Consumer confidence hits near two-year high as World Cup and holidays boost UK spending

Thousands of European troops will take part in exercises rehearsing a possible deployment to Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached, according to BBC World. The drills signal preparations for postwar security guarantees and could shape Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine after the war.

A UK report warns that AI-powered malware is highly likely to be used to attack critical national infrastructure by 2028. It points to the growing risk from more capable AI tools and the need to strengthen cyber defenses. Such attacks could disrupt essential services and pose a national security threat.

US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations with Iran had made progress, while Iranian officials said the next move now rests with Washington. The remarks came during a live-blogged round of diplomacy, with no concrete agreement announced. The exchange signals a possible opening in a confrontation that has drawn in regional powers and shaped global energy and security markets.

Thousands of bottles of blood pressure medication have been recalled nationwide after the pills failed a quality test. The recall affects patients who rely on the medicine to manage hypertension, raising concerns about medication safety and supply. Consumers should check lot numbers and consult their pharmacist.

The US Justice Department has filed charges against six additional people in California as part of a widening "voter fraud" enforcement push under President Trump. The move signals escalating federal involvement in election-related prosecutions, which critics say could intimidate voters and election officials.