AI & National Security: The UK has updated its National Risk Register, warning that smarter AI could be used to target water supplies, police systems and national data networks, alongside a new push for public preparedness. World Cup & Culture: England face Argentina for a World Cup semi-final spot, with Messi and the Kane-Bellingham goal threat front and centre as Spain set up the other final berth after beating France. Publishing & Reading: A new report argues the reading-for-pleasure slide is a publishing “existential concern”, linking declines to smartphone habits and urging action to keep kids reading. Local Books & Community: Bradford families are set to receive hundreds of free books via an Experian-backed literacy push, while StationeryFest tickets are nearly gone for Wigan’s big consumer stationery event. Book Review: Charlotte Edwardes’ debut novel Trouble Was uses the 1976 heatwave to expose the tenderness and damage of toxic family life. Public Spending Scrutiny: Caithness’s Place-based Demonstrator project faces fresh questions after FOI figures show large sums spent on “listening sessions” and related activities.