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RWE has relinquished its offshore wind leases in the US after a settlement with the Trump administration. The company will reinvest about $1.2 billion into a Louisiana LNG terminal and 15 natural gas peaker plants, while winding down projects on New York, California and Louisiana coasts. The move follows a pattern of government buybacks of offshore wind leases.
Demis Hassabis has stepped back from day-to-day leadership at Google DeepMind to become chair of DeepMind and Alphabetchief scientist, while Koray Kavukcuoglu will run DeepMind. Several senior engineers, including Jeff Dean and Sanjay Ghemawat, have left to launch Discovery Loop. Alphabet shares have fallen since the announcements.
Israeli prosecutors have indicted settler Yinon Levi for reckless manslaughter over the July 2025 shooting that killed Palestinian teacher and activist Awdah (Awdeh) Hathaleen in Umm al-Khair. The charge carries a maximum 12-year sentence; Levi also faces armed trespass and malicious damage counts. Rights groups say the indictment is rare, not systemic change.
Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute have used generative genome models to design and synthesise bacteriophage genomes; 16 of the lab-made viruses proved viable and a cocktail of them rapidly killed E. coli strains resistant to natural phages. Experts have warned the work has raised urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions about AI-designed genomes.
A round-up of recent music reviews covers Ravyn Lenae’s Blue Island and Ariana Grande’s Petal, alongside other busy cultural releases. Critics note Lenae’s stylistic elasticity and Grande’s restrained production, while some reviews remain ambivalent about reach and impact.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
Independent reports safety concerns over unregulated peptides sold online for research, with risks of contamination and improper dosing. A July 2026 case saw a peptide company CEO sentenced for tainted products. A study shows many buyers struggle with proper preparation and administration.
The Prime Minister and Burnham-era wardrobe are being highlighted through British manufacturing, with Manchester’s Private White V.C. drawing attention for its locally made garments. Reports show the PM buys pieces himself, bolstering a narrative of national production and craftsmanship amid scrutiny over cost and image.
A wave of policy changes targets AI-generated content on major platforms. Snapchat, LinkedIn and YouTube are deprioritizing fully AI-generated videos in feeds, while allowing AI-enhanced content. A broader push to reward authentic, human-made material follows criticism of AI slop and concerns about mislabeling affecting creators’ reputations.
Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm in relation to an alleged incident on Wardour Street in London on 6 December last year. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 September. He plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and recently featured for England at the World Cup. This is developing with updates expected.
The Tate brothers remain jailed in Miami as prosecutors push to extradite them to the UK on rape, assault and trafficking charges. A new bail bid argues their high public visibility makes flight unlikely, while UK authorities and U.S. prosecutors prepare for the next steps in a multi-jurisdictional case.
UK house prices have shown only marginal growth in July, with a 0.1% month-on-month rise and a 0.1% year-on-year increase. Affordability remains a challenge as mortgage rates edge higher amid geopolitical tensions. Northern Ireland leads gains, while the south and London lag.
Beijing has announced a broad package of countermeasures in response to recent U.S. moves, including sanctions on American entities, tighter export controls on drones and dual-use tech, and case-by-case reviews of certain exports. The measures come ahead of high-level talks and are aimed at pressuring the United States while keeping room for de-escalation.
Professor Jason Arday has stepped down as Cambridge launches an investigation into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments amid plagiarism allegations and questions about other claims. The resignation follows media scrutiny over his research and charitable fundraising tall tales. Cambridge confirms an internal review will feed into appointment processes; Jesus College says it will also launch its own inquiry.
Northern Ireland is considering measures to curb obesity by restricting where unhealthy foods are placed in shops and online, mirroring policies in England and Wales. The Department of Health and the FSA have launched a consultation, arguing that price, placement and marketing influence purchases and contribute to obesity. Critics warn about effects on low-income families.
This week has seen major moves in AI infrastructure financing and buildouts. SpaceX has released renderings for Terafab, a more-than-100-million-square-foot semiconductor factory it plans in Texas that it values at at least $16.8bn for the initial phase. Separately, Nvidia has been reported to be negotiating a $250bn guarantee to back OpenAI’s proposed 10-gigawatt Ohio data‑centre lease and construction debt.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued airworthiness directives requiring inspections on hundreds of Boeing 737s. The actions cover seat‑track fittings on dozens of 737 MAX jets and visual checks for cracks around a service door on older 737 models, and will apply to US‑registered aircraft first while regulators worldwide consider matching steps.
A round-up of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorders, deals and first impressions across outlets. Reviews highlight the device’s pocketable form, improved battery and price promotions, with comparisons to the Fold 8 Ultra.
Tularemia, or rabbit fever, is being monitored after four local infections have been identified in Suffolk County. Health officials warn about tick and insect exposure, with symptoms ranging from fever to swollen nodes. Prevention centers on insect repellent, protective clothing, and prompt medical care.
Zoox has secured a federal exemption to charge fares for its robotaxi service, launching paid rides first in Las Vegas with up to 2,500 vehicles over two years under enhanced oversight. California and other states must grant additional permits before expansion. The move marks a milestone in autonomous mobility as regulators balance safety and innovation.
Russia’s use of North Korean missiles against Ukraine is rising again as Moscow expands military ties with Pyongyang. A North Korean missile unit is reported to be based in Voronezh, with about 90 personnel and up to 120 missiles planned. Western analysts stress rising threats to Ukraine’s air defences and power grid as the war persists.
Multiple U.S. water systems have faced coordinated cyberattacks, with authorities invoking Iran-linked activity. Boil-water notices and manual operations have appeared in several communities, though drinking water remains safe overall. Investigations are ongoing as federal agencies and Minnesota authorities assess attribution and impact.
New York has filed a state Supreme Court lawsuit against Kalshi, arguing its prediction markets violate state gambling laws and require licensing, restitution, and penalties. Kalshi says the action targets a federally regulated platform and seeks to shut it down nationwide.
Japan and the United States have conducted a coordinated yen-buying intervention after the currency fell to four-decade lows near ¥163. Officials have said the joint action has pushed the yen toward ¥156–157, that both sides remain ready to act again, and that Washington sold euros rather than dollars to fund its purchases to avoid disrupting US Treasury markets.
Security forces are heightening guard measures as Abelardo de la Espriella prepares to be sworn in in Cali. Authorities say threats and attacks have targeted police facilities in Cucuta ahead of the ceremony, with the ELN blamed by officials and multiple sources.
Trump’s advisers and allies face a widening political headwind as polls show deep unpopularity and donor unease. Support remains among MAGA voters despite multiple scandals, while Democrats press for affordability and campaigning challenges loom ahead of potential House and Senate losses.
AP, Independent and Al Jazeera report Cuba’s power grid has failed repeatedly, leaving major towns in darkness as the United States’ oil blockade compounds shortages. Outages disrupt transport, water, hospitals and daily life; Havana sees partial restorations while western Cuba remains offline. Authorities warn of continuing instability.
Clashes have intensified in western Tigray near the Sudan border as federal forces and the TPLF renew hostilities. Both sides accuse each other of violating the Pretoria peace deal. Civilians are fleeing across the border into Sudan, raising regional instability.
A youth-led movement called the Cockroach Janta Party has forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign after nationwide protests over leaked exam papers and long-running graduate unemployment. Protests have produced arrests, court orders protecting minors and a new anti-leak bill; authorities and social media firms are now clashing over content moderation and threats targeting young protesters.
Used EV prices have been rising in 2026 despite higher supply, driven by robust demand and stabilizing production. The trend affects buyers and sellers, with analysts noting that depending on make and model, prices have climbed while overall affordability remains a challenge for new buyers.
Crypto firms are increasingly using AI agents to access wallets, stablecoins, and payment networks. Major players are expanding integration between AI agents and programmable money, with Circle rolling out Arc blockchain infrastructure and USDC, while traditional firms eye stablecoins as rails for machine-to-machine commerce. Market volatility remains a backdrop as institutions test these tools.
Doximity has reported first-quarter 2027 results, with revenues of $156.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $74.8 million. CEO Jeffrey Tangney says the AI search tool is already earning more than its run-rate cost, signaling potential for long-term margins as the addressable market expands. Shares surged in premarket trading before moderating.
Global markets see a softening in AI-linked chip equities after a prior run-up. The Shanghai index rises while U.S. indices hold near records as oil prices rally on Middle East tensions. Traders eye Friday’s jobs data for direction.
Shakib Al Hasan, once a Bangladeshi cricket captain and former Awami League figure, has been living abroad since the 2024 ouster of Hasina’s government. He says he hopes to return if security is guaranteed, while Hasina plans to come back in December amid ongoing legal probes and political tension.
Houthi forces have launched coordinated missile and drone attacks on Yemeni government military camps in Marib and Hadramout, killing dozens and wounding many. Saudi officials have reported Houthi strikes into southern Najran province that have injured civilians, including a four-year-old. Regional intelligence warns of further Iran-backed, coordinated attacks on infrastructure.
Olympic hopeful Ohashi has returned to elite-level training after a period away from competition, assembling a team and moving to train in Washington state as she pursues a start at UCLA and a bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The Board of Peace has issued its first construction contract for a 150-person outpost in Gaza to house Moroccan troops, Arkel International is named as contractor, and the legal framework remains unsettled. Israel questions the plan, and rights advocates warn of potential rights violations as the timeline and scope remain uncertain.
The United States has expanded sanctions on Cuba, targeting military entities and officials as part of a broad pressure campaign. The measures seek to curb Cuba’s security apparatus and foreign influence. Cuban authorities have not yet commented on the latest designations.
Google reports that hackers have been using old-fashioned phone calls to steal credentials from employees at major private equity and financial firms, including Blackstone, Bain, KKR, and Apollo. The groups, calling themselves Falcon, Helix, Pink, and Redact, may be part of a larger umbrella, UNC6671. Some targets have paid ransoms, but Reuters could not confirm compromises. The tactic relies on social engineering more than tech,” and police warn victims to be vigilant.
President Trump has signed two executive orders tightening who qualifies for birthright U.S. citizenship and directing action against "birth tourism." The orders expand exceptions for children of some foreign government employees and targets operators who arrange births for citizenship. Legal challenges are expected after the Supreme Court earlier this year rejected a broader attempt to end birthright citizenship.
The Biden administration has not…
Airbus A319 Long Range flew from Hobart to McMurdo on July 31 to evacuate an American patient; landing occurred in darkness at -43 C, with a transfer to Christchurch for treatment. The operation highlights civilian capability and international cooperation in Antarctic medicine.
Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles has lost the Republican primary in Tennessee's 5th district to former agricultural commissioner Charlie Hatcher. The result follows a slate of primary upsets as Trump-backed candidates see mixed outcomes in several states.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca, declaring that an armed attack on any member will be treated as an attack on all. Leaders attended in person. The pact formalises collective deterrence, builds on earlier Saudi–Pakistan ties, and arrives as cross-border strikes from Iran-backed groups and wider regional fighting continue.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense agreement, pledging collective deterrence and joint defense measures in response to escalating threats from Iran and regional conflicts. The agreement, framed around Article 51 of the UN Charter, is defensive and invites broader participation, with no details yet on obligations. Attacks on Gulf energy routes have intensified concerns over stability and energy supply.
A federal appeals court has upheld a preliminary injunction against the White House ballroom project, ruling that Congress must authorize any construction. The decision delays above-ground work for 14 days to allow a possible Supreme Court appeal.