The indie stalwarts return with a pensive, laid-back Americana single that's climbing charts a decade and a half into their career. "Riptides" is the lead track from their 11th studio album I Built You a Tower, released earlier this month. Ben Gibbard's tenor vocals remain as reliably comforting as a worn-in hoodie.
YouTube · SpotifySpaceX launched its first Falcon 9 since the historic IPO, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission lifted off early this morning from Vandenberg SFB, marking another milestone in what's been a landmark week for the company.
Space Launch ScheduleThe longest day of the year arrives 21 June — expect sunset after 9:20 PM across most of the UK. Jupiter and Venus continue their evening sky pairing; look west after sunset. It's also the official start of astronomical summer.
NASA JPLSpaceWeather reports 2,349 PHAs are now being tracked as of today. None pose an immediate threat, but the count is a reminder of why planetary defence programmes keep getting funded.
SpaceWeatherTokenmaxxing is over. After months of pushing employees to use AI as much as possible, companies are seeing the bill. Uber reportedly burned through its annual AI budget in months, some firms have cut Claude licenses, and Meta killed its internal leaderboard. NEA's Tiffany Luck says enterprises are still figuring out their AI ROI — and the hangover phase has begun.
TechCrunchThe AI chip boom is raising component costs across the board, and Apple is reportedly preparing for iPhone price increases in its next generation. Meanwhile, President Trump announced an Apple-Intel chip collaboration aimed at onshoring production.
Tech StartupsEurope's biggest startup and tech conference runs through this weekend in Paris, with innovation awards, AI showcases, and a strong focus on European sovereign tech infrastructure. Comes hot on the heels of the G7's AI talks this week.
TechCrunchThe Scottish Government has appointed Gillian Martin as the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs. Farmers' unions have welcomed the appointment but urged swift action on support payments and the ongoing bluetongue situation.
GOV.SCOTThe government's one-third cut to red diesel duty is now in force, offering relief to farmers facing rising fuel costs. The change follows sustained lobbying from farming unions who warned margins were being squeezed across the sector.
GOV.UKMovement restrictions for livestock remain in force across Scotland and parts of England as authorities work to contain the virus. Farmers are reminded to check movement licences before transporting animals. A new government strategy also targets swine fever preparedness.
GOV.SCOTMay's retail sales figures are released this morning by the ONS. The data comes after April's 1.3% month-on-month drop and will be watched closely for signs of consumer confidence ahead of a potential summer election. Markets expect a modest rebound.
ONSThe latest YouGov poll (7-8 June) shows Reform UK at 25%, Conservatives 19%, Labour 19%, Greens 14%, and Liberal Democrats 12%. The three-way dead heat at the top — with Reform, Tories, and Labour all within striking distance — continues to set up a volatile political landscape.
YouGovAndy Burnham has said he would reject any offer to join Starmer's government, as the Mayor of Manchester remains Britain's most popular politician and a persistent source of speculation about future Labour leadership challenges.
Sky NewsJune's food trends are a glorious mess of functional and indulgent. Protein Dirty Sodas (milky, protein-spiked takes on the viral trend) sit alongside FIFA World Cup snack collaborations, Candy Salad Kits, and GLP-1 Snacking — products tailored to the appetite-suppressing effects of weight-loss drugs. Italian cafe-inspired coffee pods and Scandinavian-style potato chips round out the list.
Trend HunterTasting Table's roundup of the best fast food innovations so far this year includes Dairy Queen's Parmesan Garlic Chicken Strip Basket (now permanent), Burger King's crowd-designed Peppercorn BLT Whopper, and an explosion of FIFA World Cup-themed collaborations across major chains.
Tasting TableI asked my AI assistant to help me build a better mousetrap.
It designed a smart speaker that plays classical music at volume 11 until the mouse agrees to sign a tenancy agreement.
Barack and Michelle Obama's presidential centre officially opens to the public today in Jackson Park, Chicago. The sprawling campus includes a museum, public library, athletic centre, and extensive green space — the most ambitious presidential library project to date.
Today is Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Events and commemorations are taking place across the country, including the opening of the Obama Center timed to coincide with the holiday.
The longest day arrives 21 June. Meanwhile, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing across the USA, Mexico, and Canada — the first time three nations have co-hosted. The final is scheduled for 19 July.
21 June: Summer solstice — longest day of the year.
24 June: BBC Proms season announced.
29 June – 12 July: Wimbledon Championships.
19 July: FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Late June: SFI26 window 1 closes for small farm applications.