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Odyssey translator writes scathing review of Nolan film adaptation

Odyssey translator writes scathing review of Nolan film adaptation

July 28, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Emily Wilson, who translated the ancient poem The Odyssey, wrote a very critical review of Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation, saying the story and characters are weak. However, she also recognized the film is helping many people become interested in the classic poem again.

Key Facts

  • Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of The Odyssey influenced Nolan’s film.
  • Wilson criticized the movie for poor writing and shallow characters.
  • She said the film lacks depth in emotion, politics, and ethics.
  • Wilson’s teenagers enjoyed the movie as a family-friendly spectacle.
  • The film has many female characters but they are not well developed.
  • Nolan used Wilson’s translated opening line as inspiration for Odysseus’s character.
  • Critics praise the movie highly, calling it a masterpiece and cinema-changing.
  • The movie stars Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, and follows Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Six steps to socialism

Six steps to socialism

July 28, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

The article explains how political parties change their positions gradually over time using six stages: recoil, squint, rationalize, submit, amplify, and purge. It uses the Republican Party’s acceptance of President Trump over many years as an example and suggests the Democratic Party may be starting a similar process with socialism gaining support among its members.

Key Facts

  • Political parties often go through a six-stage process when changing their positions.
  • Republicans moved through all six stages in accepting President Trump’s leadership.
  • The six stages are: recoil (reject), squint (quiet support), rationalize (excuses), submit (full acceptance), amplify (promote), and purge (remove dissenters).
  • Democrats show rising support for socialism, especially among younger voters.
  • Several Democratic socialists have recently won primary elections against established incumbents.
  • Language changes during these stages can be an early signal of bigger shifts.
  • Some Democrats warn against accepting extreme ideas and suggest strongly opposing them to avoid a full party takeover.
  • The process reflects how party bases influence political direction over time.
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Axios
The Earth Is on Fire

The Earth Is on Fire

July 28, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Wildfires have spread across parts of Europe and North America, causing mass evacuations and sending smoke across borders. Experts link the unusually large and fast-moving fires to heat, drought, and dry vegetation caused by ongoing warm weather and climate change.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires threatened areas near Bordeaux, France, forcing about 220,000 people to evacuate.
  • In Spain, nearly 100,000 people were told to leave due to fires burning over 111,000 acres in several regions.
  • Canada also faces hundreds of fires, with smoke reaching into the United States.
  • The European Union has recorded 1,254 fires in 2024, more than twice the long-term average.
  • Severe drought and repeated heat waves have worsened fire conditions in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.
  • Experts say climate change makes hot, dry conditions more intense, increasing wildfire risks.
  • Portugal and Greece have also experienced major wildfires requiring large firefighting efforts and causing casualties.
  • Scientists note that while wildfires are natural, their frequency, size, and severity are rising due to climate factors.
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Newsweek
Treatable Condition May Predict Dementia Years in Advance

Treatable Condition May Predict Dementia Years in Advance

July 28, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

New research shows that frailty, a condition where people become weaker and more vulnerable to illness, may predict dementia years before symptoms start. The study found that frail older adults tend to develop dementia two to three years earlier than those who are not frail, even if they have low levels of brain changes related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Key Facts

  • Frailty means reduced physical strength and higher risk of sickness.
  • Researchers studied 1,614 older adults for about 24 years.
  • People with a frailty score of 0.25 or higher were considered frail.
  • Frail individuals were diagnosed with dementia 2-3 years earlier on average.
  • This link was true for both men and women, and regardless of education or genetic risk.
  • Frailty affected the age of diagnosis even when brain damage from dementia was low.
  • Regular exercise and good protein intake can help reduce frailty.
  • Early signs of frailty include slower walking, less strength, tiredness, and slow recovery from illness.
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Newsweek
Netanyahu in the White House: What’s on the agenda and what’s next?

Netanyahu in the White House: What’s on the agenda and what’s next?

July 28, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House to meet President Donald Trump, with the main topics being the ongoing conflict with Iran and recent Israeli military actions. Netanyahu’s visit comes shortly before elections in Israel and following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally.

Key Facts

  • Netanyahu's visit is his first meeting with President Trump since the US and Israel began military strikes against Iran in February.
  • The leaders are expected to discuss the war on Iran, Israeli raids in Lebanon, and the Abraham Accords, a peace deal process between Israel and some Arab nations.
  • Netanyahu is attending Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral in Washington, who was a strong supporter of Israel and Trump.
  • Protests have taken place in Washington, DC, ahead of Netanyahu’s visit.
  • Israeli military actions include strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and raids in the occupied West Bank.
  • The visit happens three months before Israeli elections, with Netanyahu seeking support from right-wing voters backing illegal settlements in the West Bank.
  • Iran opposes peace unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon, where tensions are rising due to rocket fire from Hezbollah.
  • The outcome of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting is not expected to be publicly released.
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Al Jazeera
Hurricane Genevieve roars in the Pacific as Fausto weakens to a tropical storm near Hawaii

Hurricane Genevieve roars in the Pacific as Fausto weakens to a tropical storm near Hawaii

July 28, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Hurricane Genevieve is a strong storm in the Pacific Ocean far from land, while Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening near Hawaii. Genevieve has winds of 140 mph and is moving northwest near Mexico, and Fausto is bringing large waves to Hawaii as it moves west-northwest.

Key Facts

  • Hurricane Genevieve reached Category 5 but is currently Category 4 with 140 mph winds.
  • Genevieve is about 515 miles southwest of Baja California and moving northwest at 10 mph.
  • No watches or warnings are in place for Genevieve, but it is causing dangerous surf near parts of Mexico.
  • Genevieve is expected to get weaker later in the week while staying offshore.
  • Tropical Storm Fausto has weakened from a hurricane and now has winds of 65 mph.
  • Fausto is about 340 miles east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and moving west-northwest at 15 mph.
  • Fausto is expected to pass north of Hawaii, but strong surf and currents are affecting the islands.
  • The National Hurricane Center is monitoring both storms and warning about surf hazards.
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AP News
How Trump's "self-deportation" machine has ramped up

How Trump's "self-deportation" machine has ramped up

July 28, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

President Trump's "self-deportation" program, called Project Homecoming, pays unauthorized immigrants to leave the U.S. The program has helped around 132,000 people leave and aims to remove 1 million unauthorized immigrants each year.

Key Facts

  • Project Homecoming started last year with nearly $600 million in funding.
  • About 132,000 immigrants have left the U.S. through the program through mid-July.
  • Around 70,000 more have signed up and are expected to leave soon.
  • The program offers a cash payment that increased from $1,000 to as much as $3,000 at one point.
  • About half of the self-deportations involve immigrants held in immigration detention centers.
  • People in detention leave faster, spending an average of 17 days in detention instead of 50.
  • Removing an immigrant through self-deportation costs about $2,500, less than the usual $18,245 for forced removals.
  • The government plans to spend about $2.5 billion in savings from the program and is seeking new contracts to continue it.
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Axios
UN's renewable-powered AI goal meets physical reality

UN's renewable-powered AI goal meets physical reality

July 28, 2026 • World • Axios

Summary

The United Nations wants all data centers to use renewable energy by 2030 to reduce environmental harm caused by growing electricity use. Experts say this goal is very difficult because changing global power systems that fast is unlikely, even though renewable energy is growing quickly.

Key Facts

  • The UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for data centers to run on renewable energy by 2030.
  • Electricity use by data centers is expected to at least double in four years due to AI growth.
  • Most energy experts believe powering all data centers with renewables by 2030 is unrealistic.
  • Renewable energy production is growing faster than other sources and is expected to pass coal in power generation this year.
  • The UN’s goal focuses on renewables and excludes nuclear energy but does not limit other government energy choices.
  • Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon report improvements in energy efficiency but still face rising emissions from more data center use.
  • Some companies buy clean energy credits to offset emissions, but this mostly balances accounts rather than physically reducing pollution immediately.
  • The UN wants AI companies to clearly show how they can grow without adding carbon, water, or land harm to communities or future generations.
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Axios
Mitch McConnell's New Rehab Photo Raises 7 Questions About His Recovery

Mitch McConnell's New Rehab Photo Raises 7 Questions About His Recovery

July 28, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Mitch McConnell is staying in a rehabilitation center after a fall at his home in June. His office released a new photo and a brief medical update but did not provide detailed information about his condition or the cause of the fall.

Key Facts

  • McConnell is 84 years old and a Republican senator from Kentucky.
  • He has been in inpatient rehab for more than a month following a fall.
  • A new photo of McConnell with his wife was released to update the public.
  • McConnell is undergoing intense physical therapy daily.
  • His childhood polio affects his current mobility.
  • No recent video or direct interviews with McConnell have been made public.
  • The cause of McConnell’s fall and loss of consciousness has not been explained.
  • McConnell will miss Kentucky’s Fancy Farm picnic due to recovery.
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Newsweek
Anthropic, OpenAI blow past Starbucks, McDonald's amid AI boom

Anthropic, OpenAI blow past Starbucks, McDonald's amid AI boom

July 28, 2026 • Business • Axios

Summary

The combined annual revenue of AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic is expected to reach about $120 billion, with Anthropic alone earning around $71 billion. This revenue is higher than major global food brands like Starbucks and McDonald's, showing rapid growth in the AI industry.

Key Facts

  • OpenAI and Anthropic together are projected to make $120 billion in yearly revenue.
  • Anthropic accounts for about 60% of this amount, approximately $71 billion.
  • Anthropic’s revenue surpasses Starbucks ($37.2 billion) and McDonald's ($26.9 billion) combined.
  • These AI companies would rank among the top 100 companies by revenue in the Fortune 500 list.
  • Starbucks, McDonald's, and Yum Brands have been around for 50 to 100 years, while Anthropic was founded only five years ago.
  • The rapid growth in AI revenue helps explain forecasts of trillions of dollars in AI infrastructure spending.
  • Anthropic leads in business customers, though OpenAI is working to close this gap.
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Axios
Ariana Grande sues hackers who allegedly sold unreleased music and photos online

Ariana Grande sues hackers who allegedly sold unreleased music and photos online

July 28, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against hackers who she says stole her unreleased music, private photos, and videos, then sold them online. The lawsuit aims to identify these hackers, referred to as John Doe, to hold them responsible for invading her privacy and harming her career.

Key Facts

  • Ariana Grande sued hackers for stealing unreleased music, private photos, and videos.
  • The hackers accessed accounts of people working with Grande.
  • 45 songs were leaked in 2023 due to the hacking.
  • A hacker pretended to be a photographer to trick an employee into sending private photos.
  • Stolen materials were sold on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet.
  • Grande says the hacking caused serious harm to her privacy and career.
  • Ariana Grande is a successful artist with seven top US albums, 20 Grammy nominations, and three wins.
  • She recently released the album Petal and is preparing for concerts and upcoming acting roles.
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Guardian World
AI sell-off intensifies as investors ditch chip stocks

AI sell-off intensifies as investors ditch chip stocks

July 28, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Investors are selling many AI-related chip stocks, causing South Korea’s stock market to fall to a three-month low. Concerns include high borrowing by AI companies, competition from Chinese chip makers, and doubts about funding methods in the AI industry.

Key Facts

  • South Korea’s major chip companies SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics dropped more than 10%.
  • The Kospi index in South Korea reached its lowest level since mid-April.
  • Investors worry about large debts AI companies take to build data centers.
  • China has started mass producing its own deep ultraviolet (DUV) chip-making tools, raising competition concerns.
  • Chinese chip maker CXMT’s stock price rose by 466% on its debut in Shanghai.
  • Nvidia is reportedly discussing a $250 billion funding deal with OpenAI for a big data center project in Ohio.
  • Nvidia’s shares fell 5% after the funding news, and the risk of its debt increased, as shown by credit default swap prices.
  • Analysts say some of the sell-off is an overreaction linked to fears about Chinese competition and AI investment risks.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech Guardian Business
As it braces for a new heatwave, Spain races to contain wildfires

As it braces for a new heatwave, Spain races to contain wildfires

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Spain is facing large wildfires as a heatwave approaches. Firefighters are trying to control the fires, including one near Madrid that has burned over 50,000 hectares of land.

Key Facts

  • A major wildfire near the city of Avila, west of Madrid, has burned more than 50,000 hectares.
  • Firefighters are working to control the wildfires before temperatures rise further.
  • Spain is preparing for a new heatwave, which can make fires worse.
  • Large numbers of people have been evacuated from areas near the fires.
  • Experts link the increase in wildfires to climate change and a lack of prevention measures.
  • Similar wildfires and evacuations are happening in other parts of Europe, including southwest France.
  • The wildfire season in Europe is lasting longer than before.
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France24
After 48 hours of acrimony, Ben Carroll’s U-turn for the ages needs to set Victoria on a new course

After 48 hours of acrimony, Ben Carroll’s U-turn for the ages needs to set Victoria on a new course

July 28, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Ben Carroll became the 50th premier of Victoria after a leadership dispute that lasted 48 hours and was very public. He agreed to run only after party members told him the current premier, Jacinta Allan, had lost their support, leading Allan to step down and Carroll to be elected leader.

Key Facts

  • Ben Carroll became premier of Victoria after a two-day leadership battle within the Labor Party.
  • Carroll initially said he would not challenge Premier Jacinta Allan but changed his mind after a group of MPs urged him to run.
  • Jacinta Allan first refused to resign and nominated herself to keep her job.
  • Allan gave up after it became clear she did not have enough support and said stepping aside was best for the party and the state.
  • Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny unexpectedly nominated herself, causing more conflict before withdrawing her nomination.
  • Carroll was elected premier unanimously after Kilkenny’s withdrawal.
  • Carroll promised party unity and to include Allan’s supporters in his government team.
  • The party had to avoid internal fights just months before an election.
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Guardian World
Security firm linked to ICE crackdown in US reports UK revenue slump after asylum centre contract ends

Security firm linked to ICE crackdown in US reports UK revenue slump after asylum centre contract ends

July 28, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

A security company linked to President Trump’s immigration policies saw its UK sales drop after losing a contract to run an asylum centre in Kent. However, the company may earn up to £500 million managing the same site and others for up to 10 years under a new contract.

Key Facts

  • Management & Training Corporation (MTC) reported UK sales fell from £28.4 million to £17.6 million in 2025 after losing an asylum centre contract in Manston, Kent.
  • The Manston centre, described in a public inquiry as overcrowded and unsanitary, was managed by MTC from June to November 2022.
  • After losing the contract in September, MTC UK posted a £1.6 million loss in 2025, compared with a £1.3 million profit in 2024.
  • MTC’s joint venture won a new contract in May to manage processing for people arriving by small boats, including at Manston and Dover, lasting 6 years with an option to extend 4 more.
  • The new contract is initially worth £462 million and could rise to £539 million if extended to 10 years.
  • MTC UK’s highest-paid director earned £211,000 in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year.
  • A legal challenge is underway against the contract award, claiming conflicts of interest, but the Home Office denies these claims.
  • MTC, owned by a US company, operates prisons and detention centres including some used by ICE, which was expanded during President Trump’s administration.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
The Mermaid Mask review – the funniest underwater murder mystery you can play

The Mermaid Mask review – the funniest underwater murder mystery you can play

July 28, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

The Mermaid Mask is a new mystery puzzle game where players help detectives solve a murder on a submarine. The game features voice acting, humor, and interactive puzzles that let players investigate clues and question suspects.

Key Facts

  • The Mermaid Mask is part of the Detective Grimoire game series.
  • Players explore rooms on a submarine to find clues and solve puzzles.
  • The game includes voice-acted conversations with quirky, colorful characters.
  • Puzzles involve arranging objects and forming hypotheses by filling sentence blanks.
  • The game combines humor with a supernatural-themed mystery story.
  • It is available now and costs about £17.75.
  • Some players reported minor bugs, which developers are fixing.
  • The game works well on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2, using mouse controls for easier gameplay.
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Guardian Tech
A self-emptying, frictionless marvel: Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro review

A self-emptying, frictionless marvel: Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro review

July 28, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro is a cordless vacuum with a self-emptying and charging base that holds 45 days of dirt before needing to be emptied. It uses sensors to adjust suction power based on floor type and dirt levels, making cleaning easier and more efficient.

Key Facts

  • The vacuum has a 0.47-liter dirt collection bin and an emptying base with a 2-liter dirt chamber.
  • The base station automatically empties the vacuum and charges it for the next use.
  • The vacuum adjusts suction power and roller speed depending on whether it’s on carpet or hard floors.
  • It senses when pushed against walls or edges and increases suction to clean better in those areas.
  • The vacuum has a dirt detection system that boosts power on especially dirty spots.
  • A motorized pet hair tool is included with the top model, which costs £499.99.
  • Other models without the self-emptying base or motorized pet tool cost less (£399.99–£429.99).
  • Tests show the vacuum’s battery life and suction power on different floor types and debris.
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Guardian Tech
I’m a refugee who reports on America’s ills. I still believe in its promise | Lok Darjee

I’m a refugee who reports on America’s ills. I still believe in its promise | Lok Darjee

July 28, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

Lok Darjee, born in a refugee camp in Nepal after his family was forced out of Bhutan, shares his journey to the United States as a refugee. He describes the hope and challenges of resettling in America and becoming a naturalized citizen and journalist.

Key Facts

  • Lok Darjee was born in a refugee camp in Nepal after ethnic cleansing forced his family from Bhutan.
  • He grew up without citizenship or a country to call home.
  • In 2009, his family was approved for resettlement in the United States.
  • Their initial destination was Cleveland, Ohio, but they eventually landed in Twin Falls, Idaho.
  • Darjee’s mother saw America as leaving behind her past, while he saw it as a new beginning.
  • He became a naturalized U.S. citizen and works as a journalist.
  • He reports on issues related to refugees and immigration in America.
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Guardian US
A diminished Bibi arrives for his moment with Trump

A diminished Bibi arrives for his moment with Trump

July 28, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet President Donald Trump at the White House after a period of decreasing influence and coordination between them. Their relationship has cooled amid differing views on how to handle Iran and recent U.S. foreign policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Netanyahu is meeting President Trump for the eighth time since Trump returned to office.
  • Their interests have diverged, and communication has become less frequent in recent weeks.
  • Trump paused U.S. strikes in Iran and restarted talks with the Iranian government.
  • Netanyahu was not fully informed about Trump's plans and had to prepare Israel for possible major U.S. military action.
  • Trump signed a nuclear agreement with Iran in June, despite Netanyahu’s objections.
  • Netanyahu failed to stop the U.S. sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, a move he opposed.
  • Netanyahu was surprised by a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that didn’t require Saudi recognition of Israel.
  • Trump stated that the Saudi agreement would depend on Saudi Arabia signing a peace deal with Israel but has not discussed this with Saudi leaders.
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Axios
The Deadly Truth Plows Through the Delusions of Pride for Palestine

The Deadly Truth Plows Through the Delusions of Pride for Palestine

July 28, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

A violent attack occurred during Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride event when a van drove into the crowd and the driver, armed with a knife, attacked people. The suspect was shot dead by police, and authorities called the attack Islamist terrorism. This event raises questions about the relationship between LGBTQ+ activism and support for Palestinians, especially regarding the political group Hamas.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened at Christopher Street Day, one of Europe’s largest Pride events in Berlin.
  • The attacker drove a rented van into the crowd and then attacked with a knife.
  • One woman died and 29 people were injured in the attack.
  • The suspect was 21-year-old Abdul Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese descent, who was killed by police.
  • German officials described the attack as Islamist terrorism.
  • The attack highlighted tensions between supporting LGBTQ+ rights and supporting Palestinians, particularly due to Hamas’s opposition to LGBTQ+ freedoms.
  • Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political group, not synonymous with all Palestinians or Islam itself.
  • Experts stress the importance of distinguishing between Palestinian civilians and Islamist political groups like Hamas when discussing human rights and activism.
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Newsweek
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