United States

The tech sector is aggressively expanding AI infrastructure and consumer hardware. Nvidia is investing billions in data centers, resuming chip production for China, and announcing new partnerships. Concurrently, Apple launched new iPhone, iPad, and MacBook models with AI features, while OpenAI shut down its Sora video tool but explores new energy and chip deals for expansion.

• 128OpenAI shuts down its Sora video AI tool and ends Disney deal
• 118Nvidia invests billions in AI data centers and cloud providers
• 112Meta expands AI efforts with new social network and Threads feature
• 104Apple launches new iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air models
• 98Nvidia resumes AI chip production for China and raises revenue forecast

The Trump administration is singularly focused on coercing Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum and repeatedly urging NATO, China, and other allies to send warships, requests which have been declined. This focus has triggered a top counterterrorism official's resignation and the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while domestic politics proceed with Texas primary elections.

• 232Trump asks allies to help secure Strait of Hormuz, but many are reluctant
• 142Trump gives Iran 48-hour ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz
• 73Trump urges multiple countries to send warships to Strait of Hormuz
• 61Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war policy
• 51Texas primary elections produce winners and a runoff for key Senate seats

The US is engaged in direct military conflict with Iran, having sunk an Iranian warship, bombed the Kharg Island oil terminal, and destroyed mine-laying vessels. The conflict has incurred costs, including a refueling plane crash in Iraq and a friendly fire incident with Kuwait that downed US warplanes, though Trump has delayed further strikes as discussions to end the conflict occur.

• 104Iran says its supreme leader was killed in US and Israeli strikes
• 65Trump says war with Iran could last several weeks
• 62Trump warns Iran against blocking Strait of Hormuz, says US destroyed vessels
• 42US military refueling plane crashes in Iraq, rescue effort underway
• 42US Embassy in Riyadh hit by drone attack, Trump vows retaliation

Society is polarized by large-scale 'No Kings' protests against Trump, with millions participating in a third wave of rallies. Concurrently, the government is applying pressure on media coverage of the Iran war, with regulators threatening broadcast licenses and the administration directly threatening media, while legal actions target Meta and Harvard on separate social issues.

• 46Several killed in protest at US consulate in Pakistan
• 12Tucker Carlson criticized for blaming Jewish group for Iran conflict
• 9US regulator warns broadcasters about Iran war coverage after Trump criticism
• 7Third wave of 'No Kings' protests against Trump sweeps across US
• 5Meta found liable for child safety failures in landmark jury verdict