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.
As states finalize legislation before the 2026 elections, a conservative-leaning watchdog group highlights vulnerabilities in the voting system, pushing for reforms to curb foreign influence and clarify citizenship requirements for voters.
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.
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.
A group of protesters in Lynwood, California, surrounded and harassed federal air marshals, incorrectly identifying them as immigration enforcement officers. The incident highlights the volatile climate surrounding immigration debates and the risks of misdirected activism.
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.
In a new court filing, Hunter Biden's legal team moves to dismiss a contempt motion brought by the mother of his 7-year-old daughter, arguing his relationship with the child is legally irrelevant and denying violations of their 2023 support agreement.
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.
Russian troops have taken control of three villages across Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, according to a Defense Ministry statement reported by state media. The latest gains come amid intensified fighting along the front lines.
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.
Marsh & McLennan's insurance brokerage giant Marsh reported a 4.2% rise in Q4 net income to $821 million, capping a year of robust growth and strategic brand realignment under the new 'Marsh Risk' banner.
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 French government has intervened to halt the sale of Eutelsat's ground antenna network, labeling the satellite operator a strategic national asset crucial for both civilian and military communications in the face of growing competition from SpaceX's Starlink.
The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields advanced amid reports President Trump is set to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next central bank chief, a choice markets interpret as leaning hawkish and likely to slow the pace of interest rate cuts.
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?
President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor with a notably more open stance toward Bitcoin, to lead the central bank. The anticipated move has already triggered market reactions and reshaped expectations for U.S. monetary policy.
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.
