Former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan Dies at 100
Alan Greenspan, who once led the United States Federal Reserve, has passed away at the age of 100. He died Monday due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease, according to his wife of 29 years, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell. During his nearly 18 and a half years leading the Fed, Greenspan oversaw a long period of American economic growth and prosperity — though that era came to a painful end in 2008, two years after he stepped down from the central bank. By the time he left in 2006, Greenspan had earned widespread admiration and was commonly referred to as the “Oracle” and “Maestro.”
New Fed Chair’s Approach Could Mean Wilder Markets and Higher Rates
For decades, the Federal Reserve has gradually shifted from being a secretive government body to a more open institution that explains its decision-making process to the public. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has begun walking back some of that transparency, arguing that telegraphing the Fed’s intentions locks it into specific positions on interest rates. However, analysts warn this approach could trigger more dramatic swings in stock and bond markets, and could ultimately push interest rates higher for everyday consumers and businesses.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stepped down, pushed out by his own party following a significant drop in voter support. He will serve in a caretaker role while the Labour Party selects a new leader. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed via social media that he intends to run to replace Starmer. Burnham’s recent win in a special parliamentary election is said to have triggered Starmer’s decision to resign. Starmer faced criticism for failing to deliver on economic promises and for appointing officials with scandal-linked backgrounds. While he earned international recognition for backing Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized his immigration and energy policies. His departure comes as Britain marks the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum.
Ten Years After Brexit: A Vote That Still Divides Britain
A decade has passed since British voters chose to leave the European Union — and that decision continues to shape political identities across the country. On June 23, 2016, 52% of voters, totaling more than 17 million people, chose to exit the EU. Though the margin was relatively narrow, the outcome triggered the most sweeping transformation of the U.K.’s economy and society since World War II. The actual process of leaving, however, was far from quick, taking nearly five years to complete.
How Starmer Fell From Landslide Victory to Political Downfall
Keir Starmer was elected Britain’s prime minister in 2024 with a commanding majority, seen as a steady hand who could bring stability after years of Conservative-led turmoil. Yet his tenure lasted less than two years, undone by political missteps, internal party conflict, and a major lapse in judgment that indirectly connected him to the scandals surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer himself never met Epstein and was not involved in his crimes. What ultimately cost him his position was his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the U.K.’s ambassador to the United States. In 2003, Mandelson had described himself as Epstein’s “best pal.” The final nail came after Labour suffered a poor showing in local elections in May.
Watch Duty App Expands from Fire Tracking to Flood Monitoring Nationwide
Watch Duty, a free smartphone application that gained widespread use during the 2025 Los Angeles fires, is now expanding its reach to track dangerous flooding across all 50 states. The nonprofit app gathers data from satellites, radio scanners, and other sources, then uses artificial intelligence to sort through the information and deliver real-time, color-coded map updates and live feeds to users. Founder John Mills developed the app after he failed to receive timely fire alerts near his own home. While experts praise the tool, they also emphasize that relying on multiple alert systems and maintaining personal emergency preparedness remains essential.
Toy Story 5 Scores Biggest Box Office Opening of the Year
The latest chapter in the beloved Pixar franchise has proven moviegoers still have a soft spot for Woody and Buzz. “Toy Story 5” opened with $160 million in domestic ticket sales, setting both a new franchise record and the largest opening weekend of 2025. The film arrives 31 years after the original hit theaters and easily topped the previous franchise record of $120 million set by “Toy Story 4” in 2019. Internationally, the film pulled in another $152 million, bringing its worldwide opening haul to $312 million. Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” dropped to second place, earning $17 million in its second weekend.
Australia and Canada Ink $1.75 Billion Radar Deal
Australia and Canada have finalized a $1.75 billion agreement to construct an Australian-designed long-range radar system on Canadian soil. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Canadian Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr signed the first phase of the deal Monday. The radar system is intended to provide early warning coverage from the Canada-United States border up into the Arctic. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had announced his preference for the Australian system over comparable American technology shortly after taking office. Marles described the agreement as adding an important strategic dimension to the relationship between the two countries.
Germany to Take 40% Stake in Leopard Tank Manufacturer KNDS
The German government has announced plans to acquire a 40% ownership stake in defense company KNDS, the maker of Leopard and Leclerc tanks, as part of broader efforts to strengthen European military production alongside NATO partner France. France already holds a 50% stake in KNDS, which was formed in 2015 through the merger of Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter. The remaining ownership is held by the German family behind Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The move reflects a wider push across Europe to boost defense spending and military readiness amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and growing uncertainty about U.S. commitments to the region.
