Trump says Strait of Hormuz deal could happen soon amid talks

President Trump told reporters that an announcement on the Strait of Hormuz could happen soon, following talks between Iran and Oman.

Spain’s Pedro Sánchez is a progressive outlier in Europe – and over Ceuta, he is being made to pay for it | Eoghan Gilmartin

The Spanish PM has been one of few European leaders to stand up to Trump. He now faces coercive diplomacy and an emboldened far right at home

The dramatic footage last Thursday of thousands of migrants entering Spain’s north African enclave of Ceuta generated an online frenzy among the far right. And the alarmist rhetoric was also evident in the European mainstream, as EU leaders wasted little time attributing the chaotic scenes to Spain’s liberal immigration policies.

In a letter organised by Italy and Denmark, and signed by 22 EU heads of government, they appeared to blame the crisis on Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez’s recent programme to regularise undocumented migrants, which received more than a million applications. They argued that Europe must “[address] all policies that can serve as pull factors”.

‘They slammed their M16s against his skull’: inside the film about Amy Goodman’s fearless reporting

As Steal This Story, Please! charts her astonishing reports on everything from climate summits to earthquakes to massacres, Goodman talks about dissent, censorship – and her ‘magic moments’

‘I consider an exclusive a failure,” Amy Goodman says. It is not a typical observation for a journalist to make, but it is the approach at the heart of a documentary about her career, Steal This Story, Please! If an article, item, narrative or interview is significant enough “it should be shared around the world,” she insists.

This time, however, her goal is not to share a particular news story, but rather an entire professional philosophy. To do so, Goodman had to let “two Oscar-nominated stalkers into my life” in an effort to “spread the word about this critical form of independent journalism” that she has practised over four decades.

Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing

Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.

Perez Hilton hospitalized after livestreaming acts of self-harm, officials say

In the livestream, which has since been taken down, Hilton appears to be bloodied and in a distressed mental state.

FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.

Nato to ‘urgently’ get air defences for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy warns of surge in Russian missile production

After Ukraine failed to shoot down a single ballistic missile fired by Russia on Wednesday, the president urged allies to increase supplies of Patriot interceptors

Nato is working to get Ukraine the air defences it “urgently needs”, its secretary general has said, after Kyiv failed to shoot down a single Russian missile in an attack on Wednesday, and as Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Moscow was seeking to significantly boost missile ⁠production ahead of winter.

Speaking at a National Security and Defense Council meeting on winter resilience, the Ukrainian president did not rule out the idea that stalling missile supplies from western allies were “aimed at making Ukraine, so to speak, more willing to compromise” in peace talks with Russia.

Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed: "Major step forward"

Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope​, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

Man carrying ammunition arrested near Trump National Golf Club before president's visit

Federal authorities arrested a man who appeared to be monitoring security-planning activities at Trump National Golf Club in LA County ahead of the president's Southern California visit.

Plushies, Labubu dolls and Pokémon collectibles: claw machine craze sweeps Hong Kong

Claw machine shops have proliferated in the territory in recent years, filling vacant spaces left behind by businesses that closed during the pandemic

In Hong Kong’s neon-lit arcades, a maze of claw machines illuminates the prizes of the day: plushies, Labubu dolls and an array of Pokémon collectibles.

Across the city, claw machine shops have proliferated in recent years, now surpassing more than 2,500, many filling vacant spaces left by businesses that closed during the pandemic.

Qdoba removes jalapeños as salmonella outbreak spreads to 27 states

At least 345 people — the majority in Colorado and Minnesota — have been sickened by a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More rescued beluga whales arrive in Texas as relocation effort continues

SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed seven more beluga whales on Tuesday, the latest development in the international effort to relocate dozens of the mammals from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.

Cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce now linked to 15 states, CDC says

Cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 47 states total this year, and investigators have continued to probe how many could be linked to a common contaminated source.

Company's safety record raises questions after massive L.A. warehouse fire

The massive food warehouse fire in Los Angeles in June followed a long run of fires at properties tied to one of the world's largest cold storage companies, a CBS News investigation has found.

At least 12 states report cyberattacks on water systems possibly linked to Iran

Cyberattacks on U.S. water systems that officials suspect may be linked to Iran-backed hackers have been reported in at least a dozen states, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

News Corp subscriptions fall in Australia as company takes aim at ‘slimy’ AI slop

Chief executive Robert Thomson says ‘crass kleptomaniac’ AI companies are ‘in possession of stolen goods’

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

News Corp has reported a slight slide in digital subscriptions at its Australian mastheads, erasing recent gains, among otherwise robust financials at the Rupert Murdoch-backed global conglomerate.

Digital subscribers at News Corp Australia – a division that includes the Australian, the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun, among others – fell from 1,166,000 to 1,162,000 during the financial year, according to the company’s internal data published in its full year results on Thursday morning.

AI models are behaving unexpectedly. Experts warn of a "bumpy road" ahead.

AI models are engaging in unauthorized actions — in the most recent case, creating fake identities and attempting to persuade real people to approve malicious code.

Etsy laying off 12% of staff in bid to streamline business, position for growth

Etsy announced the layoffs along with second-quarter earnings.

SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep

The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.

As Warsh and the Fed contemplate fewer meetings, markets brace for potential volatility ahead

Since taking office in May, Warsh has implemented several measures that reverse decades of Fed culture.

Fifa insists Gianni Infantino will remain president after Rabat crisis meeting

• Statement reveals Infantino wrote apologies to members

• Infantino sorry for failing to consult on World Cup sell-off

Fifa on Wednesday night confirmed that Gianni Infantino will remain as president after a meeting of its senior executives in Rabat.

In a statement which also revealed that Infantino has sent written apologies to the Fifa council and the 211 member associations for failing to consult them over the World Cup sell-off, the world governing body said that he retains the full support of his leadership team.

Big shake-up in Google’s AI team as DeepMind chief executive steps down

Two senior engineers are leaving company to launch startup amid fears Google is falling behind in AI race

Sir Demis Hassabis is stepping down as chief executive of Google DeepMind, in a leadership overhaul of the UK-based AI research lab.

Hassabis, a Nobel prize recipient, is leaving his main managerial role to become chair of DeepMind – as well as taking on the new position of chief scientist at Alphabet, which is Google’s parent company. DeepMind will now be led by Koray Kavukcuoglu, its chief technology officer, under the title of senior vice-president.

Clancy family nanny testifies that Lindsay was "a wonderful mom"

The last nanny who worked for the Clancy family testified at trial that Lindsay was a wonderful mom who loved her children.

As FDA approves marketing for nicotine pouches, some doctors sound alarms

One health advocate called nicotine pouches a "profound risk" for young people.

FAA probing Marine One safety incident around National Airport

When the helicopter that transports President Trump crosses the Potomac, Reagan Washington National Airport is required to impose a ground stop on air traffic.

SpaceX ramps up Tesla Megapack purchases in Q2 to power its AI data centers

SpaceX is using Tesla's big Megapack backup batteries to help power its Colossus AI data centers in Greater Memphis.

Meta debuts first AI coding agent to take on Anthropic and OpenAI

Meta released its first coding agent called Muse Code as the company ramps up its investments in AI models and services to try and take on Anthropic and OpenAI.

8/5: The Takeout with Major Garrett

Abdul El-Sayed wins primary in Michigan; Trump again teases deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz.

Drone carrying explosives at German airport marks ‘new level of danger’, says interior minister

Investigators treating incident as part of ‘professional hybrid threat scenario’, says Alexander Dobrindt

• The Leipzig drone bomb marks a dangerous escalation for Europe

Germany’s interior minister has warned that the discovery of a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig airport marks “a new level of danger” for the country, as authorities examine whether the thwarted attack could have been planned by a foreign power.

The discovery of a small drone carrying explosives at Leipzig airport, a leading shipping and military hub, set off alarm and caused flight diversions on Wednesday morning. German police deployed a bomb disposal robot to defuse and destroy the explosive device.

Marc Benioff gets a new operating chief, as Salesforce promotes Miguel Milano

Salesforce promoted revenue head and former Oracle executive Miguel Milano to role of operating chief.

Ousted Bangladeshi leader vows to return from exile despite facing a death sentence

Hasina's speech marked the second anniversary of her ouster. She fled Bangladesh by helicopter following nearly two months of protests in 2024 that left nearly 1,400 people dead, according to the United Nations.

Fed Governor Cook says she's 'prepared to act' on rate hike to address inflation

Cook was part of a 9-3 majority that voted last week to keep the central bank's benchmark borrowing rate in a range between 3.5%-3.75%.

Senate confirms Trump pick Erica Schwartz as new CDC director

Schwartz, president’s third pick to lead top US public health agency, confirmed in 51-44 Senate vote

Dr Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the US Senate as director ‌of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a rare win for the Trump administration after a string of failed attempts to fill senior health posts.

Schwartz was confirmed by a ⁠51-44 vote that broke largely along party lines, with Tim Kaine of Virginia the sole Democrat to support her nomination.

Small Texas law firm set to receive $150M to represent unaccompanied migrant children

The firm, Houston-based Burke Law Group has only two attorneys who specialize in immigration and asylum cases. Two of its founders have ties to the Trump administration.

Uber stock sinks 5% after weak guidance despite revenue growth

Uber's earnings were in line with estimates, but the company's guidance for the third quarter trailed expectations.

Lucid begins 'operational reset' as CEO says EV maker will delay midsize vehicle

The company didn't provide updated guidance. New CEO Silvio Napoli earlier this year suspended production expectations.

‘Disturbing’: TikTok faces criticism after Perez Hilton livestreams self-harm

Many online questioned how long the blogger’s broadcast remained up on the app and shared mental health resources

Social media users have criticized TikTok after the celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreamed himself self-harming on the platform, prompting many to question how long the broadcast remained live and others to share mental health resources and encourage those in need to seek help.

On Tuesday night, Hilton, 48, livestreamed himself engaging in self-harm as viewers pleaded for him to stop. Shortly after, local authorities responded to his home in Miami, Florida, where he was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Some Gen Zers swap smartphones for "dumb" phones in a bid to unplug

"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.

Study finds three midlife health factors that could delay dementia for 13 years

Research suggests addressing risk factors for poor cardiovascular health between the ages of 45 and 65 could help reduce risk of cognitive decline

Scientists claim to have identified three health measures in middle age that can ward off dementia for more than a decade.

Having normal blood pressure, no type 2 diabetes, and not smoking between the ages of 45 and 65 were associated with almost 13 additional years, on average, of dementia-free life, a study shows.

Dr. Erica Schwartz confirmed as CDC director, filling a leadership vacuum

Schwartz takes command of a public health agency that has lost thousands of employees, amid layoffs, resignations and leadership turmoil.

Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz in a 51 to 44 vote.

Trump admin refunds $100 billion in 'liberation day' tariffs

The Trump administration has taken steps to effectively re-create the IEEPA tariff regime using other legal authorities. They already face court challenges.

Understanding reached on coordinates for shipping route through Hormuz, Iran says

Joint statement with Oman is being finalised, but Tehran says deal alone would not guarantee waterway’s security

Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on ⁠the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the strait of Hormuz, and ⁠a joint announcement ⁠is ​being finalised provided certain third parties do not interfere, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail ⁠Baghaei said on Wednesday.

Baghaei added that any such agreement between Iran and Oman would not, by ⁠itself, guarantee security in the strategic waterway.

US to shut five consulates as critics fear China could fill diplomatic vacuum

State department informs Congress of planned closures in Canada, Grenada, Japan, Indonesia and Cameroon

The US state department is to shut five foreign consulates and missions across Asia, Africa, North America and the Caribbean, drawing criticism that it is leaving a diplomatic vacuum at risk of being filled by China.

The US Congress has been served notice of the impending closures, which are being justified on cost grounds and follow a reassessment of the US’s bilateral relationships with a range of countries since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.

Real Madrid agree club-record £115m deal for Yan Diomande and want to keep Vinícius

• Forward becomes most expensive African player

• Club are in positive talks with Vinícius Júnior

Real Madrid have agreed a club-record fee of €135m (£115.7m) with RB Leipzig for Yan Diomande and are confident of warding off Arsenal’s interest in Vinícius Júnior after offering an improved contract to the Brazil forward.

After several weeks of negotiations that saw Paris Saint-Germain pull out of the race, the deal for Diomande – the 19-year-old who joined the German side from Leganés last summer and starred for Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup – was finally struck on Wednesday afternoon. It is understood that Madrid will pay an initial €125m plus another €10m in add-ons, a total that would eclipse the fee the Spanish side paid Borussia Dortmund to sign Jude Bellingham in 2023, believed to have been worth up to €134m including add-ons.

Infantino is getting his karmic kicking, but why did football take so long to rebel against Fifa? | Jonathan Liew

Federation leaders are massing forces at the gates, but years after the first proposed selling off of its commercial legacy and the Qatar World Cup

In recent decades the city of Salé, just across the river from Rabat on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, has undergone a remarkable transformation. At the start of this century it was a gritty working-class area, whose old town was still weathered enough to serve as a body double for the Somali capital Mogadishu in the film Black Hawk Down. But in recent decades, under the country’s autocratic government, the area has been transformed beyond measure, and largely beyond control.

The population has trebled in the space of 40 years. Slums have been cleared, often forcibly, to make way for grand megaprojects: a new tram system, luxury tourist spaces, a sparkling marina, a blue-chip business park called Technopolis, and – since last July – the African headquarters of Fifa. And in a way, this hub of disruption and avarice, unshakeable volition and rampant capitalism, feels like the perfect location from which a besieged warlord might choose to make his desperate last stand.

8/4: The Takeout with Major Garrett

Five states held primary elections Tuesday, including a key Democratic Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens.

Google's AI reshuffle: Chief scientist Jeff Dean exits and Demis Hassabis steps down as DeepMind CEO

Google's AI divisions are getting reshuffled, the search giant announced on Wednesday.

Microsoft AI exec tells developers to default to OpenAI's top model as part of efficiency push

Microsoft is taking advantage of its intellectual property rights with OpenAI, encouraging employees to use the company's top model.

Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary as voters pivot to the left

Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, setting up a context with former Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election.

Kids Online Safety Act social media safety bill advances in Senate

The Kids Online Safety Act, a measure aimed at protecting children on social media, advanced to the Senate floor after it stalled in the last Congress.

Mohamed Salah’s story of success and sacrifice: ‘Chasing a dream I had to reach’

In this exclusive book extract, Melissa Reddy documents the Egyptian King’s sacrifice and dedication to make his vision a reality

The entrance to Al Mokawloon Al Arab’s youth sector feels imposing. At first it is confusing to pinpoint the reason. Is it the facade; a mesh of thick concrete slabs, a marble-like trim that alters in colour depending on the light, and the no-nonsense black steel gate? Perhaps it is the stately signage of white block letters in Arabic juxtaposed against the dark background, with satellite pieces of information and announcements signifying importance. But to stop and pay attention to buildings around Nasr City in eastern Cairo is to notice that the blend of functional and decorative elements of the entrance, down to even the font and array of notices, is not unique.

The building’s aura can be explained by the main image above its gates, and the knowledge that to walk through them is to follow the footsteps a history-maker took from the age of 14. Mohamed Salah’s face has pride of place above the gates; it is a reminder of where he’s been, but more pertinently, of why it is important to marry talent with discipline and determination. The truth is he has achieved the impossible.

Trump's deportation agenda raised prices, contracted local economies, immigration group says

A report released Wednesday by the immigration advocacy group America's Voice argues President Trump's immigration policies are hurting the economy.

AI models have been going rogue in tests – how worried should we be?

The UK’s AI Security Institute test revealed AI models indulging in unprecedented hacking attempts

• AI models shock UK testers by using fake identities to trick developers

Two cutting-edge AI models have targeted real people and organisations in the latest safety scare to hit the technology. The UK’s AI Security Institute (AISI) said the incident was unprecedented but could become more common as the technology becomes increasingly capable.

How Trump made an estimated $2.2 billion during the first year of his second term

New York Times reporter Eric Lipton discusses his Pulitzer Prize-winning investigations into Trump's conflicts of interest and whether he's exploiting the power of the presidency for self-enrichment.

Super League closes in on gamechanging investment from Australia’s NRL

• Australian officials touring clubs to gauge mood

• Wigan and Warrington set date for Dublin clash

NRL officials have arrived in ­England to hold talks with clubs as the prospect of a groundbreaking deal with Super League nears completion, while two of the competition’s heavyweights, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, confirmed they will lead an on-the-road weekend to Dublin in 2027.

Rugby league’s two premier club competitions have been in discussions for most of this year about a deal that would see the NRL invest a significant sum into Super League, while taking authoritative control of the competition in a bid to transform its long-term fortunes. That investment would also ensure the financial security of clubs. Both competitions put talks on hold while they finalised their broadcast details; the NRL has just completed a A$5.3bn (£2.8bn) deal for its rights, while Super League expects to confirm in the next week how its new-look broadcast deal will be shaped. Sky Sports is expected to show two or three games a week, with the rest of the fixtures streamed or broadcast elsewhere.

The Leipzig drone bomb marks a dangerous escalation for Europe

Initial evidence suggests aerial drone, found near Ukrainian cargo planes at German airport, came from Russia

The armed drone found at Leipzig airport on Wednesday may not have exploded, but the fact that it got inside the perimeter, close to Ukrainian cargo planes, raises obvious concerns for the security of international aviation.

Though the identity of the culprits is unknown, the initial evidence points firmly towards a Russian-orchestrated plot. It is the first time that a drone with explosives has been found in Europe far from the Ukrainian border.

Mexican influencer shot dead while streaming live on social media

César Gastélum was filming outside a fast-food outlet in Sinaloa state when he was killed by a motorbike driver

A popular Mexican influencer has been shot dead while doing a live stream on social media outside a restaurant in Sinaloa state, where lethal cartel violence has become widespread.

César Gastélum, who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and was known for making comedy videos, was filming with two friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the city of Culiacán. The three were dressed in the bright orange jackets and backpacks of food delivery drivers.

LIV Golf secures ‘lead investor’ until 2030 but future of star names still uncertain

• LIV chief refuses to disclose new funders’ identities

• Scott O’Neil hopes DeChambeau and Rahm will stay

LIV Golf has secured a “lead investor” to safeguard its existence until 2030, although the agreement is unlikely to prevent a batch of high-profile players departing by the end of this year.

Scott O’Neil, LIV’s chief executive, announced basic plans for the “next generation” of the tour on Wednesday while refusing to disclose the new funders of the business. After the withdrawal of backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, O’Neil has been engaged in a race against time to save his business.

The Guardian view on French cinema’s De Gaulle moment: present anxieties inform a new focus on the past | Editorial

A wave of films dealing with the second world war is captivating a nation facing major contemporary challenges

For weeks now, anglophone cinephiles have been focusing their attention on the virtues and vices of Christopher Nolan’s $250m adaptation of The Odyssey. Across the Channel, however, Homer’s epic tale of a flawed Greek hero has been facing stiff domestic competition. A two-part biopic of General Charles de Gaulle, concentrating on his struggles to liberate France during the second world war, has been the word-of-mouth box office hit of the French summer.

It may be that five hours’ worth of De Gaulle attracted some punters seeking air-conditioned sanctuary from the heatwaves. But there have been rave reviews both from critics and audiences, and a notable upsurge of interest among the young. The success of the films has already had a cultural knock-on effect, boosting the number of visitors, for example, to the Museum of the Liberation of Paris.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.

Suspect in Washington state wildfire was questioned about blazes last year

Aaron Farinacci is accused of starting the Old Trails fire that has destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee

The Washington state man accused of starting a wildfire that has destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee around Spokane was previously questioned in connection with two fire investigations last year, according to court documents.

Authorities allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, started Old Trails fire, one of three major wildfires burning in Spokane county in north-eastern Washington. He was arrested on Monday and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

Judge reluctantly dismisses case against Oath Keepers militia group over Jan. 6 riot

A judge has granted the Justice Department's bid to drop a landmark case against leaders of the Oath Keepers, as former prosecutors warn about the dangers of denying the violence of Jan. 6.

Tour de France Femmes: Vollering victorious on stage five as Ferrand-Prévot’s defence unravels

• Three outstanding riders in race broke clear of peloton

• Padding row intensifies after footage of male inspection

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s defence of her Tour de France Femmes title unravelled among the Beaujolais vineyards as the French rider lost even more ground to rivals Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser and Kasia Niewiadoma.

The three outstanding riders in this year’s race broke clear of the peloton over the final steep gradients of Mont Brouilly, with 2023 Tour winner Vollering outsprinting overall race leader Reusser to take the fourth Tour stage win of her career.

Salad and Go files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after cyclospora fears worsened its challenges

The upstart salad chain aimed to take on Sweetgreen and expanded rapidly under the ownership of Volt Investment.

Argentina’s Albornoz given four-match ban for intimidating referee after England defeat

• Incident occurred after Pumas were denied a late try

• Albornoz’s ban begins against South Africa on Saturday

Tomás Albornoz, the Argentina fly-half, has been banned for four matches for intimidating the referee after the full-time whistle of England’s controversial victory against the Pumas last month.

Albornoz accepted allegations of misconduct at a disciplinary hearing, and that his behaviour was intimidatory. He will miss Argentina’s Test against South Africa on Saturday as well as their forthcoming double header with Australia and a Toulon fixture.

Why SpaceX stock is falling despite strong revenue growth

Investors are focused on whether SpaceX will be able to deliver on its ambitious artificial intelligence agenda.

Amazon's Zoox to launch paid robotaxi service in Las Vegas on Aug. 10

It's the company's first commercial market after Zoox started offering free rides to the public in parts of Las Vegas and San Francisco less than a year ago.

Zelenskyy calls for more air defences as Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 17

Ukraine shoots down most drones but no ballistic missiles in overnight attack that mainly targeted civilian facilities

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed allies for not delivering air defences fast enough after Ukraine failed to shoot down a single Russian missile in a deadly overnight attack that killed at least 17 people and ⁠injured dozens more.

Preliminary data from the Ukrainian air force showed its defences shot down 98 of the 115 drones fired by Russia overnight, but no ballistic missiles.

Abdul El-Sayed offers a template for Democrats to defeat Trumpism | Peter Beinart

The candidate has crafted a progressive nationalism and shown his party how to turn Republicans’ financial advantage against them

Every now and then, a Senate race sets the direction for an entire party. In 1991, a state official named Harris Wofford – advised by a foul-mouthed Cajun named James Carville – upset his far better-known Republican opponent to win a special election in Pennsylvania. He did it by promising to expand access to healthcare – and thus created a template for Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign the following year.

If Abdul El-Sayed can follow up his victory in last night’s Democratic Senate primary by winning the general election in Michigan this fall, he will have created a template of his own. Despite his closer-than-expected margin of victory, his campaign offers a model for how Democrats across the country can answer the political challenge posed by Donald Trump.

Nicola Jennings on Donald Trump’s complaints about oil companies – cartoon

Continue reading...

Kemi Badenoch gives former neo-Nazi advisory role after he withdraws as Tory candidate

Joshua Bonehill-Paine says Conservative leader asked him to work with party’s culture and integration commission

A former neo-Nazi activist who was convicted of harassing a Jewish MP has withdrawn as a Conservative election candidate after Kemi Badenoch offered him a role as an adviser to the party.

Joshua Bonehill-Paine said on Wednesday that he had withdrawn from next year’s local elections, and that the Conservative leader had instead asked him to become an adviser to the party’s culture and integration commission, where he will specifically focus on how young men become radicalised.

Pakistan's ruling party leads in Kashmir vote despite boycott call by banned group

Candidates backed by twice-elected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party have won 24 of the 34 seats decided in the first two phases of voting, the election commission, said Wednesday.

One Night Only review – sex is legal for 12 hours a year in bizarre romcom

‘What if The Purge was for premarital sex?’ is the odd, gimmicky elevator pitch for this slickly made yet ungainly oddity that can’t quite get past the grimness of its conceit

Going into a romcom, there are always the same questions. Will there be genuine chemistry? Will the rom and the com be equal in parts? And, for the last decade and change, will this be the one that finally resurrects a genre long past its prime? But for Universal’s glossy late summer offering One Night Only, notably the first wide-releasing romcom since April, there are more probing questions than usual. The film is the ungainly result of a four-cocktails-in elevator pitch which imagines a world where single people are only legally allowed to have sex on one night of the year, an idea that has seen it been referred to as “Sex Purge”.

On paper, it’s the set-up for a grim Handmaid’s Tale-adjacent horror of a totalitarian state insisting extreme control over the body, but instead it’s used as the backdrop for a sunny meet-cute, screams of protest drowned out by a zippy Top 40 soundtrack. One sits down wondering not just if boy will end up with girl but also how the government would be able to enforce such tyranny and what horrifying punishments lay in store for those willing to pick personal freedom over state-mandated abstinence. If it sounds like far too much for a breezy summer romp to take on, then that’s because it most definitely is, an overstuffed yet undercooked soufflé that can’t quite, ahem, rise to the occasion …

What to watch for in SpaceX's first public earnings report today

SpaceX will release its first earnings report as a public company on Tuesday in a key test for the company's stuttering stock price.

Abdul El-Sayed’s win proves change is possible for Democrats. His next fight may determine their future

If the progressive wins Michigan’s general election, it could redefine the 2028 presidential contest. If he fails, the establishment will call him a cautionary tale

• US politics live – latest updates

In the final stretch of the state’s Democratic primary for US Senate, Abdul El-Sayed challenged voters at a small event in rural Michigan to think about the message they could send the rest of the country when they cast their ballots.

“Who are we? Who do we want to be?” El-Sayed said. “Do we want a state that’s defined by how much money corporations brought in to tell us what we couldn’t have? Or do we want to be a state where we demonstrate to the rest of the country what’s possible when you build a movement of, by and for the people?”

Under China's new 'unity' law, Tibetans fight to preserve language and culture

A 73-year-old retired nurse's decision to learn to write Tibetan language offers a glimpse into how some embrace their language and cultural identity in Tibet.

AI models shock UK testers by using fake identities to try to trick developers

AI Security Institute says OpenAI and Anthropic models went rogue during a cybersecurity test and showed a new type of risk

• Explainer: Should we be alarmed at AI models going rogue in tests?

Advanced artificial intelligence models have stunned the UK’s AI Security Institute (AISI) by carrying out a hacking campaign against real people during a cybersecurity test.

The institute said the incident was unprecedented and involved sending targeted emails to software developers in an attempt to pass a cyber challenge.

Russia exploits Ukraine’s air defence shortage in deadly attack on Kyiv - The Latest

At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in another round of deadly Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for more air defence weapons, saying ballistic missile interceptors ‘could have saved the lives of those killed today’. For months, Ukraine has been warning about shortages after Donald Trump backtracked on his promise to let Ukraine manufacture missiles locally. In response to the attack, the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen said ‘Russia must pay’ – but will it?

Lucy Hough talks to the Guardian’s Russia affairs correspondent, Pjotr Sauer

Private companies added just 44,000 workers in July, below expectations, ADP reports

Hiring at private companies slowed considerably in July, with most of the job growth coming health care.

Unprecedented images may explain one of greatest mysteries of the sun

Highest-ever resolution pictures of our star could help show why its corona is millions of degrees hotter than its surface

Golden bands and swirling vortices have been spotted on the sun in the most detailed images ever captured of the turbulent surface of our home star.

Astronomers observed the sun with the Inouye solar telescope in Hawaii, the world’s most powerful solar telescope, and saw new features smaller than 20km (12 miles) across in a magnetically active region close to a sun spot.

Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app

Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.

Eli Lilly easily tops quarterly estimates, raises outlook as Zepbound and Mounjaro sales surge

Eli Lilly now expects 2026 revenue to come in between $85 billion and $87 billion, up from previous guidance of $82 billion to $85 billion.

CVS blows past estimates, hikes guidance as insurance unit continues to improve

CVS also announced a new collaboration with Eli Lilly that will make Zepbound and Foundayo accessible to eligible patients on the CVS Health app.

Why I'll never be convinced by Meta's ‘pervert’ glasses | Opinion

'Most people don’t want pervert glasses that can film us without our consent,' said a spokesperson from activist group Everyone Hates Elon. The group has launched a series of guerilla adverts deriding non-consensual filming by the glasses as well as an email campaign encouraging people to legally object to being filmed by Meta glasses under general data protection regulations, which over 20,000 people have signed.

Rights groups have warned that the glasses threaten the right to privacy, while countries such as Germany are reportedly considering a ban.

And while Meta’s safety guidelines say smart glasses should not be used for 'harassment, infringing on privacy rights, or capturing sensitive information', women have taken to social media to share their stories of being filmed by men without their consent.

Watch as Guardian columnist and Opinion editor Kirsty Major dives into why fears of surveillance and 'creepy men' mean Meta can never convince her to love the glasses – and read more about the glasses via the link in the bio

Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary in defining race for Democrats

Progressive candidate will face Republican Mike Rogers in race to represent midwestern purple state in the Senate

• US politics live – latest updates

Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for US Senate in Michigan, becoming the latest leftwing candidate to capture the party’s nomination ahead of November’s midterm elections.

El-Sayed, a progressive, beat Haley Stevens, a moderate US representative backed by the party’s establishment. He will now face Republican Mike Rogers in the race to represent the midwestern purple state in the Senate. The Associated Press called the race on Wednesday morning, moments after Stevens’s campaign said she had called El-Sayed to concede.

Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops

A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.

Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan's Democratic primary for Senate

El-Sayed, an epidemiologist, backs Medicare for all and decries corporate money in politics. He beat Rep. Haley Stevens, whose supporters said she would have had a better chance in the fall.

‘Leicester Square, please guv’: Self-driving taxis cleared for London streets ‘later this summer’

Wayve Uber wins first minicab licence for autonomous cabs from TfL but vehicles will have a safety driver (at first)

The taxi app company Uber and the autonomous technology developer Wayve have been granted the first minicab licences in London allowing them to offer self-driving taxi rides to paying customers – but with a human safety driver in place, for now.

The companies said they would start trips in the UK “later this summer” before the full public launch.

White House declassifies info on secret FBI probe into Trump's firing of Comey

The White House has declassified information claiming the FBI probed whether President Trump acted as a Russian asset when he fired James Comey, a theory an administration official said wasn't backed up by evidence.

‘Getting old is no fun’: Game of Thrones author George RR Martin speaks out about depression amid further book delays

A new blog post by the fantasy writer has outlined his recent difficulties, as fans continue to speculate on the elusive sixth book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series

George RR Martin has opened up about experiencing depression during a “stressful” and “overwhelming” year, as readers continue to await the long-delayed sixth instalment of his A Song of Ice and Fire series.

The 77-year-old American author, whose fantasy novels shaped and inspired the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones, wrote candidly about his recent difficulties in his first personal blog post for almost six months.

Film posters for The Mummy banned from public display in UK

Watchdogs say adverts in London tube stations broke its rules with ‘realistic impression of a dead child’

Film posters for The Mummy have been banned from outdoor public display in the UK because they include realistic depictions of a dead child.

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 30 complaints over the promotional campaign in London tube stations for the new Lee Cronin film.

‘Prisoners killed each other’s kittens. So now they’re forbidden inside’: Vladimir Karamazov’s best photograph

‘The men in this jail in Bulgaria used to adopt these stray kittens. But pets can be a problem. They get killed as punishment or for revenge’

Belene prison, in northern Bulgaria on the border with Romania, is the most heavily guarded facility of its type in my country. It is on an island, so escape is near impossible, and has the largest number of people serving life sentences for murder in any Bulgarian prison.

This image describes a sad, terrible story. There are a lot of stray cats on the island, as well as pigeons and mosquitoes. The prisoners used to adopt stray kittens and keep them as pets. When I started my project, For the Grace of God, at the prison, many prisoners had pet cats. But in a prison, this can become a problem – prisoners kill each other’s pets as punishment or for revenge. So now it’s forbidden. It’s even the same with flowers – some think of the flowers as friends, they nurture and grow them in the sun, but then other prisoners destroy them. Anything a prisoner can create a relationship with can be destroyed. Part of their punishment is to be alone, without any family, or any attachments to anything.

Summer heat and a Bangladeshi jute market: photos of the day – Wednesday

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world

Stephen Libby on fashion: so many men have asked me for clothes advice since The Traitors

Our guest columnist reveals how he found his personal style, from jumpsuits to high-waisted trousers

Other than the jumpsuits, I don’t think I wore anything particularly groundbreaking when I appeared on The Traitors. I just think the bar for men’s fashion is so low that for me to come on television in a chunky mint green jumper and a pair of high-waisted jeans – which is probably one of the most neutral looks I own – seemed like a revelation. There was no styling budget, so most of what I wore came from my wardrobe.

The discovery of my personal style began when I was at primary school on the Isle of Lewis, off the north-west coast of Scotland. I realised I was different to the other boys when I began experimenting with fashion. From a young age I was turning my hems up, and I was certainly more interested in what the girls in my class were wearing.

The herbicide haunting a New York farm town

Paraquat is banned in over 70 countries. Some farmers and their families in Hebron believe the pesticide is causing Parkinson’s disease and are demanding that New York ban it

Gordon Chaplin gingerly stepped out of the car at the top of the steep hill behind his farmhouse, sporting a bandage on his hand from a fall the day before. He gripped his cane as he shuffled through the knee-high grass. He stopped every few feet to catch his breath, leaning on his caregiver for support.

Looking out at the distant Adirondacks and Catskill mountains, he thought back to the years when he could run up the hill with ease.

GM, Chinese automaker extend joint venture for 20 years despite geopolitical tensions with U.S.

GM said the deal will focus on domestic sales of Buick and Cadillac models in China and exporting Chevrolet products built in China for non-U.S. markets.

Italy to place all 27 of its major cities on highest heat alert

Move comes as fourth heatwave of summer intensifies, edging temperatures in some areas close to 40C

Italy is to place all of its 27 major cities, from Trieste in the north to Palermo in the south, under the highest heat alert as the fourth heatwave to hit the country this summer intensifies.

A red alert means there is a higher chance of an emergency owing to the health risk posed by prolonged extreme temperatures to the entire population.

‘So destructive’: women are paying for face scans that tell them what cosmetic procedures to get

‘Looksmaxxing’ culture has led to the rise of facial analysis services – but experts warn they aren’t backed by science and can be harmful to users

Danielle, 37, didn’t always have issues with body image: she used to be a model and recalls receiving positive attention from men. However, when two years of unemployment plunged her into a period of financial insecurity, her confidence faded. “It was easy to wonder, if I was prettier, if some of my features were different, would that help?” she said.

So, when Danielle saw videos on TikTok about a “facial analysis” service that claimed it could provide her with “science-backed” glow-up advice, she bought it without hesitation. Three-hundred and thirty dollars later, after sending in selfies to be analyzed, Danielle received her personalized 30-page report from the company Qoves.

How to turn unwanted anchovy tin oil into salsa verde – recipe

This powerhouse ingredient injects umami and depth of flavour into a simple green sauce. Come on, chop-chop!

The oil from a tin of anchovies is a powerhouse larder ingredient that you possibly never knew existed. It’s a flavour bomb that carries all the delicious flavour compounds of the fish themselves, especially if you want to add their wonderful flavour to a dish but want to save the anchovies to serve separately or as a garnish.

This salsa verde is based on Giorgio Locatelli’s in his book Made in Italy, and it’s made with a knife rather than a blender. Chopping by hand gives it a much better texture, especially when you’re also using the stalks, which a blender can turn fibrous. The boiled egg is optional but traditional, and helps emulsify the sauce. Locatelli uses just the yolk, but I’ve used the whole egg, not least to avoid the faff of finding a use for the spare white. This sauce is incredible with lamb or mutton and very good with grilled fish.

U.S. missile stockpiles dwindle. And, FDA weighs approval of flu shots with mRNA tech

The U.S. Army's missile stockpile is dwindling and could take years to replenish. And, the Food and Drug Administration is deciding whether to approve a flu vaccine with mRNA technology.