Media Merger Watch: Culture minister Lisa Nandy says she is “minded to intervene” in Paramount Skydance’s $110bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, citing UK media plurality and asking Ofcom and the CMA to examine the impact on audiences and streaming. Defence Spending: Outgoing PM Keir Starmer unveils a long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, promising nearly £300bn over four years and an extra £15bn to 2030, with a push toward drones and autonomous systems—though critics warn it still falls short. Ukraine Funding: Ukraine’s defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov meets Rachel Reeves to press for faster ERA funding and directing proceeds from frozen Russian assets toward air defence, long-range munitions and drones. Housing & Cost of Living: Bank of England data shows mortgage approvals in May fell to the lowest since Dec 2023, while energy bills face another rise from July 1 under the Ofgem cap. Scotland Justice: Hate crime charges in Scotland hit a record high, up 17% year-on-year, following the 2024 hate crime law changes. Local Government: Birmingham confirms bin-collection changes in a pilot area, including moving rubbish to fortnightly and adding food waste. Work & Rights: A new UK game workers union seeks recognition from Rockstar for GTA 6-era pay transparency and working conditions.