Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 16 Dec 2017
- 1. EU hails Brexit progress - now for the tough stuff
- 2. Democrat says Trump 'killing off' Moscow inquiry
- 3. Uber 'used undercover spies' says letter
- 4. 'Digital divide' leaves the countryside behind
- 5. Royal wedding to clash with FA Cup Final day
- 6. Far-right party to join Austrian coalition government
- 7. US Republicans reveal historic tax bill plan
- 8. Devon mud hut couple defy council eviction
- 9. Grapes overtake apples to become top selling fruit
- 10. Strictly Come Dancing champion to be crowned tonight
1. EU hails Brexit progress - now for the tough stuff
EU negotiators have confirmed that "sufficient progress" has been made in the first phase of Brexit talks, paving the way for discussions next year on trade. However, EU leaders also repeated calls on Theresa May to clarify what Britain wants from its future relationship with the bloc. "The most difficult phase is ahead of us," said Angela Merkel. "Britain has to tell us what they want."
2. Democrat says Trump 'killing off' Moscow inquiry
Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat in a congressional Trump-Russia probe, has said he fears Republicans are manoeuvring to kill off inquiries into Moscow’s interference in the 2016 US presidential election. "I’m increasingly worried Republicans will shut down the House intelligence committee investigation at the end of the month," he said. So far the FBI’s investigation has snared at least four senior members of the Trump campaign.
3. Uber 'used undercover spies' says letter
Uber used undercover agents to steal competitors' secrets and engage in undercover surveillance, a letter published by a US court has claimed. The note will be pivotal in Uber's legal battle with rival Waymo, that accuses the ride-sharing firm of stealing its technology. In a statement, Uber said: "Going forward we will compete honestly and fairly, on the strength of our ideas and technology."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
4. 'Digital divide' leaves the countryside behind
Fears are growing that people living in the countryside are being "left behind", as it is revealed that 80% of homes and businesses in rural areas cannot get a good 4G mobile phone signal. The government will relax planning laws in the coming weeks to kick-start a new generation of mobile phone masts in the countryside in a bid to end the "digital divide".
5. Royal wedding to clash with FA Cup Final day
News that the royal wedding will take place on the same day as the FA Cup Final has caused a fuss. The Daily Mail describes the news as "A right royal own goal", while The Sun describes the clash of events as "Match of the Day". The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been announced for May 19 next year - the same day as the big Wembley final.
6. Far-right party to join Austrian coalition government
The far-right in Austria will return to coalition under the conservative People's Party. The deal comes after a parliamentary election in October that the People's Party won without an overall majority. If the coalition deal is ratified, Austria would become the only country in western Europe with a governing far-right party. Right-wing populist groups have been promoting anti-immigration agendas across the European Union.
7. US Republicans reveal historic tax bill plan
Republicans from both houses of Congress have revealed their bill for the biggest overhaul of the country's tax system in 30 years. The move is seen as a major victory for President Donald Trump, who said he wants the bill signed into law before Christmas. The proposal brings the US corporate tax rate down to 21% from the current 35% and the top individual income tax drops to 37% from 39.6%.
8. Devon mud hut couple defy council eviction
A couple who live in a mud hut in Devon have vowed to defy a council eviction order. Kate and Alan Burrows, who say they have "an allergy to modern life", built their home from tree trunks, mud and straw without planning permission. North Devon Council has issued an enforcement notice for them to remove their home by today but the couple want their case debated by the council.
9. Grapes overtake apples to become top selling fruit
The increasing popularity of snack packs has seen grapes overtake apples to become Britain's best selling fruit for the first time. A record £604m was spent on grapes in the last 12 months, while just £600m was splashed on apples and £551m on bananas. Jack Wark, chief executive of the British Growers Association, said: "Grapes are a very good, convenient snack."
10. Strictly Come Dancing champion to be crowned tonight
The winners of reality television series Strictly Come Dancing 2017 will lift the glitterball trophy this evening. The remaining stars - Gemma Atkinson, Alexandra Burke, Joe McFadden and Debbie McGee - will each dance with their partners three times. This year has been the most popular series of the BBC One show, attracting an average of 11m viewers each weekend.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
10 things you need to know today: January 24, 2024
Daily Briefing Trump closes in on nomination with New Hampshire win over Haley, 'Oppenheimer' leads the 2024 Oscar nominations, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 23, 2024
Daily Briefing Haley makes last stand in New Hampshire as Trump extends polling lead, justices side with US over Texas in border fight, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 22, 2024
Daily Briefing DeSantis ends his presidential campaign and endorses Trump, the US and Arab allies push plan to end Gaza war, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 21, 2024
Daily Briefing Palestinian death toll reportedly passes 25,000, top Biden adviser to travel to Egypt and Qatar for hostage talks, and more
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 20, 2024
Daily Briefing Grand jury reportedly convened to investigate Uvalde shooting response, families protest outside Netanyahu's house as pressure mounts for hostage deal, and more
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 19, 2024
Daily Briefing Congress averts a government shutdown, DOJ report cites failures in police response to Texas school shooting, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 18, 2024
Daily Briefing Judge threatens to remove Trump from his defamation trial, medicine for hostages and Palestinians reach Gaza, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: January 17, 2024
Daily Briefing The US strikes Houthi targets in Yemen a third time, Trump's second sex defamation trial begins, and more
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published