OpenAI chief Sam Altman says people are justified in fearing AI as its capabilities advance rapidly, but should trust companies such as his to develop it safely and regulate themselves. Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon argue that AI decisions should instead face stronger government oversight.

artificial intelligenceAI safetytechnology regulation

Strasbourg is buzzing ahead of Ursula von der Leyen’s long-awaited State of the European Union speech, with the European Parliament preparing for the closely watched address.

EUUrsula von der LeyenEuropean Parliament

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address tackles migration, Ukraine, defence and Europe’s role in a rapidly changing world. Euronews is covering the speech from Brussels and Strasbourg with continuing analysis and interviews from its EU correspondents.

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Ursula von der Leyen is delivering her State of the Union speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with the event being followed live.

EUUrsula von der LeyenEuropean Parliament

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is due to deliver the annual State of the Union address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday as the bloc faces several crises, including migration, artificial intelligence, climate change and Russia’s war on Ukraine. FRANCE 24 will broadcast it live at 9am Paris time (GMT+2).

EUUrsula von der LeyenEuropean ParliamentState of the Union

The Saudi-led coalition said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-deployed drone just outside Mecca, calling the security of the holy sites a “red line.” The Houthis rejected the allegation as a “worn-out lie,” while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the reported attack.

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Saudi air defenses destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said on Wednesday, as conflict spreads across the Middle East.

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Saudi Arabia says its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, while the Iran-aligned rebels denied launching the attack. Several explosions were also heard on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi ArabiaMeccaHouthisMiddle East

Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the holy city’s prohibited airspace, according to the Saudi-led coalition. Its spokesperson said the security of Islam’s two holiest sites and pilgrims was a “red line”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack.

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The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned what it called “heinous” Houthi attacks targeting the Mecca and Medina region.

MeccaMedinaHouthisOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation

Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi-launched drone before it entered Mecca’s restricted airspace. The coalition called the incident an attempt to frighten worshippers and harm civilians, declaring the security of the holy mosques and pilgrims a “red line”. The Houthis deny threatening Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.

Saudi ArabiaHouthisMeccadrone interception

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new US policy restricting visas for South African officials alleged to be involved in “race-based discrimination” and “uncompensated land seizures.”

United StatesSouth Africavisa restrictions

The United States announces visa restrictions targeting South African nationals over what it describes as “race-based discrimination.” Rubio says those responsible for the injustices have no place in the United States.

United StatesSouth Africavisa restrictionsracial discrimination

Corn mazes featuring Dolly Parton’s megawatt smile and big wavy hair are appearing in fields across the United States and Canada this fall.

Dolly Partoncorn mazesfall activities

A NewsChopper4 helicopter operated by an NBC affiliate crashed and caught fire in Los Angeles’ Chatsworth neighborhood Tuesday evening while covering a deadly bus collision. At least three people died and one was injured. The cause remains unclear, and the NTSB and FAA are investigating.

Los Angeleshelicopter crashNBCaccident investigation

An NBCLA NewsChopper4 helicopter crashed in Chatsworth, suburban Los Angeles, while covering a deadly bus collision. Two people aboard and one person on the ground died, while two others were taken to hospital. The crash fire spread to four vehicles and two storage containers; the NTSB will lead the investigation.

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An NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth while providing aerial coverage of a deadly collision involving a metro bus and another vehicle. At least three people, including someone on the ground, were killed and one person was hospitalized. The cause is under investigation.

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A helicopter from NBC Los Angeles crashed while covering a fatal bus accident, killing three people. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass offered prayers to the victims’ families and loved ones. The bus crash involved an L.A. Metro bus and a passenger vehicle, killing two people and injuring others.

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A news helicopter covering a deadly bus crash in Los Angeles’ Chatsworth neighborhood crashed on Tuesday, killing three people, including a pedestrian.

helicopter crashLos AngelesChatsworth

A helicopter crash in Los Angeles killed at least three people. It happened near the site of a separate deadly bus accident, but it was not immediately clear whether the two incidents were connected.

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Hong Kong leader John Lee unveiled the city’s first five-year plan on Wednesday. It aims to improve residents’ livelihoods, reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global financial hub and strengthen technology links with mainland China.

Hong Kongfive-year planhousingtechnology ties

Hong Kong unveiled its first five-year plan for 2026-2030. Chief Executive John Lee said the blueprint aims to move the city from stability toward prosperity, improve social well-being and strengthen its roles as international financial, maritime, trade and innovation centers, while building a hub for high-caliber talent.

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Hong Kong’s leader is set to unveil the territory’s first five-year plan in a live event.

Hong Kongfive-year plangovernment

The US House voted 220-204 to approve a war powers resolution for the third time, seeking to halt President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action against Iran without congressional approval. Seven Republicans supported it, but none of the resolutions has reached the president, who would almost certainly veto it.

US HouseIran warwar powers resolution

Reuters, citing analytics firm Kpler, reported that just two ships entered and two exited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the lowest level recorded. Analysts said none were oil supertankers or liquefied natural gas carriers. Before the conflict, roughly 125 large commercial vessels crossed the strait daily.

Strait of HormuzIran warshippingenergy

As the conflict continues, the U.S. House has voted for a third time to end the war in Iran. It approved a war powers resolution late Tuesday aimed at stopping President Donald Trump from continuing military action without congressional approval.

U.S. HouseIran warwar powers resolution

The US House voted 220-204 for a resolution urging President Donald Trump to end military operations against Iran. The nonbinding measure is only a recommendation. The report says the US and Israel began the war on February 28, while Washington resumed massive strikes on July 8, accusing Tehran of violating agreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

US HouseIran warDonald Trump

The House approved a measure requiring President Donald Trump to end his war with Iran. The vote delivered a potent political rebuke of the administration’s handling of the conflict just weeks before the midterm elections.

US politicsIran warHouse of RepresentativesDonald Trump

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun urged countries to stop provocative acts and guard against what he called the resurgence of hegemony, militarism and historical revisionism at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He promoted more inclusive security governance and military cooperation without directly criticising the US, Japan or other rivals.

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Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun called for consensus and concrete action on global security governance at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He urged multilateralism, dialogue, shared development and practical cooperation, saying the Chinese military is ready to work with other militaries on security coordination, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Chinaglobal securityXiangshan Forummilitary cooperation

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun called on countries on Wednesday to stop provocative actions and prevent a resurgence of regressive historical trends, remarks likely to be seen as veiled criticism of Japan.

ChinaDong JunJapansecurity

Defense Minister Dong Jun said at the opening of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum that China supports creating a more effective, balanced and stable regional security architecture. He said it should address all countries’ legitimate security concerns and take developing countries’ interests into account.

ChinaDong Junsecurity architectureBeijing Xiangshan Forum

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng spoke at the welcome banquet of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, attended by representatives from nearly 100 countries, regions and international organizations. He called for adherence to the UN Charter, genuine multilateralism and dialogue to resolve disputes, while urging deeper security cooperation to support global peace and stability.

Beijing Xiangshan ForumHan Zhenginternational securitymultilateralism

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said the Chinese military is ready to deepen practical cooperation with all parties, jointly address global security challenges and safeguard world and regional peace. He spoke during meetings with foreign defense officials and the ASEAN secretary-general attending the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which has participants from nearly 100 countries, regions and international organizations.

Chinaglobal securityBeijing Xiangshan Forum

A Seoul court ordered North Korea to pay 44.6 billion won ($32.5 million) over its 2020 demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office, South Korean media reported. It was the first ruling in a lawsuit brought by South Korea against Pyongyang.

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