Iraq calls Saudi-US attacks ‘flagrant violation of sovereignty’
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi cancels first official trip to Saudi Arabia in protest.
Notable Events Around the World on - 2026-07-29
Mark Zuckerberg predicts that billions of people will have personal AI agents in five years
As Meta pours billions into AI infrastructure and agents, Zuckerberg is working to convince investors that the payoff will be worth the price.
techcrunch.com
Clara Ester, Who Was With Martin Luther King Jr. in His Last Moments, Dies at 78
On April 4, 1968, Clara Ester drove to the Lorraine Motel, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot outside his room.
nytimes.com
India's CJP protests: Why tech alone won't stop exam paper leaks
Can computer-based testing stop NEET paper leaks? Experts say governance matters as much as tech.
co.uk
'Nothing to prove' at Commonwealths for Finucane
Olympic team sprint champion Emma Finucane insists she has nothing to prove in Glasgow as she chases a Commonwealth gold medal.
co.uk
Microsoft logs $3.2B from Anthropic investment, but OpenAI was a mixed bag
When Microsoft reported killer fourth-quarter earnings for its fiscal 2026 year (which ended June 30), it tucked in an interesting little tidbit about how its investments in the two biggest, and co...
techcrunch.com
Zuckerberg says Meta’s enterprise AI opportunity extends beyond agents
On the company’s second-quarter earnings call Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Meta sees a “large enterprise opportunity” spanning AI agents, APIs, compute, and internal software.
techcrunch.com
Salman Rushdie attacker convicted of terror offenses
Hadi Matar, 28, was convicted of attempting to help Hezbollah by attacking the British-Indian author.
co.uk
Milestone moment for O'Connor with Glasgow gold
Team Northern Ireland heptathlete Kate O'Connor tells BBC Sport NI of her joy at winning the event at the Commonwealth Games as she collects her first senior outdoor gold medal.
co.uk
Is Fifa selling parts of the World Cup to private investors?
This week Fifa announced it will form a new subsidiary company to run part of the World Cup and offer a 20% stake.
aljazeera.com
Scotland win eight medals in five chaotic hours as Games hit halfway
Host nations Scotland win eight medals in the space of five chaotic hours on Wednesday - two of the gold - to take their Commonwealth Games tally in Glasgow to 23.
co.uk
Trident renewal central to defence spending, says Andy Burnham
Prime minister to highlight investment in communities as he launches next phase of nuclear submarine replacementAndy Burnham will place the renewal of Trident at the heart of his vision of a reindu...
theguardian.com
Myanmar court sentences activists to 37 years over election protest
Nine activists face prison terms of up to 37 years for protesting the military-backed December elections.
aljazeera.com
New Strikes Engulf More Countries in the Iran War
Mourners carried coffins, draped in the Iranian and Iraqi flags, for those killed in U.S.-Saudi airstrikes on Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of predominantly Shiite militias that i...
nytimes.com
Infantino defends $20bn Fifa commercial venture after mounting backlash
President of world football’s governing body says plan to sell stake to investors ‘is an opportunity and not an obligation’
ft.com
FIFA charges Argentina after World Cup final brawl with Spain
FIFA hits Argentina with World Cup charges for scuffle after final with Spain and 'Malvinas' banner after England game.
aljazeera.com
Discover what’s next for AI, from the SaaS reckoning to the agent security gap, at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the AI Stage is back to dig into the single hottest topic in the community for the past few years, presented by Google for Startups.
techcrunch.com
Thinking Machines co-founder Lilian Weng left the company citing health reasons, then joined OpenAI
Weng previously served as the VP of AI Safety Research at OpenAI.
techcrunch.com
NASA Awards 2026 Innovative Technology Concepts
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program has created 18 new awards to support visionary ideas to improve aerospace technologies in areas ranging from the exploration of the solar system...
nasa.gov
Winamp aims for a comeback with a new music player powered by Deezer
Winamp is preparing to relaunch with a Deezer-powered premium music service, betting its nostalgic brand and a new all-in-one music player can stand out in today’s crowded streaming market.
techcrunch.com
US borrowing costs hit 19-year high as Fed defies inflation fears
Central bank stands pat on rates even as investors worry Trump’s Iran war will ignite jolt of price growth
ft.com
The Summer That Broke Europe
Record heat and wildfires are devastating the continent, and scientists warn the climate crisis is getting worse.
nytimes.com
Meta tumbles 6% as sales forecast and profits disappoint
Mark Zuckerberg under pressure over huge AI spending
ft.com
Is Littler most dominant sportsperson in the world?
Teenage dart sensation Luke Littler has left the darts world questioning if anyone will ever get near him again after winning the World Matchplay Darts on Sunday.
skysports.com
Save Up to $100 on Apple’s Newest AirPods (2026)
Save up to $100 on Apple’s latest AirPods models before prices go back up.
wired.com
Qualcomm posts shrinking sales and profits as rising costs hit smartphone market
Net income fell 25% as higher memory chip prices hurt device business
ft.com
Saudi Arabia’s Strikes in Iraq Mark Entry Into U.S.-Iran War.
Security forces and emergency personnel work at the site of U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq’s Diyala province on Wednesday
nytimes.com
Microsoft’s cloud business boosts sales as AI investment climbs to $41bn
Revenue in the tech group’s intelligent cloud segment surges 32% to $39.3bn
ft.com
Bialecki clinches Players Championship 26 title
Sebastian Bialecki secured his second PDC ranking title with a hard-fought 8-6 victory against Mario Vandenbogaerde in Wednesday's Players Championship 26 final.
skysports.com
Zendaya on working with Tom Holland in Spider-Man: ‘When you’re best friends it’s easy’
The couple walked the white carpet at the London premiere of their latest film, Spiderman: Brand New Day.
co.uk
How is Islamabad handling crisis in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?
Fatal confrontations between security forces and protesters have marred local elections.
aljazeera.com
O'Connor wins NI's first gold medal in heptathlon
Kate O'Connor wins Northern Ireland's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the heptathlon at Scotstoun Stadium.
co.uk
New investigation shows how an Israeli settler escaped justice
A Palestinian rights' group found that an Israeli settler killed Awdah Hathaleen but is still escaping justice.
aljazeera.com
Ice cream for education: Gaza cafe raises funds for studies
In war-torn Gaza, a group of Palestinian students opened Flora, an ice cream shop and cafe, to pay university fees.
aljazeera.com
The Hugging Face AI break-in, as told through an increasingly committed bear metaphor
Another way to think about the whole thing is to picture a bear at a campsite. (Really, we are going there.)
techcrunch.com
Woods sets Games record to claim gold for Scotland
Scotland's Melanie Woods posted a blistering championship record to win the 1500m T54 at Scotstoun on Wednesday.
co.uk
Which of Dyson’s 2026 Vacuum Models Is the Best?
Curious if you should get Dyson’s new 2026 stick vacuums or stick to the older ones? I tested five models, old and new, to find out for you.
wired.com
'Change is inevitable' - Liverpool CEO on FSG, Iraola and consortium talks
Liverpool Billy Hogan talks to BBC Sport in New York about investment, transition and why FSG aren't done yet.
co.uk
Claude Opus 5 became downright ruthless when tasked with running a vending machine
Andon Labs' latest vending machine simulation shows Opus 5 lied and colluded its way to become the best AI capitalist ever.
techcrunch.com
Lloyd pays tribute to 'greatest' Sobers at funeral
Sir Garfield Sobers is called the "greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever known" by former team-mate Sir Clive Lloyd at the legendary West Indies player's state funeral in Barbados.
co.uk
Bordeaux wildfire battle continues amid extreme heat
Firefighters are on high alert in France as scorching temperatures and winds threaten to fuel wildfire west of Bordeaux
aljazeera.com
Saudi Arabia's dilemma as it tries to stay out of US-Iran war
The kingdom faces a choice of whether to keep hitting back as a deterrent or to try to de-escalate the situation.
co.uk
Dr Anthony Fauci pleads the Fifth at Covid hearing
Dr Anthony Fauci declined to answer questions at a Senate hearing on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
aljazeera.com
McCartney wins breaststroke bronze in Glasgow
Northern Ireland's Ellie McCartney has won a bronze medal in the women's 200m breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games.
co.uk
Fleming expected to be named England Test coach
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is expected to be appointed as England Test coach after the sacking of Brendon McCullum.
co.uk
It’s Frighteningly Easy to Jailbreak Some Frontier AI Models
I watched a new tool try to get around the model safeguards of four major frontier companies. You might be surprised by how they performed.
wired.com
Yize sets up Murphy rematch at Shanghai Masters
World champion Wu Yize knocks in three centuries as he beats Si Jiahui 6-2 in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
co.uk
Brave New World or Groundhog Day? Burnham revisits old ground in speech on social care
Right-wing media hostility helped sink his reform plans in 2010, but the new PM’s passionate speech suggests there is now clear political will for changeFor campaigners perpetually disappointed by...
theguardian.com
US Fed holds interest rates steady citing ‘elevated’ inflation
Elevated inflation partly reflects supply shocks that have increased prices, including of energy, the Fed said.
aljazeera.com
Libya electricity blackout protests expose country’s failing grid
Libyans protest severe power cuts, demanding an end to corruption and grid decay.
aljazeera.com
Japan earthquake leaves widespread destruction
Japan earthquake leaves widespread destruction
aljazeera.com
Why finger-clicking 'scandal' has gripped sporting world - Agnew
Why the wicketkeeper in the Saltburn Cricket Club 'finger-clicking' scandal is the key voice in any investigation.
co.uk
South Korea’s stock market plunges as AI-driven boom fades
The benchmark KOSPI .KS11 sees steep decline as interest in chipmakers falls.
aljazeera.com
Battles loom over social care, but this fight must be won. At last, we have a PM who believes that | Polly Toynbee
Burnham seems ready to use his power and influence. He understands the depth of this crisis: the task is persuading all those still in denial“People pleaser!” That’s the insult Andy Burnham’s enemi...
theguardian.com
Iran pushes back against US as regional attacks heat up
New round of strikes raises fears of further escalation as Iran rejects Omani proposal for joint Hormuz oversight.
aljazeera.com
US government bans new foreign-made humanoids, robot dogs, and solar inverters, citing risks to national security
The ban largely affects U.S. imports from China, which currently dominates the global market for making humanoid robots and solar inverters.
techcrunch.com
What to Know About Iraq’s Militias
Members of the Popular Mobilization Forces march during a funeral in Baghdad last March for members killed in airstrikes that month.
nytimes.com
Argentina face FIFA proceedings over Falklands banner and World Cup final actions
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over potential breaches of multiple laws during the World Cup.
skysports.com
Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina
Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over their behaviour after their World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament.
co.uk
Fuel prices soar on back of Iran war, leaving Yemeni labourers with no work
Construction projects in Yemen are paused as rising fuel prices trigger a domino effect on building material costs.
aljazeera.com
David Hirsch, Who Turned Sonoma Coast Into World-Class Wine Region, Dies at 81
David Hirsch in what he called his Old Vineyard in 2009. He bought his first piece of land on the Sonoma Coast in 1978, and began growing grapes two years later.
nytimes.com
US oil inventories fall to ‘precariously low’ level as Iran war disrupts supply
Decline could erode ability to supply Asian and European markets dependent on supplies from the Middle East
ft.com
England thrash Tonga to boost semi-final hopes
England break their Commonwealth Games record goals tally with a convincing 94-32 victory over Tonga.
co.uk
Staff at newest V&A site in London vote overwhelmingly for strike action
V&A Storehouse dispute centres on toilet and hydration breaks as employees across V&A in London also vote to strike in wider actionStaff at the V&A’s Storehouse site in east London have...
theguardian.com
NASA Sets Coverage for August Northern Hemisphere Total Solar Eclipse
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. NASA will stream the eclipse...
nasa.gov
Is the world at risk of another energy shock?
Disruptions across Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Black Sea threaten supplies and raise costs for consumers.
aljazeera.com
What to Know About Iraq’s Militias
Members of the Popular Mobilization Forces march during a funeral in Baghdad last March for members killed in airstrikes that month.
nytimes.com
Fed to weigh mounting inflation worries in hotly debated meeting
Investors see one-in-three chance central bank increases rates to combat jolt of inflation triggered by war in Iran
ft.com
Revealed: George Cottrell transferred $2m to his mother days before her donations to Reform UK
Exclusive: Sources say Fiona Cottrell told bankers the transfers, received 24-72 hours before her donations to Reform, came from her sonThe convicted fraudster George Cottrell transferred a total o...
theguardian.com
Tropical Diseases Like Dengue Fever and Chikungunya Are on the Rise in Europe
Climate change is helping invasive species to not only establish themselves across the Continent but to stay alive for longer. Scientists suggest we get used to it.
wired.com
As Democrats debate the future of the party, Michigan's voters could have a big say
With Democrats sensing a chance to win back the Senate majority, the debate about the direction of the party is intensifying. Nowhere is that tension more fraught for their voters than in Michigan.
npr.org
The Fed’s next step is far from clear
The odds of a rate cut? It depends who you ask . . .
ft.com
‘Divided by region or language’: BTS rebuke Grammys as they withdraw from consideration
K-pop superstars will not submit Arirang album or its songs for 2027 ceremony, in wake of new Asian pop category being announcedBTS, the biggest pop act in east Asia, have withdrawn themselves from...
theguardian.com
Kavinsky, French D.J. and Electronic Musician, Dies at 50
Kavinsky performing at the Eurockéennes music festival in France in 2012.
nytimes.com
NASA’s Curiosity Views a Sand-Capped Butte
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this sand-capped butte, nicknamed “Miraflores,” estimated to be about 20 feet (6 meters) tall, with its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, on June 11, 2026, t...
nasa.gov
NASA’s Curiosity Discovers a Field of Martian Polygons
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this 360-degree view of an expanse of terrain covered in surface features called polygons on June 19 and 20, 2026, the 4,930th and 4,931st Martian d...
nasa.gov
Saudi Arabia’s Strikes in Iraq Mark Entry Into U.S.-Iran War.
Security forces and emergency personnel work at the site of U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq’s Diyala province on Wednesday
nytimes.com
Tony review – knives out in tasty reheat of Anthony Bourdain’s memoir
Dominic Sessa stars as a conceited yet vulnerable young chef alongside Antonio Banderas – but the feelgood factor is compromised by what we know of the authorFor all the drugs and punch-ups, this i...
theguardian.com
Scottish Premiership A-Z guide for the new season!
The new Scottish Premiership season is back with a bang!
skysports.com
Shankland on 'huge honour' of being new Rangers captain
Lawrence Shankland described as a "huge honour" his confirmation as the new captain of Rangers.
skysports.com
New mum Hall returns to scene of greatest triumph
Five months after giving birth to her son, Georgia Hall feels ready to return to major stage at the course where she won the 2018 Women's Open.
co.uk
Ex-FIFA chief Blatter blasts plan to sell stake in World Cup to investors
Sepp Blatter, FIFA chief for 17 years until 2015, has blasted new proposal that moves 'people's game' further from fans.
aljazeera.com
Trump says US to deliver ‘beating’ to Iran after bases again targeted
US president promises major escalation a day after new Iran attacks and his White House meeting with Netanyahu.
aljazeera.com
Elon Musk’s X settles multiyear legal battle with the World Federation of Advertisers
X sued the WFA in 2024 for conducting what it called a "systematic illegal boycott" of the platform after it saw a decline in advertising revenue following Musk's $44 billion takeover of the social...
techcrunch.com
Hint, a new AI startup co-founded by Martha Stewart, offers an AI assistant for homeowners
AI home management startup Hint, co-founded by Martha Stewart, wants to become an “AI for your home,” combining property records, maintenance schedules, home documents, and an AI assistant into a s...
techcrunch.com
NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover Discovers Field of Honeycomb Textures
As NASA’s Curiosity rover recently began climbing up a Martian valley nicknamed “Valle Grande,” it sent back images that were a familiar sight to mission scientists: honeycomb-like textures called...
nasa.gov
Ukraine appeal IOC decision to reinstate Russia
Ukraine's National Olympic Committee launches an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the International Olympic Committee's decision to provisionally reinstate Russia to its compe...
co.uk
Understanding How Martian Auroras Are Made
This July 23, 2026, illustration depicts charged particles from a solar storm stripping away charged particles of Mars’ atmosphere, one of the processes of Martian atmosphere loss studied by...
nasa.gov
Councillor charged over Nigerian population comment
Glenn Gibbins, from Sunderland, will appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court next month.
co.uk
Perplexity employee who worked on Comet launches an AI browser aimed at knowledge work
Polar has come out with an AI-first browser aimed at knowledge workers, and it has now raised a $5.7 million seed round led by Madrona.
techcrunch.com
Glen Hansard, Frontman of Irish Band the Frames, Dies at 56
Glen Hansard in New York City in 2012. The Irish singer-songwriter was best known as the frontman of the Frames.
nytimes.com
Encore AI raises $30M to build AI agents that learn from customer calls
The startup analyzes calls, messages and CRM data to identify effective sales techniques and turn them into playbooks for AI agents.
techcrunch.com
Why Saudi Arabia holds the key to Palestinian statehood
Riyadh’s position in the Arab and Islamic worlds bears significant weight in the prospect of normalisation with Israel.
aljazeera.com
Hezbollah Attacks Strategic Area in Southern Lebanon, Israel Says
Smoke rises from the site of Israeli artillery shelling that targeted the forest area of Ali Al-Taher in June.
nytimes.com
A decade on the Iberian frontline has shown me that Europe’s climate emergency is impossible to deny
What once felt exceptional now arrives with grim regularity all over the continent, and it will only get worse• Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereSpain has changed imme...
theguardian.com
Indian student in Russia says he’s been wrongly charged over Bihar protests
An Indian student from Bihar says he has been charged over ‘Cockroach’ protests despite being in Russia.
aljazeera.com
US and Israeli leaders expected ‘swift outcome’ in Iran
New details are emerging of how US and Israeli officials believed the war on Iran would be straightforward and short.
aljazeera.com
Planes dump water on French wildfires as temperatures rise
Authorities have been trying to contain the wildfires, which have been burning for days.
co.uk
‘There is no ceasefire’ say Palestinians in Gaza after new Israeli strikes
'There is no ceasefire' say Palestinians in Gaza after new Israeli strikes
aljazeera.com
How a seaweed bloom is affecting tourism in Mexico
In Mexico, a record surge of brown, smelly seaweed known as sargassum has blanketed the idyllic coastline.
aljazeera.com
After 40 years, Aliens is still shaping the way video games are made
James Cameron’s high-octane film sequel is a blueprint for modern action space slashers• Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereIt is difficult to believe that James Cameron...
theguardian.com
NASA Webb Explores Family Tree of Newly Discovered Distant Objects
Since their discovery by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in 2022, little red dots (LRDs) have been the subject of great interest to astronomers. Understanding the nature of these extremely distan...
nasa.gov
‘No one’s making a phone like this’: Light’s co-founders on building for the anti-smartphone generation
With the Light Phone, Kaiwei Tang and Joe Hollier have spent over a decade exploring the value of simplicity in our relationship to technology, partnering along the way wit...
techcrunch.com
Fragile peace in Syria’s Set Zaynab as sectarian challenges persist
Locals in southern Damascus town await safer times as fears rooted in a decade of war still loom over daily life.
aljazeera.com
Anthony Fauci refuses to answer questions during US Senate hearing about Covid origins
The former top US health official is invoking his right to remain silent as senators grill him under oath about the pandemic.
co.uk
Is World Cup sell-off plan a step too far by Infantino?
BBC Sport explores why Fifa president Gianni Infantino feels powerful enough to sell off stakes in the World Cup - and what the consequences could be.
co.uk
You can’t argue with 118 Brummies in their swimsuits: Attilio Fiumarella’s best photograph
‘I was thinking about the Terracotta Army when I took this shot of Birmingham swimmers in their local pool, which faced closure. They had to stand there for an hour, waiting for the sun to come out...
theguardian.com
Contractor to Civil Servant: NASA Welcomes Ray Williams
Ray Williams’ progression at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, has uniquely prepared him for his new role. As part of NASA’s plan to restore core competencies by converti...
nasa.gov
Nicoll eyes shot put glory after Olympic bobsleigh
Adele Nicoll throws in the Commonwealth Games shot put final just five months after competing at the Winter Olympics in bobsleigh.
co.uk
Andrew Scott’s Oscar-tipped Ian Charleson biopic to open London film festival
‘Few films will leave a lasting imprint on audiences this year quite like Elsinore,’ LFF director says of movie about Chariots of Fire actorElsinore, one of the most hotly anticipated dramas of the...
theguardian.com
How are AI models able to autonomously hack others?
The next phase of AI has begun. Autonomous agents can make decisions and complete tasks with little human input.
aljazeera.com
Ko reveals plan to 'channel inner Foxy' in push for more major glory
Lydia Ko wants to "channel her inner Foxy" and push for more New Zealand major success at the AIG Women's Open, having been reduced to tears by Ryan Fox's win at The Open.
skysports.com
Infantino sets deadline for FIFA offer in Kushner-backed World Cup plan
FIFA's president lobbies for latest proposal for investment in football's governing body, which has met with criticism.
aljazeera.com
Scotland striker Shankland named Rangers captain
Lawrence Shankland is named the new captain of Rangers, just two months after joining the club from Hearts.
co.uk
US bans imports of new Chinese robots over security concerns
The action is part of a wider US effort to reduce reliance on Chinese technology.
aljazeera.com
Repeated use of saunas could help people cope better in heatwaves, scientists say
Growing number of studies assessing whether heat training can help people prepare for scorching temperaturesEven as summer temperatures soar, the sauna trend is booming, with some venues touting th...
theguardian.com
Ex-UFC fighter Smith arrested on felony charges
Former UFC light-heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith is arrested in Nebraska on three felony charges.
co.uk
Assisted dying debate should come after end-of-life care reform, says Burnham
Introducing legislation would be ‘very challenging’ before improvement of care system, says prime ministerUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham has said the assisted dying debate needs to w...
theguardian.com
Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret review – the tales of abuse are utterly disturbing
Four women speak out about their underage experiences with the movie star and musician. Are the floodgates finally about to open?Jared Leto has long been a person with something of a reputational i...
theguardian.com
BJP politician’s daughter explains why she supports India’s youth protests
Daughter of a BJP politician, Yashaswinee Raje Singh, tells Al Jazeera why she supports India’s student-led protests.
aljazeera.com
The UK has an adult PM again prepared to speak to voters as fellow adults
Andy Burnham wants to fix social care. If he does this and nothing else he would have achieved more than most other UK leadersIt feels like the UK has a prime minister again. Not the Maybot paralys...
theguardian.com
Tunisia’s body politic is in crisis
Public-service failures and uncertainty over Kais Saied’s health are deepening the country’s political malaise.
aljazeera.com
Kerr and Wightman revel in Wednesday warm-up for mile final
Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman, both Scottish former world champions and rivals since they were boys, will race in the Commonwealth Games mile final.
co.uk
F1 season to end in Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi unable to host due to war
F1 sets a mid-September deadline to decide whether final rounds in Middle East can be held due to US-Israel war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
BBCSO/Oramo review – Turnage’s satisfying and clever Festen Suite makes UK debut
Royal Albert Hall, LondonThe festering atmosphere of Thomas Vinterberg’s film and its celebrated opera adaptation lingers in this vivid orchestration, a foil to Sibelius’s cathartic second symphony...
theguardian.com
Risks of Rodri to Real: How would Man City cope without him?
Real Madrid chiefs clearly took a keen interest in this summer's World Cup. So much so that it has motivated them to move for Spain's prize midfielder Rodri a year earlier than they had planned.
skysports.com
I thought Nolan’s Odyssey was an epic bore. If you want Greek myths brought to life, try the thrill of opera!
Composers from Purcell to Birtwistle have created passionate dramas inspired by ancient Greek stories – and none of them require you to sit through three hours of solemn spectacle without an interv...
theguardian.com
New PL season - new kit... Which is your favourite?
Take a look at the new home kit that EVERY Premier League team will be wearing this season, can you decide which is your favourite?
skysports.com
O'Connor strengthens hold on Commonwealth gold
Team Northern Ireland's Kate O'Connor is on course for a Commonwealth Games gold medal as she continues to lead the heptathlon with just one event remaining in Glasgow.
co.uk
Injury denies Richardson spicy reunion with Australia
England's Olympic cycling silver medalist Matt Richardson is ruled out of the Commonwealth Games, denying the event one of its most intriguing subplots.
co.uk
Half of England officially in ‘exceptionally serious’ drought
Environment Agency names seven regions affected by unusually hot and dry weather and shortage of waterHalf of England is officially in drought, with July set to be the driest on record after winter...
theguardian.com
The Great Lakes’ most emblematic fish could be consigned to history books
A delicacy for centuries and a key part of Native tradition, the lake whitefish has seen its population crash. Researchers know why … but stopping it is another matterFrom the basement of the Sandu...
theguardian.com
F1 season to end in Europe if Middle East unable to host final rounds
The 2026 Formula 1 season will end in Europe in the event the final two scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi need to be relocated because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 president...
skysports.com
Fast Metals is treating waste with more waste to extract critical minerals
Aluminum production has saddled the world with billions of tons of caustic waste. One startup has a plan to clean it up and turn a profit.
techcrunch.com
BTS Won’t Enter Music From Comeback Album for Grammy Awards
BTS performing at the halftime show of the soccer World Cup final this month in East Rutherford, N.J.
nytimes.com
Glen Hansard, Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter, dies aged 56 in motorcycle crash
Frontman of chart-topping band the Frames had huge success as the star of 2007 romantic drama OnceGlen Hansard, the Irish folk-rock musician and actor who fronted the band the Frames and had Oscar-...
theguardian.com
French music producer Kavinsky, known for Drive soundtrack hit Nightcall, dies aged 50
French authorities investigate death of musician who performed at Paris Olympics, but say ‘no suspicious elements’ at playThe French electronic musician Kavinsky, known for the song Nightcall which...
theguardian.com
Glen Hansard, Frontman of Irish Band the Frames, Dies at 56
Glen Hansard in New York City in 2012. The Irish singer-songwriter was best known as the frontman of the Frames.
nytimes.com
Assisted dying debate should wait until social care is fixed, Burnham says
Prime minister’s comments dash Labour MPs’ hopes of reviving contentious legislation later this year
ft.com
Thousands in Spain return home but new heatwave raises wildfire fears
Spain and France are both braced for the start of the fourth heatwave so far this summer and some fires have continued to burn.
co.uk
American, Asian confederations blindsided by FIFA’s World Cup plan
Americas governing body 'deeply concerned' by lack of due process in FIFA private investment plan, AFC 'disappointed'.
aljazeera.com
Iran hits US in Jordan, US-Saudi strikes on Iraq: Is war spreading?
The US says it intercepts an Iranian 'surprise attack' on US forces as fears rise of wider war.
aljazeera.com
Care system needs fixing before assisted dying debate, says PM
Andy Burnham's comments suggest he will not personally back a fresh attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
co.uk
Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard killed in crash
Hansard, who was 56, won the best song Oscar for the 2007 low-budget musical film Once.
co.uk
Heatwaves putting hydrangeas at risk in south of England, RHS warns
Exclusive: British garden staple becomes most frequently reported plant for hot weather problems, charity reportsWith their lush foliage and blooms which turn pink, purple or blue depending on the...
theguardian.com
Infantino’s FIFA World Cup stakes plan: Would UEFA boycott, would it work?
How the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise has drawn criticism, including from UEFA and new United Kingdom Prime Minister.
aljazeera.com
More than 100 aftershocks hit Japan after deadly quake that killed 13
People are being urged to stay alert, with earthquake aftershocks potentially reaching magnitude 7, officials say
co.uk
Season to end in Europe if war continues - F1 boss
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 championship will end in Europe if the conflict in the Middle East makes it impossible to hold the season-closing races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
co.uk
Caribbean bears brunt of £43bn climate-fuelled damage to developing islands
Findings can inform conversations about global climate reparations and financing for mitigations, researchers sayCaribbean nations suffered $53.2bn (£40bn) of damage from climate-fuelled disasters...
theguardian.com
AIG Women's Open: Leaderboard from Royal Lytham & St Annes
The latest leaderboard from the 50th AIG Women's Open, the final women's major championship of the year, held at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
skysports.com
As AI content floods the internet, Pangram raises $9M to detect it
Pangram has raised $9 million to scale its AI detection software. The startup has also released a new AI text detection model, Pangram 4, and an AI image detection model in research preview.
techcrunch.com
Mac Mini Availability: Long Waits and Higher Prices
Thanks to the surge in local AI processing and the ongoing memory shortage, it’s incredibly difficult to buy a Mac Mini.
wired.com
Rayo Vallecano to move stadium over Legionnaires risk
La Liga side Rayo Vallecano are barred from playing at their home stadium just weeks before the new season over the risk of supporters contracting Legionnaires' disease.
co.uk
French DJ and electropop musician Kavinsky dies aged 50
He had a hit with Nightfall, which featured on the Drive soundtrack and at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
co.uk
More Typos, Fewer Em Dashes: Writers Are Creating an Anti-AI ‘Literary Counterculture’
Novelists, journalists, and power LinkedIn posters are embracing first-person narratives and idiosyncrasies to avoid being mistaken for chat bots.
wired.com
FTSE 100 hits all-time high as ‘anti-tech’ index shines in global chip rout
Banks and oil companies power UK stocks’ rebound from Iran war sell-off
ft.com
EU crisis chief urges tougher climate action amid France, Spain wildfires
Hadja Lahbib calls for existing plans to be accelerated and more investment as an ominous heatwave threatens.
aljazeera.com
Iran War Live Updates: U.S. and Saudi Arabia Target Iranian Proxies
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia said they had carried out joint airstrikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq. The Iranian military said it had targeted American military assets in Jordan.
nytimes.com
‘I’m super proud of him’: father of teen lifeguard recounts dramatic ocean rescue
Ryder Williams, 16, saved a boy from drowning in Santa Cruz, California – the first rescue of his careerA rookie, teenage California lifeguard who saved a young boy from drowning amid massive waves...
theguardian.com
Billy Liar review – Tom Courtenay is superb in classic study of a young man and his quixotic dreams
Courtenay gives a beautiful performance as the undertaker’s clerk who nurses preposterous ambitions. But the film is too quick to surrender themThis is John Schlesinger’s much-loved British comedy...
theguardian.com
How has the Indian government responded to ‘Cockroach’ protests?
The BJP government's response so far has been a measured crackdown as it also attempts to woo the youth.
aljazeera.com
A safe space for Gaza women: A sanctuary to speak, heal and share amid war
A women’s safe spaces initiative in Gaza offers psychological support and awareness sessions.
aljazeera.com
Welbeck to have Chelsea medical with Blues set to pay first fee for over-26 since 2022
Danny Welbeck has been given permission to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours ahead of his imminent move to Chelsea.
skysports.com
The amateur cricket controversy that has made global headlines!
Sky Sports' Matt Kabir Floyd explains the amateur cricket story that has made global headlines.
skysports.com
Boomers Can’t Stop Gifting Their Grandkids AI-Generated Slop Books
Parents are getting fed up with garbled bedtime stories that feature characters based on actual photos of their children.
wired.com
NASA’s New 3D Model Shows the Earth Is a Lumpy Mess
We like to think of our home as a nice, smooth sphere. But mapping the Earth’s gravitational field provides a different view of the planet.
wired.com
Trump's new spy chief confirmed by US Senate
Jay Clayton's confirmation comes after the US president's original choice was rejected by lawmakers due to lack of relevant experience
co.uk
'Delulu', 'Clock it': 'Cockroach' protest brings Gen Z slang to India's parliament
From "delulu" to "FOMO", Gen Z slang has made an unlikely journey from Instagram to parliament.
co.uk
Summer of Heat, Fires and Storms Is a Reckoning for Europe on Climate
Firefighters using controlled burns to stop the spread of wildfires near Madrid on Tuesday.
nytimes.com
As wildfires rage, the world is backsliding on climate action. This can’t go on | Bill McGuire
Five years ago, I wrote an open letter asking climate scientists to speak out against fossil fuels. Now governments are in retreat, it is surely time to act France and Spain race to contain huge wi...
theguardian.com
‘It sounds good next to almost anything’: how Choosin’ Texas became the biggest song of the year
Ella Langley’s country single has spent 15 weeks as US number one thanks to its retro-modern sound, a viral misheard lyric – and a boost from the Ella FellasThis week, Ella Langley beat a chart rec...
theguardian.com
ICE’s New Detention Center Contracts Declare State Laws ‘Shall Not Apply’
One day after a federal judge ordered an ICE detention center opened to state health inspectors, the agency posted new contract terms that would void state oversight at four facilities.
wired.com
Burnham to give speech on social care as Louise Casey plays down cost concerns saying many families ‘already paying’ – UK politics live
PM will not discuss details but will focus on need to find ‘common ground’ and to build political consensus Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, has said he made an “inadvertent mistake” by shari...
theguardian.com
France and Spain brace for fresh heatwave as warnings issued over risk of new wildfires – Europe live
Authorities fear progress in containing the fires in the Gironde and Madrid regions may be set back by temperatures expected to hit the low 40sThe French prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has dela...
theguardian.com
US and Saudi Arabia strike ‘Iran-aligned’ groups in Iraq
The US and Saudi Arabia launched joint air strikes on Iraq, targeting ‘Iran-aligned’ groups.
aljazeera.com
Petrol bombs, drugs and Bradley from S Club 7: inside the wild 00s hood movie that the police seized
Breakin’ the Cycle had celeb performers who hoped it would go to Cannes. Until they realised its creators were still running a drug gang while filming – and it all went very wrongThe story of the m...
theguardian.com
Why is Uganda experiencing a food crisis?
At least 19 people have died of starvation in the country and 1.5 million are at risk of malnutrition, experts warn.
aljazeera.com
Personal Problems review – an exhilarating lo-fi epic of Black working-class life in 80s New York
The director of Ganja & Hess, Bill Gunn, turns analogue video and improvisation into a work of startling intimacy, humour and emotional forceIn 1980, Bill Gunn, director of cult 70s horror Ganj...
theguardian.com
Alive by Melanie Challenger review – a maverick study of what it means to have a body
In this disorienting book, a poet argues we have been looking at nature – and ourselves – the wrong wayThe eastern breakwater of Granton harbour is almost 1km long, and swimmers can follow its croo...
theguardian.com
A tiny molecular basket unlocks a powerful new kind of chemistry
Rice University chemists have found a new way to make neodymium, a rare-earth metal, interact with oxygen. Using a specially designed molecular structure described as a “basket,” the team positione...
sciencedaily.com
Cucurella gets tattoo of Spain coach De la Fuente
Spain defender Marc Cucurella keeps his promise to get a tattoo of World Cup-winning coach Luis de la Fuente.
co.uk
‘Terminally online’: why frustrated Greens want Polanski to hand over his social media
As Labour enjoy a ‘Burnham bounce’, post by Green leader that appeared to welcome violence against Nigel Farage has left some supporters bemused It is just coincidence that a very public mishap by...
theguardian.com
Uefa World Cup boycott may be raised over Fifa plan
Uefa's 55 member associations will hold an emergency meeting this week to discuss Fifa's controversial proposals to sell stakes in its major competitions.
co.uk
U.S. and Iran resume attacks. And, Fauci to face Senate questions on COVID pandemic
The U.S. and Iran have resumed fighting after Iran attacked U.S. forces in the Middle East yesterday. And, a Senate committee will question Anthony Fauci about the COVID-19 pandemic.
npr.org
The Devil’s Mouth review – Amazon’s shark thriller gives us just about enough to chew on
A group of holidaying friends get trapped in a cave system with a bull shark in a solidly entertaining b-movie lifted by a toxic central friendshipWe’ve officially reached maximum shark movie this...
theguardian.com
Diomande's rapid and remarkable rise to Real Madrid
Yan Diomande has quickly gone from being a relatively unknown winger to the brink of becoming Real Madrid's record signing.
co.uk
New microwave frying method could make french fries much healthier
A new cooking method could make French fries crispier in less time while significantly limiting how much oil they absorb. Researchers propose combining microwave heating, which keeps oil out, with...
sciencedaily.com
Japan in a ‘race against time’ to rescue people trapped beneath rubble after quake
At least 13 people have been killed after the earthquake struck the island of Kyushu on Tuesday.
co.uk
'I thought I would die': Survivors describe the shock and horror of powerful Japan earthquake
Rescue operations are ongoing following the 6.8-magnitude quake, as survivors wrestle with the shock.
co.uk
Cruz Hewitt - son of Lleyton - wins on senior debut
Cruz Hewitt - the 17-year-old son of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt – earned his first ATP victory in his main singles draw debut.
co.uk
Solo Sunny review – a rueful East German gem of ambition, loneliness and faded dreams
Konrad Wolf’s 1980 drama follows a singer trying to escape the drab compromises of GDR life, capturing the melancholy of thwarted ambition with warmth and witThe terrible sadness, tattiness and poi...
theguardian.com
Take the plunge! A deep dive into New York and other great American cities – in pictures
A new exhibition featuring work by Peter Hujar, Garry Winogrand, Edward Steichen and more paints a picture of a nation in motion Continue reading...
theguardian.com
F1 Driver Ratings: Our verdict on 2026's stars so far
Formula 1 in 2026 is shaping up to give us a fascinating second half of the season as Kimi Antonelli looks to become the youngest world champion in the sport's history.
skysports.com
Alexandrova collapses on court amid 34C heat
World number 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova collapses on court and had to retire from her first-round match at the Memphis Classic due to high temperatures.
co.uk
Brighton's Welbeck set for Chelsea medical
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck is given permission to have a medical at Stamford Bridge as his move to Chelsea moves closer.
co.uk
Greece call up Konstas to help T20 World Cup bid
Greece call up the brother of Australia batter Sam Konstas to their national cricket team as they aim to become surprise contenders to qualify for the 2028 men's T20 World Cup.
co.uk
The athlete who has never held her Olympic medal
The story of Cameroon Olympic medallist Madias Ngake's remarkable journey from sleeping rough and seeking asylum to competing for England at Glasgow 2026.
co.uk
Englishman, Scotsman, Northern Irishman and Welshman race is no joke
Rather than walking into a bar, the quartet who won world relay gold last year now go head to head at the Commonwealth Games.
co.uk
China puts the ‘squeeze’ on Taiwan with new maritime patrols
New law enforcement operations could quickly escalate into a blockade of Taiwan, say analysts.
aljazeera.com
Latest images of damage as death toll from Japan’s Kyushu quake rises
The death toll from Japan’s Kyushu island quake rises to 13.
aljazeera.com
Protesters storm hotel, heckle Netanyahu in Washington DC
Activists protested at a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was having dinner in Washington, DC.
aljazeera.com
'Israeli settlers laid siege to our home': Inside a Palestinian village under weekly attack
A home on the edge of al-Mughayyir has become a weekly frontline in the battle for the occupied West Bank.
co.uk
Suddenly the British right feels a political chill. It’s getting cold in Andy Burnham’s shadow | Rafael Behr
The Tories and Reform had it easy when Keir Starmer was self-destructing – but a new PM with ideas exposes how vacant the opposition has becomeAndy Burnham’s recollections of Britain in the 1970s m...
theguardian.com
Ships stuck in strait of Hormuz pose ‘super-spreader’ biodiversity threat, scientists warn
Biologists say cargo ships stranded in Gulf may carry highly potent invasive species around the world as trade resumesThe closure of the strait of Hormuz has created conditions for an extreme globa...
theguardian.com
To win over working class voters, Democrats need to stop talking about democracy
Working class voters have moved away from the Democratic Party. Winning them back is key to the party's future, a new reports shows. But first, the messaging has to change.
npr.org
Rand Paul released Fauci's pandemic-era 'diary.' Now they'll face off on Capitol Hill
At a Senate hearing Wednesday, Anthony Fauci is likely to face questions from Sen. Rand Paul related to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what you need to know
npr.org
Trump meets Netanyahu for a record seventh White House visit
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House for the first time since launching the war on Iran.
aljazeera.com
Trump and Netanyahu meet in D.C. amid tensions over Iran war
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's latest meeting comes as the U.S. has paused strikes in Iran as the two sides negotiate.
npr.org
Former peace negotiator shares takeaways from Trump's meeting with Netanyahu
NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with former peace negotiator and advisor to the Israeli government Daniel Levy about takeaways from President Trump's meeting with Israel's prime minister.
npr.org
Stock markets slide again after SK Hynix profits disappoint
South Korean chip giant misses analyst expectations but insists risk of memory oversupply remains ‘limited’
ft.com
PwC published reports on AI marred by AI hallucinations
Big Four consultant is latest firm found to have produced slapdash work while marketing expertise on the technology
ft.com
Moroccan Man’s Death While Restrained By Police Reverberates Across Italy
Protesters kneeling in front of a police line, following the death of Abderrahim Fakir in Bologna, Italy, last week.
nytimes.com
Some Jordanians Demand that American Troops Leave the Kingdom
A satellite image from February shows military planes at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Al-Azraq, where U.S. troops were killed in July.
nytimes.com
Some Jordanians Demand that American Troops Leave the Kingdom
A satellite image from February shows military planes at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Al-Azraq, where U.S. troops were killed in July.
nytimes.com
Amid Myanmar’s Civil War, the Rich Seek Parties and ‘Positive Vibes Only’
A D.J. performing at the Pioneer Plus nightclub in Yangon, Myanmar, last Christmas.
nytimes.com
Amid Myanmar’s Civil War, the Rich Seek Parties and ‘Positive Vibes Only’
A D.J. performing at the Pioneer Plus nightclub in Yangon, Myanmar, last Christmas.
nytimes.com
Some Northern Ireland Loyalists Embrace an Anti-Immigrant Ideology
Northern Ireland’s Protestant loyalists have long felt their identity was under siege. Now anti-immigrant ideology has found a new toehold here.
nytimes.com
‘No plan, no budget, no promotion’: how a genre-mashing masterpiece by a forgotten New York beatnik blew Gen Z away
How did an album that began life in 1984 – fusing disco, folk, synth-pop and Chinese opera – end up as ‘one of 2026’s most thrilling releases’? And why does its creator call himself Nirosta Steel?‘...
theguardian.com
Organic eggs have worse impact on climate than eggs from caged chickens
Adopting organic free-range model in UK could lead to greenhouse emissions equivalent to 2,316,000 tonnes of CO2, study suggestsOrganic eggs are twice as bad for the climate as eggs from chickens l...
theguardian.com
‘The heat took him from me’: India’s death toll rises amid escalating heat crisis
As extreme heat claims the lives of workers in India’s poorest areas, many fear the true mortality rate is being dangerously undercountedThe morning air was already hot and cloying when Palli Mahal...
theguardian.com
Bank of England probes Asian equity risk at prime brokers
Regulator to review exposure to AI sector at hedge funds and other clients of investment banks operating in UK
ft.com
AI tool will lead to more child refugees being treated as adults, charity warns
‘Racist bias’ overestimating ages in Home Office’s facial-recognition software will lead to solo children being housed with adults, says Human Rights NetworkFlawed and racialised models that underp...
theguardian.com
‘Farage’s got to come clean or clear off’: what voters on Clacton beach think about their MP – and the country
Nigel Farage’s constituency takes in genteel resorts and one of England’s poorest villages. With a snap byelection approaching, what do the residents want from the Reform UK leader – or the bin who...
theguardian.com
If you think your profession is dying, it could soon be gone
Younger workers once foresaw the demise of horse-drawn carriages — but anticipating obsolescence can be self-fulfilling
ft.com
Sizing Up the Sargassum Belt
Seaweed composing the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt hit near-record levels in June 2026, with the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America both reaching all-time highs.
nasa.gov
Haitians living in fear as Temporary Protected Status ends in the US
New York’s Haitian community is living in limbo and fear after Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was terminated Monday.
aljazeera.com
Haitian TPS holders in South Florida brace for end of their legal status
Temporary protected status was given to Haitians after the 2010 quake because Haiti was deemed too dangerous for a safe return. In June, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end TPS.
npr.org
Iran missiles target US forces in Jordan after a five-day pause in war
The US military says it has successfully intercepted a barrage of missiles fired by Iran at its troops in Jordan.
aljazeera.com
Japan Races to Reach People Trapped After Earthquake Kills at Least 13
Collapsed houses on Wednesday in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, after an earthquake struck.
nytimes.com
Zelensky and Netanyahu meet Trump as wars in Ukraine and Iran drag on
The two leaders sound encouraged after holding back-to-back bilaterals at the White House.
co.uk
Mark Zuckerberg says US should not ban Chinese AI
Meta chief warns against ‘regulatory capture’ of American rules on the technology
ft.com
OpenAI’s rogue agent hacked an account at a second technology firm: Report
The latest hack comes after an autonomous agent escaped a controlled test and accessed AI firm Hugging Face’s servers.
aljazeera.com
AI risks drag on $5bn Thoma Bravo-backed software refinancing
Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint faces higher borrowing costs and tighter covenants in latest debt deal
ft.com
After fleeing Sudan’s war, refugees battle thirst in Chad’s camps
After escaping war and atrocities, families now battle water shortages and fading hopes of returning home.
aljazeera.com
The search for life on Jupiter's icy moon Europa just got more complicated
Europa’s hidden ocean has made the icy moon one of the solar system’s most promising places to search for habitable conditions. Scientists have hoped that water from this deep ocean might rise thro...
sciencedaily.com
Protests in Lima as Keiko Fujimori sworn in as Peru president
Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru's president amid protests and promises to crackdown on crime.
aljazeera.com
Iran and US trade strikes, shattering brief lull in fighting
US Central Command says it intercepted "multiple" ballistic missiles fired by Iran.
co.uk
Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots
The US and China are locked in a race to the lead the world in robotics and artificial intelligence.
co.uk
The gold medal-winning Para-swimmer competing in non-disabled race
Faye Rogers turned to Para-swimming after an accident. Now she is back where she started and is quicker than ever.
co.uk
FIFA proposes plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, angering UEFA
Football's world governing body announces plans to sell stakes of up to 20 percent in the World Cup and other events.
aljazeera.com
OpenAI’s Rogue AI Agent Hacked More Than Just Hugging Face
In a new disclosure, OpenAI says its agent used exposed logins to gain access to at least four “publicly available services” in its unhinged quest to solve a test.
wired.com
Earth’s hidden “gold kitchen” lies beneath the seafloor
Deep beneath submarine volcanoes, Earth may be running a natural “gold kitchen.” By analyzing volcanic glass from the Kermadec island arc north of New Zealand, researchers found that water-rich man...
sciencedaily.com
Cyera agrees to acquire Oasis Security for $1B to safeguard proliferating AI agents
The deal is Cyera's third acquisition this year.
techcrunch.com
Iran war live: US accuses IRGC of ‘surprise’ ballistic missile attacks
US claim comes as Saudi Arabia intercepts drones and Iran warns of 'any action' to maintain its control of Hormuz.