Iran Suspends U.S. Nuclear Negotiations and Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Sending Oil Prices Up 7%
Iran announced Monday it is halting all indirect negotiations with the United States and threatening to fully block the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, citing violations of a Lebanon ceasefire by Israel and its supporters. The announcement sent global oil prices surging more than 7% within hours, with Brent crude trading above $97 per barrel, reversing recent market optimism about a potential peace deal.
Netanyahu Orders Israeli Military to Continue Lebanon Strikes After Trump Cancels Beirut Operation
President Trump ordered Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt strikes on Beirut and accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, reportedly telling him "What the f-ck are you doing?" during a tense phone call. Netanyahu partially complied by canceling the Beirut operation but ordered the IDF to continue strikes in southern Lebanon, defying Trump's broader ceasefire directive and triggering threats from Iran to abandon nuclear negotiations.
ISM Manufacturing PMI Hits Four-Year High of 54.0, Driven by New Orders and Production Surge
The U.S. Manufacturing PMI reached 54.0 in May, its highest level since May 2022, driven by a surge in new orders and production that exceeded economist forecasts. However, input price costs remain elevated at 82.1, and manufacturing employment posted its 32nd consecutive month of contraction, raising durability concerns about whether gains are sustainable.
CEPI commits $61.8M to fast-track three Ebola vaccines as Bundibugyo outbreak exceeds 1,000 suspected cases in DRC and Uganda
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations announced $61.8 million in funding for three vaccine candidates targeting the Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak spreading in the DRC and Uganda, which has recorded at least 282 confirmed cases and roughly 1,000 suspected cases. The three candidates—from Moderna, IAVI, and University of Oxford/Serum Institute of India—aim to fill a critical gap as no licensed vaccines currently exist for this Ebola strain, while public health officials prioritize containment measures in logistically challenging affected regions.
DEA Schedules June 29 Hearing to Consider Moving Marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III
The DEA will hold a hearing beginning June 29, 2026, to consider rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, following President Trump's December 2025 executive order. FDA-approved and state-licensed medical marijuana products were already moved to Schedule III in April 2026, but the hearing will determine whether all marijuana, including recreational use, receives the same classification.
Alphabet announces $80 billion stock sale to fund AI infrastructure, with $10 billion anchor investment from Berkshire Hathaway
Alphabet is raising $80 billion through a combination of underwritten offerings, Berkshire Hathaway's $10 billion commitment, and an at-the-market program to fund its massive AI infrastructure buildout. The fundraising reflects unprecedented demand for AI products exceeding supply and CEO Sundar Pichai's projection of $180-190 billion in capital expenditure this year alone.
DHS Submits Final Rule to Eliminate Duration of Status for F and J Visas, With September 2026 Implementation Expected
The Department of Homeland Security submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a final rule that would replace the current open-ended Duration of Status system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with fixed four-year admission periods, requiring formal extensions and eliminating accrual grace periods. The rule, which could take effect as early as September 2026, has drawn over 34,800 public comments overwhelmingly in opposition from universities, hospitals, and education groups warning it would harm U.S. competitiveness and disrupt physician training programs.
NASA's X-59 to break sound barrier for first time in early June 2026
NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is preparing for its first-ever supersonic flight in early June 2026, targeting speeds over 630 mph at 43,000 feet altitude. The milestone follows successful near-supersonic test flights and represents a critical step toward demonstrating the aircraft's ability to produce a quiet sonic "thump" rather than a traditional loud boom, potentially enabling future supersonic flights over populated U.S. areas.