Reader Edition

Wednesday, April 29

Outgoing Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell wearing a white shirt and dark suit jacket readjusts his glasses while speaking to the press.
Foreign PolicyApril 29, 2026

Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Iran Conflict and Political Realignment

The Federal Reserve has maintained current interest rates as uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran and persistent inflation force a cautious approach to monetary policy.

Community members mourn during a candlelight vigil for the victims of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where a mass shooting took place a day earlier in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 11, 2026. A pile of flowers and candles can be seen at the forefront of the image, while several people look down in the background towards the vigil with sombre expressions including a young girl in the centre of the image
Culture WarApril 29, 2026

OpenAI Faces Multi-Billion Dollar Lawsuits Over Failure to Report School Shooter

Seven lawsuits have been filed against OpenAI, alleging that leadership knowingly failed to report a school shooter to authorities to protect the company's reputation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets with Hungary's incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar in Brussels, Wednesday, April 29, 2026
PoliticsApril 29, 2026

Hungary's Incoming Leader Pivots to Brussels to Unlock Frozen EU Cash

After sweeping away 16 years of Viktor Orbán's rule, incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is moving quickly to secure billions in frozen EU funds by pledging to meet Brussels' demands regarding corruption and judicial independence

A picture split in two. on the left, Trump wears a blue suit and looks to his left. On the right, Powell wears a black suit and black glasses. Both men look serious.
PoliticsApril 29, 2026

Trump vs. Powell: A Clash Over Economic Direction and Institutional Accountability

President Trump has intensified his public criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing frustration over interest rate policy and mismanagement of agency building projects.

A man wearing a black button-down shirt and red tie holds a phone as he takes a photo of himself
PoliticsApril 29, 2026

Chilling Evidence Reveals Premeditated Plot to Assassinate President Trump

Federal prosecutors have released damning photographic evidence of Cole Tomas Allen preparing for his alleged assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, arguing he must remain behind bars to protect the public.

Smoke rises following explosions in southern Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from northern Israel (28 April 2026)
Foreign PolicyApril 29, 2026

Israel Targets Hezbollah Commander in Southern Lebanon Strike

The Israeli military conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon targeting a Hezbollah commander, an action taken under its established right to defend northern communities from ongoing threats.

People protest  outside the US Supreme Court over the Voting Rights Act case
PoliticsApril 29, 2026

Supreme Court Reins in Race-Based Redistricting Schemes

In a victory for constitutional fidelity, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot be forced to engage in race-based discrimination under the guise of the Voting Rights Act.

Lucy Williamson in Jerusalem
Foreign PolicyApril 29, 2026

Hezbollah Continues Aggression Despite Ceasefire Agreement

Fighting persists in Lebanon as Hezbollah continues to violate the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire, exposing the weakness of the Lebanese state in reining in its Iranian-funded masters.

Russian service personnel march during a Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square. Photo: 9 May 2025
Foreign PolicyApril 29, 2026

Moscow Scales Back Victory Day Parade Amid Rising Ukrainian Strikes

Russia is stripping its annual Victory Day parade of military hardware and cadet participation, citing a heightened threat of Ukrainian aerial attacks.

The King grins at Trump from the lectern as the president looks in his direction
PoliticsApril 29, 2026

Trump and King Charles Trade Barbs and Banter at State Dinner

Former President Donald Trump and King Charles III engaged in a lighthearted display of transatlantic rapport, trading jokes about history, politics, and the White House during a state dinner.

Footage of an airstrike against rebel vehicles in Mali. It is imposed over the BBC Verify colours and branding.
Foreign PolicyApril 29, 2026

Russian-Backed Forces Launch Counter-Offensive in Mali as Jihadist Insurgency Escalates

Russian paramilitary units are conducting air strikes against jihadist and separatist rebels in Mali after a major offensive resulted in the death of the nation's defense minister.