The World Cup final four prepare as U.S.-Iran tensions rise and AI tests jobs, power and public policy

No World Cup match finished in the Beijing-time reporting window, with France versus Spain and England versus Argentina next. Beyond football, U.S.-Iran shipping tensions escalated, Ukraine began a wartime government reshuffle, wildfires and floods strained public systems, Congo's Ebola outbreak spread, and AI forced new debates over jobs and electricity costs.