U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held meetings with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, describing the talks as 'substantive.' The visit came a day after the pair held lengthy discussions with Russian President Putin in Moscow, signaling an intensified U.S. diplomatic push on the Ukraine war. This marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to broker a resolution to the conflict.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) claimed a historic victory in an eastern regional election, with preliminary results showing nearly 44% of the vote. Despite the commanding margin, the party fell short of an outright majority, leaving open whether it can form the country's first state government since World War II. The result underscores the growing strength of far-right politics in Germany.

The U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers after Iran targeted two American warships, marking a renewed and dangerous escalation in hostilities over shipping and the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange signals a serious flare-up in U.S.-Iran tensions with potential implications for global oil shipping routes.

An Amazon cargo plane, a Boeing 767, overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport, killing five people. The FAA confirmed the incident, and video showed thick smoke rising from the wreckage. Investigations into the cause are expected to follow.

Iran has warned of a 'faster, heavier, more painful response' to recent US military strikes, escalating tensions in the region. The warning comes after Washington said it struck Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Tehran's attacks on US warships. The exchange signals a dangerous escalation between the two countries.

US diesel prices have hit an all-time high, driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran that began at the end of February. The surge mirrors rising wholesale oil prices and is already affecting truckers and businesses that rely on diesel-powered transport. Higher diesel costs are expected to ripple through the broader economy as shipping and freight expenses rise.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing mounting criticism over what critics call 'inept' leadership of the U.S. military, with reports of internal turmoil and controversial firings. The scrutiny adds to a growing chorus of concerns from lawmakers and former military officials about his management style and decision-making at the Pentagon.

A sweeping polygraph investigation at the Pentagon has reportedly uncovered significant findings, raising questions about internal security practices and potential leaks. The scope of the effort suggests heightened concern within the department about unauthorized disclosures.

International talks on establishing rules for autonomous weapons are facing serious doubts about reaching any agreement, as both the U.S. and Russia have voiced opposition. This dual resistance from two major military powers undermines efforts toward a global framework governing AI-driven weapons systems.