Bankers and unions set for clash over possible Burnham tax raid on UK banks 02. July 2026 (11:00) City bosses say move would be economically disastrous, but union leaders urge likely new PM to ignore ‘vested interests’Battle lines are being drawn between City bosses and trade unions over a possible tax raid on UK banks to help fund Andy Burnham’s package for struggling households this winter.While bankers have warned the move would be “economic suicide”, union leaders have said Britain cannot afford to be “held hostage” by City lobbyists, given growing pressures to find money for defence and cost of living support. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Understanding Ebola’s wildlife origins is crucial to preventing next big outbreak 02. July 2026 (11:00) If we don’t know the source, not only do humans remain at risk but wildlife can suffer needlessly via retaliationWhile virologists and public health departments were palpitating over the news of an Andes virus infectious disease outbreak on a cruise ship (13 cases, three deaths), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the Bundibugyo virus, the root of the current Ebola outbreak (currently more than 1,250 cases and at least 362 deaths), was smouldering under the radar.Bundibugyo virus is a horrifying, highly fatal pathogen. Symptom onset is sudden and includes headaches, diarrhoea, malfunctioning kidneys and liver, and, less frequently, internal and external bleeding (hence the term “haemorrhagic disease”). Grimly, contagiousness remains after death, meaning the family and loved ones of the deceased can be exposed when they wash and clothe the body in preparation for the funeral. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia ‘mounted drone surveillance of European nuclear sites over 18 months’ 02. July 2026 (10:30) Researchers say Moscow acted with ‘substantial impunity’ in 144 incidents, including over RAF LakenheathThe Kremlin orchestrated a concerted surveillance campaign using drones launched from shadow fleet vessels over an 18-month period which targeted nuclear sites in the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, researchers have said.Analysis by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) of 144 incidents in more than a dozen countries beginning in late 2024 concluded Russian intelligence had operated with “substantial impunity”, leaving authorities across Europe flat-footed and confused. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
KPMG appoints chair who claimed leak allegations were ‘completely false’ and called senator’s actions ‘inappropriate’ 02. July 2026 (10:03) Greens senator says appointment of Michael Ebeid ‘risks entrenching the very culture and leadership that need to change’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastKPMG has appointed a new chair who previously claimed leak allegations were “completely false” and described a senator’s actions in revealing the scandal as “very inappropriate and unfair”.Michael Ebeid was appointed to lead the embattled firm on Thursday after the former chair, Martin Sheppard, resigned while under fire from a parliamentary inquiry into the firm’s ethical failings. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
OpenAI ‘in early talks to give 5% stake to US government’ 02. July 2026 (09:31) CEO Sam Altman argued move would share benefits of AI and it would involve other firms doing similar, report saysBusiness live – latest updatesOpenAI is reportedly in early stage talks to give a 5% stake in the ChatGPT developer to the US government as artificial intelligence companies attempt to smooth relations with Donald Trump’s administration.The OpenAI chief executive, Sam Altman, has argued that giving the US public a financial stake in the company is the best way to share the benefits of AI, according to the Financial Times, which cited two unnamed people familiar with the discussions. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Statins helping people with obesity match those of healthy weight on key metrics, study finds 02. July 2026 (09:13) Differences in unhealthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure found to have ‘narrowed or disappeared’ in over-40sMany adults living with obesity have “indistinguishable” cholesterol and blood pressure levels compared with those who are a healthy weight, largely because of the use of statins, according to a study.In some cases, people with obesity were “better off” than those of a healthy weight, researchers added. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EU-approved pesticide found to have potential effects on brain development 02. July 2026 (07:00) New study on fluazinam’s neurotoxicity comes up with different findings from earlier report based on manufacturer’s dataResearchers who re-ran a crucial fungicide study on neurotoxicity have come up with significantly different findings, and campaigners argue that the substance should now be withdrawn from the market.In 2005, a study conducted by Huntingdon Life Sciences on behalf of ISK, the manufacturer of fluazinam, on the development of neurotoxicity of fluazinam in pregnant rats concluded there were no statistically significant effects in relation to brain development in the rats’ offspring. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert 02. July 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Burnham-aligned thinktank calls for devolution of public services including social care, childcare and skillsMayors should be given power over a wide range of public services, including social care, childcare and skills, according to a paper written by one of the people helping shape Andy Burnham’s devolution plans.JP Spencer, the head of devolution policy at the thinktank ThinkLabour, calls for mayors to take control over large parts of service provision in a paper that gives an indication of how the probable next prime minister could seek to shift power out of Whitehall. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Exploratory and curious animals’: mysterious rise in orca sightings off Northumberland coast 02. July 2026 (07:00) Reasons for increase not clear but experts say it could be welcome sign marine ecosystem is becoming healthierThe Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast have long drawn fans of the natural world keen to catch sight of the resident guillemots and puffins.But as recently as last week, another much bigger black-and-white animal has been delighting wildlife spotters. Orcas have been appearing more regularly than ever before. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Stephen Hough to lead relaunched Leeds piano competition 02. July 2026 (07:00) Free choice of repertoire and an increased upper age limit part of the changes in a competition that will emphasise individuality and imaginationThe Leeds International Piano Competition is to be relaunched under the artistic direction of Sir Stephen Hough. The pianist is leading significant reforms to the triennial contest that first began in 1963. He will also chair an international jury that includes fellow pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Lucas Debargue, Yeol Eum Son, Kathryn Stott and Master of the King’s Music, composer Errollyn Wallen.The 2027 competition will have its upper age limit increased to 35, and competitors will have complete free choice over the music they perform, be it Couperin or Copland, Boulez or Busoni. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
