US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday urged central bank independence as he nears the end of his term on May 15. He said he would remain a Fed governor, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump, who mocked the decision.
Analysts: TikTok Shop generated $4.9B in US sales during Q1 2026, doubling its volume from the previous year; Q1 consumer spending on the platform rose 46% YoY (Jennifer Williams/Wall Street Journal)
Jennifer Williams / Wall Street Journal:
Analysts: TikTok Shop generated $4.9B in US sales during Q1 2026, doubling its volume from the previous year; Q1 consumer spending on the platform rose 46% YoY — Ralph Lauren, Olaplex and Ult…
‘Self-blasting’: Kim Jong-un confirms suicide practice among North Korea troops
Kim Jong-un confirmed this week that the ancient military tradition of “death before dishonor” — committing suicide rather than being taken captive — remains an honored practice among his North Korean soldiers.
World’s longest tunnel will stretch 76 miles and cut eight-hour journey to 40 minutes
The planned Bohai Strait Tunnel will be the world’s longest undersea tunnel, slashing travel time between two major cities from eight hours to just 40 minutes
Christchurch gunman fails in bid to appeal against guilty pleas by New Zealand court
Australian white supremacist who murdered 51 Muslims said poor mental health made him admit to crimesThe Australian white supremacist who murdered 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch in 2019 has been prevented from appealing against hi…
Iran crisis, World Cup tensions overshadow FIFA Congress in Vancouver
Football officials gather in Vancouver on Thursday for FIFA’s 76th Congress, weeks before the expanded World Cup kicks off in North America. War in Iran, logistics and Russia’s ban top the agenda. Iranian federation officials left Canada abruptly, cas…
Visa says its stablecoin settlement pilot supports nine networks, including Base, Polygon, Canton Network, Arc, and Tempo, and has hit a $7B annualized run rate (Krisztian Sandor/CoinDesk)
Krisztian Sandor / CoinDesk:
Visa says its stablecoin settlement pilot supports nine networks, including Base, Polygon, Canton Network, Arc, and Tempo, and has hit a $7B annualized run rate — The payments giant added support for Str…
Middle East War Live: Trump says US may cut troops in Germany as Iran row rages
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is considering reducing the number of its troops in Germany, amid a row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Summer House reality star West Wilson’s cousin accused of killing their grandmother
The shooting reportedly happened shortly before the Summer House cast filmed their reunion episode
Bondi royal commission: report calls for better policing of Jewish festivals after ‘high’ terror risk flagged for Hanukah event
Interim report contains 14 recommendations, after inquiry examined agencies’ actions before the attack in which 15 people were killedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSydney…