- Middle East Peace: In a historic peace agreement in Gaza overseen by President Trump, every Hamas hostage alive has been released. Israel released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in return, leading to celebrations across the country. ✌
- US Government Shutdown: The US government shutdown is now in its 13th day and is being warned to be one of the longest ever. More than 1,000 CDC employees received layoff notices in the middle of this political stalemate, which affects public health programs. ⚠
- Severe Weather: A major nor’easter has struck the US East Coast and has resulted in deadly incidents, including a fatality in New York City. Meanwhile, Alaska has noted the remnants of a typhoon, emphasizing weather severity. 🌧
- Technology and Security: Concerns about Chinese-directed cyberattacks against US critical infrastructure are increasing. Retired American generals are warning about increasing cybersecurity threats in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. 💻
- Sports and Culture: While the Toronto Blue Jays' playoff run is stimulating the local economy, experts estimate the economic impact is estimated to have been limited. Furthermore, Taylor Swift's new docuseries and concert film will be released on Disney+, creating some buzz in entertainment. ⚾
- World leaders are convening for a peace summit in Egypt to tackle the situation in the Middle East.
- World equity markets fell in some cases due to renewed fear of the US-China trade war, although there was still some optimism coming from the dialogue.
- 🌪 Alaska is experiencing hurricane-force winds and flooding from Typhoon Halong remnants with rescue operations actively taking place, with multiple missing persons.
- 🌧 Mexico is dealing with heavy rains, severe flooding, and landslides and there are 60+ fatalities and dozens missing while the rescue continues.
- 🏆 The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to economists who explained how innovation has propelled economic growth.