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[Brief] Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship, 12 Countries Tracking Passengers At least five confirmed cases of hantavirus have been identified aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. Following UN health agency confirmation, approximately 12 countries are now tracing passenger movements. Hantavirus, primarily transmitted through rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness. Health departments are closely monitoring close contacts. Source: BBC World

[Brief] S&P 500 Hits New Record, Posts Longest Weekly Winning Streak Since 2024 CNBC reports the S&P 500 closed at another all-time high, posting its longest weekly winning streak since 2024. The Nasdaq also climbed as investors remain optimistic about economic fundamentals and corporate earnings. Source: CNBC

[Brief] Senate Banking Committee Sets Date for Crypto Legislation Vote The Senate Banking Committee has announced a hearing to amend and vote on sweeping crypto legislation, marking a second attempt to advance the bill. Meanwhile, a stablecoin compromise has revived legislative momentum despite lingering ethics disputes. Sources: TheBlock, CoinDesk

[Brief] Trump Plans to Fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary The New York Times reports that Trump has approved the dismissal of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. This personnel change could shift the direction of US Food and Drug Administration policy. Makary has played a key role in drug approval and public health policy since taking office. A senior official confirmed Trump has signed off on the decision. Source: NYT

[Brief] UK Local Elections: Starmer Labour Party Suffers Major Losses Initial results from UK local elections show Prime Minister Starmer’s Labour Party suffering significant losses across multiple constituencies. NYT reported that election maps reveal Labour losing ground in several traditional strongholds, posing a challenge to Starmer’s governing mandate and reflecting voter dissatisfaction with current policies. Source: NYT

[Brief] Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Democrats Redrawn Congressional Maps The Virginia Supreme Court has struck down the Democratic Party’s redrawn US House maps, handing Republicans a significant win. Democrats say they will appeal the ruling. The decision could reshape Virginia’s congressional representation. Sources: WTOP, Google News

Trump Announces 3-Day Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement US President Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire, marking the first multi-day truce since the conflict began and representing a significant step forward in peace negotiations. Trump stated the ceasefire will take effect immediately and last 72 hours. During this period, both sides will halt all military operations, including artillery fire and airstrikes. The agreement follows ongoing US diplomatic mediation efforts. ...

US Fires on Two Iran-Flagged Tankers, Escalating Middle East Tensions The US military has struck two Iran-flagged tankers, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Secretary of State Rubio said the US expects Iran to respond to the peace deal proposal. The military action comes against the backdrop of a stalemate in US-Iran negotiations over the nuclear agreement and regional security. Rubio told reporters Washington hopes Iran will provide a clear answer on the peace deal offer. ...

US Jobs Data Beats Expectations for Second Straight Month, Fed Rate Cut Outlook Diminishes The latest US employment report exceeded market forecasts for the second consecutive month, indicating a resilient labor market and reducing the Federal Reserve’s rationale for interest rate cuts. BBC reported that nonfarm payrolls surged well above economist expectations, with the unemployment rate remaining near historic lows. The data underscores sustained economic resilience while complicating the Fed’s monetary policy decisions. ...

Satellite imagery reveals a large oil slick near a critical Iranian oil facility, escalating concerns amid US-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.