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China's Moonshot AI claims Kimi K3 can rival OpenAI and Anthropic

July 17, 2026 • Technology • BBC Tech

Summary

Chinese AI company Moonshot has introduced Kimi K3, a large artificial intelligence model with 2.8 trillion parameters. It will be released as open-source on July 27, allowing users worldwide to use and change it, and is claimed to match top US AI models in performance.

Key Facts

Moonshot AI is a Chinese startup backed by Alibaba and Tencent.
Kimi K3 has 2.8 trillion parameters, a measure of AI capacity and power.
The model supports tasks like coding, reasoning, and knowledge work.
Kimi K3 will be open-source, meaning anyone can download and modify it.
Independent tests show Kimi K3 performs as well as US models like OpenAI’s GPT and Anthropic’s Claude.
The US recently imposed and then lifted restrictions on some AI model exports due to security concerns.
Moonshot’s open-source model challenges commercial AI businesses in Silicon Valley.
Competitors in Hong Kong saw their shares fall after Kimi K3 was announced.

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BBC Tech BBC Business

Prediction Markets Get Bad Press—But Can They Decode the News? You Bet.

July 17, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

Prediction markets allow people to bet on future events, including political speeches and secret operations. While these markets have faced criticism for enabling insider trading, they also make hidden information more visible to the public and could offer insights into real-world events faster than traditional opinion polls.

Key Facts

A White House employee was put on unpaid leave for allegedly betting on President Donald Trump’s speeches.
Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are often seen as gambling venues but can reveal hidden information.
Insider trading using secret information is illegal and not supported by the article.
Prediction markets make certain insider moves more public because every bet leaves a record.
Example: A U.S. special forces soldier was charged with insider trading after betting on a secret mission involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Prediction markets differ from polls since they show what people are willing to risk money on, not just their opinions.
Polls are slower in responding to rapid changes compared to prediction markets, which operate quickly in a digital world.
These markets can highlight events or decisions that governments or organizations may want to keep secret.

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Newsweek

The Onion CEO Says Making Fun of Alex Jones is a 'Really Good Time'

July 17, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

The Onion, a satirical news outlet, is trying to take control of the Infowars website, which was owned by Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist. This move aims to help the Sandy Hook victims’ families recover money from lawsuits against Jones and to turn Infowars into a satire site. Legal battles are still ongoing, and The Onion does not yet fully own the platform.

Key Facts

Alex Jones, founder of Infowars, was ordered to pay over $1 billion to families of Sandy Hook shooting victims.
Jones falsely claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax but later admitted it was real.
The Onion won a bankruptcy auction for Infowars’ website, social media, video archives, and trademark.
The purchase aims to help Sandy Hook families receive money from Jones’ judgments.
Texas courts have paused the full transfer of Infowars to The Onion amid ongoing legal proceedings.
The Onion has started parodying Infowars while waiting to fully own it.
Tim Heidecker is leading the creative parody effort and hosts a weekly show on the new Infowars platform.
The legal process has been difficult and slow, but The Onion remains optimistic about taking control.

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Newsweek

Apple regains top spot as world’s most valuable company

July 17, 2026 • Business • Al Jazeera

Summary

Apple has become the world’s most valuable company again, with a market value of $4.88 trillion, surpassing Nvidia’s $4.86 trillion. This change happened after Nvidia’s value dropped by 3.5 percent, and Apple recently improved its AI assistant, Siri.

Key Facts

Apple’s market value is $4.88 trillion, higher than Nvidia’s $4.86 trillion.
Nvidia’s market value fell by 3.5 percent, causing Apple to regain the top spot.
Apple has not been the most valuable company for more than a year before this.
Apple updated Siri with better AI features like understanding context and accessing live web data.
Apple’s third-quarter earnings report is due on July 30, with expected sales growth of 14 to 17 percent.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook will hand over leadership to John Ternus in September.
The semiconductor industry is becoming more competitive, with new companies reaching high market values.
Despite Apple’s gain, major stock market indexes like Nasdaq and S&P 500 went down.

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Al Jazeera

Americans Complain of Soaring Costs in World Cup Host Cities

July 17, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

Residents in cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. say their living costs have gone up since the event began. While many people report spending more money each month, most local businesses say they have tried not to raise prices despite higher demand.

Key Facts

A survey found 76% of residents in 11 American World Cup host cities felt life got more expensive after the tournament started.
43% said they spent an extra $100 a month, and 10% said their costs rose by $300 or more.
Businesses reported trying to keep prices steady, with some saying they avoided price increases entirely.
Some businesses had to raise prices due to higher demand, comparing it to price spikes seen during holidays.
A Bank of America report showed consumer spending increased by 5.4% in host cities during early June.
Visitors traveling for the World Cup caused increased demand for groceries, services, and other goods.
Many residents managed the higher costs by cutting spending, using credit cards, dipping into savings, or working extra hours.
Local businesses welcomed the boost in customers but recognized residents had to be careful with money.

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Newsweek

3 islands help control access to the Strait of Hormuz. They're in the crosshairs of the Iran war

July 17, 2026 • World • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Three small islands near the Strait of Hormuz are important for controlling access to a key waterway used for shipping oil and gas. Iran controls these islands and has turned them into military bases, which has become a focus in the growing U.S. military actions against Iran.

Key Facts

The islands are Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.
Iran took control of these islands in 1971 from what is now the United Arab Emirates.
These islands are located where the Persian Gulf meets the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global oil and natural gas shipments.
About 20% (a fifth) of all oil and natural gas passes through this strait during normal times.
Iran uses these islands as military bases (garrisons).
The U.S. military campaign against Iran has increased attention on these islands.

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PBS NewsHour

Brewdog founder faces data complaints over efforts to buy back firm

July 17, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

James Watt, co-founder of Brewdog, is facing complaints to the UK data watchdog after contacting former shareholders during his attempt to buy back the company. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating whether data privacy rules were broken, as some shareholders said they did not know how Watt got their contact details.

Key Facts

Brewdog was taken over by US drinks company Tilray earlier this year for about £33 million.
Before the takeover, Brewdog had debts of over £500 million and closed 36 bars, causing hundreds of job losses.
Tilray acquired Brewdog's brand, intellectual property, UK breweries, and 11 bars.
James Watt stepped down as Brewdog’s CEO in 2024 and now calls himself the company’s "captain and co-founder."
Watt made a recent bid to buy back Brewdog through his new beer company called Second Best.
Around 43,000 crowdfunding investors, called "equity punks," were involved in the bid.
Some former investors said they were surprised Watt had their contact information, raising concerns about possible data privacy breaches under GDPR rules.
Tilray said it did not share any data with Watt or support his communications with former shareholders and confirmed it takes data privacy seriously.

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BBC Business

Will Russia's answer to the Falcon 9 rocket ever take flight?

July 17, 2026 • Technology • Ars Technica

Summary

Russia is working on a reusable rocket called Amur, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but its development is delayed. Tests of a small demonstration version are planned to start in 2028, with flight tests expected by 2031, much later than originally planned.

Key Facts

Russia announced the reusable Amur rocket in 2017, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Amur is designed to have a reusable first stage powered by methane engines and to carry about 10.5 tons to low-Earth orbit.
Initial plans targeted a 2026 launch, but the timeline has since been pushed back to 2031 for flight tests.
The next step is testing a “demonstrator” rocket, which will perform small hops and landings starting in 2028.
The Amur rocket intends to eventually replace the Soyuz 2 rocket used for Russian space missions to the International Space Station.
Russia is behind other countries and companies like the US, China, and Japan, which have already launched and recovered reusable rockets.
The RD-0169A engine for the Amur rocket is in early test stages.
Russian officials emphasize the importance of quickly transitioning to the Amur to modernize their space program.

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Ars Technica

Magnitude 7.3 quake hits Mexican coast near Guatemala, triggering tsunami alert

July 17, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 hit near the southern coast of Mexico's Chiapas state on July 17, 2026. The quake caused shaking in nearby Guatemala and El Salvador and led to a tsunami warning, but no immediate damage or injuries were reported.

Key Facts

The earthquake measured 7.3 in magnitude and struck at a depth of about 15 kilometers (9.4 miles).
It occurred near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, close to Guatemala.
The US Tsunami Warning System issued an alert for possible tsunami waves up to 1 meter high within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.
Mexican authorities said tsunami waves were not expected to rise more than half a meter and advised people to avoid beaches for safety.
Aftershocks between magnitude 5 and 6 were felt in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
People in Guatemala and El Salvador evacuated buildings and followed safety protocols during the quake.
No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been confirmed.
The event reminded residents of recent earthquakes in Venezuela that caused severe damage.

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France24

Amazon’s Zoox recalls self-driving vehicles amid emergency response issues

July 17, 2026 • Technology • Al Jazeera

Summary

Amazon’s Zoox is recalling 105 self-driving cars in the U.S. because they may not safely detect heavy smoke or emergency scenes, which could block first responders. The company plans to update its software to improve how the vehicles respond to these situations.

Key Facts

Zoox is an Amazon subsidiary that makes autonomous (self-driving) vehicles.
The recall affects 105 vehicles in the United States.
Zoox vehicles have had trouble detecting heavy smoke and emergency scenes.
One incident involved a Zoox car entering a fire scene, braking suddenly, and then reversing while emergency workers placed cones around it.
U.S. safety officials say self-driving cars have sometimes blocked ambulances, firefighters, and emergency routes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating and meeting with self-driving car makers to find solutions.
NHTSA said self-driving cars must be able to safely interact with first responders to protect the public.
Other companies like Waymo have also faced safety issues with their autonomous cars near emergency scenes.

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Al Jazeera

Conservative MP Patrick Spencer cleared of sexual assault

July 17, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Conservative MP Patrick Spencer was found not guilty of sexually assaulting two women at a London club in 2023. The jury decided there was not enough evidence to prove he intentionally touched the women inappropriately, and Spencer denied the allegations.

Key Facts

Patrick Spencer, a Conservative MP, was accused of touching two women without consent at the Groucho Club in London.
The incidents happened in August 2023, before Spencer was elected to Parliament.
Spencer apologized for his actions in a police interview but denied intentionally touching the women’s breasts.
CCTV footage showed Spencer hugging the women from behind; one woman pushed him away afterward.
The jury spent over seven hours before finding Spencer not guilty of two sexual assault charges.
Spencer’s family includes Michael Spencer, a billionaire Conservative donor.
The initial police investigation was criticized for being slow and incomplete.
After a review, the police brought new evidence and questioned Spencer again before the trial.
The Conservative party restored Spencer’s status as a party member after the verdict.

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Guardian World

Eight killed, at least 34 missing after landslide in China’s Chongqing

July 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

A landslide in Pengshui county, Chongqing, China, killed eight people and left at least 34 missing. Rescuers are working to find survivors and provide aid to more than 1,100 displaced residents.

Key Facts

The landslide occurred around 9:10 a.m. local time on a Friday in Pengshui county, Chongqing.
Eight people died, and 34 are still unaccounted for after the landslide.
More than 1,100 people were forced to leave their homes due to the disaster.
Ten people were rescued from the debris, including two who are seriously injured.
Water, electricity, and gas were cut off within a one-kilometer radius to prevent further damage.
Over 800 rescuers are working at the site, and the government sent more than 8,000 relief items like tents and emergency kits.
Authorities have allocated 50 million yuan (about $7.36 million) for disaster relief and support.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged officials to manage the rescue carefully and investigate the cause of the landslide.
The area is known for steep and unstable terrain, and dangerous rocks remain near the disaster site.
A similar landslide happened earlier in July in Gansu province, killing 21 people.

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Al Jazeera

ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, relatives say

July 17, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

An ICE officer in Maine, David Brouillette, shot and killed a Colombian man, Johan Durán Guerrero. Relatives say Brouillette has a long history of violent behavior and mental health struggles, raising questions about how he was hired and allowed to carry a gun.

Key Facts

David Brouillette is a 37-year-old ICE officer and Army veteran.
His relatives say he has had violent behavior and mental health problems since childhood.
His ex-wife said he was physically abusive, including throwing boiling water while she held their child.
Brouillette shot and killed 25-year-old Colombian Johan Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine.
DHS said the officer fired because the vehicle tried to flee and public safety was at risk.
Brouillette has nearly ten years of federal law enforcement experience with required training, according to ICE.
At least 10 people have died in encounters with immigration agents since President Trump’s immigration crackdown began.
Family court records show multiple allegations of abuse involving Brouillette and his family members.

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CBS News

Map Shows Where Democrats Massively Outraising Republican Incumbents

July 17, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Democrats raised more money than Republican incumbents in over a dozen competitive U.S. House races during the second quarter of 2026. This strong fundraising effort has increased Democratic hopes of winning enough seats to take control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Facts

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House, with 218 seats to Democrats’ 212, plus four vacancies.
Democrats outraised Republican incumbents in 15 key races considered toss-ups or leaning Republican.
Fundraising totals come from Federal Election Commission filings released for the second quarter of 2026.
Democrats believe President Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings and economic concerns help their chances.
Some states have redrawn districts in ways that could favor Republicans, limiting Democratic gains.
Polls give Democrats a slight lead overall, though that advantage has decreased recently.
Specific races with Democratic fundraising advantages include Arizona’s 6th and California’s 22nd districts.
In some districts, Republicans still raised the most funds individually, but combined Democratic fundraising surpassed theirs.

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Newsweek

‘Master yachtsman’ who fled 2005 trial for sexual assault arrested off US coast

July 17, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Ronald L Fischer, wanted for over 20 years after fleeing a sexual assault trial in Rhode Island, was arrested on a sailboat off the coast of New Jersey. He was convicted in his absence for assaulting a woman on his yacht in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison.

Key Facts

Ronald L Fischer fled a sexual assault trial in Rhode Island in 2005 by leaving the US.
He was convicted without being present and sentenced to life imprisonment with parole possible after 25 years.
Fischer was considered one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives.
He was arrested on a 56-foot sailboat named Silver Lining near New Jersey.
Investigators identified Fischer using an alias, Richard Graydon.
The arrest was made by a coordinated effort of state police, US Marshals, and federal law enforcement.
Fischer faces charges including unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and failure to appear in court.
Rhode Island US Marshal Wing Chau said the arrest shows that accountability lasts over time.

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Guardian World Guardian US

What Happens When AI Agents Stop Asking and Start Acting?

July 17, 2026 • Technology • Newsweek

Summary

AI agents, which are computer programs designed to act on instructions, can sometimes follow hidden commands in documents or websites without human approval. This creates security risks because these agents might unknowingly redirect money or steal data by acting too quickly and without checks. Companies like Menlo Security warn that new types of attacks, called prompt injections, do not need traditional software flaws to trick AI agents.

Key Facts

Menlo Security CEO Bill Robbins warns that AI agents acting without human checks increase security risks.
Hidden commands can be concealed in documents, like white-on-white text, and only AI agents may detect and act on them.
Recent AI cybersecurity tools from OpenAI (Daybreak) and Anthropic (Mythos Preview) help find and fix vulnerabilities.
Prompt injection is a new risk where malicious instructions hidden in content change an AI agent’s behavior without needing software bugs.
AI agents often have permissions to access multiple systems and sensitive information, increasing potential damage if compromised.
Menlo Security’s report highlights that traditional security tools may miss what AI agents do inside browsers.
Between January and March, Menlo blocked over 52,000 browser threats from sites considered safe, showing limitations of current security measures.
Managing risks requires better control and monitoring of AI agents and the tasks they perform.

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Newsweek

FDA Orange Juice Standards Are Changing Under RFK Jr.

July 17, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

The FDA is lowering the required sugar content standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% Brix to help U.S. citrus growers and juice makers cope with crop losses from disease and bad weather. This change aims to reduce costs and supply problems without significantly changing the juice's taste or nutrition.

Key Facts

The FDA’s new rule lowers the minimum sugar content in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% Brix.
Brix measures the amount of natural sugars and other solids in juice.
This is the first update to the standard since 1963.
The USDA has updated its grading standards to match the FDA’s new standard.
The update helps juice producers use more domestic fruit without needing imports from countries like Brazil.
The rule may reduce production costs and ease supply shortages that caused orange juice prices to rise.
The FDA also raised the allowed amount of certain citrus varieties (like mandarins and tangerines) in orange juice from 10% to 15%.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will officially announce this change in Florida, where citrus growers have faced disease and storm damage.

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Newsweek

World Cup beer sales are hopping. Brewers hope the stout demand outlasts the tournament

July 17, 2026 • Business • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The World Cup 2026 has boosted beer sales in the United States, especially in cities hosting games, where bars and stadiums saw significant increases. However, beer sales have been falling globally over the past decade due to health concerns, economic worries, and changing social habits.

Key Facts

During six matches in Philadelphia, fans consumed 290,000 beers at the stadium.
Beer sales rose 14% in U.S. World Cup host cities during the first four weeks compared to last year.
National beer sales in the U.S. increased by 4% during the same period.
Beer consumption in the U.S., Canada, and Europe has been declining steadily for about ten years.
More people are drinking less beer and choosing health-focused beverages or cutting back on alcohol for health reasons.
In 2025, 53% of Americans said drinking one or two drinks a day is bad for health, according to a Gallup poll.
Economic concerns and competition from entertainment like smartphones and streaming services also reduce beer drinking.
AB InBev, the official World Cup beer sponsor, increased marketing during the tournament.

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PBS NewsHour

Meta trying to destroy whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams, US senator says

July 17, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A U.S. senator accused Meta of using legal tactics to silence Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Facebook executive who raised concerns about the company’s dealings with China and its effect on teenagers. Senator Josh Hawley asked Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, for details on how the company may have monitored Wynn-Williams and her family.

Key Facts

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, accused Meta of using "lawfare" to pressure whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams.
Wynn-Williams is the former global head of public policy at Facebook, now part of Meta.
She wrote a book alleging Meta worked with China on censorship and harmed teenage users.
An interim arbitration ruling stopped her from publicly discussing the book.
Wynn-Williams is suing Meta over these restrictions.
Meta denies the book’s claims and says she signed an agreement forbidding such disclosures.
Hawley asked Meta for documents about any monitoring of Wynn-Williams or her family.
Meta said Wynn-Williams received $780,000 in severance and that the legal case is about her trying to sell books.

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Guardian World Guardian Tech

Mullin pledges to go after voter fraud after Trump revives election interference claims

July 17, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he will investigate voter fraud following President Donald Trump’s claims that China interfered in the 2020 election. These comments came after President Trump discussed election interference during a recent primetime speech.

Key Facts

Markwayne Mullin is the current Homeland Security Secretary.
Mullin promised to look into claims of voter fraud.
President Donald Trump said China interfered in the 2020 U.S. election.
Trump made these claims in a primetime speech.
CBS News reported on Mullin’s response to Trump’s statements.
The focus is on election security and integrity.
Jake Rosen from CBS News covered the story.
The issue concerns allegations about foreign interference in U.S. elections.

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CBS News

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