Likely origin of mysterious ‘space balls’ found on Queensland beaches revealed by Australian Space Agency 06. July 2026 (07:42) Organisation says objects consistent with ‘debris from a foreign rocket body that recently re-entered the atmosphere’ The Australian Space Agency has said the six so-called “space balls” found in north Queensland were likely from a “foreign rocket body” that had recently re-entered the atmosphere after being in orbit.The six mysterious objects were found by the public washed ashore in the Forrest Beach area, north of Townsville, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and were suspected of containing hazardous chemicals. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How BT’s ‘no nonsense’ first female chief helped turn company around 06. July 2026 (07:00) The firm’s share price has risen 80% under Allison Kirkby’s leadership – but pressure remains for her to deliver further growthIf timing is everything, then Allison Kirkby may have judged it perfectly.Since becoming BT’s first female chief executive more than two years ago the company’s share price has climbed 80%, an investor-pleasing turnaround that has seen Kirkby well-rewarded with a pay and bonus package of £5.6m last year, the largest for a boss of the telecoms company in well over a decade. However, there are questions over how much credit Kirkby can take for the apparent revival of the business. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ukraine hopes to sign ‘drone deals’ with seven Nato countries by end of year 06. July 2026 (06:00) Kyiv offers expertise on how to develop radar systems and ground stations as it turns from buyer to security providerUkraine hopes to sign major defence deals with at least seven Nato countries by the end of the year, according to a top official, highlighting a new aspect of Kyiv’s foreign policy intended to show it can be a provider as well as a recipient of military hardware and expertise.Kyiv has signed “drone deals” with six countries in recent months. Three are Middle Eastern states, who became eager for Ukrainian support after being targeted with Iranian long-range Shahed drones after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in spring. These are the same weapons that have targeted Ukrainian cities relentlessly over the past four years. Azerbaijan has also signed an agreement with Kyiv, as well as the Nato members Latvia and Lithuania. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Calls for independent review as police probe if cannibalism involved in four-year-old’s alleged murder 06. July 2026 (05:41) Police charge woman with murder after the body of a preschooler was found in a Central Coast home on SaturdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe NSW opposition is demanding an independent review after it was confirmed the family of a four-year-old who was allegedly murdered was known to the department in charge of child protection.A woman has been remanded in custody and was on Sunday charged with murder after police found the body of a preschooler at a home on the New South Wales Central Coast. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia launches deadly missile and drone attacks on Kyiv 06. July 2026 (05:13) At least seven killed in the Ukraine capital in the second major assault on the city and its surrounds in less than a weekRussia struck Ukraine’s Kyiv region with ballistic missiles on Monday, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens, authorities said, on the eve of a Nato summit in Turkey.Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said rescue crews were pulling residents from buildings shattered by the overnight barrage. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Melbourne teacher receiving end-of-life care after horror head clash during suburban football game 06. July 2026 (04:37) Epping footballer Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, remains in hospital after hitting his head during a game in Lalor on SaturdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA suburban Melbourne footballer is receiving “end-of-life” care in hospital after a horror head clash saw him fall to the ground and hit his head on a covered cricket pitch, his club says.High school teacher Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was taken to Royal Melbourne hospital on Saturday after the incident during an Australian rules football game in Lalor, in Melbourne’s north. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Nepotism and bias’ rife in England and Wales police leadership, report finds 06. July 2026 (01:01) Inquiry co-chaired by David Blunkett uncovers loss of focus on fighting crime, plus low standards and need for reformPolice leadership in England and Wales is plagued by “nepotism and bias” and too many chiefs have lost focus on fighting crime, a government-backed report has found.The inquiry, co-chaired by former home secretary David Blunkett, found a reset was needed at all levels, with scores of top officers facing misconduct inquiries. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Minister calls on Burnham to show path to 3.5% target on UK defence spending 06. July 2026 (01:01) Dan Jarvis, who wants to stay on as defence secretary, says he is confident PM-in-waiting values national securityThe new defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, has called on Andy Burnham to increase defence spending dramatically from 2030 and “evidence the trajectory” towards a Nato target that would mean £25bn a year more for the military by the middle of the next decade.The former paratrooper said he was confident that the prime minister-in-waiting valued national security, as he openly lobbied him for cash that would probably have to come from cuts elsewhere. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Making public transport fully accessible ‘could boost UK economy by £176bn’ 06. July 2026 (01:01) Report says current network of buses, trains and stations effectively locks 2.8m people out of workforceInvesting in the UK transport network to make it fully accessible to disabled passengers could boost the economy by £176bn by helping millions more people into work, according to a report.Making the economic case for an inclusive transport network, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) said the current system was inaccessible to almost a quarter of the working-age population. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers to crack down on political donations as Farage faces calls for second inquiry 06. July 2026 (01:01) Measures to be announced to make funding more transparent amid new revelations about Reform UK leaderMinisters will launch a crackdown on large political donations on Monday, as Nigel Farage faces a possible second investigation into gifts he received from a convicted fraudster before becoming an MP.The government will announce a series of measures to make political funding more transparent, including restrictions on donations from foreign-based benefactors. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
