Iran launches missile and drone attacks against U.S. bases in Kuwait and UAE
Iran conducted new missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and the UAE on Thursday, following earlier U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and defying President Trump's warning of retaliation. The escalation deepens the regional confrontation that began after initial U.S. strikes, with Iran maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. pursues a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
House passes stopgap funding to avert government shutdown through December 11
The House passed a short-term funding measure with bipartisan support, keeping the federal government operational through December 11 to avoid a shutdown during the campaign period ahead of the November midterm elections. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration before current funding expires.
JD Vance Calls Democrats 'Party of Hatred' at GOP Convention
Vice President JD Vance delivered a sharp, partisan keynote address at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, branding the Democratic Party as the 'party of hatred' and intensifying cultural warfare themes to set battle lines ahead of the midterm elections and potentially signal 2028 presidential messaging.
OpenAI faces dual investigations over safety practices following Hugging Face breach
OpenAI is under simultaneous investigation from a 42-state coalition and the Alabama Attorney General following a security breach at Hugging Face, occurring alongside an existing FTC probe, as regulators scrutinize the company's safety protocols, data handling, and potential user harm.
Semaglutide linked to 40% fewer asthma attacks in real-world study
A large real-world analysis of UK health records found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is associated with a 40% reduction in asthma attacks compared to other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas. The study also noted a 20% reduction in COPD flare-ups, though researchers cautioned the findings require further investigation into underlying mechanisms and should not prompt patients to use the drug solely for respiratory benefits.
UK economy grew 0.4% in July, driven by AI surge but oil prices reignite inflation fears
The UK economy unexpectedly expanded by 0.4% in July, exceeding forecasts of flat growth. The services sector led the rebound, driven by administrative services and computer programming, with increased AI adoption offsetting declines in production and construction, while a sharp rise in oil prices following Middle East escalation renewed inflation concerns.
Harvey secures $550M funding round at $15.5 billion valuation
Harvey, a legal AI startup, announced a $550 million Series D funding round on September 9, 2026, co-led by Diffusion and Lightspeed Venture Partners, valuing the company at $15.5 billion. The round brings total capital raised since its 2022 launch to over $850 million, driven by the company's $400 million in annual recurring revenue and 80% penetration among the Am Law 100 law firms.
First live kissing bug found in Europe bites tourist in Lisbon hotel
An American couple staying at a luxury hotel in Lisbon awoke to find a live kissing bug on the headboard. Genetic analysis traced the insect's origins to the United States, indicating it likely traveled to Portugal via human luggage or clothing. While the bug carries the Chagas disease parasite, researchers confirmed the tourists did not develop an infection due to standard hotel hygiene and the bug's feeding behavior.