Sting

North Korea is conducting tests of swarm attack tactics that combine drones with missile launches, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The development suggests Pyongyang is working to integrate cheap, massed drone assaults with conventional missile strikes, a combination that could complicate defenses in South Korea, Japan and for US forces in the region.

A joint statement issued after Donald Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping includes wording on the Strait of Hormuz, drawing attention because Beijing agreed to language on a waterway far from its usual sphere of focus. Commentators highlighted the passage as a notable concession or signal in US-China relations, with the full statement published by China's foreign ministry.

Iran says it remains committed to a diplomatic resolution over the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan concerning the strategic waterway. The dispute keeps tensions high in the Gulf, with the strait a critical route for global oil shipments and ongoing talks seen as key to avoiding further escalation between Tehran and Washington.

New reporting highlights that the global heatwave season has quietly expanded by 39 days, with high-temperature periods now starting earlier in the year and ending later than they once did. The finding is being shared as fresh evidence of shifting climate patterns, prompting discussion about longer exposure to dangerous heat and the growing strain on health systems, infrastructure and summer planning.

Sudan is objecting to the United Arab Emirates hosting a UN congress on crime, citing the UAE's alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group fighting Sudan's army in the country's civil war. Khartoum argues the UAE cannot credibly host an international law enforcement gathering while accused of backing a militia accused of widespread atrocities.

Wall Street is weighing why equity markets have kept climbing even as bond yields surge, a combination that history suggests can be precarious for investors. The Wall Street Journal examines past episodes of stocks rallying alongside rising yields to gauge what may come next. Traders and analysts are watching whether equities can sustain gains or whether historical patterns point to a pullback ahead.

Cities across Europe are looking for ways to increase the supply of affordable housing as rents and property prices continue to strain households. The issue has become a central concern for urban policymakers, with local governments under pressure to act as housing shortages deepen in many major European cities.

The US government is beginning to use artificial intelligence to help decide which public records are released to people who request them, according to a Washington Post analysis. The shift raises questions about transparency, since automated systems could influence what information citizens can access under freedom of information laws, and whether such decisions can be adequately reviewed or challenged.

Starlink is rolling out gigabit download speeds to its existing customers, according to a report by Notebookcheck. The upgrade comes as the satellite internet service signals that subscription fees may rise. The move would put Starlink's top-tier speeds closer to competitive fibre offerings, though pricing changes could affect current subscribers.

Singapore is introducing fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars for passengers who blast music or videos on public transportation. The move targets inconsiderate behaviour on trains and buses, reinforcing the city-state's reputation for strict enforcement of public order rules. Reactions online are mixed, with some welcoming quieter commutes and others calling the penalty excessive.

Google is testing AI-powered shopping in India, letting users buy products from Walmart-owned Flipkart directly through its Gemini chatbot and AI Mode. The move allows purchases via conversational AI and is seen as a significant step toward agentic commerce, where AI assistants complete transactions on behalf of users rather than just recommending products.

President Trump is reported to be visiting the Medinah Country Club golf course near Chicago on Sunday, and plans for his arrival are already drawing protesters. The visit is expected to coincide with the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Medinah, and demonstrations are being organised ahead of time.

Discussion is focused on the prospect of SpaceX going public, with attention on how the company would be valued if it floated on the stock market. Commentators are weighing whether the hype around Elon Musk's rocket firm reflects genuine fundamentals, and what the right moment would be for investors to buy in ahead of a possible IPO.

The Solus Linux distribution has formally adopted a policy allowing AI- and LLM-assisted code contributions, but only under strict conditions. Contributors must disclose AI use, ensure code passes testing and review, and remain accountable for what they submit. The move makes Solus one of the more explicit open-source projects in setting formal rules for AI-generated contributions.

French science outlet Futura reports that scientists are examining whether a nuclear detonation could be used to save Earth, most likely by deflecting a dangerous asteroid on a collision course with the planet. The idea, long confined to Hollywood films like Armageddon, is now being seriously studied by researchers, who are running tests and simulations on what they call the unthinkable scenario.

Presley Gerber, the 27-year-old son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, has reportedly died, and reports have now revealed where he will be laid to rest. Details beyond the reported burial location have not been confirmed, and the family has not publicly commented further.

Wrestler Steven Borden, son of WWE Hall of Famer Sting, has been hospitalized following a match in All Elite Wrestling. The news has prompted an outpouring of concern from fans, with many wishing him a speedy recovery and awaiting updates on his condition. Details about the severity of his injuries have not been made public.

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has published a Phase 2 consultation paper as part of its review of the competitiveness of its listing framework. The paper invites market participants to comment on proposed changes aimed at making Hong Kong a more attractive venue for listings. Legal observers and market practitioners are examining the proposals for their implications for issuers and investors.

A US appeals court has upheld the Pentagon's blacklisting of artificial intelligence company Anthropic. The ruling means the Defense Department's decision to restrict dealings with the AI firm stands, dealing a setback to Anthropic's efforts to challenge the designation. The move places one of America's leading AI developers at odds with the Pentagon, raising questions about the government's relationship with major technology companies working on advanced AI systems.

India's National Stock Exchange is set for its stock market debut on Friday, and investors are debating whether to buy, sell or hold the shares once they list. Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi has laid out a strategy for the listing day, and market watchers are actively discussing how the stock will perform and what retail investors should do.

Oheka Castle, the Gilded Age estate in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island often called a real-life Xanadu, has been put up for sale. The sprawling mansion, one of the largest private residences in the United States and a landmark of American architecture, is being marketed through an auction process. The listing is drawing attention from real estate watchers and fans of historic estates, given the property's fame as a filming location and event venue.

Climate change is altering what ends up on plates at the world's top restaurants, forcing chefs to rethink tasting menus as key ingredients become scarce or behave unpredictably. Shifting seasons, warming waters and extreme weather are changing the availability of prized produce, seafood and other staples of fine dining, prompting cooks to adapt recipes or seek alternatives.

New South Wales is cracking down on 'rental slop' — rental property listings altered with artificial intelligence to hide flaws like damaged walls. The crackdown targets AI-doctored real estate photos, a growing complaint among renters amid a tight housing market. Commenters welcomed the move, saying misleading listing images have become widespread in the state's competitive rental market.

Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, residents continue to struggle with mental health challenges, according to local reporting. The storm's lasting impact is still being felt as communities rebuild and people cope with loss, displacement and trauma long after the immediate disaster response ended.

Cooper Flagg will not carry his previous listed height of 6-foot-9 into his second NBA season, according to a Yahoo Sports report. The change relates to the official measurements teams publish ahead of the season, a detail fans and analysts often debate. No specifics about his new listing were provided in the report.