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The Unexpected Tax Credit Amazon's main division in the UK, Amazon UK Services, was handed a £7.6m tax credit last year by HM Revenue and Customs. This comes as a surprise given that the company's profits surged by more than a quarter to £355m. Profit Surge and Tax Adjustments Amazon UK Services, which employs 66,000 staff, reported a 26.5% rise in pre-tax profits to £355m and an 11% year-on-year increase in revenues to £8.2bn. The company owed £9.1m in 'current tax' last year, but this figure was reduced by £16.7m due to 'adjustments in respect of previous periods', resulting in the £7.6m credit for 2025. Investment in UK Infrastructure The £16.7m adjustment relates to relief offered under a government programme that rewards investment in UK infrastructure. Amazon UK spent £5.2bn building and expanding fulfilment centres, corporate offices, machinery, equipment, and datacentres last year. Tax Rate and Transparency Concerns The Fair Tax Foundation calculated that the actual combined UK corporation tax bill paid by Amazon's big five operations was just £39m last year, equating to a tax rate of just 7.1%. The foundation's chief executive, Paul Monaghan, expressed concerns about Amazon's tax practices, calling for greater transparency. Amazon's Response and Future Outlook Amazon UK said that across its entire business, it is one of the biggest taxpayers in the country, paying more than £1.3bn in UK taxes of all kinds last year. The company stated that it paid more than £1.3bn in direct taxes, including corporation tax, an increase of more than 20% compared to the year before.

The Unexpected Omission Maro Itoje, the England rugby captain, has been surprisingly left out of Steve Borthwick's latest June training squad. This development has raised questions about his participation in the upcoming summer tour. England Training Squad Details The 26-player squad includes senior players such as Jamie George, Ben Earl, and Tom Curry, as well as uncapped hopefuls like Afolabi Fasogbon and Ben Redshaw. The squad is gathering in Bagshot to prepare for a fixture between an England XV and a France XV in Vannes. The Reason Behind Itoje's Absence It is understood that England would ideally like to give Itoje a rest, barring a sudden rush of injuries affecting other second-row candidates. Borthwick has indicated that Itoje's availability is an ongoing conversation, with the final squad to be confirmed on June 22. Update on Manny Feyi-Waboso Exeter's Manny Feyi-Waboso, who recently had an operation on his jaw, is expected to be assessed next week to determine his availability. England and Exeter are hopeful for his early return, but his welfare will be prioritized. Squad List Forwards: Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester), Jamie George (Saracens), Will Hobson (Harlequins), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Nathan Jibulu (Sale), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins), George Kloska (Bristol), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Hugh Tizard (Saracens). Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Noah Caluori (Saracens), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), George Ford (Sale), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Ben Redshaw (Gloucester), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Marcus Smith (Harlequins).

Viral Footage Shows a Great White in Unusual Waters A short clip posted by Al Jazeera on June 9, 2026 shows a massive great white shark gliding near the surface of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. The video, filmed by a local diver, captures the predator's distinctive dorsal fin and powerful tail, confirming the species' presence in a region where sightings are exceptionally rare. Numbers Behind the Frenzy Within 24 hours, the clip reached 3.2 million views on YouTube. Twitter mentions surged to 45,000 tweets, with a trending hashtag #MediterraneanShark. Google searches for "great white Mediterranean" jumped 820% compared to the previous week. Local tourism boards reported a 12% increase in inquiries for coastal diving tours. Ecological Implications of a Northward Shift Marine biologists note that the sighting aligns with a broader pattern of apex predators moving into warmer waters as sea temperatures rise. The Mediterranean, historically too cool for large pelagic sharks, has recorded a gradual temperature increase of 1.4°C over the past two decades, creating a more hospitable environment for species like the great white. Public Reaction and Conservation Concerns The viral nature of the video has sparked both fascination and alarm. While many users celebrate the rarity, conservation groups warn that increased human interaction could endanger both sharks and swimmers. Calls for stricter monitoring and public education campaigns are growing across coastal nations. What Comes Next for Mediterranean Shark Monitoring? Scientists plan to deploy additional satellite tags and acoustic receivers in the region to track any further great white movements. Policy makers are also considering updated marine protected area (MPA) boundaries to accommodate the shifting predator range, aiming to balance ecological health with public safety.

Orbital Secures $5M Seed to Pioneer Space‑Based AI Compute Orbital, a startup spun out of a16z's Speedrun accelerator in May, announced a $5 million seed round led by a roster of venture firms including Basis Set, Human Element, Wayfinder, Antler, and others. Founder and CEO Euwyn Poon, who previously built and sold e‑scooter company Spin to Ford, will use the capital to develop a prototype satellite that runs AI inference workloads in space. Lead investors: Basis Set, Human Element, Wayfinder, Antler, Anti Fund, Ascent, Rubik, Zero Knowledge Ventures, LYVC, Feld Ventures, New Legacy, FNDR, UpHonest, Asterisk. Team size: ~12 engineers in Los Angeles with backgrounds at Amazon LEO, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman. Immediate milestone: Demo flight of an Nvidia Blackwell chip on a partner satellite to validate radiation shielding and thermal management. Funding Breakdown and Projected Capital Needs The seed round provides the runway for hardware development, satellite integration, and a 2028 demonstration launch. While the $5 million covers early‑stage R&D;, Poon and investors acknowledge that scaling to a full constellation could require $5 billion over the next decade, a timeline that venture capitalists are increasingly comfortable with. Implications for AI Compute Landscape and Space Launch Economics Orbital’s strategy hinges on the economics of SpaceX’s upcoming Starship. Current launch costs with the Falcon 9 make space‑based data centers “not economically feasible,” but a fully reusable Starship could lower per‑kilogram costs enough to justify a distributed gigawatt of compute power. The company aims for 10,000 satellites, each delivering 100 kW of power, comparable to Elon Musk’s target of 150 kW per AI satellite and rival Starcloud’s planned 200 kW units. Roadmap to 2028 Demo Flight and Long‑Term Constellation Goals Key upcoming milestones: 2026‑2027: Complete radiation‑shielding and thermal‑management prototypes; secure a launch slot on a partner satellite. 2028: Conduct the first flight carrying an Nvidia Blackwell chip, demonstrating in‑orbit inference capability. Post‑2028: Incrementally launch satellites to generate revenue per unit, mirroring Starcloud’s “piece‑wise inference” model, while awaiting Starship’s commercial availability for full‑scale deployment. Even if Starship’s timeline slips, competitors like Cowboy Space Company and Blue Origin are exploring alternative launch solutions, underscoring a broader industry push toward space‑based AI infrastructure. Long‑Term Outlook: A Decade‑Scale Bet on Space‑AI Fusion Analysts see Orbital’s ambition as a “10‑year, $5 billion” play that aligns with the growing demand for AI compute and the desire to bypass terrestrial constraints such as cooling and regulatory reviews. If successful, the venture could reshape the AI hardware supply chain, create a new market for satellite‑hosted GPUs, and validate the economic case for large‑scale, space‑borne data centers.

The Unexpected Film Event That Sparked a Literary LeapDuring a recent film gathering, a producer’s off‑hand comment—"You took your time"—highlighted the irony of a 51‑year‑old being introduced as a debut novelist. Patrick Freyne turned that moment into a catalyst, realizing that his age could become a narrative strength rather than a liability.From Indie Stages to Book Shelves: Freyne’s Path to a Debut NovelFreyne spent his twenties in Dublin’s indie‑rock scene, later pursuing a master’s in music and a stint in freelance journalism. After a series of short stories and a 2020 essay collection that was shortlisted for the Dalkey Emerging Writers prize, he finally released his first novel, Experts in a Dying Field, in 2026.1970s‑80s: Played in the band NPB, felt a "best before" label.2000s: Completed a master’s in music; taught by composer Donnacha Dennehy.2020: Published essay collection, earned emerging‑writer shortlist.2026: Debut novel published at age 51.Why Age Doesn’t Equate to Emerging Status in PublishingDespite the "emerging" label often being synonymous with youth, Freyne’s experience shows that the term can be decoupled from age. The Dalkey prize’s decision to use "emerging" instead of "young" underscores a growing industry awareness that talent matures on its own timetable.Average debut age in Ireland: ~30 years (based on recent literary surveys).Notable late debutants: Louise Kennedy (45), Tessa Hadley (46), Penelope Fitzgerald (61).Gender factor: Women often face additional caregiving responsibilities that delay publishing milestones.Shifting Perceptions: Late‑Blooming Authors and the Industry’s Youth BiasThe literary market has long prized the "next big thing"—a youthful voice that can be marketed as a generational anthem. Freyne argues that older writers bring confidence, a refined worldview, and a willingness to challenge prevailing narratives, offering readers a richer, more diverse tapestry of experiences.Older authors report higher self‑confidence in thematic choices.Publishers are increasingly marketing books on the basis of story quality rather than author age.What the Future Holds for Older Voices in Contemporary FictionAs the industry embraces a broader definition of "emerging," we can expect more platforms and awards that celebrate literary merit irrespective of age. Freyne predicts a surge of Gen‑X and older debut novels that will reshape the cultural conversation, giving "sore‑knee" perspectives a louder platform.

Major trade unions and the TUC have publicly rejected Nigel Farage's call for unions to affiliate with Reform UK, branding the party’s outreach as a superficial "cosplay" of workers’ advocacy. The backlash comes amid a poll that places Reform UK level with Labour for the union vote, highlighting a potential shift in the traditional labour‑politics landscape. The Union Front Against Farage’s Reform Appeal Farage urged unions to attend Reform’s September conference and apply for affiliation. Leaders from the TUC, GMB, Unison and Community condemned the move, calling Reform a party of "corporate interests". Key union figures – Paul Nowak (TUC), Andrea Egan (Unison), Gary Smith (GMB) and Alasdair McDiarmid (Community) – all issued statements denouncing the invitation. Polling Shows Reform UK Tied with Labour for Union Vote A JL Partners poll found 28% of union members would back Reform UK, matching Labour’s share. Support was strongest among members of Unite and GMB. The poll underscores growing curiosity about Reform’s platform despite union leadership’s opposition. Implications for the Labour‑Union Alliance and UK Politics The rebuff signals a reaffirmation of the historic Labour‑union bond, but the poll data suggests a fragmenting electorate. If Reform can convert curiosity into votes, it may force Labour to recalibrate its union‑focused messaging and policy priorities, especially around employment rights such as sick pay, fire‑and‑rehire protections, and zero‑hours contracts. What’s Next for Reform UK’s Union Strategy? Reform UK is likely to continue courting union members through targeted outreach and promises of "open doors" for workers in council‑run services. Union leaders have warned that any affiliation would require concrete commitments to protect and extend workers’ rights. Future negotiations may see the TUC leveraging its influence to extract policy concessions from both Labour and Reform ahead of the next general election.

The Rise of AI-Generated Scams The Bank of England has warned the public against falling for AI-generated scams after deepfake videos of Nigel Farage fighting its governor spread online. The Deepfake Videos Andrew Bailey, the head of the BoE, said AI-generated content related to central banks was spreading and urged people to be "vigilant". The governor spoke out after deepfake videos of the Reform UK leader and Bailey fighting on the set of BBC One's Question Time appeared on the social media platform X. The Impact of AI Scams Bailey urged the public to report the videos so they could be taken down. "Unfortunately, fake adverts impersonating the Bank of England and other central banks are on the rise," he said. "These scams are designed to criminally exploit the public, especially the vulnerable, when they are online. I would urge everyone to stay vigilant and report these scams. That way authorities can better root out digital deception like this and permanently remove the fraudsters responsible for what is a truly online scourge." The Future of AI Regulation The UK's online safety act contains provisions requiring tech platforms to tackle fraudulent advertising. However, those duties do not come into force until next year. X has been approached for comment. The platform, which is owned by Elon Musk, explicitly bars impersonation of individuals to "deceive others".

Leeds Rhinos End a Nine‑Year Home Drought Against St HelensLeeds Rhinos secured a hard‑won 20‑18 victory over long‑time rivals St Helens at Headingley, ending a home losing streak that stretched back to 2017 and extending their lead at the summit of the Super League. Match Narrative: From 16‑8 Half‑Time Deficit to a Two‑Point LeadThe Saints led 16‑8 at the break, putting Leeds on the brink of a 10th consecutive home loss to their rivals. A second‑half resurgence, sparked by half‑back Jake Connor, saw Leeds claw back into contention, with a crucial try assist to Chris Hankinson and a steady kicking game that kept them within striking distance.Connor’s early second‑half kick gave Leeds an 8‑6 lead.Harry Newman’s try and Connor’s two conversions leveled the scores by the 60‑minute mark.David Klemmer’s sin‑bin with seven minutes left shifted momentum.Maika Sivo scored the decisive try in the corner, converted by Connor to seal a 20‑18 win. Scoreline and Statistical SnapshotFinal Score: Leeds Rhinos 20 – St Helens 18Half‑time: Saints 16, Leeds 8Key Performers: Jake Connor (2 conversions, 1 try assist), Maika Sivo (try)Discipline: David Klemmer sin‑binned (7 minutes) Implications for the Super League Title RaceThe win pushes Leeds two points clear at the top of the table, reinforcing Brad Arthur’s side as the early‑season favorites. Saints, despite a strong first half, now face scrutiny over their spine selection, a concern echoed by coach Paul Rowley after the defeat. Looking Ahead: What the Victory Means for Leeds and SaintsLeeds will look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures against Warrington and Hull KR, while the Saints must regroup and address lineup uncertainties before the next round of matches. If Leeds maintain their form, they could solidify a championship run; conversely, a slip could see the title race tighten dramatically.

The Giants' Existential CrisisSaturday afternoon was meant to provide a glimpse into a different, more optimistic future for Huddersfield Giants. But in the end, it was another stark reminder of why rugby league in the West Yorkshire town is facing an existential fight. As the birthplace of rugby league in 1895, Huddersfield has seen better days, with the club struggling for much of the summer era and the past 18 months being particularly bleak.Stadium Uncertainty and Home Ground StrugglesSuper League has been thriving lately, but Huddersfield have long felt like second-class citizens at the Accu Stadium, their shared home with Huddersfield Town's footballers. With the ground unavailable, they were forced to relocate their home game against Toulouse to the neighboring town of Dewsbury, playing at the smaller 5,000-capacity Flair Stadium. This move only added further fuel to the belief that, with London Broncos set to join the Super League in 2027, Huddersfield are vulnerable.Performance Crisis and Fan DeclineBeaten 36-16 by a newly promoted Toulouse team, it was the meek manner of their display that would have caused the greatest alarm. Having already confirmed they will be forced into finding a new home venue outside the town for at least a season or two, Huddersfield are in limbo off the field, not just on it. They want to be in a new stadium in the town by 2030 but have still not found a suitable site. Time is ticking.Crowds have dwindled from about 7,500 to about 4,000, and results such as Saturday's—an 11th defeat in 13 league games—will do little to tempt lapsed fans to return. "The club has stood still for well over a decade now while other teams have driven forwards," says Daniel, a fan for more than 20 years. "We're existing solely on the owner's wealth, and if we don't get our act together soon I could understand why Super League would want rid of us. We bring nothing."New Leadership and Strategic ShiftThe man Huddersfield have turned to in order to deliver their 2030 vision insists all is not lost. The former Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer has been brought in to deliver their stadium dream as well as halt their alarming slide on the field. "I found a club that was full of good people but had lost direction and had lost confidence," he says.Rimmer undertook a piece of consultancy work that presented a brutal truth to Huddersfield's longstanding owner, Ken Davy, who has invested tens of millions of his own fortune with little return. "Nobody pushed back at all when I explained where I thought the club was and the reasons it finds itself in this position," Rimmer states. "My analysis was harsh and raw. They realised they either had to grasp this opportunity or let the club drift away once and for all."The Path Forward: 2030 VisionInstead of aimlessly investing the owner's wealth into questionable recruitment as they have for most of the past decade, Huddersfield will soon open a purpose-built training facility in the town. The stadium dream, if realised, will also give them a home and a place to build around. "We're not Leeds or Wigan, and that's fine – we're going to try do things differently," Rimmer says. "We've got business plans around every year through to 2030."The prospect is growing of them playing in nearby Halifax next year without finalising plans for a return to Huddersfield. Is elite-level rugby league on the verge of disappearing in the place where it all began 131 years ago? Only time will tell if Huddersfield can grasp this opportunity and secure their future in the sport they helped create.