Starship had already flown 99 percent of the way to low-Earth orbit. Monday's flight added the last bit.
Russia launched strikes on Kyiv following a deadly attack on Ukraine's Academy of Sciences that killed multiple people. This escalation shows Russia continuing to target civilian and cultural infrastructure despite ongoing international pressure for de-escalation.
Terror suspects arrested in connection with an alleged plot against a US-utilized air base intended to cause significant damage, according to President Trump. The foiled attack highlights ongoing security threats to American military installations abroad and the persistent terrorism risk facing US forces.
UK officials say it's premature to attribute a recently uncovered airbase plot to any specific foreign government despite speculation. The cautious stance reflects the complexity of modern attribution in security incidents and the diplomatic care needed before making formal accusations.
Nvidia announced a record-breaking $150 billion share buyback program as its dominance in AI chip manufacturing continues to drive massive profits. The unprecedented buyback signals extreme confidence in sustained AI demand and rewards investors who've ridden the AI boom to massive gains.
Oil prices surged past $107 per barrel after Trump rejected a potential Iran peace deal and suggested military action could follow the midterm elections. The spike reflects market fears of Middle East instability and potential supply disruptions if US-Iran tensions escalate into conflict.
The United States and China reached an agreement to significantly reduce tariffs on each other's goods, marking a major thaw in trade relations. This breakthrough could ease inflation pressures, boost global economic growth, and signal a broader reset in the world's most important bilateral relationship.
Madonna opened the 2026 VMAs with her first performance at the awards show in over two decades, sharing the stage with Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and other artists. The multi-generational collaboration underscores Madonna's enduring influence and MTV's strategy of bridging pop music eras.
Taylor Swift received the newly created Artist Director Honors at the 2026 VMAs and premiered her 'Patient Zero' music video featuring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell. The award recognizes Swift's evolution into a complete creative auteur who directs her own visual narratives, cementing her influence beyond just music.
Nirvana was honored with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 VMAs, MTV's lifetime achievement recognition for music video excellence. The tribute, coming decades after Kurt Cobain's death, acknowledges the band's revolutionary impact on both music and visual storytelling in the 1990s.