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Iran's national currency, the rial, has hit a record low of 1.8 million to $1 amid ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, with a shaky ceasefire currently holding. Oil prices have surged to $115 per barrel due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. The conflict, now in its ninth week since beginning February 28, has led to significant disruption of global energy markets and shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to face congressional questioning on Wednesday for the first time since military operations against Iran began under the Trump administration. The hearing will take place before the House Armed Services Committee. President Trump has issued warnings to Iran as Hegseth prepares for the Capitol Hill appearance.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla conducted a state visit to the United States to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, including meetings with President Trump at the White House and a formal state dinner. During the visit, King Charles III addressed the U.S. Congress, becoming the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The visit also included a trip to New York City with a stop at the 9/11 Memorial.

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding the Trump administration's efforts to end legal protections for Haitian and Syrian migrants who fled war and natural disasters. The case involves the potential termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations that have allowed these migrants to remain in the United States legally. The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments to consider whether these protections should be eliminated.

Kevin Warsh is President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve and is positioned to assume the role of Fed chair. Current Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces a decision about whether to remain at the Federal Reserve in a different capacity once his replacement takes over. The leadership transition represents a significant change at the top of the US central bank.

Ukraine has conducted drone attacks on Russian oil facilities, with a recent strike reportedly causing a fire at an oil facility in Russia's Perm region. Russia has launched multiple attacks on Ukrainian territory, including at least 19 attacks on the Donetsk region and 833 across the Zaporizhia region. These attacks resulted in at least three deaths and more than 10 injuries in Ukraine.

A South Korean appeals court sentenced ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol to seven years in prison on Wednesday. The charges include resisting arrest and bypassing a legitimate Cabinet meeting before his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Yoon had previously been removed from office following his controversial martial law declaration.

Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman involving allegations related to charity in an ongoing dispute over the AI company. The legal case centers on OpenAI's history and public commitments regarding its organizational structure and mission. The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially impact the broader artificial intelligence industry.

Scientists have identified 11 types of cancer that are increasing in rates among young people. Researchers have found what they describe as a first clue to understanding why this trend is occurring. The specific details of this clue and the mechanisms behind rising youth cancer rates are being investigated.

A shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner involving a suspect who went through a checkpoint inside the hotel. Secret Service officers fired at the suspect, with surveillance footage capturing the moments after the incident. Republicans have responded by blaming Democrats for political rhetoric in connection with the shooting.

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for a second time by the Justice Department. The latest case centers on a photo he posted last year showing seashells arranged to spell out "86 47," which some interpreted as a call for violence against President Donald Trump. The charges are adding complications for Republican electoral prospects in upcoming midterm elections.

A U.S. Army soldier has been charged after allegedly threatening to attack a synagogue and kill Jewish people, according to the Department of Justice. Separately, two Jewish men were reportedly injured in a stabbing incident in north London in an area with a large Jewish population. These appear to be two distinct incidents occurring in different countries.

The Federal Communications Commission announced on Tuesday that it was launching an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses for its eight owned television stations. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr initiated this review process ahead of the normal renewal schedule. The review comes after President Trump called for ABC host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke he made about Melania Trump.

Two people have died in a plane crash at Parafield Airport in Adelaide's north. A number of other people sustained injuries in the incident. The crash involved a light aircraft at the airport.