Russia tries to stem panic over the plummeting ruble, as the central bank is forced to intervene

SummaryCBC's The House interviewed four of the over 40 incumbent MPs who lost their seats in the recent House of Commons election. These former MPs expressed that the experience transcends merely losing a job, marking a significant closure to chapters in their lives that they have spent years or even decades building. This reflection highlights the emotional and personal impact of their political careers coming to an end. Full Article

The debate in Israel centers on whether to prioritize the release of captives in Gaza or continue the prolonged conflict against Hamas, with Prime Minister Netanyahu facing increasing criticism for his government's decisions. Following the unending war and failure to secure a ceasefire, public discontent is rising, evidenced by protests from military personnel and reservists, many of whom refuse to serve due to exhaustion and lack of clarity on the war's objectives. Critics argue that...

Columbia University Suspends Students Over Pro-Palestinian ProtestColumbia University has suspended over 65 students and barred 33 others, including alumni from affiliated institutions, following a pro-Palestinian demonstration inside Butler Library. The protest, which involved activists hanging flags and vandalizing property, resulted in approximately 80 arrests for trespassing and disorderly conduct. In response to the incident, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reviewing the visa status of participants for potential deportation, amidst concerns over federal funding...

Summary NatWest, a leading UK bank with over 19 million customers, plans to close at least 53 branches this year, continuing a trend that has seen 1,431 branch closures since 2015. This shift towards a focus on digital banking comes as over 80% of their active account holders utilize digital services, despite concerns about accessibility for vulnerable populations in rural areas. The Financial Conduct Authority emphasizes the need for alternative banking services, such as ATMs...

Mortgage rates have decreased in early 2025, providing homebuyers with potential borrowing relief, yet the sluggish housing market and economic uncertainty remain concerning. With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.76%, down from 7.04% in January, buyers face the challenge of limited supply due to the "lock-in" effect, where current homeowners hesitate to sell. Experts suggest that despite market difficulties, purchasing now may be advantageous, as limited inventory could stabilize or increase property values....

The Iranian foreign minister's visit aims to garner Saudi support for Tehran's stance in the ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, which are increasingly threatened by American officials' rhetoric. This diplomatic outreach comes amid rising uncertainties regarding the viability of the fragile talks, highlighting the importance of regional alliances in addressing the nuclear issue. The situation underscores the complex interplay of diplomatic relations as Iran seeks to solidify its position amidst external pressures. Full Article