Federal Reserve raises rates to 3.75%-4.00%, first hike in three years as inflation persists
The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%-4.00% on Wednesday, ending a three-year pause in rate hikes. The decision was driven by persistently high inflation, with the Fed noting the economy is strengthening.
UN Chief warns of wider conflict as Houthi blockade intensifies
UN Secretary-General called for immediate de-escalation in Yemen, warning that Houthi advances toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait threaten Red Sea security and international maritime routes. The warning comes as Houthi forces intensify their blockade and recent attacks on commercial vessels raise fears of a wider regional conflict, with escalating hostilities displacing over 100,000 people and disrupting humanitarian operations.
ACLU and researchers sue NIH over viewpoint-based grant screening violating First Amendment
A coalition of researchers and civil rights organizations, led by the ACLU of Northern California, has filed a lawsuit alleging that NIH's grant screening policies violate the First Amendment by disfavoring certain viewpoints, specifically targeting diversity, equity and inclusion, gender identity, and climate change research. The complaint argues these policies impose an unconstitutional "litmus test" that violates free speech protections and the principle that grants should be awarded based on scientific merit.
Supreme Court halts Trump-linked voting system, blocks USPS development
The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's attempt to impose mail voting restrictions for the 2026 midterms, blocking the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new regulations. Following the ruling, USPS halted development of a voter-verification computer system tied to the executive order, with Postmaster General David Steiner confirming the nationwide stop to portal work. The decision preserves existing mail-in voting procedures and prevents potential disenfranchisement of millions of voters.
Belarus releases 25 political prisoners in U.S. exchange deal
Belarus released 25 political prisoners following a visit from President Trump's special envoy John Coale to Minsk. The interim agreement involved Belarus freeing the prisoners as a gesture of goodwill in exchange for the United States lifting sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, marking a notable thaw in U.S.-Belarus relations.
Apple Opens Foundation Models to Third-Party Developers at WWDC 2026
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced it is opening its Foundation Models framework to third-party developers, granting external access to the underlying AI technology powering Apple Intelligence. The company positions the move as expanding its AI ecosystem while maintaining a focus on on-device processing, with new Core AI tools and an Xcode 27 agentic coding assistant integrated into iOS 27.
UCLA researchers grow cord blood into off-the-shelf cancer-fighting T cells
UCLA researchers have developed a method to mass-produce cancer-fighting T cells from umbilical cord blood stem cells, engineered to target solid tumors. A single dose controlled cancer and extended survival in mice, demonstrating a potential path toward off-the-shelf cancer treatments that bypass the time constraints of patient-specific therapies.
Time Out names Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga the world’s coolest neighborhood for 2026
Time Out has designated Seoul's Jongno 3-ga as the coolest neighborhood on Earth for 2026, highlighting its unique blend of historic hanok houses, indie design studios, and vibrant street food culture. This selection marks a shift from previous years, as the area edged out Lisbon's São Bento and Glasgow's Govanhill to claim the top spot.