Stories from United States

ExxonMobil reported first-quarter profits of $3.2 billion, which is more than double the company's figure from the same period last year. The profit surge was driven by spiralling energy prices resulting from the Iran war. The reported figure exceeded the average estimates provided by analysts. The company's earnings come as markets monitor a potential blockade of Iranian ports.

US lawmakers are pushing a bill to grant American soldiers serving in the Israeli army the same legal protections as US troops. The legislation would apply to approximately 20,000 personnel.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) helped American companies including Boeing and Wabtech secure over $244 billion in contracts with foreign public buyers in 2025. This figure exceeds the $17 billion achieved by the Biden administration during its first year. The proposed budget includes a $10 million increase for trade enforcement in ITA and $100 million for the United States investment accelerator.

US Secretary of State Mark Rubio stated to Fox News that Iran is serious about exiting its current predicament. The comment follows reports that the Israeli military intends to keep the Hormuz Strait open. Rubio noted that Tehran still possesses half of its missile capabilities. This development occurs amid suspended negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear file.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is receiving the Leo Baeck Medal in New York. No new information provided in current feeds. The award was presented in the presence of Joachim Gauck. The event is described as a regular late-summer occurrence. The ceremony follows previous recipients such as Joachim Gauck.

Hawkeye 360 is looking to raise more than $400 million, according to Market Watch. The company would trade under the ticker Hawke. The news follows reports that Herndon-based defense company Stock Exchange is working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on its public offering.

An exchange of gunfire involving multiple shooters occurred at a location in Virginia during a rally. Early estimates indicate between 40 and 50 people were present at the scene. Most victims are adults in their late teens or early 20s. A juvenile female was reported to have walked into a hospital following the incident. Organizers reportedly chose the garage location partly because it lacks surveillance cameras, according to Llewellyn. All individuals involved appear to be from Virginia and were known to each other. Investigators believe the location was chosen because it lacks surveillance cameras.

Legislation titled the Tariff Relief for Consumers Act has been introduced to provide refunds to consumers and small businesses. The bill aims to prevent tariff refund dollars from benefiting large corporations and importers. The announcement follows an Associated Press poll showing 70 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the current administration's economic management. The move comes amid reports that 2025 saw rising unemployment and increased costs of living.

The Thunder defeated the Suns 131 to 122 in Game 4 to complete a 4-0 series sweep. The victory concludes the NBA Playoff Series between the two teams. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 114-93 during the NBA playoffs. Final score was 114-93 in favor of the Spurs. The game result is trending in China with high engagement on Zhihu. The game is currently trending on Chinese social media platforms. The game is trending on Zhihu with a heat rating of 900,000. The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a three-games-to-one series sweep of the Phoenix Suns. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 31 points and eight assists in the 131-122 victory. The win gives the defending champion Thunder a series lead. The Denver Nuggets also won their fifth game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 125-113. The Nuggets currently lead the series 3-2.

China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN stated during a high-level Security Council debate on maritime security that the root of Hormuz Strait disruptions lies in illegal military actions by the US and Israel against Iran. The remarks were made during a session on April 27. Sun Lei suggested that resolving navigation issues in the strait requires addressing these military actions. The representative argued that the solution to the navigation issues in the strait requires a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to allow the global economy to breathe. The security of the Strait of Hormuz has become a subject of United Nations discussion. This development is described as a direct test of the existing international order.