US strikes Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz

Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz follow the US-led "Project Freedom" operation, which triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes and jeopardized a fragile ceasefire, causing global oil price volatility. In Germany, a fatal car rampage in a Leipzig pedestrian zone left two dead, prompting investigations into the driver's mental health. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Samsung family paid a record $8 billion inheritance tax, underscoring the government's power to regulate corporate giants. European leaders at the EPC summit in Armenia are pushing for strategic autonomy and accelerated military production to counter Russian aggression and potential US disengagement. Additionally, the Met Gala faced public backlash over wealth inequality, while new research reveals that atmospheric microplastics are actively accelerating global warming. Finally, Wu Yize’s World Snooker Championship win highlights the rapid growth of Chinese talent, with a quarter of professional players now hailing from China.