Starling Bank to cut 130 jobs and boost investment in AI to reduce costs 03. July 2026 (14:40) The London-based fintech says restructuring is necessary to reduce ‘duplicate’ rolesBusiness live – latest updatesStarling Bank has said it will cut more than 100 jobs as it invests more heavily in artificial intelligence to push down costs.The digital-only bank told staff that 3% of its workforce, or 130 jobs, would be made redundant, as part of a restructuring of its banking and tech operations. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK parents warned over posting images of children amid AI sexual abuse fears 03. July 2026 (14:07) Exclusive: National Crime Agency and safety watchdog issue guidance amid rise in explicit material onlineAI prey: why watchdogs are telling parents to protect children from nudification appsThe UK National Crime Agency has recommended parents should not put photos of their children on public display online as part of landmark guidance to tackle the rise of AI-generated sexual abuse material.Advice issued by the NCA and the child safety watchdog the Internet Watch Foundation suggests parents and guardians make their social media accounts private or share pictures of their children through a “close friends” group. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Democrats will have ‘field day’ with Trump inquiries if they win House, legal experts say 03. July 2026 (14:00) Investigations into president and corruption charges will get heavy scrutiny if Democrats win majority in midtermsDonald Trump’s presidency is facing investigations and corruption charges from a key House Democrat and ex-prosecutors, involving political and personal abuses of power, which legal experts predict will get heavy scrutiny if Democrats win the House majority in the midterms.Legal critics call the scandals dogging the president “target rich” for investigations that Democrats will have a “field day” investigating if they win the House majority. Critics cite, for instance, Trump’s damaging the rule of law by weaponizing the Department of Justice (DoJ) to exact revenge on political foes and protect himself from federal investigations, plus Trump moves to profit in radical ways from his presidency with lucrative and new cryptocurrency ventures. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How baby formula recalls have mounted amid Trump staff cuts to the FDA 03. July 2026 (14:00) Experts say the Food and Drug Administration is not prepared for the health threat of bacterial contaminationMultiple brands of infant formula have been recalled recently due to bacterial contamination, and experts say the Food and Drug Administration is inadequately prepared to deal with the health threat they pose in the wake of Trump administration cuts.Last March, the FDA announced the launch of Operation Stork Speed, specifically intended to “expand options for safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for American families”. Two months later, Martin Makary, who was FDA commissioner at the time, told Congress that the FDA had lost around 3,100 employees due to the Trump administration’s reorganization and cuts. Makary departed the FDA the same month. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Spain’s conservatives and far-right Vox increase ties with Andalucía coalition 03. July 2026 (13:34) Deal including ‘national priority’ policy brings prospect closer of countrywide agreement between partiesThe prospect of a national coalition between Spain’s conservative People’s party (PP) and its far-right Vox party has drawn closer still after the two groupings sealed another deal that will allow the PP to continue ruling the southern region of Andalucía.The PP, which has governed the former socialist bastion for the past seven years, lost its absolute majority in May’s regional election, forcing it to look to Vox to help it stay in power in Spain’s most populous region. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police criticise decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England match 03. July 2026 (13:34) ‘Late announcement’ means forces will have to adapt plans and move officers away from communities, say chiefsUK politics live – latest updatesPolice leaders have criticised Downing Street’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, saying it will take officers “away from communities”.Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, and Scott Green, the organisation’s lead for alcohol licensing, said the “late announcement” meant forces would have to adapt plans and would leave officers working extended hours. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
People awaiting hospital treatment to get three weeks’ notice under NHS England plans 03. July 2026 (13:09) Move inspired by customer service provided by online retailers such as John Lewis and AmazonPeople waiting for hospital treatment will get three weeks’ notice of their next appointment under NHS plans inspired by the customer service provided by online shopping operators.Hospitals are being ordered to start telling everyone on their treatment waiting list at least three weeks before their operation, diagnostic test or meeting with a consultant. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Flowers, food and a fairytale castle: New York preparations point to giant Taylor Swift wedding 03. July 2026 (12:32) Singer and fiance Travis Kelce have been coy but festivities appear to be getting under way at Madison Square GardenIn her hit song Welcome to New York, Taylor Swift sings: “Like any great love, it keeps you guessing.”The megastar has certainly done that this week, as preparations began for what appears to be a giant wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York. Vans unloading flowers, food and what looks like the makings of a massive, white fairytale castle, have been seen outside the arena in recent days. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Zohran Mamdani to deliver speech to mark US’s 250th birthday in New York 03. July 2026 (12:00) New York mayor’s remarks at city hall to come just hours before Trump is set to deliver address at Mount Rushmore Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, is expected to deliver a speech on Friday morning to mark America’s 250th birthday.The address, scheduled to begin at 10am local time and streamed live, will be delivered from behind George Washington’s desk in New York city hall. Mamdani will be surrounded by recently naturalized citizens. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham says Labour manifesto has room for ‘movement on tax’ – UK politics live 03. July 2026 (11:39) The Labour MP hinted that he’s open to flexibility for some taxes that could aid high street businessesHundreds of children’s shoes are being laid out in Parliament Square today in a display urging the government for better support for bereaved parents.The event has been organised by the charity It’s Never You, which was set up by Ceri Menai-Davis in memory of his six-year-old son Hugh Menai-Davis who died in 2021 after suffering from cancer. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
