July 23rd 2026

The Economist Today Our best journalism, handpicked each day

Brooke Unger Senior digital editor

The artificial-intelligence phenomenon is one that never ceases to amaze and sometimes terrifies. Our article about how an OpenAI model broke free from laboratory confinement does both. It is the most worrying AI mishap yet.  Speaking of which, Elon Musk gave his first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO to our editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes. You can watch it on today’s edition of The Insider, from 6pm London time.  Do you think of Europe as a museum? That’s not quite right. It’s more like a theme park, offering “any visiting punter willing to suspend disbelief that feeling of being part of it”. Charlemagne, our Europe columnist, has holiday-inspired thoughts on the lifestyle superpower.

Editor’s picks A selection of must-read articles

Outside the box Why the OpenAI escape is the most worrying AI mishap yet Containing the technology is getting harder

→ Should you be afraid of Elon Musk? → America’s AI labs are under threat from cheap Chinese rivals

Charlemagne Dismissing Europe as a museum is glib. Think of it as a theme park All the continent’s a stage

Saudi uranium Donald Trump’s Saudi deal risks nuclear proliferation It could have consequences far beyond the Middle East

Enter Andy Beware of new prime ministers bearing gifts Andy Burnham avoids telling Britain hard truths

Religion in the ancient world What did the Romans ever do for Christianity? The Roman empire shaped the religion in all sorts of crucial ways, a new book argues

More of our coverage ▸ India’s Gen-Z protesters are demanding a proper education. Many young Indians feel doomed. Almost 25% are not in college, jobs or training. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Delhi to demand change, yet the government remains unmoved. ▸ Airplane-engine maintenance is now a money spinner. The global fleet of passenger jets is set to grow by over 3% a year, to more than 50,000 in 2045, according to Boeing. As a result, the demand for maintenance and spare parts will soar. ▸ Wally Funk was told women couldn’t be astronauts. But deep down, she never doubted she could do it. Read our obituary of the aviator who insisted on going to space.

Tracking Donald Trump Our latest numbers The American president’s net approval rating Find out

Podcast Money Talks Can Andy Burnham fix Britain’s broken finances? Listen