The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed by Myanmar's military, has secured a commanding majority in the country's protracted general election, a result widely anticipated but condemned by critics as a sham designed to cement junta control.
A fatal grain bin accident in rural Illinois has left one man dead and another seriously injured after both became trapped in soybeans, highlighting the persistent dangers of agricultural confined spaces.
From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.
A new Congressional Budget Office analysis reveals the substantial financial burden of deploying National Guard and active-duty troops to several U.S. cities last year, with monthly costs for continued operations running into the tens of millions.
Three men face felony charges following a viral New Year's shooting from a Dallas overpass, with investigators linking suspects to a separate road-rage attack and uncovering a cache of firearms.
A rescue operation in Putnam County, Illinois, ended with one fatality and a second worker airlifted to hospital after both became buried in soybeans while working inside a grain storage bin.
Federal authorities have lodged an immigration detainer for a man charged with the brutal rape of an autistic teenager in Cathedral City, calling the case 'exceptionally heinous' and urging California officials to cooperate.
The abduction of nearly 200 residents from Kurmin Wali has shattered community life, triggering a wave of departures as survivors lose faith in state protection and face an uncertain future.
German defense giant Rheinmetall has inked a significant, multi-year framework agreement to supply the Dutch armed forces with a range of hand grenades, deepening a strategic partnership that now spans artillery shells to infantry ordnance amid heightened European security concerns.
Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.
Initial unemployment filings in Pennsylvania fell last week, contributing to a stable national picture, though sharp swings in other states highlight ongoing regional volatility.
The enterprise software giant reported a 19% jump in Q4 cloud revenue, with full-year net income more than doubling. CEO Christian Klein credits AI adoption and the 'RISE with SAP' program as key growth drivers for the coming years.
Facing headwinds from tariffs, a soft housing market, and intense promotions, Whirlpool reported flat organic revenue for 2025. Executives outlined a plan to improve margins and cash flow in the coming year, banking on pricing normalization and new product launches.
Official figures reveal a sharp 26% increase in the annual cost of public sector pensions, now reaching £39bn, with taxpayers covering the bulk of the expense as employer contribution rates rise.
Mitsubishi Corporation and U.S.-based Aethon Energy have announced a strategic global alliance aimed at co-developing projects across liquefied natural gas (LNG), carbon capture, geothermal energy, and digital infrastructure, marking a significant step in the Japanese conglomerate's lower-carbon expansion.
H.C. Wainwright has trimmed its price target on Genmab following mixed Phase 3 results for its lymphoma drug EPKINLY, though maintains a Buy rating, citing precedent and ongoing trials.
Apple is reportedly planning to prioritize the launch of its three highest-tier iPhone models in 2026, while delaying the rollout of a new standard edition, according to a Nikkei Asia report citing sources familiar with the matter. The move signals a strategic pivot towards the premium segment amid ongoing supply chain considerations.
The IT infrastructure giant is deepening its SAP partnership with a new Center of Excellence and an AI-powered 'Clean Field' methodology, aiming to automate complex migrations and modernizations for enterprise clients. The strategic push highlights Kyndryl's attempt to pivot from low-margin maintenance work to higher-value AI-enabled transformation services.
Western Digital Corp (WDC) announced a robust 25% year-over-year revenue increase for its fiscal second quarter of 2026, driven by strategic long-term agreements and a favorable product mix. While consumer segment challenges persist, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on the burgeoning data storage demands from artificial intelligence.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. reported robust revenue growth exceeding 30% for the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by a healthy mergers and acquisitions pipeline and resilient performance in key sectors. Leadership expressed confidence in navigating a softening property insurance market while maintaining stable casualty pricing and talent retention.
