Top stories: UK data breach, regional conflict and rates in focus
A data breach affecting UK education records leads a day shaped by Middle East tensions, wildfires, a Federal Reserve hold and fresh AI-device ambitions.
The day at a glance
A reported cyber-attack affecting the UK Department for Education and a police database leads Thursday's agenda, with The Guardian reporting that parent and staff contact details were among the data taken.
The wider international picture remains dominated by Middle East tensions. BBC News reports that Saudi Arabia faces a difficult choice between deterrence and de-escalation as the US-Iran war widens.
In Europe, firefighters are confronting severe wildfire conditions. The Guardian reports that three firefighters have been killed in Greece as repeated heatwaves and strong winds make blazes harder to control.
Markets are also watching the US Federal Reserve after it held interest rates steady, according to The Guardian. The decision comes as energy prices remain sensitive to the regional conflict.
Technology remains on the agenda: The Verge reports that OpenAI is working on a family of devices for interacting with its AI chatbots.
Why it matters
Taken together, the stories point to a day in which cyber resilience, geopolitical risk, climate pressure, monetary policy and AI are all shaping decisions far beyond their immediate headlines.
This briefing is based on reporting carried by BBC News, The Guardian and The Verge in Evoke Media's live wire.
More coverage
Watch: Moment historic ship sinks off the coast of Florida
The SS United States, an historic ocean liner which has been out of commission for decades, will become the world's largest artificial underwater reef.
Government could force media industry to improve safeguards after Walliams allegations
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy could force participation in an industry watchdog to protect whistleblowers, the BBC understands.
Democrat Scott Colom seals historic win in Mississippi Senate race
Colom is the first black person from the southern state elected to the US Senate in over 140 years.
Can You Grow Pineapples in a Pot? Uttarakhand Gardener Shares What Worked for Her
Growing fruit at home takes patience, but the reward can be sweeter than anything bought from a market. For Shalini Kapruwan from Uttarakhand, that moment came when she tasted a pineapple grown on her terrace . After waiting almost two years for the fruit to ripen, she was amazed by its sweetness, juiciness, and…