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• The FDA is currently reviewing Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, which would be the first of its kind to enter the commercial market. • This decision comes amid a climate of skepticism regarding mRNA technology, highlighted by questions from RFK Jr. and recent HHS funding cuts. • The regulatory uncertainty and funding drops have alarmed venture capital firms, threatening the development of mRNA therapies for Lyme disease and rare cancers.

• Mercis and WildBrain CPLG have partnered to expand the "Miffy and Friends" brand into location-based entertainment (LBE) across multiple global regions. • The expansion targets the development of theme parks, resorts, and family entertainment centers in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. • This strategic move aims to increase the brand's physical presence and consumer engagement through immersive experiences beyond traditional merchandise.

• The Premier League title race is shaping up to be highly competitive following a series of high-profile summer transfers. • British transfer records were broken twice with Manchester City signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and Chelsea acquiring Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million. • These massive investments by top clubs signal an aggressive attempt to strengthen squads and shift the balance of power before the new season begins.

ACCC updates some recall notices to say products ‘may cause risk to health’, contrary to previous claimsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSchools, retailers and government agencies assured parents that asbestos-contaminated play sand posed a low risk to their children’s health based on a supplier’s own assessment which was not independently verified, the Guardian can reveal.The now-contested public messaging spread quickly after a range of Educational Colours children’s sand products were pulled from shelves in November 2025 after samples were found to contain asbestos, which was followed by more than 20 similar recalls across different brands and retailers. Continue reading...

• Five European missile manufacturers have signed a letter of intent to establish the Bliksem EXO consortium. • The partnership aims to develop an exoatmospheric interceptor designed to destroy ballistic missiles in space. • This initiative represents a strategic move to enhance Europe's independent missile defense capabilities and security infrastructure.

• Miami-based City Labs has achieved a significant milestone with the BOHR mission, marking a first for commercial nuclear power in space. • The mission serves as a critical pathfinder designed to test the viability of nuclear power systems for future spacecraft. • This breakthrough is essential for establishing permanent lunar bases and providing the high-efficiency propulsion needed for deep Solar System exploration.

• Environmental and scientific organizations are calling for mandatory federal environmental reviews of proposed space-based data center projects. • Critics argue that deploying potentially millions of orbiting data centers without oversight is "reckless" and irresponsible. • The push for regulation highlights growing concerns over space debris, orbital congestion, and the ecological impact of large-scale satellite infrastructure.

• German scholars argue that a commitment to international law is a strategic necessity for "middle powers" with limited global influence to maintain a stable international order. • The authors highlight a contradictory application of legal standards, noting the failure to enforce law during the Ukraine war and the prioritization of Israel's protection over humanitarian law in Gaza. • Critics claim that international law ignores "Realpolitik" and hinders efforts to punish regimes like Iran or prevent nuclear proliferation.

Couple ‘devastated’ after DNA tests for children’s British citizenship showed no biological connection to themA British-based couple who had twins through an overseas surrogacy agency later discovered they had no biological connection to the children after the agency mistakenly used donor sperm.The couple, referred to as PP and QQ in court documents, were “devastated” after making the discovery via DNA tests while applying for British citizenship for the children. Continue reading...

• Microsoft is cutting 4,800 global jobs, representing approximately 2.1% of its total workforce, as part of a strategic restructuring. • The layoffs primarily target the Xbox division and various commercial units to offset declining profit margins and massive spending on AI infrastructure. • This move highlights the company's shift in priorities, redirecting financial resources toward the development and scaling of artificial intelligence.

• HTF Market Intelligence has released a comprehensive study on the Asia-Pacific Location Based Entertainment (LBE) hardware market, projecting growth trends from 2025 to 2032. • The report highlights the rapid evolution of the sector, driven by AI integration and the influence of major industry giants including SEGA Corporation, Pico Interactive, and Zero Latency VR. • This growth signifies a booming demand for immersive physical entertainment experiences across the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a shift toward high-tech interactive leisure.

• A KPMG study reveals that nearly one-third of C-suite executives are struggling to understand AI costs due to a shift toward usage-based pricing models. • To address these complexities and drive demand, major providers are investing in "forward-deployed engineering" to help clients build and deploy AI applications. • Amazon is investing $1 billion into an AWS Forward Deployed Engineering organization, while Microsoft is allocating $2.5 billion to its new Microsoft Frontier Company.

• London-based Tapestry VC has closed its third fund, securing $80 million to invest in experienced European entrepreneurs. • The firm is specifically targeting "repeat founders," betting that the current wave of AI-driven exits will create a new generation of seasoned leaders. • This strategic focus aims to leverage the expertise of founders who have previously scaled companies or navigated successful exits.

• HCA Healthcare has announced a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) highlighting advancements in CRISPR-based therapies for children. • The research builds upon pioneering work at TriStar Centennial Medical Center and the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network, which performs over 1,600 cellular therapies and transplants annually. • Dr. Frangoul, a key investigator, previously contributed to the first U.S. clinical trial for gene-editing in sickle cell disease, leading to the first FDA-approved CRISPR therapy.

The prime minister in waiting is seeking an interim base in the city centre before Ancoats site is completed in 2028A civil service base that is under construction in Manchester has been earmarked for Andy Burnham’s No 10 North, according to reports.The northern centre of government will be in Ancoats, on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, but the site is not due to be completed before 2028, according to the Manchester Evening News. Continue reading...

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a renewed global commitment to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes rather than relying solely on security measures. • Guterres warned that terrorist threats are evolving, emphasizing that a rights-based approach is essential to prevent radicalization and ensure long-term stability. • The initiative matters as it seeks to shift the international strategy toward prevention, arguing that ignoring socio-economic grievances can inadvertently fuel extremist recruitment.

• Investor Ruchir Sharma argues that the AI boom is currently the dominant driver of global financial returns, establishing a new "AI-based world order." • The shift is benefiting nations that export critical AI hardware, including circuits and servers, specifically highlighting Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. • Other key players in this new ecosystem include Malaysia and Singapore, which serve as both exporters and major hubs for data centers.

Christopher Harborne, who also gave Nigel Farage £5m ‘gift’, reported to have registered to vote in HampshireChristopher Harborne, the Thailand-based crypto investor who has given millions of pounds to Reform UK, would be unlikely to get around a planned cap on overseas political donations even if he has registered to vote in the UK, it is understood.Harborne, who also gave Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, £5m as a “gift”, has registered to vote in Hampshire, the Times reported, with a spokesperson for the billionaire quoted in the paper saying that he had decided to become a “registered voter in the UK”. Continue reading...

• The Senate has defended the passage of the State Police Bill, 2026, asserting that the legislation is based on national security needs and consensus rather than political motives. • Senator Bamidele stated that the National Assembly conducted extensive consultations with the Executive, the Nigeria Police leadership, and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures. • The legislative process also involved the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and other key stakeholders to ensure the bill reflects a broad agreement on decentralized policing.

Exclusive: Rights group says Nigel Farage’s party is reneging on promises made during the Brexit referendum campaignUK politics live – latest updatesEU nationals based permanently in the UK have expressed alarm over a Reform UK plan to target their rights to accommodation and employment, saying the policy is a betrayal of promises made in the Brexit referendum 10 years ago.Under updated migration policies, Nigel Farage’s party would evict all overseas nationals from social housing and make it notably more expensive for companies to employ them, with both policies also affecting EU nationals who have settled status. Continue reading...

Autobiographical work Free Me aims to encourage victims to speak out in country where violence against women is risingThere are audible gasps in the auditorium in Nairobi as a husband launches a volley of blows and slaps on his wife and pushes her to the floor. “I wish I could spare you this,” the wife tells the audience. “My husband beat me up as if we were in a bar fight. Except, in a bar someone fights back.”The scene comes from Free Me, an autobiographical play by Gathoni Kimuyu, a Kenyan theatre and TV producer who lived through an abusive marriage. Continue reading...

• The article explores the potential development of space-based data centers to support the growing computational demands of artificial intelligence. • These satellite-based facilities aim to leverage the unique environment of space to overcome terrestrial limitations in power and cooling. • This shift could accelerate global technological development by decentralizing data processing and reducing reliance on ground-based infrastructure.

• FactSet stock price dropped 3.07% to reach $221.29 during the most recent trading session. • The decline is attributed to a broad-based market sell-off and a weak technical outlook for the company. • This price movement reflects current investor sentiment and technical pressure affecting the stock's short-term performance.

• The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) led the establishment of the ITU-T FG-AI4SSC focus group in Geneva to develop international standards for AI-based smart cities. • Researcher Lee Joon-seop has been appointed as the first chair of the group, positioning South Korea as a global leader in smart city standardization. • This initiative is significant as it allows ETRI to influence the global technical framework and interoperability of AI integration within urban infrastructure.

Former Howard-era adviser says Pauline Hanson’s party is channelling Donald Trump’s health agendaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMedical experts have blasted One Nation’s health policies, saying they do not make sense, are based on misconceptions and could cost taxpayers more money while leaving vulnerable Australians without access to care.The party has promised to withdraw Australia from the World Health Organization and to scrap regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration, rolling its “essential functions” into the health department. It has also proposed adding photo ID to Medicare cards. Continue reading...

• Veteran foreign correspondent Edward Girardet has co-founded the "Help Save The Med" initiative to protect the Mediterranean Sea. • The project leverages storytelling alongside science and diplomacy, utilizing a diverse team of scientists, writers, photographers, and videographers. • Drawing on over 40 years of experience in conflict and environmental reporting, the initiative aims to raise awareness through compelling narratives.

• President Donald Trump has implemented a new "action-based" strategy in the Middle East aimed at achieving tangible results through direct engagement and accountability. • The U.S. is supporting the Syrian government's efforts to counter terrorism, eliminate chemical weapons, stop drug trafficking, and secure humanitarian aid for its citizens. • Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack is leading diplomatic efforts to promote engagement between various regional parties, specifically focusing on Syria and Israel.

30-year-old man to appear in court today charged with attempted murder, with Keir Starmer expected to face questions on the disorder during PMQsGood morning. Soon after becoming PM in 2024, Keir Starmer had to deal with a period of rioting in England, prompted by the Southport murders and mostly targeted at asylum seekers. Last night, in Northern Ireland, there were similar race riots, triggered by a knife attack involving a Sudanese suspect. Here is our overnight story about the rioting.And this is what Claire Hanna, the SDLP leader and MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, said about the attacks on Newsnight last night.What you’re seeing is a race-based pogrom. We are seeing men going door to door asking to get the foreigners out based exclusively on the colour of their skin. It’s not based on what they’re contributing to society, what their status here is and it’s terrifying for people in Belfast who want this sort of politics to be far beyond them.If people are exploiting the common travel agreement in this way, that’s not acceptable. That’s not what it’s there for.It’s been in existence for over 100 years and it’s absolutely right that people can travel between the island and Northern Ireland freely. Continue reading...