The International Monetary Fund says the U.S. economy is set for resilience and growth in 2026. Rising employment and strong entrepreneurial activity are expected to drive expansion. The IMF’s managing director highlighted that new business formation will play a key role in sustaining the labor market. Job creation is projected to remain strong across multiple industries, supporting overall economic stability. According to the report, unemployment is expected to stay near 4 percent. This stable rate signals a healthy labor market and steady income growth for households. Experts say that consistent hiring will maintain consumer confidence and spending. Entrepreneurship is emerging…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Israel Conducts Wide-Ranging Attack The Israeli military has carried out a major strike on Iran’s defence systems in the west of the country, following joint air raids with the United States early Saturday. The move comes amid mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing regional instability. Iran Hits Back Across the Gulf In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on American military assets across the Gulf, sparing only Oman. President Donald Trump described the strikes as addressing grievances with Iran stretching back to 1979 and encouraged Iranians to eventually rise against their government. Global Alarm and Travel Disruptions World leaders, including…
Pakistan Strikes Back After Taliban Attacks Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after months of relative calm along their 2,600-kilometre mountainous border. Early Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities, declaring “open war” following Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s patience had “run out.” Pakistan’s military reported that its Operation Ghazab lil Haq (“Righteous Fury”) killed 133 Taliban fighters and targeted key military installations in Kabul and Kandahar, where Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based. The Afghan Taliban confirmed strikes in three provinces and reported counterattacks against Pakistani positions,…
De Niro Voices Alarm on Trump’s Leadership Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has been vocal in his criticism of Donald Trump, warning that the president “will never leave” office unless Americans act. He appeared at a counter-State of the Union event called State of the Swamp and on MS NOW, calling the current administration “a country of, by and for a handful of dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians” and saying he felt “betrayed by my country.” Trump Fires Back on Social Media Following the State of the Union, Trump took to Truth Social, calling De Niro “deranged” and “seriously…
Renewed Focus on European Defense President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil plans for France to take a more active role in Europe’s nuclear deterrence. Speaking from the Île Longue peninsula, home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Macron will stress that this expanded role would complement the US nuclear umbrella, not compete with it. This address marks his first major speech on the topic since 2020, when his initial offer to involve European partners in nuclear exercises went largely unheeded. Heightened Geopolitical Pressures Interest in a stronger French nuclear contribution comes amid growing European security concerns. Russia’s invasion…
Tensions Flare Over UN Submission Kuwait has received strong backing from its Gulf neighbors amid a renewed sea border dispute with Iraq. The conflict erupted after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming waters that Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The northern Gulf remains a critical region, rich in offshore resources and vital shipping lanes. Regional Support and Calls for Dialogue Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman all voiced support for Kuwait, urging Iraq to respect international law. Egypt also called for diplomacy and…
Legal Uncertainty Halts Progress European Parliament negotiators have suspended the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of key tariffs imposed in 2025. In response, President Donald Trump announced fresh 15% duties on imports, complicating the path forward. German MEP Bernd Lange basis has totally changed” and emphasized the need for clear assurances from Washington before resuming the deal. Parliament Seeks Stability Before Voting The pact, brokered in July 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump, was already controversial in Europe for favoring the US. While it locks in 15%…
Budapest Demands Pipeline Repairs Before Sanctions Move Forward Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukrainian oil shipments to the country resume. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the EU would also withhold the €90 billion war loan already approved for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungary will not back the sanctions package, which is scheduled for discussion at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, until the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike, is repaired and oil deliveries to Hungary restart. The Energy Security Council also raised concerns over…
Justices Limit Presidential Power The US Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad global tariffs under emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the court stressed that the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes, including import duties. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.” Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing that while the policy might be debatable, the tariffs were legally permissible. Emergency Powers and Legal Battles The decision centers on the International Emergency…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to his time as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy, according to a police statement. Authorities did not publicly identify him in their initial announcement but confirmed that officers carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. A man in his sixties remains in custody. Andrew turned 66 on Thursday. Police said they are working with partners to examine the alleged offence and emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the investigation. They also acknowledged the intense public interest and said further updates…