SoftBank-backed TravelPerk doubles valuation to $2.7 billion, plans fintech push

Trump Administration Sues Maine Over Transgender Athlete PolicyIn a legal escalation, the Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Maine's education department for allegedly violating Title IX by allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports. This conflict arose after Republican officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, claimed the state's actions contradict federal anti-discrimination laws, while Democratic Gov. Janet Mills vowed to fight the administration's threats to cut federal funding. The lawsuit highlights the broader...

UK civil servants are enhancing security protocols for handling sensitive trade documents due to concerns over the potential impacts of US trade policy amid Donald Trump's tariff war. The Guardian reports that British officials have revised document-handling guidelines, applying higher classifications to certain trade negotiation papers to prevent unauthorized access by American entities. This move reflects growing tensions in the "special relationship" between the UK and the US, highlighting the need for greater protection of...

Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli troops will maintain control over designated security zones in Gaza even after the conflict ends, citing the need for protection against Hamas. Recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 24 Palestinian deaths, including members of a family in Gaza City, contributing to over 1,650 fatalities since the renewed offensive began. The UN reports that 69% of Gaza is under evacuation orders, displacing approximately 500,000 people, while humanitarian...

A recent Postmedia-Leger poll indicates that support for Quebec sovereignty has risen to 36%, rebounding from a previous low of 29% amid concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to Canada. Despite this increase, the Quebec Liberals maintain a 15-point lead over the Bloc Québécois, with 40% support compared to 25%. While many Quebecers express support for sovereignty, they are currently aligning their votes with federalist parties, reflecting a preference for leadership that can effectively...

Ex-tropical Cyclone Tam has begun impacting the country, resulting in sunken yachts, power outages for around a thousand homes, and severe winds causing tree falls. Forecasters indicate that the storm is intensifying as it approaches, with a dozen severe weather warnings and watches issued across the North Island, predicting up to 200mm of rain and winds reaching 120km/h. The worst conditions are expected to hit Northland and Auckland around 7pm, continuing into the following evening,...

Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo, a Grade 11 student at Durban Girls' Secondary School, tragically lost her life during a house robbery after choosing to remain home to study. The assailants took only her school bag containing a library book, along with a TV, DStv decoder, and two remote controls. This incident highlights the senseless nature of the crime and the devastating impact it has had on her family and community. Full Article