California Governor Gavin Newsom, eyeing a potential 2028 presidential run, is in South Carolina promoting his memoir to test national appeal. His visit highlights his strategy to engage early primary states, with mixed reactions from local audiences and a focus on countering Republican policies.

Global human rights face a crisis as the UN chief highlights growing conflicts, impunity, and shrinking aid, with AI exacerbating discrimination. Funding cuts, especially from the US, hinder the UN's ability to address violations in conflict zones, threatening civilian protection.

The CDC faces leadership upheaval as acting director roles shift, with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya taking charge after Susan Monarez's dismissal. The high-level turnover, including Abraham's resignation as principal deputy director, raises concerns about stability during ongoing public health challenges.

Nicki Minaj criticized Gavin Newsom over his remarks at a Georgia event, accusing him of performative empathy towards a Black audience. This incident intensifies Minaj's political commentary, aligning her with Trump-adjacent views and sparking significant social media debate.

The U.S. Secretary of State visited St. Kitts and Nevis for a CARICOM summit, aiming to bolster Washington's influence amid regional security and Venezuela concerns. The meeting also focused on countering Chinese influence and expanding support for Taiwan, amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.

A Trump-branded skyscraper, potentially Australia's tallest, is planned for Gold Coast, featuring luxury apartments and a 6-star resort. The project awaits formal approvals amid local controversy.

A former ICE instructor has testified that the agency's training program is deficient, sparking concerns about officer readiness and adherence to constitutional standards. This comes amid increased scrutiny over ICE practices and ongoing debates about its training methodology and funding during the Trump administration.

Egyptian President el-Sisi visits Saudi Arabia to strengthen Cairo-Riyadh ties, focusing on regional stability and the Gaza situation. Hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the leaders discuss avoiding regional escalation and supporting peaceful solutions, emphasizing Arab solidarity and cooperation.

The State of the Union aims to sway midterm voters by focusing on domestic economic concerns and immigration, amidst a tight congressional race. The address's impact may be fleeting unless tied to a national crisis.

In a significant policy shift, several educational grant programs are being transferred from the Education Department to HHS, with the State Department gaining a new oversight role. The move, part of a broader political debate, has sparked concerns about increased bureaucracy and potential impacts on students and schools, while maintaining IDEA-funded programs under the Education Department.