Anthropic's report and experts like Sam Altman and David Autor suggest AI's job-killing potential and economic transformation may be overstated, with modest employment effects and lagging productivity gains since 2022
Canada has opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, in a low-key ceremony without US officials due to strained relations over trade negotiations and tariff threats from the US, despite the bridge symbolizing cooperation between the two nations.
Volkswagen reported a 9.5% drop in Q2 operating profit and cut its annual revenue forecast by up to 3% due to a significant sales slump in China. The German carmaker is implementing a cost-cutting program, including plans to axe up to 100,000 jobs globally, facing union opposition.
The U.S. administration declined to participate in a U.N. declaration on sustainable livestock, citing excessive mentions of gender equality and climate change, which it believes distract from the core mandate. The voluntary plan was adopted by delegates in Rome.
Elon Musk admitted regret over his political involvement with Donald Trump, stating he should have focused on his companies. He predicted AI will make human work optional, leading to a "universal high income," and also commented on potential UK civil unrest and the Russia-Ukraine war.
RMIT University scientists developed a reusable magnetic material that removes over 95% of micro- and nanoplastics, heavy metals, and drug residues from water within an hour. The cost-effective technology, showing early promise against PFAS, is being tested for commercial deployment in Australia, the US, and Europe.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon proposes directing children towards vocational careers such as plumbing and electrical work as early as elementary school. This initiative aims to address the high demand for skilled tradespeople and a labor shortage, particularly with the rapid construction of AI data centers. The proposal revives the divisive concept of 'tracking' students.
New data from the Metropolitan Police shows a significant drop in neighbourhood crime and homicides in London, with the Mayor attributing success to record police funding and the Violence Reduction Unit. The report aims to counter online disinformation portraying London as a "lawless" city.
Tesla reported a Q2 net income of $1.11 billion, down from last year, as increased R&D spending cut into profits despite a 26% revenue surge to $28.24 billion and a 25% increase in vehicle deliveries, which beat analyst forecasts.
Brazil's São Francisco River diversion project, designed to bring water to 12 million people in the drought-prone sertão, faces criticism for its uneven benefits. Displaced communities, like Maria de Fátima Ferreira da Silva's, still lack basic water access despite living near the new infrastructure, highlighting the human cost of large-scale development.
A joint US-Canada ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening was canceled after President Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, escalating trade tensions. Canada plans its own ceremony, while the bridge is still expected to open July 27.
Thames Water bondholders, facing a credible threat of special administration, are now proposing new ideas like a "golden share" and "supervisory structures" to take over the utility. This shift exposes the government's earlier weak approach to the company's financial crisis, prompting the new Prime Minister to choose between nationalization, special administration, or a revised creditor deal.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a cut to value-added tax on domestic electricity bills starting October 1, aiming to ease the cost-of-living crisis. The measure, expected to save households around £45 annually, will be funded by cancelling a £1.8 billion digital ID program.
Artists Case Jernigan and Todd Anderson are developing 'Bub,' a stop-motion video game based on Jernigan's life, exploring an artist's memories, dreams, and experiences with anxiety and MS. The game features unique visual and musical styles, aiming for intuitive yet unpredictable player interaction.
The Trump administration has weighed cutting ties with the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) over a dispute regarding a deputy high commissioner appointment, prompting urgent lobbying from diplomats and aid groups. This potential withdrawal threatens UNHCR's funding and the global refugee system, which is already strained by conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan.
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title in 2026 by beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Following the victory, Spain's players celebrated by cutting pieces of the goal net at MetLife Stadium, a tradition borrowed from basketball, to keep as souvenirs.
UK government borrowing in June was £16bn, slightly below forecasts, as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced VAT cuts on electricity bills. Despite this, public finances remain fragile, and high debt levels persist, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9%.
Nine Entertainment, Australia's largest media company, announced 30 newsroom job cuts at the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, attributing the decision to "extreme disruption" caused by AI and its impact on digital subscription revenue.
The Trump administration is considering cutting ties and funding to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), its largest donor, prompting a diplomatic campaign to maintain support. This deliberation follows a dispute over the appointment of UNHCR's deputy high commissioner, with the US-backed candidate being overlooked. A withdrawal would severely weaken UNHCR amidst record global displacement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that the country's prolonged energy crisis stems from the loss of Russian gas supplies, impacting industry with soaring costs. Germany's economy contracted, and the EU plans to fully ban Russian gas by 2027, despite mounting pressure from fuel prices.
Facing escalating AI costs, US startups like Lindy.ai are increasingly migrating from expensive American AI models to cheaper Chinese alternatives, such as DeepSeek-V4, despite a perceived capability gap. This shift, driven by significant cost savings, highlights a growing trend among businesses to manage AI expenses, with companies like Uber and Airbnb also exploring diverse AI solutions.
Scientists utilized a cutting-edge RUSH3D-HR microscope to observe electroacupuncture's ability to suppress immune cell movement to inflammation sites in mouse spleens, providing real-time evidence of its anti-inflammatory mechanisms and potential for future biological research.
LimeWire, a generative AI platform, empowers creators to produce, share, and monetize AI-generated content, including images, with upcoming music and video tools, offering NFT minting, ad revenue, and royalty models.
The Trump administration delayed the opening of the $4.7bn Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, a move critics allege was a quid pro quo for a billionaire donor who owns a competing bridge. The bridge, paid for by Canada, is now set to open on July 27 after a deal was reached.
