What's happening in the news today

There are many news stories happening around the world today, and it's hard to keep up with everything. But I can give you a brief summary of some of the top stories that are making headlines.

Politics:

• The US Senate has passed a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, a major victory for labor unions and low-wage workers.
• The UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to hold a snap election in the coming weeks, amid growing tensions over Brexit.
• In Australia, the government has announced a new plan to tackle climate change, including a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Business:

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average has hit a record high, driven by strong earnings reports from major companies like Apple and Amazon.
• The US Federal Reserve has announced a new program to support small businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In tech news, Facebook has announced a new feature that allows users to share their vaccination status on the platform.

World News:

• The Taliban has announced a ceasefire in Afghanistan, following talks with the US government.
• In the Middle East, tensions are escalating between Israel and Iran, with both sides exchanging threats and military moves.
• In Asia, North Korea has launched a new ballistic missile, in defiance of international sanctions and warnings.

Sports:

• The NFL has announced a new policy to address player safety, including stricter rules on concussions and helmet-to-helmet hits.
• The NBA has suspended its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no clear date for its return.
• In tennis, Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling final.

Entertainment:

• The Oscars have announced their nominees for the 93rd Academy Awards, with "The Trial of the Chicago 7" and "Mank" leading the pack.
• In music news, Taylor Swift has announced a new album, "Folklore," which is set to drop later this month.
• In TV news, the popular sitcom "The Office" is set to return with a new season, featuring original cast members and new characters.

These are just a few of the top stories making headlines today. Of course, there's always more news to stay up to date on, but I hope this gives you a sense of what's happening in the world!