UK Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds opposes a £10bn rescue plan for Thames Water, citing undue burden on consumers. The plan, which would see creditors take over the company, faces criticism for 15 years of underperformance and pollution. Calls for nationalisation are growing.
UK Environment Secretary has reportedly objected to a £10bn rescue plan for Thames Water, citing undue burden on consumers. The plan involves creditors injecting cash and taking over the company, potentially avoiding fines for sewage leaks. This development pushes the troubled utility closer to public ownership.
The average age for a first-time home buyer in 23 European countries is 31.3 years, with Malta at 28 and Switzerland/Greece at 34.7. Factors like affordability, family support, and cultural acceptance of renting significantly influence these ages. The UK has the youngest buyers at 28.4, partly due to high family financial aid.
Italy and Japan are strengthening diplomatic ties, focusing on supply chains and technology cooperation. The leaders aim to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and boost semiconductor manufacturing through joint ventures.
A new trend called 'micro-staycations' is emerging, where people opt for shorter holidays (four nights max) closer to home, often within 100 miles. This is driven by cost of living concerns and global uncertainty. The UK's Camping and Caravanning Club reported a 6% increase in members traveling 51-100 miles and a 7% drop in average travel distance.
A project in Gaoping, Shanxi, is producing 1,000 tonnes daily of building and industrial materials from coal gangue, a solid waste from mining. This marks a significant step towards comprehensive clean utilization of coal wastes in China.
Donald Trump has told Vladimir Putin that ending the conflict in Ukraine was vital and he is ready to help, according to a Kremlin foreign policy adviser. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Trump, discussing peace and Ukraine's improved position on the eastern front.
Mediators are in Tehran to finalize a deal between Iran and the U.S. to end hostilities. The agreement aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global markets, and establish a 60-day framework for technical discussions on Iran's nuclear program and frozen assets.
Iran's state media reported Sunday that no final decision has been made on a proposed peace deal with the US, despite US President Donald Trump and Pakistan signaling a deal could be signed within 24 hours. The deal hinges on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear program.
Mediators Pakistan and the U.S. suggest a deal to end the Iran war could be reached Sunday, with Iran's foreign ministry expressing doubt about the timing. President Trump stated on Truth Social that a deal was scheduled to be signed Sunday, leading to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the elimination of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
Canadian PM Mark Carney advocated for stronger Canada-Europe cooperation during a Dublin visit, suggesting medium-sized nations should unite rather than compete for US favor. He highlighted their combined economic and demographic strength ahead of the G7 summit.
Canada expects to select a preferred bidder within 30 days for a submarine program that could be the country's largest procurement ever. Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr stated the decision will move one of two qualified suppliers, Germany's TKMS or South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, into detailed negotiations.
Pakistan's PM stated the US and Iran are closer to a peace deal than ever, with finalization expected within 24 hours. A senior Trump official confirmed a memorandum of understanding, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz and dismantling Iran's nuclear program, is likely to be signed in the coming days, though confidence is not 100%.
Iran and the US are reportedly close to a deal to end the war, with Pakistan mediating. A final text has been agreed, but key steps remain. The deal may include a ceasefire, lifting the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and unfreezing Iranian assets, though challenges persist, particularly in Lebanon.
US forces intercepted and downed several Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz in recent hours, according to CENTCOM. The strait remains open for transit despite an Iranian-enforced blockade, with ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington mediated by Pakistan marked by exchanges of fire.
US and Iranian officials indicate a deal to end the Middle East war is closer than ever, with Pakistan optimistic about a breakthrough. The proposed memorandum of understanding includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting US maritime blockade on Iranian ports. International oil prices dropped significantly on the news.
伊朗外长阿拉格齐表示，结束美以战事的协议“从未如此接近达成”。他透露，协议将分两阶段，第一阶段停止战斗，第二阶段解决伊朗核计划、解除制裁等问题。一位美国官员也证实接近达成协议。
Iran and the US are reportedly close to an agreement to end their war, with mediators in Pakistan working to finalize the details. Both countries' foreign ministers have expressed optimism, though US President Trump has disputed leaked terms from Iran. Israel has stated it is not a party to the deal.
China is reportedly developing a new naval gun system capable of firing 155mm shells, which would be the largest of its kind globally. An experimental ship, the Wu Yunduo, underwent sea trials near Dalian in early May, following its appearance with the gun installed at a shipyard in February.
Philippine President Marcos is set to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan from June 17-18, marking his first visit to Russia since taking office. The trip will be closely monitored by Washington and Beijing for potential outcomes on energy, sanctions-sensitive sectors, and broader strategic cooperation with Moscow.
European stock markets closed at their highest levels, driven by optimism for closer peace between the US and Iran. This comes as SpaceX makes its Nasdaq debut.
Pakistan's PM confirmed a final peace deal text between the US and Iran has been reached, with Pakistan mediating. Iranian FM also signaled progress. President Trump announced cancellation of strikes, citing high-level approval, but conflicting statements on escalating rhetoric and seizing Iranian oil infrastructure persist amid domestic pressures.
US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of scheduled strikes on Iran following high-level talks, suggesting a potential deal is imminent. He also vowed to seize Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, while maintaining a naval blockade.
New York Knicks achieved the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 3-1 in the series. The city celebrated with street parties and widespread jubilation, while celebrities expressed shock and excitement.
