A wave of lawsuits accusing major social media platforms of fueling user addiction has survived failed appeals, meaning thousands of cases will proceed. Parents, schools, and users claim companies designed features to maximize time on-site despite known harms. The outcome could reshape platform liability rules.

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to its lowest level since 1983, according to data. This decline follows significant releases from the emergency stockpile to counter supply disruptions. The reduced reserve raises concerns about the nation's ability to respond to future oil shocks.

A Russian court has barred the country's only anti-war party from competing in upcoming parliamentary elections, eliminating the last organized opposition voice on the ballot. The ruling highlights the Kremlin's intensified crackdown on dissent as the vote approaches.

Oman is working to contain an extensive oil spill from a stricken tanker, with crews racing to limit the damage. The leak threatens marine ecosystems and coastal areas along Omani waters. The incident is a major environmental concern that could escalate without prompt containment.

The World Health Organization has warned that the Ebola virus is outpacing containment efforts, with responders effectively chasing an outbreak that keeps moving ahead. The statement highlights the difficulty of controlling transmission in affected regions. The warning underscores the urgent need for faster international action to prevent a wider crisis.

A strong earthquake struck Colombia, causing a building to collapse on live camera, resulting in deaths and widespread destruction. The quake brought significant damage to the affected area, underscoring the region's vulnerability to seismic events.

Google has begun hosting competing third-party app stores within its Play Store, a policy shift following the antitrust court ruling in Epic Games' favor. The move allows alternative distribution channels on Android's main marketplace, potentially reshaping app fees and developer choice.

The UK has approved a new weight loss pill, expanding treatment options for obesity. The decision follows clinical trials showing effectiveness, offering a less invasive alternative to injections. This move could significantly broaden access to weight management therapies across the country.

Sila, a battery materials company, has received a $1.4 billion loan from the Pentagon to expand production. The funding responds to growing military requirements for advanced batteries and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains. This marks a major government investment in defense-related energy storage.