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AstraZeneca boss urges western drugmakers to move at ‘Chinese speed’

AstraZeneca boss urges western drugmakers to move at ‘Chinese speed’

July 27, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, said the company must work as quickly as Chinese firms to stay competitive in the drug industry. He highlighted the growth of China’s pharmaceutical sector and said AstraZeneca is confident it will meet its sales goals by 2030 despite some drug trial setbacks.

Key Facts

  • AstraZeneca plans to reach $80 billion in annual sales by 2030, up from $59 billion in 2025.
  • The company reported a 6% revenue increase in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
  • CEO Pascal Soriot said Western drugmakers must increase innovation speed to compete with Chinese companies.
  • Chinese pharmaceutical firms are heavily investing in new technologies like antibody drug conjugates and cell therapy.
  • AstraZeneca experienced a recent failure in a major heart disease drug trial but continues to have a strong pipeline.
  • Soriot believes artificial intelligence (AI) will help speed up drug development and increase productivity, rather than reduce jobs.
  • The company plans to work with the new UK government leader, Andy Burnham, to clarify a US-UK drug deal linked to higher NHS medicine costs.
  • This deal was initially made under President Donald Trump and could raise drug prices in the UK significantly.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
Nans who befriended pro wrestler on flight to Vegas in talks to make a film

Nans who befriended pro wrestler on flight to Vegas in talks to make a film

July 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A group of Welsh grandmothers met professional wrestler DeReiss Gordon on a flight to Las Vegas. Their chance meeting led to a strong friendship and talks about making a film based on their story. Recently, the women even took part in a wrestling event themselves.

Key Facts

  • Four grandmothers from Wales met wrestler DeReiss Gordon on a flight to Las Vegas in April 2026.
  • The grandmothers were traveling to scatter the ashes of one woman's late husband.
  • They originally had a seating mix-up on the flight but ended up becoming friends.
  • Film producer Nick Barton, known for works like Calendar Girls, is interested in turning their story into a movie.
  • The women took part in a wrestling showcase in Cardiff and were trained by professional wrestlers.
  • The group was unfamiliar with wrestling before meeting Gordon but have now gained fans in the wrestling community.
  • They have done other activities together like a bus tour and a bingo night.
  • The story highlights how people from different backgrounds and ages can form close friendships.
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BBC Top Stories
Iran says it controls Strait of Hormuz after weekend pause in strikes

Iran says it controls Strait of Hormuz after weekend pause in strikes

July 27, 2026 • World • The Hill

Summary

Iran announced on Monday that it controls the Strait of Hormuz following a break in attacks over the weekend. Iranian state media reported that Tehran stopped six ships from passing through the strait without permission.

Key Facts

  • Iran says it controls the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend without strikes.
  • Iranian state media cited an unnamed source for this information.
  • Tehran reportedly forced back six ships attempting to cross the strait on Monday.
  • The ships did not have clearance from Iranian authorities to pass.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
  • This action comes amid ongoing conflict and tensions in the region.
  • The situation may affect international shipping and trade routes.
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The Hill
US environmental groups urge EPA to reject new Pfas to cool datacenters

US environmental groups urge EPA to reject new Pfas to cool datacenters

July 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Seventeen environmental groups asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject a new chemical called Opteon 2P50 made by Chemours. This chemical is meant to cool datacenters but is likely toxic and harmful to the environment. The groups say Chemours used poor science to make the chemical seem less dangerous and accuse the EPA of rushing approval under a Trump administration order.

Key Facts

  • Seventeen environmental groups formally asked the EPA to reject Chemours’ new chemical Opteon 2P50 for datacenter cooling.
  • Opteon 2P50 is part of a class of chemicals called PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down and can harm human health.
  • Datacenters use large amounts of water to cool equipment, so some use two-phase cooling systems that rely on PFAS gases instead.
  • The environmental groups say the chemical is more toxic and has greater climate risks than Chemours claims.
  • Chemours wants fast approval under a Trump executive order that speeds up review of datacenter chemicals.
  • The EPA must legally consider health risks, despite the Trump order to prioritize speedy reviews.
  • Critics say Chemours’ safety data relies on tests using rat types less sensitive to PFAS chemicals and lacks important toxicity data.
  • PFAS chemicals are linked to cancer, liver and kidney problems, and immune issues; one breakdown product, TFA, was recently classified as hazardous in Europe.
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Guardian World Guardian US
The US agency that fights workplace discrimination just voted to stop measuring it | Jamil Smith

The US agency that fights workplace discrimination just voted to stop measuring it | Jamil Smith

July 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to stop its long-standing practice of requiring many employers to report worker data by race and sex. This change would reduce the agency’s ability to detect workplace discrimination through regular demographic monitoring, though it could still request data in specific investigations.

Key Facts

  • The EEOC has collected annual reports from employers about worker race, sex, and job categories for 60 years.
  • About 73,000 employers report data covering over 50 million workers each year.
  • The EEOC’s new rule, voted 2–1 by its Republican majority, would end routine collection of this demographic data.
  • The government argues that requiring such classifications might violate the constitutional right to equal protection.
  • Employers would still keep records on hiring, promotion, pay, and termination but without required demographic detail.
  • The EEOC could still request demographic information when investigating specific discrimination claims.
  • The change aims to shift the EEOC from regular monitoring to selective investigations.
  • Public comments on the proposal are due by August 24, with a hearing scheduled for August 11.
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Guardian US
Screamers welcome: Chicago scream club lets people ‘give in and let go’

Screamers welcome: Chicago scream club lets people ‘give in and let go’

July 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Chicago’s Scream Club meets weekly during warm months at North Avenue Beach, where up to 300 people gather to scream together to release stress. The club was started last year by Emanuel Hernandez and Elena Soboleva and has spread to other U.S. cities.

Key Facts

  • The Chicago Scream Club meets on Sunday evenings at North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park.
  • The club was founded last year by Emanuel Hernandez and Elena Soboleva.
  • Up to 300 people attend the weekly screaming sessions during warmer months.
  • The activity helps people release stress, anxiety, and other built-up emotions.
  • Participants are given biodegradable paper to write down what they want to let go of before screaming.
  • The club started spontaneously when Hernandez and Soboleva invited nearby people to scream with them.
  • The club has expanded to cities such as Austin, Phoenix, and Washington DC.
  • No special clothing or equipment is needed; people are encouraged to scream at their own pace.
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Guardian World Guardian US
‘It came out of real frustration’: the 90s activist network that set fires to save a burning planet

‘It came out of real frustration’: the 90s activist network that set fires to save a burning planet

July 27, 2026 • World • Guardian US

Summary

The Earth Liberation Front (Elf) was a group of environmental activists in the 1990s who used arson and sabotage to fight against environmental destruction in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Their actions aimed to disrupt businesses harming nature, and they influenced later climate activist groups with similar goals about protecting the planet.

Key Facts

  • Elf was active mainly between 1995 and 2001, targeting businesses like fur farms, timber warehouses, and SUV dealerships.
  • They caused over $12 million in damage in a 1998 arson attack on a ski resort in Vail, Colorado, to protect endangered animals.
  • Elf members avoided violence against living beings but damaged property to protest ecological harm.
  • The group operated with no formal leaders, following a “leaderless resistance” model.
  • Their actions were inspired by frustration with mainstream environmental efforts, which focused on small personal changes like saving water and electricity.
  • Elf grew out of Earth First!, a radical environmental movement based in Eugene, Oregon, a town with both strong environmental and logging communities.
  • The group left messages like “YOU CANNOT CONTROL WHAT IS WILD!” to signal their cause.
  • Modern climate groups like Extinction Rebellion and Sunrise Movement share some goals with Elf but use different tactics.
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Guardian US
Haex – a wilder, weirder open-world adventure

Haex – a wilder, weirder open-world adventure

July 27, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

Haex is an online cooperative open-world game set in a changing sub-Arctic landscape. Players use special seeds to reshape the environment, explore mysteries, and face strange creatures while working with friends.

Key Facts

  • Haex takes place in a sub-Arctic northern forest with unique natural features like plants that change the world.
  • Players plant Seeds that reshape the terrain, add new plants, story elements, and enemies.
  • Each game world and Seed is procedurally generated, making every playthrough different.
  • The game supports online cooperative play with friends.
  • The story involves research scientists exploring a mysterious Scandinavian wilderness with alien-like creatures and an unknown language.
  • Creators were inspired by sci-fi movies (Annihilation, Arrival) and cosmic black metal music.
  • Haex is developed by Dead Astronauts, a small studio of 12 people led by Tobias Nyman, formerly of Ubisoft Massive.
  • The game focuses on a dynamic world to create fresh experiences beyond traditional open-world games.
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Guardian Tech
Todd Blanche doesn’t deserve to be attorney general

Todd Blanche doesn’t deserve to be attorney general

July 27, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses that not everyone who wants to be attorney general is suitable for the role. It suggests that the best candidates would be ready to leave their position to protect the integrity of the department.

Key Facts

  • Some people want to become attorney general but may not deserve the job.
  • Good candidates show loyalty to the department.
  • Loyal candidates protect the department even if it means quitting.
  • The article implies a connection between the willingness to resign and worthiness for the role.
  • The focus is on the qualities needed for someone to be attorney general.
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The Hill
Map Shows Flock Camera Locations in Every State Amid Growing Backlash

Map Shows Flock Camera Locations in Every State Amid Growing Backlash

July 27, 2026 • Technology • Newsweek

Summary

Flock Safety has installed over 120,000 Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras across the U.S. These cameras automatically capture images of vehicles and record details like license plates, vehicle type, and time to help law enforcement investigate crimes. However, privacy groups and some communities oppose the use of these cameras, saying they enable widespread surveillance without proper oversight.

Key Facts

  • Flock Safety’s ALPR cameras are installed in nearly every U.S. state, with over 100,000 cameras deployed.
  • The cameras use optical technology to capture license plates and other vehicle details such as color and distinguishing marks.
  • Data collected includes date, time, and location of each vehicle passing the cameras.
  • Law enforcement agencies use the data to help find stolen cars, track suspects, and solve crimes.
  • Critics argue these cameras allow mass tracking of people’s movements without a warrant, raising privacy concerns.
  • Some local areas have removed cameras or faced vandalism due to growing backlash.
  • Lawsuits, including one from the ACLU, challenge the use of these cameras as unconstitutional surveillance under the Fourth Amendment.
  • Privacy groups warn data may be shared among agencies, increasing risks of misuse or wrongful profiling.
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Newsweek
Off-duty police officer detains man who attacked three women with knives in Paris

Off-duty police officer detains man who attacked three women with knives in Paris

July 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

An off-duty police officer in Paris stopped a man who attacked three women with kitchen knives. Two women were seriously hurt but are expected to survive, and the attacker was caught.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened around 11:30 a.m. near Porte de Clichy in northern Paris.
  • The three women wounded were aged 19, 24, and 36.
  • Two women suffered serious injuries to the abdomen and lower back but are not in life-threatening condition.
  • The attacker used two kitchen knives during the assault.
  • An off-duty police officer detained the suspect at the scene.
  • The interior minister said the attacker made unclear statements and that the motive is unknown.
  • Authorities warned against making quick assumptions about why the attack happened.
  • The article also mentioned a recent attack in Berlin where a man drove into a Pride parade, killing one person.
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Guardian World
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District special election

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District special election

July 27, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

Six candidates are running in a special election on Tuesday in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District to replace the late Democratic U.S. Representative David Scott. The winner will serve the remainder of Scott’s term in the House, which has a slim Republican majority.

Key Facts

  • David Scott, the Democratic representative for Georgia’s 13th District, died in April.
  • Four Democrats and two Republicans are running in the special election on the same ballot.
  • If no candidate wins more than half the vote, the top two will compete in a runoff on August 25.
  • Candidates include Everton Blair and Marcye Scott (David Scott’s daughter) among the Democrats, and Caesar Gonzales and Fayth Park for the Republicans.
  • The winner will serve the rest of Scott’s term, lasting a few months.
  • The district covers parts of six counties around Atlanta and is heavily Democratic.
  • Scott won 72% of the vote in the 2024 election before his death.
  • State Rep. Jasmine Clark won the Democratic primary for the full term starting in 2027 but is not competing in this special election.
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AP News
China and Japan differ on whether their foreign ministers spoke last week at ASEAN

China and Japan differ on whether their foreign ministers spoke last week at ASEAN

July 27, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said he briefly spoke with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a regional meeting, but China denied any meeting or exchange took place. Tensions between China and Japan have grown since November over remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan, leading to colder relations and economic impacts.

Key Facts

  • Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi said he had a brief discussion with China’s Wang Yi at the ASEAN meeting.
  • China’s Foreign Ministry denied any meeting or exchanges occurred between the two ministers.
  • Relations between China and Japan have worsened since November due to comments by Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi about Taiwan.
  • Takaichi suggested Japan might respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan, citing Japan’s collective self-defense policy.
  • China opposes any support for Taiwan’s independence and sees Takaichi’s remarks as crossing a red line.
  • Recent tensions have affected tourism and increased worries about military growth in both countries.
  • Japan wants to keep dialogue open with China to maintain regional peace despite current difficulties.
  • Taiwan is a self-governing island claimed by China as its territory.
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AP News
Paris police arrest suspect after three women wounded in knife attack

Paris police arrest suspect after three women wounded in knife attack

July 27, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Police in Paris arrested a man after he attacked three women with kitchen knives near Porte de Clichy. Two of the women were seriously injured but are expected to survive. An off-duty police officer stopped the attacker, whose identity and motive are still unknown.

Key Facts

  • The knife attack happened around 11:30 a.m. local time in northern Paris.
  • The attacker used two kitchen knives to wound three women aged 19, 24, and 36.
  • Two women were seriously hurt but their lives are not in danger.
  • An off-duty police officer arrested the attacker at the scene.
  • The suspect’s identity and reasons for the attack have not been released.
  • The incident took place near Porte de Clichy, a neighborhood in Paris.
  • Interior Minister Laurent Nunez spoke about the attack during a news conference.
  • The police cordoned off the area to investigate the crime scene.
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France24
Latest details on deadly Seattle food festival shooting as police search for second suspect

Latest details on deadly Seattle food festival shooting as police search for second suspect

July 27, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

A shooting at a food festival near the Seattle Space Needle on Sunday night resulted in at least three people dead and four others injured. Police are actively searching for a second suspect involved in the incident.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at a food festival close to the Seattle Space Needle.
  • At least three people died in the shooting.
  • Four people were injured.
  • The incident occurred on a Sunday night.
  • Police are looking for a second suspect connected to the shooting.
  • Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the event.
  • The police have reported these updates through CBS News.
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CBS News
Married Couple Stop Sleeping in Same Bed—Then They Notice a Change

Married Couple Stop Sleeping in Same Bed—Then They Notice a Change

July 27, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

A married couple from Atlanta decided to sleep in separate bedrooms to improve their sleep quality. They found that this change made their relationship stronger and helped them feel healthier and more patient with each other.

Key Facts

  • Kelsey, 39, and Chad Thompson, 54, live in Atlanta, Georgia, and plan to marry in 2025.
  • Both have dealt with insomnia and created individual sleep routines before being together.
  • They chose to sleep in separate bedrooms to avoid disturbing each other’s rest.
  • Sleeping apart helped them sleep more deeply and improved their overall well-being.
  • This change reduced resentment caused by differences in bedtime habits and schedules.
  • They still spend quality time together in the evenings before going to their own rooms.
  • Each bedroom reflects their personal style and needs, creating comfortable spaces.
  • Kelsey shares their experience on social media to encourage others to prioritize their own needs over social expectations.
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Newsweek
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Issues Defiant Message to World Cup Critics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Issues Defiant Message to World Cup Critics

July 27, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded to criticism about this year’s World Cup, defending the event’s safety, fan experience, and organization. He dismissed complaints about ticket prices, security, and political connections in a social media post after the tournament ended.

Key Facts

  • Gianni Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and addressed World Cup criticism in a 15-slide Instagram post.
  • The 2026 World Cup was held across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in 16 cities.
  • Infantino said there were no violent incidents or security problems during the tournament.
  • The World Cup attracted seven million attendees from over 200 countries.
  • Critics raised concerns about very high ticket prices, with some tickets for the final costing up to $39,000.
  • Infantino emphasized that billions of people watched the event from home and that stadiums were filled with fans.
  • He rejected negative coverage, saying critics were consumed by hate and spreading false information.
  • Infantino has not held a news conference since the tournament ended; this social media post was his first detailed public reply.
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Newsweek
Home Office blocking evacuation of dozens of women and children from Gaza

Home Office blocking evacuation of dozens of women and children from Gaza

July 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

The UK Home Office is preventing the evacuation of many women and children from Gaza who want to join family members in the UK. Although the Foreign Office is ready to help with evacuation, the Home Office is not providing travel permission and is using legal actions to block their arrival.

Key Facts

  • The UK Home Office suspended refugee family reunion applications last September and has not reopened them yet.
  • Families who applied before the suspension cannot currently join relatives in the UK because the Home Office blocks their travel.
  • Evacuations from Gaza happen through Jordan, but the Home Office does not give the required travel assurance for these families.
  • The Home Office claims families must provide biometrics before traveling, but the visa center in Gaza has been closed since October 2023.
  • Other European countries like Belgium and France are helping evacuate families from Gaza.
  • The Home Office sometimes labels these Palestinian families as security risks due to Gaza being a place where terrorists operate.
  • Lawyers say the Home Office is stricter with Palestinian families than with refugees from other countries.
  • The Foreign Office has agreed to help evacuate families, but the Home Office delays or blocks decisions on their cases.
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Guardian World
Wildfires in southwest Europe: What we know so far

Wildfires in southwest Europe: What we know so far

July 27, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Large wildfires are burning in southwestern Europe, mainly in France and Spain, causing the evacuation of over 325,000 people. The fires have destroyed vast areas of land, with some of the worst damage recorded in France since World War II.

Key Facts

  • Over 325,000 people have been evacuated from homes in France and Spain due to wildfires.
  • About 115,000 hectares (284,171 acres) have burned in France this year.
  • Spain has seen more than 150,000 hectares (about 370,000 acres) burned since January, six times more than last year.
  • A wildfire in Spain’s Andalusia region killed at least 12 people.
  • Fires have spread near Madrid, forcing the evacuation of at least 10,000 people.
  • Spain declared a national emergency due to two major uncontrolled fires as of July 24.
  • A wildfire in Spain’s Castellon province destroyed more than 4,300 hectares (10,625 acres) and is hard to fight because of bad weather.
  • The fires in France include severe damage on the Cap Ferret peninsula, an important holiday area near Bordeaux.
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Al Jazeera
Charli XCX photo purchased by National Portrait Gallery

Charli XCX photo purchased by National Portrait Gallery

July 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A photo of pop star Charli XCX taken by British photographer Harley Weir has been added to the National Portrait Gallery's collection. The portrait will be shown in the gallery’s History Makers Now section, celebrating people who shape modern culture.

Key Facts

  • The photo shows Charli XCX in a white crop top and unbuttoned black jeans.
  • It was taken in 2024 and used to promote her album Brat.
  • The National Portrait Gallery called Charli “one of the defining artists of our time.”
  • The portrait’s purchase was funded by the Bukhman Foundation.
  • Charli XCX’s eighth album, Music, Fashion, Film, was released recently and may reach number one on the UK charts.
  • The album explores her relationship with art and fame.
  • Charli released extra songs called "b-sides" on iTunes after initially not planning to.
  • She will headline the Reading & Leeds festival next month.
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BBC Top Stories