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- 1Trump Moves To Cancel $810 Million in Congress-Approved Spending▼Trump Moves To Cancel $810 Million in Spending Approved by Congress
The Trump administration is moving to cancel $810 million in federal spending that was previously approved by Congress. The reported plan would rescind funds lawmakers had already allocated, setting up a fresh clash between the White House and Capitol Hill over control of the federal purse. The move is likely to draw legal and political challenges from members of Congress who argue the executive branch cannot unilaterally refuse to spend money appropriated by law.
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Asian semiconductor shares fell after OpenAI signalled a pause, renewing investor concerns that growth in the artificial intelligence sector may be slowing. Chipmakers across the region, which supply much of the hardware behind the AI boom, came under selling pressure as markets reassessed the durability of AI-driven demand and the outlook for the broader technology rally.
- 3Mark Kelly says Trump is 'stuck' with Iran war▼Mark Kelly: Trump ‘stuck’ with Iran and wants to ‘get back to where he was before’ war started
Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot and frequent critic of the administration's foreign policy, said President Trump is 'stuck' in a conflict with Iran and wants to 'get back to where he was before' the war started. Kelly argued the president did not intend for the confrontation to escalate to this point but now has no clear exit, intensifying debate over the administration's Iran strategy.
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The rapidly growing longevity industry is expanding faster than the scientific evidence supporting its anti-ageing claims, Al Jazeera reports. Consumption of supplements, therapies and interventions marketed as life-extending is accelerating, while researchers caution that proven methods remain limited to established basics like exercise, diet and sleep. The report raises concerns about hype, cost and unproven treatments.
- 5Five Men Arrested Near UK Air Base Used in Iran Strikes▼5 men arrested near UK air base used by U.S. in Iran war on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
British police have arrested five men near a UK air base that was used by the United States in its military campaign against Iran, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The arrests raise security concerns around British bases supporting U.S. operations, and come at a time of heightened tension over the Iran conflict.
- 6Life-saving medicine reaches South Kordofan across conflict lines▼Through conflict lines, life-saving medicine reaches South Kordofan
The United Nations Development Programme reports that life-saving medicine has been delivered to South Kordofan, Sudan, crossing active conflict lines to reach people in need. The delivery highlights ongoing humanitarian efforts to access areas cut off by fighting, where health services have been severely disrupted and residents struggle to obtain basic medical supplies.
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Israel has revoked the diplomatic credentials of Dutch officials in a dispute over the Netherlands' ban on goods from Israeli settlements. The move escalates tensions between the two countries over Dutch policy restricting settlement products, and comes amid broader international debate over trade measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Further details about which officials were affected were not immediately available.
- 8U.S. Military Lays Groundwork for Potential Action Around Cuba▼CBS Exclusive: U.S. military lays groundwork for potential action around Cuba
CBS reports, in an exclusive, that the U.S. military is laying groundwork for possible action around Cuba. The report suggests preparations are underway that could signal a shift in American posture toward the island, though no operation has been announced and the scope of any potential action remains undefined. The story is drawing attention given long-standing tensions between Washington and Havana.
- 9U.S. Moves to Break China's Grip on Critical Minerals▼See How the U.S. Is Attacking China’s Control of Critical Minerals
The Wall Street Journal reports on how the United States is working to challenge China's dominance over critical minerals, materials essential for electronics, batteries and defense technology. The piece examines U.S. strategies to build alternative supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese exports, a growing priority in the broader economic and strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
- 10Bitcoin drops to $83,000 as yields and Iran tensions weigh▼Bitcoin falls to $83k amid pressure from high yields, Iran tensions
Bitcoin has fallen to around $83,000, with analysts pointing to two main pressures: rising yields that make risk assets less attractive, and geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The decline marks a notable pullback for the cryptocurrency, and traders are watching whether macro conditions and Middle East developments continue to drive selling pressure.
- 11Nor'easter storm batters US east coast with winds and power outages▼Nor’easter storm batters US east coast with heavy winds and power outages | US weather
A powerful nor'easter is sweeping the US east coast, bringing heavy winds, coastal flooding and widespread power outages to communities from the mid-Atlantic to New England. Residents are being urged to stay off the roads as downed trees and damaged lines leave thousands without electricity, with crews working to restore service and forecasters warning conditions may persist through the week.
- 12Republicans and Democrats Unite Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers●Republicans and Democrats Find a Unifying Target: Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Lawmakers from both parties are converging on pharmacy benefit managers as a rare point of bipartisan agreement. The middlemen who negotiate drug prices between manufacturers and insurers are facing growing scrutiny in Congress over their role in high medication costs, with proposals to increase transparency and reform their pricing practices gaining traction across the political divide.
- 13Madonna returns to MTV VMAs stage after 23 years●Madonna roars back to MTV VMAs stage for first time in 23 years with A-list cameos
Madonna has made a surprise return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage for the first time in 23 years, a rare public appearance that reportedly included cameos from several A-list celebrities. Fans and entertainment outlets are abuzz over her comeback moment, revisiting her long history with the VMAs and the publicity stunt that launched the ceremony in 1984.
- 14Liberman calls to dismantle Palestinian Authority over Hamas fears●Avigdor Liberman calls to dismantle Palestinian Authority ahead of November election, fearing Hamas victory
Israeli politician Avigdor Liberman has called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, arguing ahead of the November election that it risks falling to Hamas. The appeal places the future of the Palestinian governing body at the centre of Israeli campaign debate, with concerns that Hamas could take control should the Authority collapse.
- 15Trump expects more US-Iran talks this week▼Trump expects more US-Iran talks this week as diplomacy continues (CO1:COM:Commodity)
Donald Trump says he expects further talks between the United States and Iran this week as diplomacy between the two countries continues. The announcement keeps attention on the direction of US-Iran relations, with markets also tracking the talks given their potential impact on oil prices. Further negotiation rounds would signal that both sides are keeping open a diplomatic channel despite longstanding tensions.
- 16Giant Pandas Arrive in Atlanta as China’s Diplomatic Icons●Giant Pandas, Icons of China’s Soft Diplomacy, Arrive in Atlanta
Two giant pandas have arrived at Zoo Atlanta, renewing one of the most visible symbols of China’s soft power abroad. China has long loaned pandas to foreign zoos as a gesture of goodwill, and their arrival in the United States is being read as a small thaw in bilateral relations at a time of ongoing political and trade tensions between the two countries.
- 17Climate change threatens world cultural heritage, from frescoes to violins▼Climate change threatens world cultural heritage — from frescoes to Stradivarius violins
Rising temperatures, humidity and extreme weather are being reported as growing threats to cultural treasures worldwide, with effects ranging from damage to centuries-old frescoes to risks for delicate instruments like Stradivarius violins. Experts caution that shifting climate conditions can warp wood, degrade pigments and accelerate deterioration of irreplaceable artworks and artefacts.
- 18Korea's Disease Agency Expands Ties With CDC and CEPI▼Korea's Disease Agency Expands Global Outbreak Ties With U.S. CDC, CEPI
South Korea's national disease control agency is broadening its international partnerships on outbreak response, deepening cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The move signals Seoul's push to play a bigger role in global pandemic preparedness and early-warning networks, drawing attention as countries review how they coordinate against future infectious disease threats.
- 19Businesses Turn to Open-Weight AI to Cut Tech Costs▼Businesses Embrace Open-Weight AI Amid Heavy Tech Costs
Companies are increasingly adopting open-weight AI models as they weigh the high costs of proprietary technology and infrastructure. The report suggests open-weight alternatives offer firms more flexibility and control over their AI spending. Commenters appear divided on whether the shift reflects a lasting trend or a temporary response to expensive tech budgets.
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Sudan's army has rejected claims from Ethiopia that it is backing an anti-government coalition. The denial comes amid already strained relations between the two neighbours, and no further details about the specific allegations or Ethiopia's evidence were given in the report. The exchange adds to growing diplomatic friction between Khartoum and Addis Ababa.
- 21Sudan defiant after US withholds Burhan's UN visa▼Sudan won't yield to 'pressure or blackmail' after US withholds Burhan's UN visa
Sudan says it will not yield to 'pressure or blackmail' after the United States declined to grant a visa to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Khartoum's authorities denounced the move as political coercion, while the US decision has drawn attention to Washington's strained relations with Sudan's military leadership amid the country's ongoing war.
- 22Solar and Wind Stocks Fall as Interest Rates Bite●Solar and Wind Stocks Are Sinking. Blame High Interest Rates.
Shares of solar and wind energy companies are declining, with high interest rates blamed for the slump. Renewable energy projects are capital-intensive and often rely on borrowed money, so rising borrowing costs squeeze returns and weigh on investor sentiment across the sector. Analysts point to rate policy as a key driver of the recent sell-off in clean energy stocks.
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The Wall Street Journal published a piece arguing that China's economy under Xi Jinping is falling short for ordinary Chinese people. The article contends that despite the leadership's emphasis on growth and stability, households face weak consumer confidence, a property slump and job market pressures. The commentary is drawing attention as analysts debate the state of China's economic slowdown and its political implications.
- 24EU drafting membership action plans for leading candidates▼EU is drawing up membership action plans for most promising candidates
The European Union is preparing membership action plans for the most promising candidate countries, according to Politico. The plans would set out the reforms and steps candidates must complete on the path to joining the bloc. Enlargement is a live issue for the EU, with several countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe awaiting progress on their accession bids.
- 25SpaceX readies first orbital Starship test flight▼SpaceX in the US prepares first orbital Starship flight — CNBC
SpaceX is preparing the first orbital flight of its Starship rocket from its Texas facilities, according to CNBC. The launch would mark the first time the company attempts to send its next-generation, fully reusable spacecraft into orbit, a milestone seen as crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Observers are watching for regulatory approval and a launch date as anticipation builds across the space industry.
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British police have arrested five people near a UK air base that has been used by U.S. bombers involved in the war against Iran. The arrests come as military activity at British installations supporting U.S. operations draws heightened attention and security concerns. Details about the suspects' identities or alleged actions have not been released.
- 27UN Secretary-General Race Heats Up During High-Level Week▼[UNGA81] The Sec-Gen Race Heats Up During High-Level Week
The contest to select the next United Nations Secretary-General is intensifying as world leaders gather in New York for the General Assembly's high-level week. Diplomatic lobbying and positioning around the top UN job are drawing attention alongside the annual speeches, with candidates and member states vying for support in what is shaping up to be a closely watched race.
- 28Bitcoin slides towards US$83,000 despite record ETF buying▼On the Chain: Bitcoin slides towards US$83,000 despite record ETF buying
Bitcoin is falling towards US$83,000 even as US spot exchange-traded funds report record buying, a divergence puzzling traders and analysts. Market watchers are asking why strong institutional inflows are not supporting the price, pointing to broader risk-off sentiment, selling pressure elsewhere in the market and thin liquidity as possible explanations for the continued slide.
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SpaceX carried out the fourteenth test flight of its Starship rocket, the massive launch system it is developing for missions to the Moon and Mars. Coverage has focused on how the latest test fits into the company's rapid iteration programme, with each flight gathering data on the vehicle's performance, reentry and recovery ahead of future operational missions.
- 30Five arrested over alleged terror plot on US base in Gloucestershire●Five arrested in alleged terror plot targeting US base in Gloucestershire
British police have arrested five people over an alleged terrorist plot targeting a US military base in Gloucestershire, England. Details of the suspects' identities and the suspected plan have not been disclosed. The arrests have drawn attention to security around American installations in the UK, with the base now expected to face heightened protection as investigations continue.
- 31Trump's taxpayer-funded ads draw bipartisan criticism▼Trump’s taxpayer-funded ads draw bipartisan criticism | CNN Politics
Ads promoting the Trump administration, funded by US taxpayer money, are facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Lawmakers from both parties are questioning the use of public funds for what they see as political or self-promotional advertising, making the spending an unusual point of cross-party agreement in a divided political climate.
- 32RBI suspected of propping up rupee as oil prices climb▼Indian central bank likely shielding rupee as US-Iran impasses lifts oil prices, traders say
Traders believe India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, is intervening in currency markets to support the rupee. Pressure on the currency has mounted after stalled US-Iran negotiations pushed oil prices higher, threatening to widen India's import bill. The bank has not commented on the suspected intervention, which is a routine part of its currency management.
- 33Poll Shows Eisenkot Tying Netanyahu as Smotrich Hits New High▼Israel Election Poll: Eisenkot-Netanyahu Tie as Smotrich Hits New High
A new Israeli election poll shows former military chief Gadi Eisenkot running even with Benjamin Netanyahu, while far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich's party reaches its highest support yet in polling. The figures suggest a shifting right-wing landscape ahead of Israel's next national vote, with Eisenkot emerging as a serious challenger and Smotrich consolidating support among hardline voters.
- 34Trump Administration Allows Killing of Endangered Species▼Trump Administration Says Developers, Loggers Can Kill Endangered Species
The Trump administration has announced a policy change allowing developers and loggers to kill endangered species in the course of their work. The move, reported by multiple US outlets, is expected to weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act. Conservation groups are likely to criticise the decision, arguing it prioritises industry interests over wildlife protection, while industry representatives have long pushed for fewer regulatory constraints on land use.
- 35EU champions multilateralism and UN reform at UNGA 2026▼UNGA 2026: EU pushes multilateralism, international law and UN reform
At the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, the European Union is presenting a platform centred on strengthening multilateralism, upholding international law, and reforming the UN. The bloc is positioning itself as a defender of the rules-based international order, with EU diplomatic messaging at the assembly emphasising institutional renewal at the world body.
- 36South Korea demands Ukraine apology over North Korean POW disclosure▼S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea’s POW transfer
South Korea has demanded an apology from Ukraine after Kyiv disclosed the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war, a move that Seoul says violated agreed protocols. The dispute touches on the handling of North Korean soldiers captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The demand risks straining ties between the two governments at a sensitive point in the war.
- 37France's National Rally forms Senate group for first time●France's far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate and forms group for first time
France's far-right National Rally has secured enough Senate seats to form its own group in the upper house of parliament for the first time. The milestone marks a symbolic breakthrough for the party of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, which has long struggled to convert its electoral strength into representation in the indirectly elected chamber, where local officials dominate.
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A powerful storm is sweeping across the US Northeast, bringing heavy rain and major flooding along with widespread power outages. NBC News reports significant disruption across the region as emergency crews respond to flooded roads and residents losing electricity. The storm's timing and intensity are drawing close attention as communities assess damage and prepare for continued severe weather.
- 39Unarmed 911 Teams Now Operating in Nearly 100 Cities●Unarmed 911 teams are reshaping public safety in nearly 100 cities
Unarmed civilian response teams are being deployed to handle certain 911 calls in nearly 100 US cities, replacing police officers for situations like mental health crises and welfare checks. NPR reports that these alternative responder programs are reshaping how public safety is delivered, with cities increasingly sending medics, counselors, or outreach workers instead of armed officers.
- 40Japan's Takaichi Touts Sweeping Immigration Overhaul●Japan’s Takaichi Touts Sweeping Changes in Immigration Rules
Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi is promoting sweeping changes to the country's immigration rules, according to Bloomberg. The announcement signals a potential shift in Japan's approach to foreign workers and residency policy, an issue that has grown in prominence as Japan faces labor shortages and demographic decline. Details of the proposed measures and their scope remain limited in early reporting.
- 41Iran warns US of 'doomsday war,' says tactics changed▼Iran warns US of 'doomsday war,' claims it has changed military tactics
Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States of a 'doomsday war' and claims its military has revised its tactics, according to a report by Israeli news outlet Israel National News. The statement signals escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and regional influence. Analysts are watching whether the threat reflects genuine strategic shifts or messaging aimed at deterrence.
- 42Bessent: AI productivity gains give Fed room to ease rates▼Bessent tells the Fed AI productivity gains mean it can ease up on rate hikes
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has argued that productivity gains driven by artificial intelligence mean the Federal Reserve can ease up on further interest rate hikes. His message suggests AI-fueled efficiency growth is helping contain inflationary pressure, giving policymakers more room to loosen monetary policy without reigniting price increases.
- 43What Matters More to Putin: Refineries or Striking Ukraine?●What Matters More to Putin? Russian Refineries or Striking Ukraine?
A Kyiv Post analysis weighs what drives the Kremlin more right now: protecting and restoring Russian oil refineries hit by Ukrainian drone strikes, or pressing ahead with attacks on Ukraine. The question points to a strategic trade-off between domestic economic damage and the continuing war effort.
- 44Israeli ministers back calls to restore Gaza settlements●Israeli ministers back calls to restore settlements in Gaza — Anadolu Agency
Several Israeli ministers have publicly endorsed calls to re-establish Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, according to Anadolu Agency. The statements have drawn attention amid the ongoing war and debates over Gaza's future governance, with critics warning such moves would violate international law and complicate ceasefire efforts. Supporters within the government argue a Jewish presence in Gaza is a security necessity.
- 45Pope Leo visits Metz amid Europe's immigration divide▼In Metz, Pope Leo steps into Europe’s deepening divide over immigration
Pope Leo travelled to Metz, France, wading directly into Europe's increasingly polarised debate over immigration. The visit places the pontiff in a city and country where migration policy has become a sharp political fault line, and observers are watching how he frames the Church's position between humanitarian duty and public anxiety over borders.
- 46Taylor Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMAs history▼Taylor Swift becomes most-awarded artist in MTV VMAs history, dedicates top prize to Dolly Parton
Taylor Swift has become the most-awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history, taking home the top prize at the ceremony. Accepting the award, she dedicated the honor to Dolly Parton. The milestone cements her dominance at the VMAs, adding to a record-breaking run that fans and media outlets worldwide have been highlighting since the show.
- 47Bird flu outbreak at Utah mink farm went largely unchecked, advocates say▼'Watch them die': Bird flu outbreak at Utah mink farm largely unchecked, advocates say
Animal welfare advocates say a bird flu outbreak at a mink farm in Utah was left largely unchecked, accusing those responsible of allowing infected animals to 'watch them die' rather than intervening. The outbreak raises concerns about disease control on fur farms and the potential risk of avian influenza spreading or mutating in mammal populations. Critics are calling for stricter oversight of mink farming operations.
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The European Union, France and Italy are examining what role they could play in Lebanon once the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL winds down. Discussions focus on how to maintain stability along the Israeli-Lebanese border and continue support for the Lebanese armed forces after the mission's drawdown.
- 49Trump Says Talks With Iran To Resume Next Week●"They Overplayed Their Hand": Trump Says Talks With Iran To Resume Next Week
Donald Trump said negotiations between the United States and Iran will resume next week, adding that Tehran had 'overplayed their hand'. The remark suggests he believes Iran is negotiating from a weakened position as the two sides return to the table.
- 50EU social media firms face lawsuits over harms to minors▼EU: Social media companies face lawsuits over alleged mental health and safety harms to minors
Social media companies in the European Union are facing lawsuits alleging that their platforms cause mental health and safety harms to minors. The claims centre on the design and operation of services used by young people, and reflect growing legal and regulatory pressure on technology firms to protect children online. Further details about the plaintiffs and specific companies involved remain limited.