland, after a tense start that saw Iranian negotiators walk out in protest at a stream of threats issued by Donald Trump on social media.Edinburgh | Police Scotland said a man was charged after a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday night that are being treated as potential anti-Muslim hate crimes. Counter-terrorism officers were brought in to investigate the attacks in which five people were injured.UK weather | The Met Office forecasts that extremely high temperatures could last from Monday until Thursday, leading to health concerns for elderly and vulnerable people.UK news | Police have named the driver killed in the Bedford train crash on Friday, as his family said they “are devastated by his loss”.Prisons | Pet ferrets kept as therapy animals at the UK’s largest children’s prison have been co-opted by managers to kill rats, resulting in a bloody incident and concerns over child and animal welfare.Tuesday | This day marks the 10 years since the UK voted to leave the EU. A Guardian report analysing the complex legacy of Brexit through boats, bankers and borders is a good place to consider the legacy of leaving the EU.Tuesday | Also this day, Peter Murrell, the ex-chief executive of the SNP, is likely to be sentenced to prison custody after pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.Wednesday | Donna Ockenden will publish her review of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Britain’s biggest maternity care scandal.Friday | Kings Charles will become the first head of state to reveal their personal tax bill, and will release other financial reports for the royal household. Continue reading...

• Milan Fashion Week featured a high-profile event on Friday evening, attracting a diverse crowd of celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. • Notable attendees included actors Henry Golding, Tom Hiddleston, Meen Nichakoon, and Woobin Kim, showcasing styles ranging from pinstripes to festival wear. • The event took place during a significant heatwave, with many fans braving the weather to catch glimpses of the stars.

• Residents and fans in Taylor Swift's coastal beach town are interpreting minor clues as evidence of a secret wedding. • The speculation has intensified as observers scrutinize the singer's movements and surroundings for hints of a marriage. • This phenomenon highlights the extreme level of public scrutiny and "easter egg" hunting associated with Swift's personal life.

• U.S. and Iranian officials have arrived in Switzerland to initiate critical negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. • In his first press conference on Wednesday, new chair Kevin Warsh signaled a shift in policy by reversing previous Federal Reserve steps. • Warsh argued that financial markets have become overly dependent on Fed guidance, suggesting such direction is only appropriate during economic downturns or crises.

• Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani announced via Instagram that he has become a father again. • House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Wednesday that the mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was granted a U.S. visa to attend her son's next World Cup match. • Vozinha has emerged as a tournament sensation after delivering critical saves in a 0-0 draw against Spain, a heavily favored opponent.

• V47 Entertainment, via its agency VIRTUE Asia, announced a partnership with COL Group on June 17, 2026, to expand microdrama and vertical-first entertainment in South East Asia. • The collaboration aims to provide brands with increased access to short-form storytelling, leveraging COL Group's expertise as a pioneer in the vertical video format. • This move matters as it allows brands to engage audiences through a rapidly growing medium of bite-sized, mobile-centric content tailored for the regional market.

• Former Labour Deputy Leader Harriet Harman suggested a "collective movement" is underway within the UK's Labour Party to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. • Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old politician known as the "King of the North," decisively won the Makerfield seat in northwestern England, defeating Reform UK's Rob Kenyon. • This victory solidifies Burnham's position as the primary contender to lead both the Labour Party and the country.