“Most difficult” Brexit issues unresolved after European Council. With little progress on substantive details at the latest summit of EU leaders, it raises the stakes ahead of the next European Council in the autumn. “If we want to reach a deal in October we need quick progress,” said Donald Tusk. “This is the last call to lay the cards on the table.” Theresa May called on greater flexibility from her counterparts on the EU’s future relationship with the EU. Meanwhile, stark divisions appear to remain in the Cabinet on the UK’s position. Environment Secretary Michael Gove was reported to have torn up a report on post-Brexit customs options.

Arlene Foster attends LGBT event at Stormont. Having attended a GAA match for the first time last weekend, the DUP leader pressed on with attempts to reach out to minority communities. “I look at you as my neighbours or my fellow citizens,” the former First Minister told a packed Pink News event. She did not indicate a change in her party’s policy: “Whilst we disagree, this does not prevent us from finding common values to keep Northern Ireland moving forward.” Her attendance was broadly welcomed, but there were calls for Arlene Foster to move beyond gestures. “It’s good if it’s the beginning of a journey, but if it’s the end of a journey, then it’s nothing,” said Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP.

Doubts grow over future of North Korea deal. Last month President Trump declared that “there is no longer a nuclear threat” from North Korea, after an historic summit with Kim Jong-un in Singapore. However, US media has reported US intelligence officials’ belief that North Korea plans to conceal some of its nuclear weapons and production facilities. Speaking on Fox News, Donald Trump admitted that it’s “possible” the deal to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula may not “work out.” His National Security Advisor, however, insisted that the deal could still be implemented within the next year.

Gerry Adams renews calls for border poll. Addressing a republican commemoration in County Armagh, the former Sinn Féin president rejected Leo Varadkar’s warning that the time is not right for a referendum on Irish unity. While the Taoiseach said a border poll in the short-term would be “divisive,” Mr Adams said that Sinn Féin “will continue to look for a referendum and we will do our utmost to win that convincingly.” His call echoes recent remarks from the party’s leader in the North, Michelle O’Neill, but strikes a different tone to his successor, Mary Lou McDonald, who has insisted that any referendum must be preceded by an extensive “dialogue” to address key issues beforehand.

Anthony Kennedy retires from the US Supreme Court. The 81-year-old was nominated to America’s highest court by President Reagan in 1987, and subsequently earned a reputation as a ‘swing vote’ alongside four liberal justices and four conservatives. The US Constitution gives President Trump the authority to nominate a successor; he has already pledged to choose from a list of conservative candidates. His nominee must then be confirmed by the 100-member Senate, where the Republican Party holds 51 seats. However, Susan Collins, Republican Senator for Maine, has said she will oppose any nominee who has “demonstrated hostility” to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalised abortion.

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