1. Federal Reserve Hikes Key Interest Rate for First Time in Three Years
The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, marking the central bank’s first rate increase in three years in an aggressive bid to tame stubborn inflation. The decision directly defied vocal demands from the Trump administration for rate cuts, spotlighting intensifying political friction over central bank independence seven weeks ahead of the congressional midterm elections. Source: Associated Press.
2. Hague War Crimes Court Sentences Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi to 25 Years
A special international court in The Hague convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi of war crimes and crimes against humanity, sentencing him to 25 years in prison for his command role in atrocities during the 1998–1999 conflict. The landmark ruling against the prominent former Kosovo Liberation Army leader concludes a multi-year judicial process that continues to stir regional diplomatic and political tensions across the Balkans. Source: Reuters.
3. European Union Extends Historic Associate Membership Proposal to Canada
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen formally invited Canada to become the European Union’s first-ever associate member during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the session as transatlantic allies move to consolidate economic integration, defense cooperation, and supply chain security in response to deepening trade disputes with Washington. Source: The Guardian.
4. War-Damaged Residential Building Collapses in Gaza City, Killing at Least 21
At least 21 Palestinians, including 12 children, were killed overnight when a multi-story apartment block previously compromised by air bombardments collapsed in Gaza City. Civil defense workers and local volunteers worked through mounds of pulverized concrete to recover trapped residents, while humanitarian officials reiterated urgent warnings that thousands of weakened structures across the strip present immediate mortal dangers. Source: Al Jazeera.
5. Saudi Arabia Intercepts Houthi Attack Drone Near Holy City of Mecca
Saudi air defense units intercepted and neutralized an explosive-laden drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement over airspace approaching Mecca, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to condemn the incident as a reckless crossing of religious red lines. While Houthi military spokesmen denied targeting Islamic holy sites and claimed operations were aimed at distant infrastructure, the interception prompted formal diplomatic rebukes from across the Arab world. Source: Bloomberg.
6. Three Killed in Broadcast News Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles
A broadcast news helicopter operating for local Los Angeles television affiliates crashed into a suburban neighborhood on Wednesday morning, killing all three people aboard, including an experienced pilot and a veteran reporter. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived on site to secure the wreckage and retrieve onboard avionics to determine whether the accident stemmed from mechanical failure or mid-air distress. Source: NBC News.
7. European Union Advances Legislation Banning Social Media Access for Children Under 13
The European Union approved a comprehensive regulatory roadmap requiring digital platform operators to ban accounts for children under 13 and enforce verified parental consent mechanisms for minors up to age 15. The legislation establishes stringent age-assurance protocols and mandates heavy financial penalties for tech companies failing to curb algorithmic harm and addictive feeds targeted at minors. Source: Le Monde.
8. Gold Mine Collapse in Sudan’s West Kordofan Leaves at Least 70 Dead
A catastrophic structural collapse at an artisanal gold mining deposit in Sudan’s West Kordofan state claimed the lives of at least 70 miners and trapped dozens more below ground, local authorities reported Wednesday. Rescue efforts proceeded slowly amid a lack of heavy excavators, underscoring the extreme hazards within informal mining sectors operating amid broader national economic instability. Source: BBC News.
9. U.S. House Passes War Powers Resolution Mandating End to Military Hostilities in Iran
The United States House of Representatives approved a bipartisan War Powers resolution directing an end to unapproved military operations against Iran, bolstered by seven Republicans joining Democrats to pass the measure. Although the resolution faces steep hurdles in the Senate and an expected presidential veto, the vote reflects growing congressional pushback against protracted foreign combat deployments. Source: Politico.
10. Japan’s Centenarian Population Crosses Historic 100,000 Milestone
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that the nation’s population aged 100 or older has reached an unprecedented 107,677 people, surpassing the 100,000 mark for the first time since records began in 1963. While health experts celebrated the milestone as a triumph of preventive care and dietary standards, it sharpens pressing policy debates over labor force shrinkage and social security funding. Source: The Japan Times.