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Trump’s State of the Union sparks Democratic protest as markets hit record highs and leverage risks grow, while extreme weather reshapes rivers and reforms and rearmament fights play out in South Korea, Britain, and NYPD manhunt after a Washington Square Park snowball assault
Leverage rises as stocks reach record highs, increasing liquidation risk
As South Korea’s stock market climbs to record highs, borrowing to invest has surged. The heavier use of leverage is raising concerns that a market pullback could trigger forced selling and rapid liquidations.
Live updates: Trump to highlight the economy in the State of the Union as lawmakers and Cabinet members arrive
Live updates: President Trump is set to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term to Congress on Tuesday night. After launching an ambitious agenda with a mixed record of successes and setbacks, he has said the speech will be long and that he plans to focus in part on the economy, as lawmakers and Cabinet officials gather for the address.
NYPD Releases Photos of Suspects in Washington Square Park Snowball Assault After Mayor Mamdani Called Attackers ‘Kids’
The NYPD released photos of two suspects wanted for allegedly striking two responding officers in the head, neck, and face with snow and ice during a disorderly gathering at Washington Square Park. The officers were treated at a hospital in stable condition, and the suspects fled; police said the men are believed to be about 18 to 20 years old and are sought on felony assault charges. The release came after Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as a snowball fight involving “kids” and suggested they should not face criminal charges; no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon.
Extreme Weather Is Changing the World’s Rivers, and New Protection Strategies Are Needed
Extreme weather is transforming the world’s rivers. We need new ways to protect them as floods, droughts, and heatwaves increasingly push river ecosystems toward tipping points, erode biodiversity, and disrupt key functions. Events can cascade through entire river networks and compound in sequence—such as drought followed by flood or wildfire followed by heavy rain—creating outsized, hard-to-predict damage worsened by pollution, water withdrawals, and habitat fragmentation. Researchers call for a shift from reactive, local fixes to proactive, catchment-scale resilience measures, including restoring habitat and connectivity, giving rivers more space, protecting groundwater recharge areas, and safeguarding or creating refuges that can withstand more frequent extremes.
South Korea’s Ruling Party Pushes Reform Bills Despite Filibuster
South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party is moving to pass a package of eight reform and livelihood-focused bills despite a filibuster, including revisions to three controversial judicial reform measures.
Britain Struggles to Match Europe’s Military Rearmament Despite the Threat from Russia
Britain is struggling to keep up with Europe’s accelerating military rearmament as concerns grow about Russia’s rising threat, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The group says the UK is falling behind on key defence commitments, with notable capability gaps in armoured vehicles, warships and ground-based air defence, while countries such as Germany increase spending faster. Even if the UK brings forward plans to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2029, it could still lag behind Berlin, as officials also warn of a multibillion-pound funding gap and delays to the government’s defence investment plan.
Democrats hold a ‘People’s State of the Union’ protest on the National Mall as Trump delivers his address
President Trump is set to deliver the first State of the Union of his second term tonight, expected to begin around 9 p.m. EST. Alongside Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s official Democratic response, Democrats are organizing counterprogramming, including a National Mall event billed as a ‘People’s State of the Union,’ with some lawmakers skipping the speech to protest.
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