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.
Federal officials have issued provisional approval to relocate 30 beluga whales and four dolphins from the shuttered Ontario park to accredited U.S. aquariums, averting an immediate euthanasia threat pending final health and care plans.
In a fiery address to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on local leaders nationwide to resist what he described as aggressive federal immigration enforcement, arguing such operations undermine public safety and constitutional rights.
Pakistani security forces conducted targeted military operations in the restive southwestern Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of 41 militants. The raids signal an escalation in ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities in the region.
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.
In a significant tactical shift, Islamist militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) utilized armed drones in a pre-dawn assault on a Nigerian military base in Borno state, resulting in multiple casualties. The attack underscores the growing sophistication of insurgent groups in the region's long-running conflict.
In a departure from long-standing restrictions, approximately 1,500 Israeli Jews held morning prayers at the contested Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. A senior settler official called the event a move toward cementing Israeli sovereignty over the site, which lies in an area under Palestinian administrative control.
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.
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes argues that Bitcoin's recent downturn is a symptom of a broader $300 billion contraction in U.S. dollar liquidity, driven by Treasury cash management and tighter financial conditions, rather than crypto-specific weakness.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland launches its 2026 CA Rising Stars search, introducing a new 'Community and Social Value' award to recognize young professionals driving ethical and technological change in the field.
The Bank of Thailand announces new daily transaction limits for online gold trades in baht, aiming to shield the local currency from volatility and enhance platform transparency, as gold's surge draws more retail investors.
HSBC UK and Sage have unveiled 'My Business Finances', a new digital tool embedded within the bank's platform to help sole traders and landlords comply with upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax rules, streamlining invoicing, bookkeeping, and tax filing in one place.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR) is set to acquire Lanteris Space Systems in an $800 million deal, expanding its capabilities into vertically integrated space infrastructure. Concurrently, NASA has selected the company to provide critical tracking support for the upcoming Artemis II crewed lunar mission, signaling growing trust in its technical prowess.
In a late-night social media post, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. and decertify new planes, citing Canada's alleged refusal to certify Gulfstream jets. The move, targeting Bombardier, risks disrupting U.S. regional aviation and corporate travel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?
The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.
Exco Technologies Ltd. (TSE:XTC) kicked off its fiscal 2026 with a solid first quarter, posting higher profits despite a mixed demand environment. Robust growth in its Automotive Solutions segment successfully countered softer demand in its die-cast tooling business, showcasing the resilience of its diversified model amid ongoing trade policy and economic uncertainty.
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.
Bitcoin's volatility gauge spiked sharply during Thursday's sell-off, signaling heightened trader anxiety and a rush for downside protection, though metrics suggest the market is not yet in extreme fear territory.
