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The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to resume raising its key interest rate, with policymakers' patience over stubborn inflation wearing thin. Bloomberg reports the central bank is poised to tighten again as price pressures prove more persistent than hoped, a move that would add to borrowing costs for Australian households and businesses.

Australia's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level in 15 years and warned that further increases remain possible as it battles persistent inflation. Policymakers said more hikes are 'not off the table', keeping borrowers and markets on alert over the path of monetary policy.

Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said there would be a case for raising the UK's key interest rate if inflationary pressures intensify, keeping alive the debate over when the central bank may tighten monetary policy. His remarks come as policymakers weigh persistent price pressures against signs of a slowing economy, with markets watching closely for signals on the timing of the next move.

Russia is raising $178 billion for defense, its largest military budget since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The figure signals a continued prioritization of war spending over other areas of the economy. Observers say the allocation underlines Moscow's commitment to sustaining its military campaign, and the scale of the budget is drawing attention to how long Russia can maintain such expenditure.

Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 15,500 active-duty troops to Russia's military, raising the total authorised force to 1.55 million personnel. The move continues a pattern of regular troop enlargements since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and analysts see it as a signal that Moscow intends to sustain a prolonged war effort despite heavy casualties.

The United States has ended its military presence in Iraq after more than twenty years, formally closing a chapter that began with the 2003 invasion. Analysts warn the departure could open a power vacuum in Baghdad that Iran and its allied militias are positioned to fill, raising concerns about Iraq's sovereignty, regional stability, and the future balance of power in the Middle East.

Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said there is a case for raising the central bank's key interest rate if inflationary pressures in the UK economy intensify. The comments signal that policymakers remain prepared to tighten monetary policy despite recent signs of easing price growth, and markets are watching for hints about the timing of the next move.

OpenAI and Anthropic are investigating thousands of AI security incidents, according to a new report on AI safety heading into 2026. The cases highlight growing risks around AI agents operating with limited oversight, and both companies are said to be reassessing how they monitor and secure their systems. The volume of incidents is prompting debate about whether current safety practices can keep pace with rapidly deployed AI tools.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, joining several other US carriers. The airlines cite rising fuel costs, which have climbed amid the conflict involving Iran, as pressure on operating expenses. Travellers now face higher costs for checked luggage on domestic flights, and industry watchers expect other carriers to follow with similar fee increases in the coming weeks.

Two Algerian military transport aircraft flew through Polish airspace on their way to Russia, drawing attention because of the EU's sanctions regime against Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Observers are questioning why the flights were allowed and what cargo or purpose lay behind the unusual routing, with some accusing European authorities of turning a blind eye.

Institutional investors raised $190bn for private credit funds, a 53% jump, even as retail-facing private credit products face turmoil and redemptions. The figures suggest large allocators such as pension funds and insurers are leaning further into direct lending and credit strategies, even as retail channels come under strain. Commenters in asset management circles are weighing what the divergence means for the market's next phase.

Large crowds gathered at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on the morning of National Day to watch the national flag-raising ceremony. The event is one of the most symbolic observances marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, drawing patriotic spectators at dawn.

A new gravity experiment is prompting physicists and science commentators to revisit one of Einstein's core assumptions: that the speed of light is constant. Reports suggest the experiment's findings raise questions about how light behaves under gravitational conditions, challenging textbook relativity. Scientists urge caution, noting that extraordinary claims about relativity require extraordinary confirmation.

With the Los Angeles mayoral election weeks away, Karen Bass and Rick Caruso rival Raman are nearly tied in fundraising, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The close financial race signals a competitive contest for City Hall, with both campaigns pushing to fund final weeks of advertising and voter outreach before election day.

Venture firm NFX has announced it will stop raising outside capital and move to a self-funded model. The shift means the firm will invest its own money rather than depend on limited partners. The move is drawing attention in startup and venture circles, where observers see it as a notable change of strategy for an established early-stage investor.

A national flag-raising ceremony was held Thursday at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing to mark China's National Day. The event marked the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, with crowds gathering in the capital to watch the flag raised. The ceremony is a traditional highlight of the holiday, which is one of China's most important national celebrations.

Gillian Brinton, a 60-year-old transgender woman living in South Africa, is raising money to access gender-affirming surgery and related healthcare costs she cannot cover herself. In her appeal she describes beginning her transition later in life after decades of delay. Supporters are sharing the appeal through mutual aid networks, where small donations are encouraged as an alternative to mainstream healthcare funding routes.

Russia is setting record military spending for the war years, with its 2027 budget including $205 billion for defense, Bloomberg reports. The figure is more than 40% higher than before. Putin is described as raising the stakes while waiting to see whether Europe remains ready to continue supporting Ukraine.

India's central bank has recommended raising the limits on advances it can extend to state governments, a move that would give states greater short-term access to funds. The recommendation, reported by Reuters, affects how much cash state governments can borrow from the Reserve Bank to bridge gaps between receipts and spending.

Inflation accelerated across the euro zone, according to Reuters, adding pressure on the European Central Bank to raise interest rates at its next meeting. The pickup, which affected the whole currency bloc rather than isolated countries, strengthens the case for policymakers to tighten monetary policy despite concerns about growth. Markets and analysts will be watching for signals on the timing and size of any rate increase.

Advisory firm RSM is cautioning that nonprofit fundraising is becoming increasingly concentrated and uneven, with resources flowing unevenly across organizations and causes. The firm recommends that nonprofits plan strategically for this environment rather than assuming broad-based donor support. The warning reflects broader concerns about tightening philanthropic giving and competition for a shrinking pool of major donors.

Officials in Lincoln, Arkansas are weighing new options to fund the city's fire department after a state attorney general opinion questioned its fire surcharge. Ideas under consideration include raising water rates or putting a tax measure before voters in a special election. The ruling has left the city searching for a legal way to replace the disputed revenue source.

Supporters are urging donations for Ahmed, a student from Gaza, with a fundraiser standing at 58 of a 250 target and under 24 hours remaining. Organisers say the aim is to help Ahmed become financially independent, arguing that the devastation in Gaza does not stop at its borders. Posts circulating on social media are calling for last-minute contributions to close the gap before the deadline expires.

New campaign finance figures show Idaho Republicans hold a fundraising advantage over Democrats in every statewide general election race this cycle. The statewide sweep underscores the party's dominant position in Idaho politics, where Democrats face steep financial and electoral odds heading into the general election. The Idaho Capital Sun reported the numbers, highlighting the wide gap in resources between the two parties' candidates.