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Trump said he will soon decide whether to accept an Iran deal and emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must be open to international shipping, Reuters reported. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global petroleum supply passing through it. Recent Middle East tensions have driven oil prices sharply higher, pressuring the global economy. Analysts say Trump’s statement could signal a significant shift in US Iran policy, though details of any potential agreement remain unclear. International markets are closely monitoring developments. ...

Trump faces two significant legal rulings. According to Axios, a judge has ordered that his name must be removed from the Kennedy Center. Separately, another court has temporarily blocked payouts from Trump’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement, which had drawn widespread controversy. Both rulings reflect ongoing legal challenges for Trump. Analysts suggest these decisions could further impact his political standing.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved the first cryptocurrency perpetual futures contracts, with Kalshi and Coinbase receiving authorization to list them. This marks a significant milestone for US crypto derivatives markets, providing institutional investors with additional hedging tools.

According to TechCrunch, Microsoft is facing widespread criticism for threatening a security researcher with criminal investigation after the researcher discovered vulnerabilities in Microsoft systems. The incident has sparked concerns about how tech giants treat the independent security research community.

According to the BBC, Universal Music Group has rejected billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s takeover bid. As one of the world’s largest music companies, Universal represents numerous major artists and holds extensive music catalog rights.

According to the Washington Post, a major crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia has killed five people and injured dozens. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

CFTC Opens Crypto Perpetual Futures Trading in U.S. Milestone The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has officially approved Kalshi exchange to list crypto asset perpetual futures contracts, marking the first time U.S. regulators have provided a pathway for regulated firms to participate in the crypto perpetual derivatives market. What Are Perpetual Futures Perpetual futures are futures contracts without an expiration date, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely through a funding rate mechanism. This market has long been one of the largest segments of global crypto trading, but primarily operated on offshore exchanges outside U.S. regulatory oversight. ...

Congo Ebola Outbreak Worsens WHO Director-General Rushes to Congo The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. The WHO Director-General has arrived in Congo to personally coordinate the international response. Outbreak Data The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district in 2007, has a lower fatality rate than the Zaire strain but still poses a severe public health threat. ...

Paxos SEC Approval Blockchain Stock Clearing Takes Key Step Crypto infrastructure company Paxos has received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to become the first licensed entity authorized to clear U.S. stocks on blockchain. This license positions Paxos to compete directly with traditional financial giants like DTCC (Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation). Milestone Significance Paxos’s new license marks a fundamental shift in blockchain technology’s role within U.S. traditional financial markets: ...

NATO condemns Russian drone hitting Romanian residential block, two injured. Romania to hold emergency meeting.