Signs

• The British Pound fell to 1.32 against the US Dollar, marking a 1.65% decline over five days following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. • Starmer's departure follows intensifying internal dissent and policy reversals, exacerbated by Andy Burnham's recent parliamentary seat win, which may trigger a formal leadership challenge. • This political turmoil, combined with a strengthening US Dollar, has significantly pressured the GBP and shaken public confidence in the government.

Alberto Carvalho put on leave after news of warrants but officials have not provided details of nature of investigationThe superintendent of Los Angeles public schools has resigned five months after the FBI served search warrants at his home and the LA Unified school district headquarters.Alberto Carvalho had been put on leave after news of the federal investigation. He denied any wrongdoing earlier this year and had asked to be reinstated as head of the nation’s second-largest district. Continue reading...

• Diplomatic negotiations have reportedly regressed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reversing previous progress. • While the MoU was initially viewed as a breakthrough for broader cooperation, talks have since stalled due to unresolved key issues. • The reversal is significant as it raises fresh concerns among officials and observers regarding the viability of the diplomatic process.

• On June 19, 2026, President Trump signed a new peace deal between the United States and Iran to stabilize international relations. • Tehran responded to the agreement by warning that the cost of violating the deal will be significantly higher now than in previous iterations. • This development is critical as it attempts to resolve long-standing geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions between the two nations.

President hails ‘major win’ for US as he attempts to exit war having failed to achieve regime change in Tehran. Plus: an investigation into the murky world of OnlyFans ‘managers’Good morning.Donald Trump has signed a 14-point agreement with Iran, claiming it delivered a “major win” for the US – even as it made significant political and financial concessions to Iran to reopen the strait of Hormuz and prevent a “worldwide depression”.How have US Republicans reacted to the deal? Senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally, appeared to soften his view of the deal after a “very lengthy and productive” conversation with the the US special envoy Steve Witkoff. But his fellow senator Ted Cruz, who has backed the war, said: “History teaches that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea. I think the president is receiving some very poor advice on this deal.” And Senator Bill Cassidy declared: “Reagan is rolling over in his grave.”Why is Ukraine newly concerned about Belarus? Russian spy drones flying into Ukraine from Belarusian airspace have sharply increased since the beginning of the year, leading to Kyiv reinforcing fortifications on its northern border. What concerns Ukrainian and European officials is that Moscow appears to be attempting to integrate Minsk ever more closely into its war efforts, including through joint nuclear exercises earlier this year. Continue reading...

Japanese technology company at centre of Post Office IT scandal is negotiating settlement with UK government over faulty softwareBusiness live – latest updatesThe chair of Fujitsu, the Japanese technology firm at the centre of the Post Office IT scandal, has resigned after its board became aware of his “woman-related inappropriate conduct”.The company said on Tuesday that Hidenori Furuta had stepped down after two years in the role. Continue reading...

Minister accuses Starmer of being ‘unable to commit the resources to defend the country at this time of rising threats’• UK politics live – latest updatesThe defence secretary, John Healey, has resigned over the government’s defence spending plans.The long-awaited defence investment plan (DIP) was expected to be published imminently, but in a letter to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, Healey said it fell “well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time”. Continue reading...

Package allocates $38bn to ICE, $26bn to Customs and Border Protection and $5bn more to the DHSSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailDonald Trump signed a nearly $70bn immigration enforcement package into law on Wednesday after the House narrowly passed the legislation, ensuring funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol activities through the rest of Trump’s presidency.The Secure America Act passed in a 214-212 vote that was largely along party lines, with Kevin Kiley, an independent who aligns with the Republicans, joining all Democrats in voting no. The Senate approved the measure last week, which allocates $38bn to ICE, $26bn to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and $5bn more to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through September 2029. Continue reading...

Government-funded JobsPlus trial in 10 neighbourhoods could be scalable nationwide, evaluation showsWe would like to hear from young people in the UK about their job-hunting experiencesA government-funded pilot of “hyperlocal” job support in 10 neighbourhoods across England has shown “promising early signs of effectiveness”, including for young people, and could be scalable nationwide, a new evaluation has shown.The JobsPlus scheme, backed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Youth Futures Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation, focuses intensive support in a small area of predominantly social housing. Echoing a similar, long-established scheme in the US, “community champions” at each site help to engage hard-to-reach people in the local area. Continue reading...

• Indian golfer Kochhar started strong at the US$500,000 IGPL Bharath Classic, shooting a 6-under 66 to place himself just one shot behind leader Runchanapong Youprayong of Thailand. • Fellow Indian Aryan Roopa Anand also performed well on the first day, recording a 4-under 68 to sit tied for eighth place. • These results highlight the current strong form of Indian golfers, with Kochhar previously securing a win at the IGPL Dubai and top-five finishes in the Philippines and Japan.

Government figures show unemployment rate at 4.3% amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty from Iran warUS employers added 172,000 jobs in May while the country’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, a sign of a resilient labor market despite rising inflation and economic uncertainty brought on by continued conflict in the Middle East.Economists initially predicted there would be about 80,000 new jobs and a steady unemployment rate of 4.3%. Job figures for March and April were also revised up 29,000 and 64,000, respectively, a 93,000 boost compared to initial figures. Continue reading...

Order strips job protections from workers earning up to about $200,000 a year and deemed to be ‘influencing’ policyDonald Trump has signed an executive order making it easier to fire thousands of the best-paid workers in the US government aspart of a broader drive by his administration to overhaul the federal workforce.The order, released by the White House and the office of personnel management (OPM) on Wednesday, strips job protections from a mostly senior group of federal workers – about 8,000 employees – earning up to almost $200,000 a year, and who are deemed to be “influencing” government policy. Continue reading...

Under new rules, tech companies will be asked to share AI models with government for review before public releaseDonald Trump signed an executive order to create a voluntary framework for the federal government to vet powerful new AI models before they are released. Tuesday’s highly anticipated order represents an attempt by the president to tighten his grip on cybersecurity and national security threats posed by AI, tacking against his earlier deregulatory stance.Under the new rules, tech companies would be asked to share their AI models with the government for a voluntary review, up to 30 days before a public release. The Trump administration says doing so will allow them to improve national security, particularly with regards to cybersecurity. Continue reading...

• Asia-Pacific stock markets rose as investors balanced concerns over Iranian military activity with optimism regarding a potential temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal. • Key gains were seen across the region, with South Korea's Kospi jumping 2.68%, Japan's Nikkei 225 rising 0.88%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 increasing by 0.72%. • The market movement reflects a cautious but positive sentiment, as hopes for diplomatic resolution currently outweigh the risks posed by geopolitical tensions.

Governor says law is a response to ‘legitimate anxiety’ about Trump’s tactics targeting Democratic-led cities and statesGavin Newsom, California’s governor, signed legislation Wednesday that aims to shield California elections from federal interference, saying he expected Donald Trump’s administration to try to meddle in the midterms this year.The law, which took effect immediately and came days before next Tuesday’s primary, prohibits any person – including federal agents – from accessing voter rolls or election technology without a court order. Law enforcement officers are restricted from disrupting election workers, except in public safety emergencies. Continue reading...

A report found that Brian O’Hara probably interfered with investigation in what mayor called a ‘breach of trust’The Minneapolis police chief, Brian O’Hara, resigned on Tuesday after a report found that he probably interfered with an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.O’Hara stepped down after a meeting with the Minnesota city’s mayor, Jacob Frey, who earlier this month nominated him to serve a second term after his appointment in 2022 to steady a police department still in turmoil after the murder of George Floyd two years earlier. Continue reading...

Managing director Hugh Marks says Stevens made ‘incredible commitment’ to broadcaster over 19 years Justin Stevens has resigned as ABC director of news after four years in the role, citing personal and professional reasons.‌ABC managing director Hugh Marks said Stevens had made an “incredible commitment” to the ABC over 19 years, including ensuring ABC News is the number one digital news provider. Continue reading...

Brereton says ‘ongoing focus on matters relating to me personally’ were ‘drawing attention away from the commission’s core purpose’Paul Brereton, Australia’s first national anti-corruption commissioner, will step down from the top job in July, citing criticism of potential conflicts of interest as “drawing attention away” from the body’s core purpose.In a statement on Monday afternoon, Brereton said the “ongoing focus on matters relating to me personally” were “drawing attention away from the commission’s core purpose of strengthening integrity”. Continue reading...

• Tulsi Gabbard resigned Friday as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, saying she needed to step away while her husband battles cancer. • Her departure makes her the fourth Cabinet official to leave Trump’s second term and comes amid reports of tension after the administration’s decision to strike Iran. • The shake-up adds to turbulence inside the White House as Republicans struggle with war-powers votes and other internal disputes over Trump’s foreign-policy direction.

Approval marks key step forward for project dubbed ‘Arc de Trump’, which will be near Arlington National CemeteryThe Commission of Fine Arts on Thursday approved designs for Donald Trump’s proposed 250-ft triumphal arch in Washington DC.The vote on Thursday by the panel, which is made up of Trump appointees, marks a key step forward for the project. Next month, the proposed design is set to be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission, another federal panel that oversees planning for federal buildings and land. Continue reading...

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is expanding its influence beyond interest rate decisions through a recent Governing Council meeting focused on non-monetary policy. • Discussions centered on critical technical frameworks, including banking regulation, cybersecurity, financial stability, and the evolution of digital finance. • This shift is significant as the ECB seeks to secure Europe's economic sovereignty amidst growing global fragmentation and heightened international competition.

Surprise rise in jobless rate will give Reserve Bank more reason to delay another interest rate hike at June meetingFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s unemployment rate has jumped to 4.5% in April to reach the highest in about four-and-half-years, amid fears rising interest rates and the global oil crisis will smash economic growth.The number of employed people unexpectedly fell by 18,600 in the month – the first decline this year – dragging the jobless rate up from 4.3%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Continue reading...

Ron Shinnick did not mention the firing of the Cohutta police force, which was later rehired, in resignation letterThe mayor of a small town in the US state of Georgia has resigned shortly after firing his community’s entire police department, a step that the local governing council ultimately reversed – but that he nonetheless took amid a political spat pitting him and his wife against members of the force.In a 15 May resignation letter that the Guardian reviewed, Ron Shinnick avoided mentioning his attempted termination of the Cohutta police department, word of which gained international media attention. The letter instead said Shinnick had opted to vacate the mayoral post he had held since 2014 due to “health concerns” faced by family members outside Cohutta. Continue reading...

Never documented archaeologically before, evidence points to First Nations people caring for and nursing the animalGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe discovery of a millennium-old dingo burial site in western New South Wales, including evidence of a “feeding” ritual never before documented archaeologically, has shed new light on the longstanding relationship between the canines and First Nations people.The dingo was buried along the Baaka, or Darling River, in Kinchega national park near the Menindee Lakes. Continue reading...

• China’s economy slowed in April, with industrial output, retail sales and fixed-asset investment all missing expectations as global energy-market volatility added pressure. • Retail sales rose just 0.2% year on year, down from 1.7% in March, while industrial output increased 4.1%, below the 5.63% forecast cited by economists. • National Bureau of Statistics spokesperson Fu Linghui said the economy had “generally speaking” maintained steady growth, but warned the external environment remained “complex and volatile.”

Mike Banks, who led Trump’s border crackdown, resigned weeks after reports of prostitution allegationsSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailMike Banks, the border patrol chief who oversaw the most aggressive militarization of the US southern border in recent history, has resigned with immediate effect.“It’s just time,” Banks told Fox News in an interview. “I feel like I got the ship back on course from the least secure, most disastrous, most chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen.” Continue reading...

Evika Siliņa stands down after coalition collapses following sacking of defence ministerEurope live – latest updatesLatvia’s centre-right prime minister has resigned over her government’s handling of Ukrainian drones that strayed into Latvian territory from Russia, bringing down her coalition government months before elections, due in October.Evika Siliņa announced her resignation on Thursday, a day after the Progressives party, her left-leaning coalition partner, withdrew its support over her decision to fire the defence minister, Andris Sprūds, a Progressives member. Continue reading...

Eileen Wang, 58, mayor of Arcadia, agreed to plead guilty over the felony count brought by the justice departmentEileen Wang, the mayor of a southern California city, resigned suddenly on Monday after the US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced she had been charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent of China.Wang, 58, agreed to plead guilty to the felony count and could face a sentence of 10 years in prison. Continue reading...