Europe faces an escalating energy crisis with global consequences, according to the International Energy Agency, even as war-torn economies signal they'll need IMF emergency assistance [PBS, The Hill]. The warnings underscore cascading economic pressures from ongoing Middle East conflicts.

On the diplomatic front, Trump announced Israel and Hezbollah will begin ceasefire talks Thursday [NPR], while new details emerged on U.S. naval blockade operations at the Strait of Hormuz tied to Iran negotiations [CBS News]. However, Iranians expressed skepticism to the BBC about whether any U.S.-Iran ceasefire will actually hold, raising questions about deal durability.

Domestically, the Senate voted to allow mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness, a major environmental policy shift [NYT]. Democrats are simultaneously moving to block Trump's bid to install a new Federal Reserve chair, calling it "absurd" [Guardian]. Justice Clarence Thomas warned of "challenges" ahead for the Supreme Court [Newsweek].

On Capitol Hill, primary races are heating up: Barr maintains his cash lead in Kentucky's GOP Senate primary while Democrat Angie Craig builds fundraising strength in Minnesota [Politico].

A notable controversy erupted when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth compared media coverage to a biblical group that "clashed with Jesus," remarks that come as Trump reportedly eyes him as a potential fall guy over Iran policy [The Hill].

Finally, a Polymarket trader profited $300,000 by betting on Biden's pardons, highlighting questions about prediction market insider knowledge [NPR].