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Research by National Preparedness Commission calls for ‘worst-case scenario’ planning by European statesBritain’s vital supply chains are unprepared for the prospect of a major shock such as war with Russia, and bold steps are needed to catch up with “worst-case scenario” planning by European states, ministers have been warned.Donald Trump’s “America First” transformation of the US, which has made what was once a trusted UK ally a much less reliable partner, should also feed into that planning, according to a new report. Continue reading...

• Artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies are increasingly converging through the development of AI agents, decentralized compute, and digital infrastructure projects. • Investors and developers are focusing on these intersections to create a decentralized ecosystem for AI processing and operational autonomy. • This trend matters as it seeks to remove centralized control from AI infrastructure, potentially democratizing access to high-performance computing.

Company founder Steven Marks says US stores will close as it can no longer justify cost of trying to break into crowded marketGuzman y Gomez is closing its US business after failing to establish itself in a market already rich with Mexican food, confirming the American country’s reputation as a “graveyard” for Australian fast food companies.The Mexican-themed chain told shareholders on Friday that the performance of its US stores had not been acceptable, despite its well-publicised plans to “become the best and biggest restaurant company in the world”. Continue reading...

Catalan police questioning Jonathan Andic over father Isak Andic’s apparent fall down a mountain ravine in 2024Police in Catalonia have arrested the son of Isak Andic, the founder of the fashion chain Mango, and are questioning him in connection with the death of his father in the mountains near Barcelona almost 18 months ago.Andic, who was 71, died in December 2024 after apparently falling 100 metres down a ravine while hiking in Montserrat with his son, Jonathan. His death prompted tributes from politicians, journalists and the fashion world. Continue reading...

• China is actively exploring humanoid robotics development, leveraging the world's largest installed base of industrial robots and rapidly localizing hardware supply chains previously dependent on Nvidia's AI chips and software ecosystem. • Xi Jinping's policy framework has created national funds and support programs to promote robotics R&D and assist startups, with ambitions to diffuse AI technologies throughout Chinese society across economic, social, and governance sectors. • China's established EV manufacturing supply chains—containing batteries, sensors, and mechanical components—give the country an competitive edge in developing embodied AI, with major EV makers adding robotics to their product portfolios.

The Politburo, a top decision-making body of the ruling Communist Party, was cited as saying by state news agency Xinhua that the economy got off to a better-than-expected start this year.

• CrowdStrike disclosed on April 25, 2026, a sophisticated cyberattack via compromised third-party software affecting 2.5 million patient records at UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare subsidiary. • Attackers, linked to North Korean Lazarus Group, exfiltrated data over 72 hours before detection, demanding $22 million ransom. • Incident highlights vulnerabilities in US healthcare IT supply chains, prompting HHS emergency directives for 500+ providers.